Associate Professor of Neonatology, MD at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Turkey
Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlkay Er is an Associate Professor of Neonatology at the Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Turkey. With a background in pediatrics and subspecialty training in neonatology, her research focuses on the diagnosis, care, and outcomes of premature and critically ill newborns. She has led and participated in numerous national and international research projects on neonatal sepsis, lung function, congenital disorders, hematological biomarkers, and neonatal infections. Dr. Er has published extensively in both national and international journals and serves as a mentor to pediatric residents and medical students. Her work integrates clinical practice with innovative neonatal research, aiming to improve early diagnosis and long-term outcomes for preterm infants.
Professional Profile
Education
Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlkay Er completed her medical education and specialization in pediatrics and neonatology in Turkey. She earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and later pursued specialized training in pediatrics, followed by subspecialty training in neonatology, equipping her with a strong foundation in newborn and premature infant care. Her academic and clinical training provided the basis for her expertise in neonatal research, particularly in the early diagnosis, management, and outcomes of preterm and critically ill newborns.
Experience
Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlkay Er currently serves as an Associate Professor of Neonatology at the Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Turkey. With a clinical and academic background in pediatrics and neonatology, she has led and contributed to numerous research projects focusing on premature infant care, neonatal sepsis, lung function in preterm children, congenital disorders, and the use of hematological biomarkers for early diagnosis. Dr. Er has directed institutional and collaborative projects funded by national bodies and has participated in multicenter studies addressing neonatal outcomes and infection control practices. Alongside her research, she plays a key role in medical education, mentoring pediatric residents and medical students, and actively contributing to the development of evidence-based neonatal care protocols.
Research Interests
Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlkay Er’s research interests focus on neonatology, with particular emphasis on the care, diagnosis, and outcomes of premature infants. Her work explores a range of clinical and biomedical topics including neonatal sepsis, lung function in late-preterm infants, congenital disorders, hematological biomarkers, and neonatal infections—especially in the context of antimicrobial resistance and COVID-19. She is also actively investigating the diagnostic value of immature platelet fraction (IPF) and emerging inflammatory markers in preterm infants. Additionally, her research addresses neonatal pain assessment, growth outcomes, and genetic disorders such as NPHS1 and ABCA12 mutations. Through a translational approach, Dr. Er aims to improve early diagnosis, personalized care, and long-term health outcomes for vulnerable newborn populations.
Awards
Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlkay Er has been recognized for her contributions to neonatal research and clinical practice through various academic and institutional achievements. Her innovative work in the diagnosis and management of neonatal conditions, particularly involving premature infants, has earned her leadership roles in several funded research projects, including support from the Scientific Research Projects Unit (BAP) of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University. Her scholarly efforts and commitment to improving neonatal outcomes have also positioned her as a trusted mentor and collaborator in both national and international neonatal studies. These honors reflect her growing impact in the field of neonatology and her dedication to advancing pediatric healthcare through evidence-based research.
Top Noted Publications
A multicenter study on epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 125 newborns born to women infected with COVID-19 by Turkish Neonatal Society
Cited: 227
Risk factors in community-acquired urinary tract infections caused by ESBL-producing bacteria in children
Cited: 163
Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of neonates with late-onset COVID-19: 1-year data of Turkish Neonatal Society
Cited: 33
Metabolic bone disease of prematurity: report of four cases
Cited: 31
Evaluation of lung function on impulse oscillometry in preschool children born late preterm
Cited: 22