Face transplant recipient starts work at Akdeniz University

Akdeniz University Rector İsrafil Kurtcephe announced during the press conference, held at the Rector's Office building, that Acar was a contracted employee of the university.

Kurtcephe said he offered Acar a job at the university during another press conference in February when the patient appeared before the cameras.

“Uğur Acar asked for time to think about the offer. He appealed to me, saying that he was ready to work,” Kurtcephe said, adding that Acar's treatment was ongoing and that his health was the most important issue.

“Acar is the first transplant recipient of a full face in Turkey's medical history. He will carry documents and files between the Rector's Office and the university hospital,” Kurtcephe said, adding that he was honored to have employed Acar.

Acar, who suffered serious burns to his face during a house fire that occurred when he was just 40 days old, underwent a successful face transplant operation in January at Akdeniz University Hospital. The face transplant was made possible after the family of Ahmet Kaya, who had been declared brain dead two weeks prior, donated all of his organs.