For Dr. Tamer Seçkin, everything began with a simple but powerful passion: to heal. That passion grew into a lifelong journey in medicine—one that led him to become a pioneering specialist in endometriosis and a champion for women’s health worldwide. Today, Dr. Seçkin, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University, and one of the most prominent voices advocating for women living with endometriosis, is internationally recognized not only for his surgical expertise but also for bringing visibility to a condition that has long been overlooked. As the co-founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound), he has educated thousands of physicians, advocated for early diagnosis, and inspired patients to speak openly about their experiences. His work goes beyond others in the field. With a strong commitment to research and scientific advancement, he partnered with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory to establish the Seçkin Endometriosis Research Center for Women’s Health. Through this initiative, Dr. Seçkin is fostering groundbreaking discoveries to better understand the disease’s molecular and genetic mechanisms—driving progress toward earlier detection, improved treatments, and ultimately, a cure. His dedication and advocacy has reshaped the conversation around women’s health, ensuring that countless women reclaim not only their health, but also their joy and confidence in life.
Alongside his medical career, Dr. Seçkin has embraced many roles: devoted husband to Elif Seçkin, proud father of three, founder, teacher, mentor, and author of The Doctor Will See You Now. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, a symbol of his dedication to service and impact beyond borders. These accomplishments tell the story of a life shaped by empathy, resilience, and a commitment to helping others thrive.
That same spirit carries into his philanthropy. Healing, for Dr. Seçkin, extends far beyond the walls of his practice. It is also about healing communities, lifting people up, creating lasting opportunities, and empowering those who are too often overlooked. His connection to Turkish Philanthropy Funds reflects this vision – to make things better. He has known TPF’s Chairman Emeritus, Haldun Tashman, since his youth. Their friendship and shared values deepened over decades in the United States, where Dr. Seçkin has remained closely tied to the Turkish-American community. He has been part of TPF’s story since its earliest days as a Founders Society member, witnessing its growth from a small circle of friends into a vibrant community of thousands united by compassion and action.
Through his Donor Advised Fund at TPF, Dr. Seçkin champions causes that mirror his personal and professional journey: advancing women’s health, expanding education, and promoting gender equality. Just as he has challenged silence and stigma in medicine, he directs his philanthropy toward breaking barriers, ensuring access, and creating new possibilities for those who might otherwise be left behind. Since joining TPF’s Board in June, he has amplified this impact—bringing the same strategic thinking, compassion, and vision that distinguish his medical career to guide TPF’s future.
For Dr. Seçkin, giving is not separate from his life’s work—it is a continuation of it. His story shows how leadership in one field can resonate far beyond it, inspiring others to take bold steps for change. It reflects a belief that one person’s dedication can ripple outward, improving lives and shaping futures. At its heart, his story reminds us that philanthropy is an expression of who we are and what we believe the world can become.
We are honored to count Dr. Seçkin among our TPF family—not only as a leader in medicine and philanthropy but also as a visionary who reminds us that healing, in all its forms, is one of the most powerful legacies we can create.