Gokce Sengezer: Crafting Transformative Healthcare Solutions by Leading with Purpose and Precision

Turkey, a nation of boundless potential, has given rise to leaders who not only inspire but also redefine industries on a global scale. Thousands of women leaders in the country are breaking barriers, driving innovation, and making their mark across diverse fields from technology to healthcare, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Among the nation’s women trailblazers, Founder of Ange Assistance, Gökce Şengezer stands as a beacon of innovation and leadership.

With unparalleled strategic acumen and a deep commitment to healthcare transformation, Gökce has positioned Ange Assistance as Turkey's premier medical assistance provider. Backed by extensive international and local expertise, Ange Assistance delivers a comprehensive range of services, ensuring support for patients and families during medical emergencies, whether within Turkey’s borders or across the globe.

Her educational journey has been pivotal in shaping her ability to em­pathize and understand the needs of others. At UC Berkeley, she studied psychology, where she was exposed to a broad array of disciplines that en­riched her perspective. Courses in neu­roscience and healthcare administra­tion particularly fueled her passion for developing innovative and systemic solutions to complex healthcare chal­lenges. The diverse and intellectually stimulating environment at Berkeley played a crucial role in expanding her knowledge, while the collaborative engagement with peers deepened her understanding of global healthcare is­sues. This experience not only honed her problem-solving abilities but also fostered decision-making skills that proved invaluable as she navigated the complexities of the healthcare sector.

Global Women Leader magazine is privileged to interview Gökce. Let’s read on.

What were some key early influences in life that shaped you as an individual?

My formative years were shaped by the profound influence of my parents, that truly guided me toward my mission. My father, a distinguished neurologist, instilled in me the importance of compassion in healthcare. His patient-centered approach and dedication to his craft taught me that healthcare is not just a profession, but a human responsibility, a philosophy that has become central to my leadership style. My mother, a teacher, introduced me to the realms of art, literature, and philosophy, expanding my ability to think critically and understand the broader societal context in which healthcare exists. This unique blend of influences, the scientific rigor of my father’s work and the intellectual curiosity fostered by my mother equipped me with a well-rounded view that has been invaluable in my journey.

Together, my academic and personal experiences laid the foundation for my entrepreneurial venture, Ange Medical Assistance. With a deep commitment to delivering empathetic, effective, and forward-thinking healthcare solutions, I continue to build on the values imparted by both my education and my upbringing.

Gökce leads with purpose and precision, ensuring that healthcare services are not only efficient but also empathetic, setting new benchmarks in patient care

Tell us about your extensive professional journey in the medical sector. What are some key areas of expertise that you have developed over the past few years?

My career began by organizing routine health check-ups for seafarers in the maritime industry. However, I quickly realized that this work went beyond mere coordination, it carried a significant responsibility of making critical decisions that impacted lives. Today, we have managed thousands of cases, specializing in a wide range of services from acute health emergencies to injuries and medical evacuations. For instance, we have coordinated the evacuation of a crew member suffering a heart attack in open seas and ensured the safe transfer of a patient with multiple fractures caused by a fall. Beyond the maritime sector, we also serve international insurance companies, managing the treatment processes of their patients in Turkey. Handling both cost control and delivering services aligned with international standards has become one of our key strengths.

What led you to establish Ange Assistance? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture and its key areas of expertise.

The foundation of Ange Assistance is rooted in a gap I identified in the healthcare sector. In the maritime industry, the challenges and limitations faced by seafarers in accessing healthcare services highlighted a pressing need. To address this gap, I established a company that provides a wide range of services, from hospital admissions and medical evacuations to alcohol and drug testing, as well as insurance processes. Our expertise spans tanker ships, cargo vessels, cruise ships, and shipyard projects, which has positioned Ange Assistance as an international solution partner. Today, Ange Assistance is not only a medical assistance firm but also a trusted partner offering innovative solutions globally.

What are the primary roles and responsibilities you shoulder as the primary leader for Ange Assistance? Throw light on your current focus areas in terms of driving growth for the company.

As a leader, my responsibilities go beyond managing operational processes, I am also tasked with shaping the company’s vision and growth strategies. My primary duties include team management, customer relations, and developing innovative projects. Currently, our main focus is on digital transformation. By integrating technology into our processes, we aim to deliver faster and more accessible services. Additionally, we are expanding our mental health services to meet the needs of the sector. Creating a culture where my team feels valued and our clients trust us completely is one of the key pillars of my leadership approach.