Dr. Eylül Karagöz was a promising young physician who passed away unexpectedly in recent days, leaving the Turkish medical community in mourning. Even though her death is still being investigated, it has spurred a national outpouring of grief, reflection, and discussion about the emotional toll that healthcare workers bear. Dr. Karagöz was only thirty years old and approaching two of life’s most significant turning points: marriage and becoming a doctor. Sadly, she didn’t make it to either.
Eylül was born in 1995 and attended Koc School, one of the most academically demanding high schools in Istanbul. From an early age, he showed great promise. She stood out due to her innate curiosity and compassionate nature. She had already demonstrated the kind of practitioner who could improve patient care by using her knowledge and kindness by the time she graduated from Acıbadem University’s Faculty of Medicine in 2019.
EYLÜL KARAGÖZ – BIOGRAPHICAL TABLE
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Eylül Karagöz |
| Date of Birth | 1995 |
| Date of Death | July 22, 2025 |
| Age | 30 |
| Hometown | Sarıyer, Istanbul |
| Secondary Education | Koc School, Graduated 2013 |
| Medical Education | Acıbadem University, Faculty of Medicine, Graduated 2019 |
| Medical Specialty | Obstetrics and Gynecology (Assistant Doctor) |
| Workplace | Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital |
| Marital Status | Engaged, wedding scheduled in one month |
| Status at Time of Death | One month from completing specialization in gynecology and obstetrics |
| Initial Cause of Death | Suspected cardiac arrest, autopsy pending |
Eylül obtained a competitive position as an assistant doctor in obstetrics and gynecology at Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital by putting forth constant effort and having a very clear vision for her future. Despite its demands, this position served as a platform for her to develop her clinical expertise and gain recognition from her peers. She gained notoriety for her dedication to patient care and for remembering not only diagnoses but also birthdays, families, and private information—small gestures that had a significant emotional impact.
Young physicians frequently experience physical exhaustion, a great deal of responsibility, and emotional vulnerability as they make the transition from medical school to clinical life. These difficulties are particularly noticeable in the context of Turkey’s healthcare system, which suffers from ongoing underfunding and excessive workloads. Like many of her peers, Eylül was juggling lengthy hospital shifts with planning her wedding and studying for her board exams. It says volumes about her character that she did so with enthusiasm and grace.
Healthcare professionals became emblems of resiliency across the country during the pandemic. However, many residents—especially young ones like Eylül—were left navigating a system that still demands near-perfection under constant pressure as the cheers subsided. Through silent tenacity, Eylül demonstrated a strength that endures rather than shouts. Her ability to calm anxious laboring mothers while juggling her own professional concerns was especially impressive.
She and her fiancé, who is also a medical resident, were reportedly getting ready to embark on a future they had created together. In addition to sharing a house, they had made the decision to improve care standards and support women’s health. Their romance, which had its origins in working late hours and sharing textbooks, was prepared to develop into a lifetime partnership. On a calm afternoon, a delivery driver’s unanswered knock raised concerns, shattering that future. Her friends, coworkers, and loved ones are still troubled by the discovery that followed.
Efforts were made to revive her as soon as her fiancé got home and discovered her unconscious in the kitchen. Eylül was taken to a hospital and surrounded by medical professionals, but he was unable to be saved. Only a thorough autopsy will be able to confirm the cause, although preliminary reports indicated cardiac arrest. Whatever the clinical result, the emotional damage is already evident and extensive.
Burnout can go unnoticed by early-career professionals, especially those working in high-stakes industries. You don’t always see signs of exhaustion. It is quiet, insidious, and frequently concealed by success. The public’s awareness of the psychological and physical strain placed on aspiring doctors has significantly increased as a result of what happened to Dr. Karagöz. Turkish medical forums and associations have started to reevaluate resident doctor protocols since her death, advocating for safer housing arrangements, shorter shifts, and mental health support.
Comparisons to other high-potential individuals whose lives ended suddenly have also been rekindled by her passing. Discussions have brought up the death of Dr. Lia Thomas in the United States a few years ago, who passed away due to comparable work-related stressors. However, Eylül’s story seems especially relevant. It illustrates the increasing need for changes in healthcare infrastructure as well as in how we help our best and brightest achieve their goals.
Even though her name is now associated with sadness, her legacy is remarkably adaptable. A scholarship fund for female medical students is being planned by her colleagues. Her friends have collected tales of her generosity during medical school, many of which involve considerate small acts or late-night study assistance. These are more than just recollections; they are seeds of hope and a reminder that one voice, one life can often lead to significant change.
It is anticipated that her name will appear on more than just hospital records in the years to come. Her brief but significant career could still spur wellness programs or legislative changes in teaching hospitals. Changes that would better protect and empower young physicians like her could soon be implemented by Turkish medical institutions through strategic collaboration.
The most obvious lesson from Eylül Karagöz’s training and work history is that genius frequently comes in the form of quiet. Through resolute, everyday service rather than ostentatious praise. Despite not being famous, she played a significant role in people’s lives. Although she didn’t make headlines until she passed away, she was already regarded as a role model in the Etfal Hospital hallways.
