When a patient nominated Dr. Oguz Ozcan (known to many of his patients as “Dr. Oz”) for Shine A Light, his words spoke of a physician who showed persistence, empathy and humility at a moment when he was really struggling. He wrote that Dr. Ozcan supported him despite his reluctance, showed overwhelming sympathy and responded with quiet modesty when thanked. Most strikingly, he said his care “made me feel human again.”
For Dr. Ozcan, reading this nomination was a meaningful reminder of why he chose this work.
“I remember him; he was so discouraged,” says Dr. Ozcan. But when his patient’s health started to improve, “he was so happy. His voice, his joy for that moment was such a big reward for me.”
Years in practice
Dr. Ozcan’s career in medicine began in 2001. By 2006, he had completed urology training and went on to practice nearly two decades in Turkey. In 2024, after a year of working toward licensure and relocation, he made the move to Alberta and joined the surgical team at Grande Prairie Regional Hospital.
Settling into a northern practice – one with a broad catchment area and the challenges of long winters – also meant taking on care for a large and busy regional population.
“We care for about 400,000 people,” he says. “Emergencies, consultations, everything. I work with two lovely colleagues, and we share all the responsibility. It feels like a real team.”
Why urological surgery?
His interest in surgery was clear early on, but it was the emerging world of minimally invasive urology that captured his interest during his training years.
“Back then, endoscopic urology was just in its baby steps,” he recalls. “I was amazed at what we could do through tiny incisions. Laparoscopy changed everything. Once I saw the technology, that’s when I decided to become a urological surgeon.”
Cancer care also shaped his decision. He speaks with pride about the strong outcomes in prostate, bladder and testicular cancers.
“It’s a field where the treatments often lead to very good outcomes,” he says. “That’s meaningful for both patients and physicians.”
What keeps him inspired
When asked what continues to motivate him after nearly 25 years in medicine, Dr. Ozcan reflects on the moments that stay with him.
“It’s seeing someone’s face change after surgery,” he says. “When a patient begins in such distress and you’re able to change something that improves their life – that feeling is everything.”
He also enjoys the pace of innovation. Robotic surgery, HoLEP, REZUM procedures, advances in andrology and improving IVF success rates all energize him.
“I am not the same urologist I was at 20,” he says with a smile. “Everything is different now. We always say that in three years we’ll deny half the things we do today. That’s the fun of it – always advancing.”
The support he’s found in Alberta has strengthened that sense of momentum.
“The hospitals here are so open to new technology. When upgrades go to leadership or donors for approval, people want us to improve. I really feel that support.”
Why recognition matters
Dr. Ozcan is candid about what makes the long hours and high‑risk work of surgery sustainable.
“If you do this job for money or power, you fail,” he says. “What keeps us going is knowing we’ve made a positive difference for someone who really needed help.”
So when we shared the Shine A Light nomination with him, it meant a lot to him.
“It made my day,” he says. “I felt lucky and joyful to read it.”
About the Shine A Light Program
The AMA’s Shine A Light Program allows individual patients or community members to recognize AMA member physicians for the following:
- Providing exemplary care that made a difference in a patient’s life
- Spearheading projects that improve patient and/or community life
- Contributing to a high-performing health care system
Do you know a physician who goes above and beyond to care for their patients? You can nominate them for the Shine A Light program on the AMA website.
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