Miss Türkiye 2024 Idil Bilgen starts general surgery residency in New York

Although she was assigned to the Bingol Yayladere Community Health Center in Türkiye under a state service obligation, she chose to continue her career in the United States.

From pageant stage to operating room

Bilgen has drawn attention for pursuing a dual track in public life and medicine. After taking the national title in 2024, she has now stepped into specialty training as a physician, adding clinical experience to a profile already noted for academic and social achievements.

Choosing residency over state posting

In Türkiye, newly graduated physicians may receive compulsory public-service assignments, often called a state service obligation, which place doctors in public facilities to address staffing needs.

Bilgen had been appointed to the Bingol Yayladere Community Health Center but did not take up the post, opting instead for residency training in the United States.

US exams cleared and a message to peers

Bilgen said she first worked on women’s health awareness in Ukraine and then passed the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 3, which allowed her to qualify for residency.

She described the start of training as a milestone, sharing: “7 weeks ago I started this new journey, a concrete step toward my dreams. Do not let your imagination limit you; when you focus, everything is possible.”

A new chapter in New York

Bilgen noted that she moved to New York in July 2025 and earned a place in general surgery at North Shore University Hospital under Northwell Health, which she described as one of the most prestigious healthcare institutions in the country.

turkiyetoday