HIV Medicine
Seyma Topal
Infectious Diseases Specialist
Kahramanmaraş
Summary
Infectious Diseases Specialist and ClInical Researcher with a focus on HIV drug resistance, antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes, and antimicrobial stewardship. Actively participated in nationwide multicenter studies and attended International scientific conferences in the field of infectious diseases. Particularly interested in viral and fungal Infections, with a long-term goal of pursuing a Ph.D. In Virology to further advance expertise and contribute to the scientific understanding of infectious diseases. Combining strong analytical thInking and academic writIng skills with clinical insight to promote evidence-based and Innovative approaches in infectious disease research and care.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
1
1
Language
Work History
Infectious Diseases Specialist
Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health, Kahramanmaraş State Hospital
03.2025 - Current
- Managed patients with complex infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, sepsis, and antimicrobial-resistant infections.
- Provided comprehensive care for individuals living with HIV, including ART initiation, adherence counseling, and opportunistic infection management.
- Collaborated with microbiology and pharmacy departments to optimize antimicrobial stewardship and treatment outcomes.
- Led infection control initiatives to reduce hospital-acquired infection rates.
- Supervised internal medicine residents and medical students during clinical rotations in infectious diseases.Conducted retrospective and cohort studies focusing on HIV drug resistance and ART outcomes.
- Collaborated with national and international research networks (EACS, ESCMID, BUHASDER) on HIV-related projects.
- Authored and co-authored publications in peer-reviewed infectious disease journals.
- Presented oral and poster abstracts at national and international conferences (EACS, KLİMİK, EKMUD).
- Contributed to multicenter surveillance studies on antimicrobial use and resistance trends.
Resident Doctor
Samsun University
01.2020 - 01.2025
- Handled crisis situations with poise, demonstrating strong leadership skills and the ability to make informed decisions under pressure.
- Assessed complex diagnostic cases using critical thinking skills, leading to accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments for each patient''s needs.
- Presented cases at grand rounds, fostering peer learning and promoting collaborative problem-solving among colleagues.
Medical Student
Ondokuz Mayıs University
09.2013 - 06.2019
- Shadowed resident physicians, taking notes and asking questions.
- Assisted in medical procedures, contributing to positive patient outcomes.
- Worked with multi-disciplinary team to develop patient treatment plans for patients.
- Shadowed experienced physicians across multiple specialties to gain diverse perspectives on patient care approaches.
Education
M.D. - MEDİCAL SCHOOL
ONDOKUZ MAYIS UNİVERSİTY
SAMSUN06.2019
Skills
- Expertise in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of complex infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, sepsis, and opportunistic infections
- Skilled in HIV management, encompassing ART initiation, adherence counseling, resistance interpretation, and opportunistic infection prophylaxis
- Proficient in infection control and hospital epidemiology, with active involvement in surveillance and outbreak investigation
- Strong competence in antimicrobial stewardship and evidence-based antibiotic prescribing
- Experienced in interpreting microbiological, serological, and molecular diagnostic tests
- Adept at clinical decision-making and management of immunocompromised patients in high-acuity settings
- Effective in multidisciplinary collaboration with microbiologists, pharmacists, and public health professionals to optimize patient outcomes
- Skilled in patient-centered communication, promoting trust, understanding, and adherence in chronic infectious diseases
- Demonstrated leadership in supervising medical residents and coordinating infection control activities
- Committed to continuous professional development through participation in international congresses (EACS, ESCMID, BHIVA)
- Strong ethical awareness and adherence to clinical governance and confidentiality standards
Accomplishments
- HIV Research and Clinical ContributionsActively participated in nationwide multicenter studies on HIV drug resistance and ART outcomes, contributing valuable data to the optimization of HIV treatment strategies in Türkiye.
- Leadership in Hospital Infection ControlImplemented evidence-based infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship programs, helping to reduce hospital-acquired infection rates.Currently serving as the Head of the Infection Control Committee at Kahramanmaraş State Hospital.
- Academic and Scientific EngagementAttended major international infectious diseases congresses such as EACS, ESCMID Global, and BHIVA, enhancing scientific collaboration and professional networking.
- Public Health ContributionSupported community-based HIV awareness, early diagnosis, and linkage-to-care programs, and actively collaborated with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in the HIV field.
- Continuous Professional DevelopmentParticipated in international educational programs and took the EACS Diploma in HIV Medicine Examination, currently awaiting results.Remain strongly committed to continuous medical education and scientific advancement.
Affiliations
- European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) — Member
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) — Member
- BUHASDER (Association for the Study of Infectious Diseases, Türkiye) — Active Member
- EKMUD (Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases) — Member
- EACS Young Investigators Group (YING) — Participant
- Infection Control Committee, Kahramanmaraş State Hospital — Chair
- BHIVA (British HIV Association) Member
- IAS (International AIDS Society)
Additional Information
- Languages: Native Turkish; Fluent in English (C1 Level)
- IT & Research Skills: Skilled in Microsoft Office, SPSS, GraphPad Prism, EndNote, and reference management tools.
- Certificates:
EACS Diploma in HIV Medicine — Exam completed (awaiting results)
Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Certification — Completed - Areas of Interest: HIV drug resistance, ART outcomes, antimicrobial stewardship, fungal infections, hospital epidemiology, and global virology.
- Volunteer Work: Actively collaborates with NGOs supporting HIV awareness and prevention programs.
- Travel & Mobility: Holds a valid passport; available for international collaborations, conferences, and research fellowships.
- Professional Goal: To pursue a Ph.D. in Virology and expand research collaborations in HIV, fungal infections, and antimicrobial resistance within international academic networks.
Certification
Good clinical practice certificate
Interests
Clinical Research
Public Health
Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Global Collaboration & Scientific Networking
Timeline
Infectious Diseases Specialist
Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health, Kahramanmaraş State Hospital
03.2025 - Current
Clinical Characteristics of Tuberculosis Among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A Multicenter Study, https://doi.org/10.14744/cpr.2024.61331
10-2024
Endobronchial Tuberculosis in an HIV-positive Case, https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X262663231214053029
01-2024
Distribution of the Prevalence of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-B*57:01 Positivity in HIV-1 Infected Individuals and Its Effects on Treatment: Türkiye Map-Buhasder Working Group,doi: 10.5578/mb.20249903
01-2024
Good clinical practice certificate
11-2023
Evaluation of Treatment Requirements and Treatment Receiving Status of Anti-HCV Positive Patients, https://doi.org/10.5578/flora.20239710
09-2023
Resident Doctor
Samsun University
01.2020 - 01.2025
Medical Student
Ondokuz Mayıs University
09.2013 - 06.2019
M.D. - MEDİCAL SCHOOL
ONDOKUZ MAYIS UNİVERSİTY