Assist. Prof. Dr. Yasemin Karacan | Internal Nursing | Best Researcher Award
Assist. Prof. Dr. Yasemin Karacan | Yalova University | Turkey
Ass. Prof. Dr. Yasemin Karacan is a distinguished academic and clinician with over 25 years of experience in internal medicine nursing and hematology. Born in Akşehir, Turkey, in 1973, she has dedicated her career to clinical care, academic advancement, and groundbreaking research in stem cell transplantation, oncology nursing, and caregiver support. After graduating from Hacettepe University, she pursued advanced degrees, including a PhD in Internal Medicine Nursing. Her tenure at Hacettepe and Uludağ Universities allowed her to pioneer care protocols in hematology and stem cell transplantation. Currently, she serves as faculty at Yalova University. Her clinical insight and academic output have earned her several national research awards. Dr. Karacan is also an active member of key professional bodies, contributing extensively to training, mentorship, and international collaborations. Her work reflects a deep commitment to advancing patient care and research in internal medicine and oncology nursing.
Publication Profile:
✅ Strengths for the Award:
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Extensive Clinical and Academic Experience
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Over 25 years of clinical nursing and coordination in internal medicine and stem cell transplantation.
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Strong academic presence at prestigious Turkish universities including Hacettepe, Uludağ, and currently Yalova.
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Robust Research Output
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Authored/co-authored more than 15 peer-reviewed publications, including in SCI-indexed international journals like Supportive Care in Cancer, Journal of Clinical Nursing, and Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing.
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Research spans oncology, hematology, mental health, and nursing science, showing strong interdisciplinary capability.
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Impactful Research Themes
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Pioneered work on anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, and caregiver burden in cancer and stem cell transplantation contexts—areas of high clinical and societal relevance.
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Recognized for her research on psychological and social dimensions of patient care.
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Recognized by Peers and Professional Bodies
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Received multiple research awards from Turkish and international medical associations (e.g., Turkish Society of Hematology, Hemaferez Association).
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Active member of professional organizations such as the European Bone Marrow Transplantation Group and Turkish Nurses Association.
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Teaching and Mentorship
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Strong record of delivering specialized courses in hematologic emergencies, stem cell transplantation, and internal medicine nursing.
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Actively trains students and healthcare professionals in research methods and clinical application.
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⚙️ Areas for Improvement:
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Limited Global Visibility
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While her national impact is well established, there is an opportunity to increase international visibility through conference presentations, keynote speaking, or collaborative global research networks.
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Funding and Large-scale Projects
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Engagement in large-scale, externally funded research projects or leadership in multicenter trials could further validate her research impact.
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Digital and Open Science Presence
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Strengthening her presence in research repositories (e.g., ORCID, ResearchGate) and embracing open science practices would enhance accessibility and citation of her work.
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🎓 Education:
Dr. Yasemin Karacan’s educational journey demonstrates a consistent focus on excellence in health sciences and nursing. She began her secondary education at Akşehir High School (1988–1991), followed by earning her undergraduate degree from Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Department (1993–1997). Her pursuit of specialization continued with a Master’s in Internal Medicine Nursing at Hacettepe (2004–2006), where she completed a thesis on anxiety and depression in stem cell transplant patients. Later, she completed her PhD in 2022 with research focused on the use of Ankaferd hemostat in preventing oral mucositis in colorectal cancer patients. Her academic background is characterized by a rigorous scientific approach, clinical immersion, and a strong foundation in medical research. Her diverse certifications in statistics, accreditation, and bone marrow transplantation further support her educational portfolio, highlighting her comprehensive expertise in both patient care and research methodology.
💼 Experience:
Dr. Karacan’s professional experience spans clinical nursing, stem cell transplant coordination, academic teaching, and cancer registry coordination. Her career began in 1997 as a nurse at Hacettepe University Adult Hospital, rotating through the internal medicine and urology clinics. From 2004 to 2016, she served as Stem Cell Transplantation Coordinator at both Hacettepe and Uludağ Universities, managing high-risk patients and developing transplant care models. Between 2016–2018, she worked as a cancer registry nurse, enhancing oncology data management. From 2018 to 2023, she contributed to academic teaching and research at Bursa Uludağ University. Since 2024, she has been part of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Yalova University. Throughout her career, she has delivered key clinical courses and mentored nursing students. Her diverse experience reflects her leadership in multidisciplinary healthcare environments, blending patient care with academic rigor and research.
🔬 Research Focus:
Dr. Yasemin Karacan’s research focuses on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, psychological well-being in oncology settings, and nursing care for hematological malignancies. Her PhD and master’s theses both reflect this dual clinical-psychosocial approach, examining oral mucositis in chemotherapy and anxiety in transplant patients. Her published studies cover a wide range of subjects, including caregiver burden during COVID-19, sexual dysfunction in cancer patients, and complications related to stem cell therapy. She has also explored nurse burnout, hospital infection management, and palliative care practices. Her interdisciplinary work bridges internal medicine, nursing science, and patient-centered psychology. With strong collaborations and co-authorship across Turkish and international institutions, Dr. Karacan contributes significantly to advancing evidence-based practice. Her research reflects both depth in technical medical understanding and compassion-driven inquiry into the patient and caregiver experience, solidifying her place as a thought leader in oncology nursing and internal medicine.
📚 Publications Top Notes:
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🧘♀️ The effect of anxiety and spiritual well-being on the care burden of caregivers of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic
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😷 Experiences of nurses working with COVID‐19 patients: A qualitative study
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❤️ Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Hematological Malignancies
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🫂 Identification of Psychological and Social Problems in Caregivers of Individuals Diagnosed with Hematologic Malignancy
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💉 BK Virus-Hemorrhagic Cystitis Related to Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
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📗 Hematopoietik Kök Hücre Nakli (Oncology Nursing for Students)
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😖 Pain, anxiety, and depression during bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
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🧬 Antifosfolipid Antikor Sendromu
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📘 Hematopoietik Kök Hücre Nakli (Onkoloji Hemşireliği, Nobel Tıp)
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⚠️ Complications and Management Related to Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
📝 Conclusion:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yasemin Karacan is a highly qualified and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her academic rigor, significant research contributions, and dedication to patient-centered clinical inquiry mark her as a leader in the fields of internal medicine nursing and oncology care. The breadth of her research—ranging from clinical trials to qualitative studies on mental health—reflects an impressive integration of science, empathy, and applied knowledge.
With further international exposure and expansion into global research initiatives, Dr. Karacan’s work has the potential to influence health systems and nursing practices on a broader scale.