Famous professor’s legacy will be kept alive by colleagues

Prof. Dr. İbrahim Akel, the beloved figure of the medical world, who lost his life due to cancer at the age of 43 approximately a year ago, has not been forgotten by his colleagues. Prof. Dr. Akel, who was a faculty member at Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Faculty of Medicine, and an Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist at Acıbadem Kent Hospital, was commemorated with a special symposium held in his name. Physicians, who shared memories of Prof. Dr. Akel and discussed the successful work of the renowned professor, often struggled to hold back tears during emotional moments. Expressing the ongoing pain of losing Prof. Dr. Akel, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu said, “We will turn the Orthopedics and Traumatology Symposium we organize in memory of our dear friend and colleague İbrahim into a tradition. By holding the symposium regularly every year, we will keep İbrahim's legacy alive”.

The symposium, co-organized by Izmir University of Economics and Acıbadem Kent Hospital, brought together 40 physicians who have excelled in the field of orthopedics in our country. The symposium, hosted by IUE, was attended by the late professor's father, Emin Akel, and mother, Yıldız Akel.

REMEMBERING AND LONGING

At the symposium, where the latest developments in orthopedics and traumatology, scientific studies, and case examples were discussed, Prof. Dr. Akel was fondly remembered by his colleagues with love and longing. At the end of the symposium, all participants were awarded an appreciation plaque.

UNFORTUNATELY, WE LOST HIM TOO EARLY

Emphasizing that they will not forget Prof. Dr. Akel, Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu said, “İbrahim was a physician I was proud to know and work with. He was like a brother to me. He was a vibrant person who loved his profession and people. Unfortunately, we lost him at a very young age. May he rest in peace. Colleagues and loved ones came together in the symposium we organized in memory of İbrahim. However, we are not limiting the symposium to a single event. We have decided to hold this symposium at our University every year. We believe it is one of the most beautiful ways to comemorate İbrahim”.

A MUCH-LOVED, RESPECTED INDIVIDUAL

Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Kadir Bacakoğlu, one of the closest friends of the late Akel and a significant contributor to the organization of the symposium, stated, “I had a valuable friendship with my colleague İbrahim that lasted for many years. There were times we worked together, times we tired together, and times we had fun together. İbrahim was not only a good physician but also a great father. He loved his daughter very much and always drew strength from his family to stay strong during his illness. He was a complete music enthusiast; when he took the stage, just like in his medical profession, he tried to do his best. He was a much-loved, humble, and respected person. Speaking about İbrahim after his passing is truly painful. A year has passed, but we have never forgotten him. Even as the years go by, we will not forget. We remember İbrahim with mercy”.