Born in Turkey, Mustafa Caylan, M.D., knew even before he finished high school that he wanted to become a pediatrician. He earned his medical degree from Hacettepe University Medical School. But he came away with more than a degree. While there, he developed an understanding and awe at the resiliency and wisdom of children – even when they had the most difficult illnesses.

Dr. Caylan began his career as an emergency physician in Turkey. However, the desire to work in pediatrics led him to continue his career in the U.S. He joined Englewood Hospital and Medical Center as a research coordinator before accepting a residency at Nassau University Medical Center.

It was during his residency that he had the opportunity to work closely with many children living with life-limiting conditions. That experience introduced him to palliative care and he went on to complete his fellowship at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in New York.

Board certified in both pediatrics and hospice and palliative medicine, Dr. Caylan brings his expertise and compassion to the Palliative Care Program here at Cook Children's Medical Center. His focus is on improving the quality of life for children with lifelong and serious illnesses or conditions. He has special expertise in caring for parents expecting babies with life-limiting conditions and babies born with these conditions. He also has extensive experience working with families in supporting children at their homes.

In addition to his work at Cook Children's, Dr. Caylan is also the director of the Medical Assistance Department at Whitetulip Health Foundation where he helps immigrant populations access medical care.

He loves spending time with his family, traveling, gardening and fishing when he is not at the medical center. And he credits his 3 young children and their health experience with helping him with his patients, and his patients improving his bond with his family.