Maria Pisarek
II rok SzD
Artur Ciszewski
III rok SzD
Dyscyplina: Weterynaria
Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Department of Internal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, 34320 Avcilar Campus, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey

From August 12 to November 13, 2023, we had a three-month internship at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Department of Internal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, 34320 Avcilar Campus, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey under the scientific supervision of Professor Mehmet Erman Or and in close cooperation with Dr. Banu Dokuzeylül Assoc. Prof.

Photo 1. From the left: Prof. Mehmet Ermana Or, Maria Pisarek, dr. Banu Dokuzeylül Assoc. Prof., Artur Ciszewski

During the internship, we exchanged experiences about infectious diseases of pets and learned about the epizootic situation in Istanbul. We collected clinical material from dogs that was subjected to PCR testing for: Hepatozoon canis, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma, Hemotropic mycoplasma, Babesia canis, Rickettsia, Bartonella, Leishmenia. We used material from cats for testing: Mycoplasma feline, Bordetella brochseptica, Feline herpesvirus, Chlamydia felis, Feline calivirus.

Photo 2. Lunch time

Unfortunately, the infrastructure of the University Clinic was seriously damaged as a result of two strong earthquakes on February 6, 2023, the effects of which were tragic and felt in Turkey and Syria. Currently, patients are admitted in temporary buildings. For this reason, it is not possible to perform surgical procedures and the admission of farm animals is limited. Only internal medicine patients are admitted. Additional tests are performed, i.e. hematological and biochemical blood tests, ultrasound examination, cardiac ECHO and sometimes endoscopic diagnostics.

Photo 3. Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque)

Photo 4. Istanbul at night from the perspective of the Bosphorus Strait.

Photo 5. Theodosius Cistern – one of many beautiful ancient cisterns built in former Constantinople.

We had the opportunity to learn about a completely different culture of the Middle East. During our stay, we could see what ordinary life is like in Turkey. We could also visit historic buildings, of which there are many in Istanbul. It is a country where approximately 50% of people are Muslim. It was an extraordinary experience! Cultural differences are very visible in every aspect of life, be it clothing or food. Additionally, in Istanbul you can see cats at every step, which are kept by the residents and subsidized by the government. We recommend everyone to try “living Turkish”.

Photo 6. Istanbul – the city of cats.

Thanks to the internship, we were able to learn the Turkish language, which is difficult for us, and gained valuable contacts. We are also trying to establish scientific cooperation with our scientific supervisor, Professor Mehmet Erman Or, due to a similar scope of research interests, which we hope will result in joint publications in the future. Moreover, we have expanded our own medical knowledge about disease entities that are rare in Poland. Due to the increasingly popular tourism with pets, this is a valuable experience.

Photo 7. From the left Maria Pisarek, Anna Wilczyńska, dr. Banu Dokuzeylül Assoc. Prof., Artur Ciszewski at the Bosphorus Bridge