About Dr. Turgut
Dr. Tansel Turgut doesn’t come from a long line of doctors. His father, uncle, grandfather and aunt are all lawyers and judges. But in spite of his father’s own profession, the man knew what career his son would enjoy most. “During high school, my father recommended being a physician to me,” Dr. Turgut says. “I found it very fascinating.”

Dr. Turgut earned his medical degree and completed his internship at Hacettepe University School of Medicine in Ankara, Turkey. Afterward, he completed an Internal Medicine Residency at the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Cardiology Fellowship at Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation in New Orleans. He completed his Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Interventional cardiology is the perfect specialty for Dr. Turgut, who loves chess. Each move in chess is important and impacts the overall outcome of the game. The same is true when caring for the heart. As the number three Olympic chess player for the Turkish team in 2000, Dr. Turgut applies the same level of skill and expertise when caring for his patients.

When practicing medicine, Dr. Turgut prioritizes honesty. “Tell the truth. Truth may be hard initially, but it always wins in the end,” he says. Additionally, he strives to do the right thing no matter the circumstances.

In his own words
Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life?  My father. He is a great family man.

What are your hobbies, interests?  Chess. I played for the Turkish Olympic team in 2000.  I was number three in Turkey when I came to the United States for an internal medicine residency.  I also won Louisiana (1997) and Michigan (1998) State Championships. I am a correspondence chess grandmaster and currently the highest ranked player living in the US.

What is your favorite song?  “Imagine” by John Lennon. The world would be a better place!

What is something most people don’t know about you?  People and patients initially find me very serious, but I make a lot of jokes after I know people better.  Family is the most important thing for me, and we are  multicultural. I am Turkish and Muslim, my wife is Polish and Christian. We respect all religions and cultures.