Ankara health experts field questions from public

By Sibel Morrow

ANKARA (AA) - A group of doctors specializing in various fields met with members of the public in the Turkish capital Ankara on Sunday to raise awareness about healthcare issues, give general advice and answer questions.

The doctors -- including a pediatrician, a gynecologist, a psychologist and other specialists -- met at Middle East Technical University and spoke for several hours on a variety of topics, from diet and nutrition, to post-partum depression and athletic activity during and after pregnancy.

Entitled “Meeting of Smiling Families”, the event was organized by Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Cagri Gulumser and his wife, Pediatrician Dr. Ozlem Gulumser, both of whom took part in the panel discussion.

“We are excited about these meetings, which give us an opportunity to meet new people and inform them about various health issues,” Dr. Cagri Gulumser, who organizes the periodic meetings, told Anadolu Agency.

He added that people from all over Turkey ask him health-related questions through social media platforms, many of whom live in areas lacking adequate healthcare services.

“Instead of spending my free time on other things, I decided to help these people. And I wanted to do it in an organized way,” Gulumser said.

For the last three years, the couple has held regular meetings in Ankara and other cities with a view to raising public awareness about health issues, especially those related to birth, pregnancy and pediatrics.

“Every day I answer hundreds of questions on social media,” Gulumser said. “Although I can’t see them in person, at least I can provide a second opinion.”