Dr. M. Tezer Kutluk is an internationally respected pediatric oncologist, global health leader, and senior healthcare executive whose career spans more than three decades across clinical care, academic leadership, cancer control, and international health policy. He currently serves as Chair of the Scientific Board at Medicana Health Group and works globally as a healthcare consultant specializing in pediatric oncology, health systems strengthening, NGO leadership, and cancer control strategies.
A graduate of Hacettepe University Medical School—ranked third in his class—Dr. Kutluk completed pediatric training and rapidly rose to prominent leadership roles within Hacettepe University Hospitals. Over 15 years, he served as Vice Director and later Medical Director of the Children’s Hospital, Medical Director of the Oncology Hospital, Director of the Institute of Child Health, Director of the Institute of Oncology, President of the Institute of Child Health, and ultimately CEO of Hacettepe University Hospitals. In these roles, he oversaw major clinical, educational, and administrative reforms, established research programs, and led postgraduate training (MSc/PhD) across multiple disciplines.
Internationally, Dr. Kutluk is best known for his extensive contributions to global cancer control. He served for more than a decade on the Board of Directors of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), including terms as President Elect, President, and Immediate Past-President—becoming one of the most influential global voices in cancer advocacy. He also served on the Board of Directors of the NCD Alliance, helping shape global policy on non-communicable diseases. His leadership further includes presidencies of the European Cancer Leagues (ECL), the Turkish Association for Cancer Research and Control, the Turkish National Pediatric Society, and the Turkish Pediatric Oncology Group.
An accomplished physician-scientist, Dr. Kutluk completed a prestigious Fulbright-funded postdoctoral fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center and has published more than 170 peer-reviewed articles cited over 1,300 times. His expertise spans pediatric oncology, cancer epidemiology, global oncology, clinical trials, health care management, and patient safety. He is widely recognized for his work in cancer prevention, advocacy, and NGO governance, and has played a pivotal role in shaping national and regional cancer control strategies.
Dr. Kutluk’s contributions have been honored internationally, including election as an Honorary Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP). A respected educator, administrator, and global advocate, he continues to guide policy, strengthen health systems, and mentor the next generation of oncology leaders worldwide.
He is a Member of the Editorial Board of OncoDaily.