WONCA Europe is proud to share the progress of our Scholar, Dr. Ikbal Humay Arman, whose 2025 journey highlights the vital link between international support and local academic leadership.
From completing advanced research training to being appointed Head of the Family Medicine Department at Istanbul Medipol University, Dr. Arman’s first year as a WONCA Europe Scholar has been defined by a "passion for international collaboration."
Advancing Research and PhD Milestones
Currently in the final stages of a PhD in Public Health, Dr. Arman’s thesis focuses on women’s use of preventive health services in Türkiye. This year, her academic output has been prolific:
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International Presentation: Presented her project proposal at the 101st EGPRN Meeting in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
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High-Impact Publications: Co-authored "Artificial Intelligence Readiness Among Young Family Doctors in Europe" in The Annals of Family Medicine, alongside contributions to Frontiers in Neurology and Brain and Behavior.
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Education: Authored a textbook chapter on Health Education and Preventive Health Services.
Institutional Leadership and Mentorship
In September 2025, Dr. Arman reached a significant career milestone with her appointment as Head of the Family Medicine Department at Istanbul Medipol University. In this role, she oversees the education of over 1,200 medical students and leads 23 trainees.
A cornerstone of her success this year was the EGPRN Mentoring Programme, where she worked closely with Prof. Radost Assenova. Described as an "exemplary mentor-mentee pair," Prof. Assenova highlighted Dr. Arman’s exceptional commitment to growth and leadership.
"I want to thank the WONCA Europe Executive Board for this scholarship; it has provided me with the wings to fly higher in my academic and professional journey." — Dr. Ikbal Humay Arman
Impact Within the WONCA Community
Dr. Arman remains a familiar face across the WONCA landscape:
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EYFDM: After three years of dedicated service as an Executive Board Member and Events Officer, she received a standing ovation during her handover at the European Council in September 2025.
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WONCA World Lisbon: Led three workshops on Digital Health and AI, moderated sessions on gamification, and was nominated for the prestigious Fons Sips Outstanding Achievement Award.
Looking Toward the Future
The next year promises to be equally ambitious. While her primary goal is defending her PhD thesis, Dr. Arman has already joined the WONCA Working Party of Research Young Doctors’ Movement Mentorship Programme. She is planning a global study on research barriers for family doctors, with eyes set on presenting the results at WONCA World Cape Town 2027.
WONCA Europe congratulates Dr. Arman on her achievements and looks forward to her continued contributions to the global family medicine community.
[Photo Gallery Summary]
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Photo A: Presenting at the 101st EGPRN Meeting, Plovdiv.
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Photo B: Serving as Secretary General for the 25th Family Medicine Research Days.
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Photo C: Representing EYFDM Türkiye at the 24th National Family Medicine Congress.
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Photo D: Lecturing on AI and Leadership at the 9th EYFDM Forum.
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Photo E: Workshops and poster presentation at WONCA World Lisbon.
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Photo F: Dr. Arman with her mentor, Prof. Radost Assenova.