Prof. Dr. Özgür Kurt | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

M.D. Ph.D. at ACIBADEM UNIVERSITY, Turkey

Prof. Dr. Özgür Kurt is a distinguished Professor of Medical Microbiology at Acibadem University, Turkey, with extensive expertise in parasitology and tropical diseases. He holds both an M.D. and a Ph.D. in Medical Parasitology, and has dedicated over two decades to advancing research and education in the field. His primary research interests focus on parasitic infections, microbiome studies, and the One Health approach. Dr. Kurt has led numerous high-impact research projects related to parasitic diseases, contributing to molecular diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, and the study of disease resistance. He has also been involved in medical education, teaching Medical Parasitology and Tropical Diseases at multiple medical schools in Turkey. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Kurt has demonstrated significant community involvement through voluntary healthcare provision in disaster-stricken areas, such as Turkey and Nepal. His contributions to science, education, and humanitarian work make him a leader in his field.

Professional Profile 

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Education

Prof. Dr. Özgür Kurt’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in medicine and parasitology. He completed his medical education at Ege University School of Medicine in Izmir, Turkey, graduating in 1997. Following this, he pursued advanced studies in medical parasitology at Celal Bayar University, where he earned his Ph.D. in 2006. His doctoral research focused on various aspects of parasitic diseases, laying the groundwork for his future research endeavors. Over the years, Dr. Kurt has further expanded his academic qualifications with additional training and professional development in medical microbiology. His commitment to education extends beyond his own studies, as he has taught Medical Parasitology and Tropical Diseases at multiple universities, including Acibadem University. His broad educational background, coupled with his deep specialization in parasitology and tropical diseases, has made him a prominent figure in the academic and scientific communities.

Professional Experience  

Prof. Dr. Özgür Kurt has a distinguished career in both clinical and academic settings. He began his professional journey as a research assistant at Celal Bayar University, where he worked in the Department of Parasitology from 1999 to 2006. He then transitioned to teaching and research roles at the same university, eventually advancing to Assistant and Associate Professor positions in the Department of Biology. In 2013, Dr. Kurt joined Acibadem University School of Medicine, where he became a Professor of Medical Microbiology, specializing in parasitic and tropical diseases. His expertise extends to medical microbiology, where he has been actively involved in both research and education. Dr. Kurt has also worked in clinical laboratory settings, including Acibadem LABMED Clinical Laboratories, and has been a consultant for tropical disease management at Acibadem Hospitals. Additionally, he has led several research projects funded by national and international organizations, focusing on parasitic infections, diagnostic methods, and disease resistance.

Research Interest

Prof. Dr. Özgür Kurt’s research interests focus on parasitic and tropical diseases, with a particular emphasis on their impact in the context of One Health. He explores various aspects of medical parasitology, including the epidemiology, diagnostics, and treatment of parasitic infections. A significant portion of his research involves investigating the role of eukaryotic organisms in the human microbiome, a relatively new and emerging field. Dr. Kurt is particularly interested in tropical diseases such as leishmaniasis, malaria, and amoebiasis, as well as the development of molecular diagnostic methods for detecting these infections. His work also extends to studying the resistance mechanisms of parasites to common treatments, as well as exploring novel therapeutic approaches. Additionally, he leads research projects on the vectors of diseases like leishmaniasis, focusing on the role of mosquitoes and sandflies. His extensive contributions aim to improve disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in both clinical and field settings.

Award and Honor

Prof. Dr. Özgür Kurt has received various awards and honors throughout his distinguished career, recognizing his significant contributions to the field of medical microbiology and parasitology. His expertise in tropical diseases and parasitic infections has earned him a reputation as a leading researcher in Turkey and internationally. Dr. Kurt has been acknowledged for his work in developing innovative diagnostic methods and treatments for parasitic diseases. He has received funding for numerous research projects from prestigious organizations, such as TÜBİTAK, and his research has been widely published in respected journals. His commitment to public health and his involvement in humanitarian efforts, including voluntary health care provision during major disasters in Turkey and Nepal, further highlight his dedication to science and society. Dr. Kurt’s ongoing contributions to medical education, clinical practice, and research continue to inspire future generations of scientists and healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Dr. Özgür Kurt is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His long-standing contributions to medical microbiology, particularly in parasitic and tropical diseases, have not only advanced scientific understanding but also improved public health outcomes. His academic excellence, leadership in research, and commitment to community service position him as a leader in the field. Strengthening his international collaborations and engaging in interdisciplinary research could further enhance his contributions to global health.

Publications Top Noted

• Title: A possible link between subtype 2 and asymptomatic infections of Blastocystis hominis
  Authors: F Dogruman-Al, H Dagci, H Yoshikawa, Ö Kurt, M Demirel
  Year: 2008
  Citations: 168
• Title: Molecular epidemiology of Blastocystis infections in Turkey
  Authors: M Özyurt, Ö Kurt, K Mølbak, HV Nielsen, T Haznedaroglu, CR Stensvold
  Year: 2008
  Citations: 165
• Title: Toxoplasmosis in transplant recipients, Europe, 2010–2014
  Authors: F Robert-Gangneux, V Meroni, D Dupont, F Botterel, JMA Garcia, …
  Year: 2018
  Citations: 134
• Title: Eradication of Blastocystis in humans: Really necessary for all?
  Authors: Ö Kurt, FD Al, M Tanyüksel
  Year: 2016
  Citations: 102
• Title: Epidemiological and diagnostic features of Blastocystis infection in symptomatic patients in Izmir province, Turkey
  Authors: H Dagci, K Özgür, M Demirel, A Mandiracioglu, S Aydemir, SAZ Ulas, …
  Year: 2014
  Citations: 101
• Title: Serological levels of zinc, copper and iron elements among Giardia lamblia infected children in Turkey
  Authors: P Ertan, K Yereli, Ö Kurt, IC BalcioĞlu, A OnaĞ
  Year: 2002
  Citations: 94
• Title: Rural life, lower socioeconomic status and parasitic infections
  Authors: IC Balcioglu, Ö Kurt, ME Limoncu, G Dinç, M Gümüş, AA Kilimcioglu, …
  Year: 2007
  Citations: 83
• Title: A comparison of metronidazole and single-dose ornidazole for the treatment of dientamoebiasis
  Authors: Ö Kurt, N Girginkardeşler, IC Balcioğlu, A Özbilgin, ÜZ Ok
  Year: 2008
  Citations: 80
• Title: Preliminary virtual screening studies to identify GRP78 inhibitors which may interfere with SARS-CoV-2 infection
  Authors: A Palmeira, E Sousa, A Köseler, R Sabirli, T Gören, I Türkçüer, Ö Kurt, …
  Year: 2020
  Citations: 76
• Title: Leishmaniasis in Turkey: Visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani in Turkey
  Authors: A Özbilgin, M Harman, M Karakuş, A Bart, S Töz, Ö Kurt, İ Çavuş, E Polat, …
  Year: 2017
  Citations: 75
• Title: Endoplasmic reticulum stress markers in SARS-COV-2 infection and pneumonia: case-control study
  Authors: A Köseler, R Sabirli, T Gören, İ Türkçüer, Ö Kurt
  Year: 2020
  Citations: 69
• Title: Leishmaniasis in Turkey: first clinical isolation of Leishmania major from 18 autochthonous cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in four geographical regions
  Authors: A Özbilgin, G Çulha, S Uzun, M Harman, SG Topal, F Okudan, F Zeyrek, …
  Year: 2016
  Citations: 68