Cigdem Toroslu, M.D.

It is a privilege to be a pediatrician and to accompany families on the very personal, rewarding, and sometimes challenging journey of raising children. I think by working as a team with our families, we can help to ensure every child has the best possible chance of a healthy, happy life.

I enjoy seeing my patients over time as they develop from an infant to a young adult. It is quite an honor to meet a newborn at the hospital, watch the wobbly steps at 12-months, listen to elaborate stories at age five, and offer support through the ups and downs of the teenage years.

I knew I wanted to be a pediatrician during my first year in medical school. I worked for a physician who cared for adults and children of all ages. Infants could be fussy in the clinic, but once I started to play with them, they would smile and coo. Similarly, when older children were anxious, I enjoyed getting them to relax and laugh. I loved connecting with babies and children. Pretty soon, my mentor nicknamed me “The Baby Magnet” and asked if I planned to be a pediatrician. By the end of that summer, I had a definite answer for him.

I was born in Istanbul, Turkey, moved to the U.S. when I was 12 and grew up in the small town of Columbia, Missouri.

My favorite memories include vacationing with my cousins near the Aegean Sea, where we would play games in the water, chase after the ice cream truck, and ignore our parents calling us home at the end of the day.

My daughter and I love traveling and studying other languages and cultures. She photographs our adventures and draws the best portraits of our two cats, Pumpkin and Jiji. We enjoy showing off Portland to family and friends. We recently tried goat yoga with our extended family, which was a hilarious experience.

My practice partner and I have a similar approach to patient care, and when we care for each other’s patients, we make a great effort to clearly communicate, providing a smooth transition of care and follow up.