In Memory of Prof. Dr., Filiz Tüzüner
Reflections from a Colleague and Her Students
My dear friend, my companion-months have passed since your loss, yet I have not been able to grow accustomed to your absence, nor have I been able to forget you. We worked together for many years, and during that time I had the privilege of getting to know you closely. They say that people are best understood while traveling together. We shared many journeys, and in each of them we created wonderful memories marked by harmony and solidarity.
Professor Filiz always had exceptional interpersonal skills. She knew how to win people’s hearts and approached everyone with understanding and kindness. With these qualities, she served successfully for many years as the Chair of the Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine. During her tenure, significant progress was achieved in the fields of anaesthesia, intensive care, and pain medicine. Her successful career was not limited to the university environment. She also served as the President of the Turkish Society of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, achieving important accomplishments both nationally and internationally.
With her openness to scientific innovation, she helped pave the way for many important developments. She made invaluable contributions to the growth of anaesthesiology and to the establishment and advancement of the Pain and Intensive Care divisions.
Beyond her professional life, one of the first things that stood out about Professor Filiz was that she was a loving and devoted mother and a wonderful spouse. Despite belonging to a demanding profession, she managed to combine academic success with a rich social life, becoming an exemplary model of a Turkish woman.
My dear friend, you will always be remembered with love, respect, and longing-for the valuable work you accomplished and for your warm and embracing personality. You will never be forgotten.
Prof. Dr., Yüksel Keçik
Ankara University Faculty of Medicine,
Retired Professor of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation
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Dear Prof. Dr., Filiz Tüzüner,
On the day I applied to the Department of Anaesthesiology, I was taking the oral examination and felt extremely anxious. As I was walking up the stairs of the Morphology Building, I saw the senior professors approaching. You looked at me with such warmth; those kind and familiar eyes I remembered from my student years were smiling at me once again. From that day on, you never withheld that affectionate gaze from me, my dear mentor.
You were the master of my profession, and I was a student who felt truly privileged and happy to be your apprentice. Throughout every stage of my professional life, you guided me and your vision illuminated my path. You always expressed inspiring and honorable thoughts about being a physician, about our profession, and about being an academic at Ankara Medical School. These values and ideals are now being passed down from generation to generation and continue to reach the anaesthesiologists we train.
You stood by me—not only as my mentor but as a part of my family—when I got married, when I took my specialty examinations, when my children were born and grew up, and throughout my academic promotions, from associate professorship to full professorship. Your loving heart embraced all of us.
You taught us how to be not only good anaesthesiologists, but also good human beings, principled academics, and proud members of Ankara Medical School. You were an extraordinarily hardworking and strong woman. In your presence, we felt both free and supported, while your authority gently encompassed us all.
I have always taken your philosophy of life as my guide. I never witnessed you harbor ill intentions toward anyone. You consistently focused on the positive aspects of people and events and helped us to recognize them as well.
When you retired, I remember thinking how much I would miss you and wondering how I would manage in your absence. Now, as I experience the sorrow of your loss, I realize that I am never truly without you. In every situation, I still feel your guidance. Whenever I ask myself, “What would Prof. Filiz do in this situation?,” your words immediately show me the way.
My esteemed and beloved mentor,
You will always be with us. I am deeply grateful to have been your student, and to have been like a daughter to you.
I love you dearly, and you will forever remain in my heart and by my side.
Prof. Dr., Neslihan Alkış
Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Chair,
Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation
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In Memory of Prof. Dr., Filiz Tüzüner: A Legacy that Inspires Future Generations
Prof. Dr., Filiz Tüzüner, a highly respected leader in the field of anaesthesiology, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will not be forgotten. Her dedication to her profession, unwavering ethical principles, and academic excellence influenced not only her own generation but also countless physicians who followed.
She was a generous mentor who sincerely supported young colleagues, guiding them with both knowledge and kindness. For many physicians, she played a pivotal role in shaping their careers. Beyond her professional achievements, she will also be remembered for her warmth, grace, and the genuine connections she built with those around her.
To honor her memory, our journal is establishing an annual award for authors under the age of 35. Each year, the editorial board will select first-, second-, and third-place winners. The prizes will be 1,000 USD for first place, 650 USD for second place, and 350 USD for third place. This award reflects her commitment to supporting young physicians and aims to inspire the next generation to continue along the path she helped define.
We remember Prof. Dr., Filiz Tüzüner with deep respect and gratitude.
Prof. Dr., Zekeriyya Alanoğlu
Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, Department of Anaesthesiology
St. Louis, United States
Editor-in-Chief Turkish Journal of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation
