A physical therapist is in demand both in our country and all around the world. Physical therapy is one of the most distinguished and promising profession. Physical therapists have the opportunities of working at private/public hospitals, rehabilitation centers, orthotic-prosthetic units, schools, industrial institutions, sports clubs, nursing homes, occupational rehabilitation centers, spa centers, thermal hotels, disabled schools, fitness centers etc. The students can also continue their postgraduate studies and become academics in universities.
Ceren DADAŞ YILDIZ, MSc, PT
I graduated from Istanbul Okan University, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in 2018. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I benefited from a robust academic curriculum and a multidisciplinary educational environment. During this period, I also held student assistant positions within the university’s library and administrative units, which contributed to my organizational and professional development.
In 2018, I pursued my graduate studies at Istanbul Okan University, Institute of Graduate Studies, and successfully obtained my Master of Science (MSc) in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in 2022, earning the title of Specialist Physiotherapist.
My clinical career commenced in 2018 at a private education institution, where I specialized in pediatric rehabilitation for children with special needs. In 2020, to diversify my clinical expertise, I transitioned to a private hospital. In this role, I managed a broad spectrum of cases, including orthopedic conditions and individuals with special needs, while adopting a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Following five years of active clinical practice at this institution (2020–2025), I currently serve as a Physiotherapist at the Uskudar Municipality Diabetes and Obesity Center, focusing on metabolic health and therapeutic exercise.
Havva Ezgi ALBAYRAK, MSc, PT
Upon completing my undergraduate studies at Istanbul Okan University in 2016, I pursued my graduate education at the same institution, building a robust theoretical foundation and a scholarly perspective that have been pivotal in shaping my professional trajectory. I am currently advancing my academic career as a PhD candidate, focusing on high-level research and clinical excellence. Following my graduation, I spent approximately four years in active clinical practice. This period allowed me to bridge the gap between rigorous theoretical knowledge and field application, significantly enhancing my skills in case management, evidence-based problem solving, and clinical responsibility. This practical experience was instrumental in integrating academic insights with real-world patient care. For the past six years, I have been serving on a university faculty, a role that has enabled continuous professional development in pedagogy and scientific research. The critical thinking skills, evidence-based approach, and academic discipline I acquired during my formative years at Istanbul Okan University remain the cornerstones of my dual identity as both a clinician and an academic. I can confidently state that my academic roots provided the sophisticated framework necessary for my current professional standing.
Hamdi Berat ÇİL, MSc, PT
Following the completion of my Bachelor’s degree at Istanbul Okan University in 2016, I pursued my graduate studies at the same institution, fostering a robust theoretical foundation and a scholarly perspective that have been pivotal in shaping my professional trajectory. I am currently advancing my academic career as a PhD candidate, focusing on high-level research and clinical excellence.
Upon graduation, I dedicated approximately four years to active clinical practice, which provided a significant opportunity to bridge the gap between rigorous theoretical knowledge and field application. During this period, I enhanced my expertise in evidence-based problem solving, case management, and professional responsibility, integrating academic insights directly into patient care.
For the past six years, my role within a university faculty has enabled continuous professional development in higher education and scientific research. The critical thinking skills and academic discipline I acquired during my formative years at Istanbul Okan University remain the cornerstones of my dual identity as both a clinician and an academic. I can confidently state that my academic roots provided the sophisticated framework that has led to my current standing in the field of physiotherapy.
Şahin Uğur SEZER , PT
I graduated from the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department of Istanbul Okan University in 2017. Following my graduation, I had the opportunity to integrate the strong theoretical foundation I gained during my undergraduate education with practical experience.
Throughout my career, I have worked as a physiotherapist for several basketball clubs and at the national team level, gaining extensive experience in athlete health and high-performance management.
While continuing my clinical practice, I have also remained committed to professional development by participating in international training programs and keeping pace with the dynamic, evolving nature of physiotherapy. This year, I began my Osteopathy training, aiming to further strengthen and expand my holistic approach to patient care. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my university and my esteemed professors, who not only taught us the profession but also instilled in us the discipline of lifelong learning.
Sena ÇETİN, PT
I graduated as the top student of the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Okan University, in 2023. Graduating from the physiotherapy program represents the completion of a long and intensive academic journey and the beginning of a profession that directly touches people’s lives.
Throughout my undergraduate education, the knowledge and experiences I gained through internships enabled me to begin my professional career with great enthusiasm and motivation. These academic and clinical experiences have been extremely valuable in guiding my professional path and contributing to my success.
After graduation, I continued to develop myself and contribute to people's lives by working in various fields, including neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and sports physiotherapy. Today, I continue to touch people’s lives in the same way and witness how even a small improvement can represent a great source of hope for patients.
