Professional Experience
Prof. Toker has held prominent positions in both clinical and academic settings, contributing significantly to the field of thoracic surgery.
- Current Position: Director of Robotic Thoracic Surgery Program, Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital
- Previous Roles:
- Head of Thoracic Surgery, West Virginia University, USA (2019–2024)
- Thoracic Surgery Program Director, Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals (2009–2019)
- Clinical Achievements: Pioneered robotic thoracic surgery programs in Europe; extensive experience in minimally invasive thoracic procedures
Academic Contributions
Prof. Toker is actively involved in academic research and education, sharing his knowledge through various platforms.
- Teaching Positions: Professor of Thoracic Surgery at Istanbul University Medical Faculty
- Lectures and Training: Conducted numerous lectures and training courses on thoracic surgery techniques
- Research Interests: Minimally invasive thoracic surgery, robotic surgery, tracheal surgery
- Conference Participation: Speaker at international conferences and contributor to surgical guidelines
Areas of Expertise
Prof. Toker specializes in a range of thoracic surgical procedures, focusing on minimally invasive techniques.
- Surgical treatment of locally advanced lung cancer, including extended resections
- Robotic and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lung cancer
- Tracheal surgery and reconstruction
- Robotic thymectomy for myasthenia gravis
- Surgery for mediastinal tumors post-chemotherapy
Publications and Research
Prof. Toker has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, contributing to the advancement of thoracic surgery.
- Robotic and video-assisted thoracic surgery lung segmentectomy for malignant and benign lesions. Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, 2014.
- Superior Vena Cava Reconstruction in Masaoka Stage III and IVa Thymic Epithelial Tumors. Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 2021.
- Videothoracoscopic thymectomy for nonthymomatous myasthenia gravis: Results of 90 patients. Surgical Endoscopy, 2007.
For a comprehensive list of publications, refer to his profiles on ResearchGate and Google Scholar.
Patient Care Philosophy
Prof. Toker emphasizes patient-centered care, combining advanced surgical techniques with compassionate treatment.
- Approach: Prioritizes minimally invasive procedures to enhance recovery and reduce complications
- Communication: Ensures clear and empathetic communication with patients and their families
- International Patients: Offers online consultations and tailored care plans for patients from abroad
- Patient Satisfaction: Committed to achieving optimal outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction
Professional Affiliations
Prof. Toker is affiliated with several esteemed medical organizations, reflecting his commitment to excellence in thoracic surgery.
- European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS)
- European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)
- European Board of Thoracic Surgery – Certified
FAQs
- Is Dr. Alper Toker board-certified?
- Yes, he is certified by the European Board of Thoracic Surgery.
- What types of surgeries does he perform?
- He specializes in minimally invasive thoracic surgeries, including robotic and VATS procedures for lung and mediastinal conditions.
- Does he treat international patients?
- Yes, Prof. Toker offers online consultations and personalized treatment plans for international patients.
- How long is the typical hospital stay?
- Hospital stays vary depending on the procedure but are generally shorter due to minimally invasive techniques.
- What languages does he speak?
- He is fluent in English and Turkish.
