As part of the 5th Science Meetings organized by Bezmialem Vakıf University's Scientific Research, Development and Projects Coordination Office (BAGEP-K), the “One Hour with a Scientist" program was held. The guest speaker, Prof. Mehmet Şükrü SEVER, a retired faculty member of the Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, shared with students the experiences that shaped his academic career and his work in disaster nephrology.
The event took place at the Erich Frank Conference Hall in the Abdülhamid Han Auditorium at our University. The program opened with remarks by Prof. Hayrettin ÖZTÜRK, in the presence of our Rector and Vice Rectors. Prof. Mehmet Şükrü SEVER then discussed his journey as a scientist and the major turning points in his professional life.
“Science Requires Talent, Curiosity and Patience"
Emphasizing that talent, curiosity and patience are fundamental to academic research, Prof. SEVER stated, “Science requires talent, curiosity and patience. One must be committed to working hard." Drawing on examples from his own career, Prof. SEVER highlighted the long-term nature of research and stressed the importance of maintaining a sense of curiosity. Addressing the importance of healthcare coordination and preparedness during disasters, Prof. SEVER stated, “In terms of preparedness for kidney-related disasters, I can say that our country is among the best-prepared countries in the world. We need coordinators who can manage chaos. I believe we are well prepared in this regard."
“We do not know what kind of situation we will face in the event of an Istanbul earthquake. How will we deliver information, and what will happen to our doctors? Various scenarios are being studied," Prof. SEVER noted. He emphasized that one of the key priorities would be transferring patients with crush syndrome, as well as dialysis patients, to healthcare centers outside the disaster zone.
“Our first recommendation is to evacuate patients with crush syndrome and dialysis patients from the disaster zone as quickly as possible. This also applies to Istanbul. We had mapped all dialysis centers across Türkiye, and we are carrying out preliminary work on these and related preparations."
Recognized internationally for his contributions to disaster nephrology, Prof. SEVER received the European Renal Association (ERA) Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community in 2024. He emphasized the critical role that experience gained under disaster conditions plays in improving healthcare services.
The program concluded with a question-and-answer session, during which students had the opportunity to ask Prof. Mehmet Şükrü SEVER questions, followed by a gift presentation by our Rector.
