I landed in Istanbul five months into my pregnancy. I had been seeing an obstetrician-gynaecologist in the U.S.A, during my first trimester and couldn’t have been happier with him. The ultrasound showed a healthy development and we already knew that we were expecting a girl.
I walked out of the airport and immediately started looking for a doctor in Istanbul. Now I must tell you, googling one won’t be much of a success. In fact, you will most likely get overwhelmed with too many names, all claiming to be the best. Trust me, I’ve done the leg work.
I married into a very big Armenian family. The Armenian community in Istanbul is extremely close. If a business owner gets on the good side of an old Armenian yaya, she will make sure to refer every single Armenian and non-Armenian friend or relative, to said establishment. Trust me. If a baker makes good bread, there can be ten other bakeries next to him. Yet the Armenian yaya will buy only from “her” Baker.
Why I even thought I would be googling for an OBGYN, is now beyond me. The Armenian yayas were on to it before the immigration officials had finished stamping my passport. I was soon referred to an OBGYN, who had recently operated on one of my husband’s cousins. I was lucky enough to meet the cousin and she told me that this doctor had pretty much saved her life. This was a good enough recommendation for me.
We arrived for my appointment and were greeted by a lovely young lady in the lobby. The waiting room was bright and cosy with a selection of refreshments and some newspapers to read. I am told by English and American friends, that they have never been offered a refreshment in a medical waiting room. That is why Turkey is different and it certainly clinched it for me. Have you ever met a pregnant woman who didn’t feel like a cookie? If you have, that woman wasn’t me!
Dr. Herman Isci was, you will never guess, of Armenian heritage! Did I mention, referrals triple, if the specialist is from the same community? Being great at your job helps. Being an Armenian who is great at your job guarantees your business.
Dr. Isci spoke impeccable English and had no problem looking through my medical records from the States. He was very knowledgeable and extremely professional. I immediately felt at ease and we had an amazing doctor – patient relationship for the remainder of my pregnancy.
Even though we had prepared for a normal delivery, my doctor recommended a Caesarean section. And I was glad he did. My not so little bundle of joy weighed at a hefty 4445 grams (9.8 pounds)!
So when you are in the market for a good doctor in Istanbul, word of mouth is the best way to go. There is nothing wrong with asking around. There are dozens of community groups on social media where you can share a post asking for referrals and recommendations. But always trust your intuition. Us moms know best!