Professional Experience
With a strong clinical and teaching background, Prof. Birkent has served in multiple prestigious institutions.
- Current: Professor of Otorhinolaryngology at Liv Hospital Vadistanbul, Istanbul (since 2021)
- Previous positions include:
- Ankara Gendarmerie Hospital (2002–2005)
- GATA Military Medical Academy ENT Department (2005–2017)
- Centrium ENT Hospital, Istanbul Surgery Hospital and Medicana Çamlıca Hospital
- Faculty roles at Nişantaşı University (2019–2021) and Fenerbahçe University (from 2021)
- More than 5,000 successful ENT operations performed, including specialized voice and airway surgeries
Academic Contributions
Prof. Birkent actively contributes to the academic and research community in otolaryngology.
- Professor at leading Turkish universities in ENT programs
- Frequent speaker and course leader at international ENT and phonatory conferences
- Research interests include voice disorders, laryngotracheal stenosis, swallowing problems and rhinoplasty
- Developer of innovative techniques such as “Tensioning Glottoplasty” for voice feminization
Areas of Expertise
His clinical repertoire covers a broad spectrum of ear, nose, throat and voice-related conditions:
- Voice disorders & aesthetic surgery: Voice feminization, masculinization, vocal fold paralysis, voice therapy
- Airway disorders: Treatment for airway stenosis and complex airway reconstruction
- Head and neck conditions: Diagnosis and surgical treatment of throat and laryngeal cancers
- Sleep & snoring disorders: Surgical and non-surgical solutions for sleep apnea
- Rhinoplasty & sinus treatment: Functional and aesthetic nasal reconstruction, sinus disease management
- Pediatric ENT: Adenoid/tonsil conditions, ear infections, pediatric airway management
Publications and Research
Prof. Birkent has published extensively in top-tier journals and authored key textbook chapters.
He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed articles with an h-index of 16–17. Notable publications include:
– Studies on Tolosa-Hunt syndrome, leiomyosarcoma in head and neck, and ventilated vs non-ventilated nasal packing techniques.
– Research on the impact of thyroid hormone therapy on voice parameters and outcomes of office-based voice injections.
– Innovations in grading systems for laryngoscopic techniques and evaluation of pepsin’s role in vocal nodules.
Summaries of these findings show his commitment to improving diagnostics, minimally invasive techniques, and patient quality of life.
Patient Care Philosophy
Prof. Birkent emphasizes holistic, patient-led care that combines expertise with empathy.
- Clear communication: He involves patients and families in treatment planning and provides comprehensive education.
- Minimally invasive strategies: Prioritizes quick recovery and less postoperative discomfort.
- International patient support: Offers online pre-consultations and cultural sensitivity for global patients.
- Personal philosophy: “Our goal is to make patients feel cared for in a supportive environment like home.”
- Testimonials: Patients report clear voice improvement and high satisfaction; one shared that post-surgery, “even my mother couldn’t recognize my voice on the phone.”
Professional Affiliations
His memberships and leadership roles further attest to his professional standing.
- Turkish Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery Association and Foundation
- Turkish Laryngological Association
- Professional Voice Society, Voice Speech & Swallowing Disorders Association
- European Laryngological Society
- Union of European Phoniatricians
- Founding member of the International Association of TransVoice Surgeons
- Licensed and board-certified in ENT and head & neck surgery in Turkey
FAQs
- Is Dr. Ahmet Hakan Birkent board-certified?
- Yes. He is fully certified in otorhinolaryngology and head & neck surgery in Turkey.
- What types of surgeries does he perform?
- He specializes in aesthetic voice surgery, airway reconstruction, rhinoplasty, pediatric ENT procedures, sleep apnea and head & neck cancer surgeries.
- Does he treat international patients?
- Yes. He is experienced in treating international patients and provides remote consultations.
- How long is the typical hospital stay?
- Depends on the procedure. Many voice and airway surgeries allow a brief inpatient stay due to minimally invasive approaches.
- What languages does he speak?
- He is fluent in Turkish and English.
- Can I consult before traveling?
- Yes. He offers online pre-travel consultations to plan treatment and answer patient questions.
- What makes his approach special?
- He blends advanced surgical techniques with patient-centered care and clear communication, resulting in consistently positive outcomes.
