Prof. Dr. Nurullah Okumuş
Prof. Dr. Nurullah Okumuş, is a professor of pediatrics specializing in neonatology and serves as Congress President of the 18th European Congress for Integrative Medicine. He is the Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, where he plays a central role in shaping national health policies, healthcare system development, and evidence-based clinical frameworks.
His career reflects a unique integration of clinical medicine, academic advancement, and national health governance, positioning him as a key figure in advancing sustainable and high-quality healthcare systems at both national and international levels.
Biography and Expertise
Prof. Dr. Okumuş has dedicated his career to advancing pediatric and neonatal healthcare, with a particular focus on improving outcomes in neonatal intensive care and establishing national standards of care. His expertise spans neonatology, pediatric intensive care, and health system organization.
Beyond clinical practice, he has played a critical role in aligning healthcare delivery with evidence-based policies, contributing to national and international efforts to improve healthcare quality, accessibility, and sustainability. His multidisciplinary experience enables him to translate clinical insight into large-scale health system development.
In his current role, he oversees key regulatory and institutional structures, including the Department of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (GETAT). Through this leadership, he supports the development of scientifically grounded, evidence-based frameworks for diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that integrative medical practices are safely and effectively integrated into the national healthcare system in accordance with international standards.
His work reflects a strategic vision of integrating clinical excellence, scientific evidence, and health policy to advance sustainable, high-quality, and patient-centered healthcare systems.
Professional Career
Prof. Dr. Okumuş’s professional trajectory is marked by high-level leadership roles across clinical, academic, and governmental domains:
- Congress President, Congress President of the 18th European Congress for Integrative Medicine
- Deputy Minister of Health, Republic of Türkiye: Responsible for national health policies, strategic planning, and healthcare system development.
- Rector, Afyonkarahisar University of Health Sciences (2018– ): Led institutional growth, academic expansion, and research capacity development.
- Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health (2016–2017): Played a key role in national healthcare planning and coordination.
- Chief Physician & Hospital Administrator, Ankara Dr. Sami Ulus Hospital (2011–2016): Directed one of Türkiye’s leading pediatric centers, advancing neonatal intensive care services and innovative child-centered care programs.
His leadership consistently reflects a commitment to institutional strengthening, innovation in healthcare delivery, and integration of patient-centered approaches.
Academic Qualifications
Prof. Dr. Okumuş has a strong academic and clinical training background:
- MD, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine
- Pediatrics Residency, Ankara Dr. Sami Ulus Training and Research Hospital
- Neonatology Subspecialty, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine
- Observer Physician, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, USA
- Associate Professor (2010), Professor of Pediatrics/Neonatology (2015)
Research and Publications
Prof. Dr. Okumuş has an extensive academic record with over 150 scientific publications, including international peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and invited presentations.
His scientific contributions focus on:
- Neonatal intensive care and survival outcomes
- Pediatric critical care and clinical protocols
- Development of national clinical guidelines and standards
- Multicenter and collaborative clinical research
- Health system quality improvement and patient safety
He has been an active contributor to scientific congresses and international collaborations, strengthening Türkiye’s academic visibility in pediatrics and neonatology.
Awards and Recognitions
Prof. Dr. Okumuş’s scientific and academic work has been recognized with several prestigious national and international awards, including:
- Wyeth Medical Research Award (First Prize)
- Turkish Neonatology Association Best Research Awards (multiple years)
- International Congress Presentation Awards
These recognitions reflect the impact of his research on clinical practice and pediatric healthcare outcomes.
Board and Committee Activities
Prof. Dr. Okumuş has served on numerous high-level national boards and regulatory bodies, contributing to healthcare governance, medical education, and policy development:
- Member, Board of Medical Specialization
- Member, Board of Dental Specialization
- Member, Higher Education Quality Board
- Member, Health Professions Board
- Member, High Health Council
- Member, Ministry of Health Health Policies Board
- Member, Ministry of Trade Advertising Board (Ministry of Health representative)
In addition, he plays active roles in professional scientific organizations:
- Founder and President, Premature Infant Coalition (PremaTürk)
- Executive Board Member, Turkish National Pediatrics Association
- Board Member, Turkish Neonatology Association
Through these roles, he has significantly influenced national standards in clinical practice, medical education, and healthcare regulation.
Vision and Leadership
Prof. Dr. Okumuş’s leadership is grounded in a vision of modern, evidence-based, and sustainable healthcare systems. His work emphasizes:
- Strengthening neonatal and pediatric health services
- Advancing healthcare quality and safety
- Supporting scientific research and education
- Developing national and international health strategies
His contributions continue to shape the future of healthcare delivery and policy, particularly in the field of child health and integrative system development.