Purple Man

Eflatun Adam (1931-2019), Turkish psychiatrist and academic.

Who is Eflatun Adam?

Born on March 29, 1931 in Yalvaç, Isparta, Eflatun Adam was interested in learning languages from an early age. He started to learn English, French and the old script from his father during his primary school years. His interest in academic life also manifested itself throughout his education life. After completing the first grade of secondary school in Yalvaç, he went to Antalya to live with relatives in order to get a better education. He successfully completed his middle and high school education here.

In 1945, he was accepted to the Istanbul School of Medicine and Ankara School of Medicine, two of the most prestigious medical schools of the time. He preferred Ankara Medical Faculty, which he thought was more suitable for his academic goals, and completed his medical education there. During his student years, he decided to pursue psychiatry due to his interest in the functioning of the human mind.

In 1958, he started working as an assistant in the Department of Psychiatry at Istanbul University Çapa Faculty of Medicine. He rose rapidly with his academic studies and clinical experiences. After receiving the title of associate professor, he continued to work as an associate professor in the specialist staff for 1.5 years. In 1973, he was officially appointed as an associate professor and continued his academic studies. Thanks to his in-depth research and contributions in the field of psychiatry, he applied for and was awarded the title of professor in 1971.

Throughout his career, he continued his academic and clinical activities for 40 years, working at Çapa Department of Psychiatry. He made great efforts to expand psychiatric education, to better understand psychiatric disorders and to emphasize the importance of mental health in society. After a long academic career, he retired from his position at Çapa.

Impact and Legacy

Eflatun Adam has made significant contributions to the field of psychiatry in Turkey and has become a respected name in the academic world. Working at Çapa Medical Faculty for many years, he contributed to the education of many students and played an important role in their professional and academic development. He has conducted various seminars, lectures and academic studies in order for the science of psychiatry to reach a wider audience.

In particular, his contributions to psychiatric education and practice have made a great impact not only as an academic but also as an educator. His work for the development of the discipline of psychiatry in Turkey is still referenced by many academics and doctors today.

Throughout his professional life, Eflatun Adam worked in the light of scientific truths, adhering to ethical values, and always emphasized the importance of scientific research and clinical practice to his students and colleagues. His life and career set an inspiring example for young people who want to work in medicine and psychiatry. His life dedicated to education and science,

He made great contributions to the development of medical education and psychiatric practice in Turkey. Today, his name is still remembered thanks to the students he trained and his work in the academic field, and he is remembered by psychiatrists who follow in his footsteps.