Early Years And Education

Ugur Erdener was born on June 15, 1950. As a youth, he dreamed of being a physician, and believed that Hacettepe University offered the best medical education in the country. He enrolled in their School of Medicine, and in 1977, graduated with his medical degree. He also completed a residency in Ophthalmology at Hacettepe University.

Professional Life

Dr. Erdener has spent all of his professional life—both as a physician, and as a faculty member at Hacettepe University’s School of Medicine. In 1996, he became Associate Professor; in 2001, he became Professor of Ophthalmology; and currently he serves as Chairman of the Ophthalmology Department. He has published over 60 articles in his field in both foreign and domestic journals, and his work has been cited in medical literature over 100 times.

He specializes in both the theory and implementation of oculoplastic, mobile eye prostheses and orbital implants. He has served as a panelist at ophthalmology seminars and congresses, has presented his research at clinical conferences, and has also lectured on ocular surgery.

In 2000, Dr. Erdener became the General Director and CEO of Hacettepe University Hospitals. He revolutionized Hacettepe University’s image by modernizing the aging and out-of-date buildings and departments that characterized the hospitals; and also by introducing new medical technologies, quality control measures, and institutional expansion and accreditation programs. His reforms were so successful that the Rector of Hacettepe University granted him full control of the management of the University Hospitals.

The management model instituted by Dr. Erdener and his colleagues has not only served as a model to other Turkish institutions, but has also yielded important expertise about the organization of university hospitals. Using the Joint Commission International 1040 healthcare accreditation standard as a guideline, he helped transform Hacettepe University Hospitals into one of the only facilities outside of the United States that complies with JCI’s strict evaluative measures. He is respected for his emphasis on teamwork, scholarly collaboration, professionalism, and the production of quality projects.

In addition to his work as General Director, he has also served as Director of Hacettepe University’s Liquid Assets Fund. Despite two major Turkish economic crises, Dr. Erdener expanded the university’s fund from 18 million USD in 2000, to 250 million USD in 2007. Currently, Hacettepe University has the largest liquid assets fund of any university in the country.

On December 25, 2007, Dr. Erdener became Rector of Hacettepe University.

Sports Life

Athletics is also a significant aspect of Ugur Erdener’s life. He was a renowned Turkish athlete in the triple jump and basketball, where he later became a successful coach.

Dr. Erdener has become the major force in Turkish archery, serving as President of the Turkish Archery Federation for four terms over a span of 23 years. During this period of time, he received numerous awards from national organizations for his contributions to athleticism, functioned as a judge at archery competitions, and advised the Turkish Sporting Ministry. He served as President of the European and Mediterranean Archery Union (EMAU) for five years, and in 2005, was the first Turkish sportsman to be elected President of an International Federation (IF) of an Olympic sport: the International Archery Federation (FITA). Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, FITA’s membership includes athletes from 142 nations. He is also the First Vice President of the Turkish National Olympic Committee’s Board of Directors.

He was elected as an IOC (International Olympic Committee) Member in 2008.

Other Interests

He has been a graphic arts enthusiast for years, and with the support of Hacettepe University Hospitals and the Bureau of Printing and Publishing, has encouraged professional interest in modern printing and publishing techniques, both domestically and internationally in Switzerland, the United States and other countries.

He is married to Zafer Erdener. They have three children and one grandchild.

Throughout his numerous responsibilities as a physician, faculty member, director, and athlete, Dr. Erdener has always promoted teamwork and collaborative problem solving. His insight, broad experience and expertise led to his appointment as Rector of Hacettepe University in 2007.

Rector Erdener is truly a Renaissance man.