The Kastamonu Pediatric Days, organized by the Pediatric Specialization Academy Association (PUADER) and hosted by Kastamonu University, began on October 4, 2025, at the Hoca Ahmet Yesevi Cultural Center.
The event, which discussed current developments in the field of child health, was held with the participation of academics and physicians. The aim of the Kastamonu Pediatric Days is to contribute to the sharing of new approaches to child health and the development of collaborations.
The program began with a moment of silence and the performance of the Turkish National Anthem. Then, the piano recital performed by Duru and Miray Yıldız was highly appreciated by the audience.
The first of the opening speeches was delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Eren Yıldız, Co-Chair of the Pediatric Specialization Academy Association (PUADER). Associate Professor Yıldız stated, "Investing in child health is actually an investment in the future," and expressed her hope that the Pediatric Days, held for the first time in Kastamonu, would become a tradition. Associate Professor Yıldız concluded her remarks by thanking everyone who contributed to the event.
Following Associate Professor Yıldız's presentation, the PUADER’s trailer was shown to the participants. Following the film screening, Prof. Dr. Bumin N. Dündar, President of PUADER, took the floor to discuss the association's activities, emphasizing the importance of supporting young doctors and making them feel they are not alone in Anatolia.
Following the film screening, Prof. Dr. Bumin N. Dündar, President of PUADER, took the floor to discuss the association's activities, emphasizing the importance of supporting young doctors and making them feel they are not alone in Anatolia. Speaking about UADER's activities, Prof. Dr. Dündar also called for contributions to Çocuk Sağlığı TV, which was prepared for child health during the pandemic.
Following Prof. Dr. Dündar, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Avcı, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, took the stage and emphasized that the pediatrics meeting was a valuable achievement for Kastamonu, stating that similar events should be held in other branches as well. Emphasizing the importance of children being physically and mentally healthy, Prof.Dr. Avcı expressed his hope that the field of pediatrics would return to its former glory.
Following Dean Prof. Dr. Avcı, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal took the floor and stated in his opening speech, "The healthy growth, development, and realization of the potential of each child is of vital importance not only for them but for the future of all humanity. "Every investment in the health of our children is actually an investment in our future," he said. Additionally, our rector stated that the field of pediatrics is influenced by the changing times and that continuous innovative studies are important in this area. Our rector concluded his remarks by thanking everyone who participated in the event, emphasizing that as a parent, he closely followed the dedicated work of pediatricians.
Following the opening speech, PUADER President Prof. Dr. Bumin N. Dündar and Co-President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eren Yıldız presented a plaque of appreciation to Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal for their support.
The event continued with scientific sessions. The first session, titled "Growing Concerns: Oh No, There's a Problem with My Child!", was held. In this section, Dr. Erdal Eren presented "Early Puberty in Cases: When is it Normal and When is it Pathological?", Dr. Şeyma Kayalı presented "The Athlete's Child's Heart: What to Pay Attention to? A Pediatric Cardiology Perspective", and Dr. Sadrettin Ekmen presented "Infantile Colic: Parents' Nightmare and Solution Suggestions".
The second session continued with the theme "Big Worries for Little Ones: Current Approaches." Dr. Dilek Kahvecioğlu presented "Newborn Baby Screening Results: When Should We Be Worried?" Dr. Rukiye Ünsal presented "Approach to Anemia: When to Use Iron, When to Use B12, and at What Dosage?", and Dr. Hatice Emel Özyürek presented "Children with Neck Swelling in Cases: When Should We Consider Malignancy?".
In the third session, the topic "Small Microbes, Big Effects: An Evidence-Based Approach to Infections" was discussed. Dr. Eren Yıldız presented her study on "Upper Respiratory Tract Infections," Dr. Burcu Ceylan Cura Yayla presented her study on "Exanthematous Diseases," and Dr. Seçil Arslansoyu Çamlar presented her study on "Urinary Tract Infections."
The final session focused on "Food-Related Problems in Pediatrics: Allergies, Malnutrition, and Constipation." In this section, Dr. Özge Uysal Soyer discussed "Cow's Milk Protein Allergy: From Diagnosis to Elimination," Dr. Hayriye Hızarcıoğlu Gülşen covered "Malnutrition: Clinical Intervention for Undernutrition," and Dr. Eylem Sevinç presented on "Constipation in Childhood: Current Diagnostic and Treatment Approaches."
The Kastamonu Pediatric Days concluded with a group photo taken in memory of the event.
