Full name: Gulsum Ozlem Elpek Highest academic degree: Professor Current professional title: MD, Professor of Pathology Current affiliated institution: Akdeniz University Medical School. I have been working in surgical pathology since 1992. My passion for pathology, which I discovered during my medical education, has been a driving force in my career. The role of pathology in understanding the cellular mechanisms of diseases, guiding the development of new treatments, and playing a crucial role in the final diagnosis has always fascinated me.That is why I preferred to continue my career in surgical pathology. What sets me apart from others in my field is that I have been working specifically in the gastrointestinal pathology and hepatopancreatic biliary pathology division for 25 years, have conducted studies centered on these topics, and provide specific training to both medical and postgraduate students in this field. I have published 32 articles as the first author or corresponding author. I have also given two international academic conference speeches. According to Google Scholar, my citation counts and H index are 2279 and 23, respectively. I have received six oral and poster presentation awards, and I am a member of the European Society of Pathology. As a reviewer of 220 manuscripts, I contributed to academic journals such as Diagnostic Pathology, ISRN Pathology, World Journal of Gastroenterology, Current Proteomics, Journal of Hematology Research, Molecular Medicine Reports, World Journal of Surgical Oncology, World Journal of Clinical Cases, Oncology Reports, Oncology Letters, Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, and I have written two editorials for World Journal of Gastroenterology. My personal goals are rooted in a commitment to innovation and collaboration. I am always open to new ideas and perspectives, and I aim to work in harmony with my colleagues to carry out latest projects and studies, fostering a forward-thinking approach. Within the scope of the Specialization Program, I aim to expand the expert academic staff and train individuals with the qualifications needed by the region and the country while strengthening their knowledge of gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatic biliary system pathology. I aim to be involved in studies that elucidate the potential use of new pathological prognostic parameters in the follow-up and treatment of patients with Gastrointestinal tumors. I regularly use these skills in my day-to-day work as a pathology teacher and researcher. Therefore, I can focus entirely on a speech to understand its message and absorb information. I carefully consider the speaker's words and commit them to my memory rather than thinking about what I might say after they finish. Communicating effectively and efficiently is a highly critical and valuable skill in my daily practice. For this reason,  listening, talking, observing, and empathizing are essential in developing interpersonal relations and motivating others to complete tasks and reach milestones (often according to a schedule) in my profession. I am an organized, empathetic worker who communicates clearly to support my team or project. When I encounter a problem, I evaluate its scope, impact, and available resources for the solution. Next, I identify the most effective methods for implementing the solutions, considering both potential and optimal solutions, and then assess the success of the solution. I prefer reading history. Because I am a fluent speaker of French, I like to see French movies without subtitles. I find craft activities meditative, and embracing them has greatly enhanced my concentration levels. I like swimming and water skiing.