Sevdenur Cizginer
MD, MPH, AGSF
Co-PresidentInternal & Geriatric Medicine · Harvard Medical School & Mass General
Erkan Ozturk
MD
Co-PresidentInternal Medicine · Luminis Health & George Washington University
We are excited to begin a new chapter in Whitetulip Health Foundation's journey as we welcome Dr. Sevdenur Çizginer and Dr. Erkan Öztürk as our Co-Presidents. Having served on the Board since the Foundation's establishment, they bring a deep commitment to our mission and years of dedicated service to their new roles, to which they were elected by the Board of Directors. We warmly congratulate them and look forward to all we will accomplish together.
As we celebrate this transition, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Servet Tatlı, our founder, who has led Whitetulip as President since its establishment. His vision, tireless dedication, and leadership have transformed a shared aspiration into a growing community of healthcare professionals committed to serving others. We are grateful that he will continue to contribute to the Foundation through various roles and initiatives.
Building on this strong foundation, we look ahead with renewed energy and a shared sense of purpose. Together with our members, volunteers, and partners, we are ready to expand our reach, strengthen our impact, and create new opportunities to serve our communities.
events
attendees at events
patients served at Free Clinics
new members
On September 12, 2026, the Whitetulip Health Foundation Free Clinic in Columbia, Maryland welcomed 40 community members for free health screenings, in collaboration with MARTI and the Youth Health Focus Johns Hopkins Chapter.
Letter from the White House, September 27, 2026On September 27, Orange County witnessed a truly historic gathering as OC Around the Table brought 2,166 people together for an unforgettable evening of community and connection.
The national-level event drew widespread media coverage, along with more than 20 mayors and senators in attendance. Highlighting its civic impact, President Donald Trump sent a special letter of support to mark the occasion.
We are immensely proud to highlight Whitetulip board member Cuneyt Tegin, MD, who also serves on the board of OC Around the Table, for his leadership and dedication in helping bring this extraordinary initiative to life!
Elif Yilmaz, M.D., Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology, received the Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award for Career Development.
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Dr. Nalan Yurtsever, a member of the Whitetulip community, was named to ASCP’s 2026 40 Under Forty.
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Fahire Goknur Akarca joined the University of Pennsylvania as an Assistant Professor in Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathology.
Read moreA story, an event, an opportunity, or a health tip — send it by the 23rd and it may appear in the next issue.
Grants & Communications · Since May 2026
Gretchen Weerheim is a nonprofit professional with over 30 years of experience in educational programming, strategic communications, and grant management. Her diverse background spans producing educational opera shows at the Metropolitan Opera Guild, serving as a visiting professor at the University of Dortmund, and managing communications and grants for cultural and social advocacy organizations like the Orange County Arts Council and Women for Afghan Women. An award-winning professional with a proven track record in securing government and private funding, she joined Whitetulip Health Foundation in May to oversee grant development and revamp the foundation's web presence.
For grant-writing inquiries, reach her at gweerheim@whitetulip.org.
Hilal Atar, MD
Director of Whitetulip Intern Preparation Course
Why Women Need Strength, Smart Nutrition, and a Mindset Shift
When we think about longevity, we often picture living to a hundred. But as a physician, my focus isn’t just on adding years to your life—it’s about adding life to your years. True longevity means playing with your grandchildren without pain, performing daily activities with ease, and traveling with independence well into your 70s and 80s.
Read moreGeneral wellness information, not a substitute for medical advice.
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