Irina Ergul: I Always Compete Only with Myself

Often, after getting married and moving to Turkey, a woman gradually “forgets” about her “busy, active” life and career ambitions. Yes, she is a specialist with higher education, solid experience, and excellent recommendations, but here, abroad, “there are already enough of their own”; besides, the system is structured in such a way that confirming a diploma becomes extremely difficult.

The vast majority of our women give up the idea of working in Turkey in their profession and specialization. Only a few go all the way, but they usually succeed.

One of my new hobbies in Turkey is collecting successful stories like these victories and sharing them with you… What if one of you also decides to fight for your calling to be a doctor or a lawyer… What if!?

I first came to Turkey in 1999. It was a time of collapse in Russia: doctors were paid very low salaries, miners were on strike, everyone survived as best as they could. It was also the time of the collapse of my family: we divorced — I understood that I needed to do something, to grow, while he did not really want it. I went to Istanbul to visit my friends for a month — to clear my mind and rethink my life. It was there that I met my future husband.

Irina, as I understand, at that time in Russia you were already a practicing obstetrician-gynecologist? Did you realize that you would have to fight for the opportunity to continue your work in Turkey?

Yes, by that time I already had experience and solid professional background. But I did not understand then that it would be difficult here. The first thing my friends told me was that doctors are valued here and confirming a diploma would not be difficult. Only later did I realize that it was not that simple. I kept coming and going, thinking and doubting. But when Cengiz and I finally decided to start a family, I understood that for the sake of this new family and life, I could overcome many obstacles.

You are one of the few Russian-speaking specialists who managed not only to confirm a general medical diploma in Turkey but also to defend the right to such a prestigious specialization as obstetrics and gynecology. Let’s remember how it was…

First of all, I want to say to all women who plan to come to Turkey and work in their profession: you will have to work hard, no one is waiting for us with open arms. In short, first there were general Turkish language courses (since I arrived without knowing the language), then preparation courses for the exam to confirm the general medical diploma, and of course learning professional medical language. I passed this exam and could start working in a clinic. But that was not enough. I dreamed of returning to obstetrics, gynecology, surgery. For that, I had to study again what I had already learned in Russia. That meant another five years… and more exams…

Another five years? Does that mean a qualified specialist has to complete five more years of medical education?

Practically yes, it can be called a Turkish postgraduate education. It was complicated by the fact that I had already become a Turkish citizen, so I had to take entrance exams not as a foreign specialist but on equal terms with Turkish doctors. Obstetrics and gynecology were among the most prestigious specialties and required the highest scores. I always passed exams well, but I constantly lacked a few points. On the third attempt, we finally succeeded.

When you say “we,” do you mean your husband?

Yes, of course, it was our joint victory with Cengiz. He supported me in every way: morally and financially. He understood how important it was for me to return to my profession.

What motivated you?

I had only one goal — to become an obstetrician-gynecologist in Turkey. I worked very hard, studied from morning until night. It was difficult but possible. I always competed only with myself.

Where can patients find you?

I currently work at Safa Hastanesi in Yenibosna. You can also visit my website rusginekolog.com and attend my childbirth preparation courses.

How do you raise a bilingual child?

At home we speak both Russian and Turkish. My daughter speaks multiple languages and studies in both languages. It is important to preserve native culture.

How do you handle cultural differences?

We respect each other’s culture and values. This is the key to harmony in an international family.

www.vestiturkey.com
December 1–15, 2013
Anastasia Kozlova, Istanbul
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