Dr. Hilal Ünsal is a distinguished pediatric allergist and clinical immunologist specializing in the diagnosis and management of allergies and immunodeficiencies in children. With extensive training and clinical experience, Dr. Ünsal has become a prominent figure in the field of pediatric allergy, contributing significantly to both clinical practice and research. Currently pursuing advanced studies in Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology at Hacettepe University, she combines her clinical expertise with a strong research background, particularly in primary immunodeficiencies, food allergies, and asthma. Her work has been published in several reputable journals, and she is an active participant in international conferences, reflecting her commitment to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes.

Professional Profile

• Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Ünsal earned her Medical Degree from Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine in 2012, where she graduated as an honor student. She then pursued a residency in pediatrics at Health Sciences University Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity, Child Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital, completing her training in 2018. Currently, she is completing a Clinical Fellowship in Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology at Hacettepe University, a program that is enhancing her expertise in the immunologic aspects of pediatric diseases. Dr. Ünsal’s academic path reflects her dedication to continuous learning and professional growth in the medical field.

Professional Experience

Dr. Ünsal’s professional journey has been centered on pediatric allergy and immunology. After completing her medical education and residency, she further honed her skills in pediatric immunology during her fellowship at Hacettepe University, one of Turkey’s leading medical institutions. Over the years, Dr. Ünsal has actively contributed to the diagnosis and management of pediatric allergies, asthma, and immunodeficiencies, working in various clinical settings. Her experience spans the diagnosis of IgE-mediated food allergies, asthma exacerbations, and immunodeficiencies, as well as advanced research in these areas. She has gained a reputation for her meticulous approach to clinical research and patient care.

Research Interests

Dr. Ünsal’s research focuses on the intricate relationships between primary immunodeficiencies, genetics, and pediatric allergies. Her specific interests include food allergies, drug allergies, allergic rhinitis, and asthma, with a strong emphasis on understanding the genetic and immunological factors contributing to these conditions in children. She is particularly dedicated to identifying novel allergens and improving diagnostic methods for food allergies, as well as exploring the role of oxidative stress in asthma. Through her research, Dr. Ünsal aims to improve the quality of life for children suffering from these conditions by enhancing early diagnosis, treatment strategies, and prevention methods.

Research Skills

Dr. Ünsal has developed robust research skills, particularly in the areas of biostatistics, immunological testing, and clinical research methodologies. She is proficient in using SPSS for data analysis, enabling her to conduct rigorous statistical evaluations of her research data. Her research skills are further enhanced by her involvement in multiple projects on food allergies, asthma, and immunodeficiencies. Dr. Ünsal’s expertise in interpreting complex immunological data, along with her ability to work with diverse patient populations, has allowed her to contribute to significant studies in her field. Her active participation in both clinical and experimental research ensures that her work remains at the forefront of pediatric allergy and immunology.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Ünsal’s academic and research excellence has been recognized by her peers and academic institutions. As an honor student at Gazi University, she demonstrated early promise in her medical career. Her ongoing contributions to the field of pediatric allergy and immunology have earned her opportunities to present at numerous prestigious conferences, including the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Congress and the World Allergy Congress. Additionally, her research has been published in well-regarded journals such as Pediatric Allergy and Immunology and Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences, which highlights her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field.

Conclusion

Dr. Hilal Ünsal is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award based on her extensive body of work, leadership in research, and active participation in international conferences. Her expertise in pediatric immunology and allergy is well-documented, and her ongoing research in immunodeficiencies and food allergies is crucial for advancing clinical practice in these areas. While further strengthening her clinical impact and broadening her research funding could enhance her profile, her current contributions to the field place her as a prominent figure in her discipline. Dr. Ünsal is well-positioned for continued excellence in research, making her an excellent candidate for this prestigious award

Publication Top Notes

1. Title: The treatment journey of children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in Türkiye: unmet needs
   • Authors: İlgün Gürel, D., Ünsal, H., Soyak Aytekin, E., Ersoy Evans, S., Şekerel, B.E.
   • Year: 2024
2. Title: A large single-center cohort of bare lymphocyte syndrome: Immunological and genetic features in Turkey
   • Authors: Ünsal, H., Caka, C., Bildik, H.N., Tezcan, İ., Çağdaş, D.
   • Year: 2024
   • Citations: 2
3. Title: Cupressus arizonica: an emerging aeroallergen for East Mediterranean children
   • Authors: Ünsal, H., Şahiner, Ü.M., Soyer, Ö., Şekerel, B.E.
   • Year: 2023
4. Title: Phenotypes of persistent hen’s egg allergy in children and adolescents
   • Authors: Ünsal, H., Dal, S.T., Akarsu, A., Soyer, Ö., Şekerel, B.E.
   • Year: 2023
   • Citations: 2
5. Title: Obesity is a risk factor for decrease in lung function after COVID-19 infection in children with asthma
   • Authors: Soyak Aytekin, E., Sahiner, U.M., Tuten Dal, S., Sekerel, B.E., Soyer, O.
   • Year: 2022
   • Citations: 9
6. Title: IgE mediated legume allergy in east Mediterranean children: A reflection of multiple food allergies
   • Authors: Soyak Aytekin, E., Unsal, H., Sahiner, U.M., Soyer, O., Sekerel, B.E.
   • Year: 2022
   • Citations: 4
7. Title: Comparison of miRNA expression in patients with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and non-atopic asthma
   • Authors: Tunçer, F., Şahiner, Ü.M., Ocak, M., Şekerel, B.E., Birben, E.
   • Year: 2022
   • Citations: 4
8. Title: Clinical Validation of the Spirohome Clinic Ultrasonic Spirometer in Child and Adolescent Patients
   • Authors: Sekerel, B.E., Unsal, H., Sahiner, U.M., Karakaya, G., Kalyoncu, A.F.
   • Year: 2022
   • Citations: 5
9. Title: Food allergy management has been negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic
   • Authors: Soyak Aytekin, E., Tüten Dal, S., Ünsal, H., Soyer, Ö., Şekerel, B.E.
   • Year: 2021
   • Citations: 2
10. Title: Allergic reactions against COVID-19 vaccines
    • Authors: Ünsal, H., Şekerel, B.E., Şahiner, Ü.M.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 4