Dr. Ilkay Er, MD, is an Associate Professor of Neonatology at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey. With a dedicated focus on neonatal care, her clinical and academic pursuits center around prematurity, neonatal sepsis, congenital disorders, and early diagnostic biomarkers. She has led and participated in numerous national and international research projects, contributing significantly to advancements in neonatal lung function, infection control, and infant nutrition. Dr. Er has authored more than 35 peer-reviewed publications, many in high-impact journals, and is actively involved in medical education, mentoring pediatric residents and students. Her research extends to rare congenital syndromes and pediatric clinical genetics. She is an editorial reviewer for several neonatology journals and holds memberships in key medical societies, including the Turkish Neonatology Association. Dr. Er’s commitment to innovation is reflected in her patent for a catheter stopper design and her recognized excellence in clinical neonatology and pediatric research.
Profile
🎓 Education
Dr. Ilkay Er completed her medical degree (MD) followed by specialization in pediatrics and a subspecialty in neonatology, equipping her with comprehensive knowledge and skills in neonatal care and perinatal medicine. Her academic foundation is rooted in both clinical training and scientific inquiry, which facilitated her appointment as an Associate Professor at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Medicine. Through continual academic development and participation in structured medical education programs, she has cultivated a robust understanding of neonatal pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, and therapeutic interventions. In addition to her formal medical education, Dr. Er has contributed to academic instruction, serving as a mentor and educator for medical students and pediatric residents. Her multidisciplinary expertise enables her to bridge clinical practice with translational research, particularly in early diagnostic biomarkers, pulmonary function in neonates, and congenital anomalies. Her academic trajectory exemplifies a lifelong commitment to learning, discovery, and teaching in neonatology.
🧪 Experience
Dr. Ilkay Er has amassed substantial clinical, research, and academic experience in neonatology over the past decade. As an Associate Professor at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, she provides advanced clinical care in neonatal intensive care units and leads both bedside management and multidisciplinary research initiatives. She has directed institutional and national projects on neonatal sepsis, COVID-19 in neonates, congenital pneumonia, and premature nutrition, demonstrating her leadership in translational and applied neonatal research. Dr. Er has authored over 35 peer-reviewed journal articles, delivered 29 conference presentations (national and international), and contributed book chapters to medical literature. In addition to her clinical and research responsibilities, she has served as a mentor and educator, training the next generation of pediatricians. Her innovative approach is also evident through her patent in medical device design. She collaborates extensively with national medical networks, such as the Turkish Neonatology Association and POCUSNEO-Hemodynamics Group.
🏅 Awards and Honors
Dr. Ilkay Er has been recognized for her scientific contributions and excellence in neonatal research and education. She was honored with the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 3rd National Pediatric Pulmonology Congress for her pioneering work on impulse oscillometry reference values in Turkish preschool children. Her innovative projects have received institutional support, including grants from the Scientific Research Projects Unit (BAP). She is also acknowledged for her leadership in major national and international studies, including those on neonatal COVID-19 and premature infant outcomes. Dr. Er’s publication in Children (2025) on immature platelet fraction in neonatal sepsis is among her many works that reflect her impactful research. She has served as a reviewer for several high-impact pediatric and neonatology journals, and her utility model patent passed preliminary review, demonstrating innovation in infection control. Her memberships in professional societies further reflect her respected standing in the pediatric research community.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Ilkay Er’s research is centered on improving diagnostic precision and clinical outcomes in neonatology. She explores novel biomarkers, particularly the immature platelet fraction (IPF), to enhance early detection of neonatal sepsis, congenital pneumonia, and preeclampsia-related complications. Her work on lung function analysis using impulse oscillometry in preterm infants adds valuable insight into respiratory management strategies. She also investigates pain scales in preterm care, nutrition outcomes in very low birth weight infants, and the impact of perinatal vitamin D deficiency. Notably, her research extends to genetic disorders such as harlequin ichthyosis and congenital nephrotic syndrome. Dr. Er leads and collaborates on national and international studies regarding COVID-19’s impact on neonates, neonatal intensive care practices, and inflammatory marker assessment in ductus arteriosus. Her research is both clinically transformative and grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration, bridging clinical neonatology with molecular biology, genetics, and health policy innovation.
✅ Conclusion
Dr. Ilkay Er’s dedication to neonatology is exemplified by her clinical leadership, innovative research on neonatal diagnostics and outcomes, and ongoing contributions to academic medicine and pediatric education, positioning her as a distinguished expert committed to advancing neonatal care globally.
Publications
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Factors Affecting Lung Function in Preschool Children with a History of Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn
Iranian Journal of Pediatrics
2024-09-03 | Journal article
CONTRIBUTORS: Ismail Cevik; Ilkay Er; Ayla Gunlemez
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Evaluation of Lung Functions in Preschool-Children Diagnosed with Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn by Impulse Oscillometry System
2024-01-30 | Preprint
CONTRIBUTORS: Ismail Çevik; İlkay ER; Ayla Günleme
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The Role of Biofeedback Treatment in Children with Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction
Turkish Journal of Pediatric Disease
2022-03-16 | Journal article
CONTRIBUTORS: Emel Isıyel; Elif Çomak; İlkay Er