Doctor attacked by patient over 'artificial intelligence' claims speaks out: 'Give me back what is mine'

Dr. Burak Yürük, who was attacked with a knife yesterday afternoon at Niğde Ömer Halisdemir Training and Research Hospital by T.S., a patient he operated on 7-8 months ago, stated in his written statement: "The individual was a patient I had operated on 7-8 months ago for a brain tumor. 

After the surgery and discharge, he was coming for check-ups at regular intervals. I later heard that he had a history of substance use and running away from home and the hospital. On the day of the incident, I was on my lunch break and was alone in my office reviewing patient results. 

He suddenly came into my outpatient clinic room, said, 'These things are pointless, give me back what is mine,' and then attacked me directly. I believe he was following me. Later, he went to the police station and claimed things like, 'He implanted a chip in me, he is controlling me with artificial intelligence.' 

He associated the brain tumor surgery we performed with chip implantation and linked it to artificial intelligence. At that moment, I was completely defenseless and had to protect myself. We are here to provide healing to people. As a doctor, my only goal is to cure my patients. 

However, when faced with such incidents, it becomes even harder to practice our profession. Healthcare workers work with great dedication day and night. Any form of violence against them is not just an individual problem, but a societal one. 

Everyone needs to do their part in fighting this problem by saying 'No to Violence in Healthcare.' I would like to thank everyone who visited me or called to express their well wishes," he said.

It was stated that Dr. Burak Yürük, whose treatment at the hospital has been completed, is now resting at home.