Professional Background Prof. Dr. Sıla Akhan graduated from Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine in 1989. She completed her specialization in microbiology at the same institution between 1989 and 1992, followed by a second residency in infectious diseases from 1993 to 1997. In 1998, she began her academic career as an assistant professor at Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine. She was promoted to associate professor in 2002 and attained the rank of full professor in 2009. Currently, she serves as the Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases. Areas of Expertise Prof. Dr. Akhan’s primary focus has been on chronic viral infections, chronic hepatitis, and HIV. Her work encompasses lectures, publications, and participation in conferences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was actively involved in providing information through television and other media outlets nationwide, treating patients, and managing vaccine studies. She played an integral role in nearly all international vaccine studies conducted through clinical research. Leadership and Memberships She manages the vaccination unit at Kocaeli University’s Faculty of Medicine and is the founder and manager of the anonymous HIV testing center. Prof. Dr. Akhan has been a member of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) for nearly 30 years, and has participated in the ESCMID Viral Hepatitis Working Group since its foundation. Additionally, she established and chaired the