Academician/Lecturer/MD at Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Turkey
Dr. Bülent Özlek is a distinguished academic and practicing cardiologist serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Cardiology at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Turkey. He has developed a robust academic and clinical profile with specialized expertise in heart failure, cardiovascular risk assessment, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory biomarkers. With a career marked by academic rigor, impactful research, and active participation in national and international cardiology platforms, Dr. Özlek has become a recognized name in cardiovascular medicine. He has published extensively in high-impact journals, contributed to medical book chapters, and serves on editorial boards and peer-review committees for multiple indexed journals.
Profile
Scopus
ORCID
Education
Dr. Özlek’s medical and academic foundation is rooted in rigorous training in internal medicine and cardiology. His education began with a medical degree followed by specialization in cardiology, where he developed expertise in managing complex cardiovascular conditions. He continually augments his education through involvement in clinical trials, medical symposia, and registry-based research initiatives. This academic preparation has empowered him to balance patient care, teaching responsibilities, and an active research portfolio with scientific precision.
Professional Experience
Over the years, Dr. Özlek has held significant clinical and academic responsibilities, culminating in his current role as an Associate Professor. He has made notable contributions to Turkey’s cardiology landscape through active roles in institutional committees and academic commissions. In addition to clinical practice, he has participated in large-scale national registries like EPHESUS and APOLLON, serving as a lead researcher and author. His professional experience includes organizing scientific meetings, peer-reviewing for over 50 international journals, and holding editorial positions for Cell Cycle, Cardiovascular Diabetology – Endocrinology Reports, and other respected journals. His diverse roles reflect his commitment to evidence-based clinical advancement and academic collaboration.
Research Interests
Dr. Özlek’s research is rooted in improving diagnostic and prognostic tools for cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), lipid disorders, and cardiovascular inflammation. He investigates novel biomarkers such as CRP-to-albumin ratio, red cell distribution width to platelet ratio, and monocyte-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio. His work also includes studying disparities in lipid management, atrial fibrillation, and anticoagulation therapy. These themes consistently aim to refine risk stratification, optimize treatment strategies, and advance personalized medicine in cardiology.
Awards & Recognition
Dr. Özlek has been widely acknowledged for his academic contributions. He has been invited to speak at prestigious national conferences, including the Turkish National Cardiology Congress and the Cardiovascular Interventional Course. His H-index of 9 and over 300 citations, as listed in the Web of Science, reflect his influence in cardiovascular research. He has also served on academic committees and editorial boards, strengthening the scientific rigor of publications in his domain. These roles highlight the high esteem in which he is held by the academic and medical communities.
Selected Publications
Dr. Özlek has authored over 90 publications, with numerous citations across top-tier journals. A selection of seven notable and recent works includes:
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Inadequate awareness and attention to non-HDL cholesterol: undertreatment of high-risk patients in cardiology practice in Turkey (Coronary Artery Disease, 2025)
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The monocyte-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio predicts new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with acute STEMI (Biomarkers in Medicine, 2025)
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A Novel Non-invasive Marker for Predicting Mechanical Prosthetic Heart Valve Thrombosis (Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis, 2025)
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Anemia and Iron Deficiency Predict All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction (Diagnostics, 2024)
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Higher C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio Portends Long-Term Mortality in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure (Medicina, 2024)
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Misperceptions and management of LDL-cholesterol in secondary prevention of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 2023)
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Comparing the Diagnostic Performance of HFA-PEFF and H2FPEF Scoring Systems in HFpEF Patients (The Anatolian Journal of Cardiology, 2023)
These publications reflect his ongoing efforts to address both underdiagnosed and undertreated aspects of cardiovascular disease in real-world clinical settings.
Conclusion
In summary, Dr. Bülent Özlek exemplifies academic and clinical excellence in cardiology. His commitment to research, education, and clinical practice has led to meaningful contributions to cardiovascular health, particularly in heart failure and lipidology. His multi-faceted roles as an author, editor, speaker, and peer reviewer underscore his leadership in shaping cardiovascular practice and research. With an exceptional record of publication, citation, and professional service, Dr. Özlek is a highly deserving candidate for prestigious recognition in the form of a research award. His continued dedication promises further advancements in the understanding and treatment of complex cardiovascular diseases.