Ali Zirh

Specialization and Surgical Expertise

The specialist focuses on treating Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and essential tremor. He has performed more than 1,400 deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures throughout his career. Dr. Zirh uses microelectrode recording and stimulation techniques at the single-cell level. This method allows for high precision while placing brain implants.

He also provides medication management and neurological rehabilitation for chronic movement disorders. Microelectrode recording involves using fine electrodes to listen to the activity of single neurons to identify surgical targets. These techniques help ensure the precise placement of electrodes to improve patient outcomes during movement disorder surgery.

Work Experience

• 2018–present — Neurosurgeon at Medipol University Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center (PARMER)
• 2015–2018 — Neurosurgeon at Medipol Bağcılar Hospital
• 2009–2015 — Neurosurgeon at Medicalpark Bahçelievler Hospital
• 1997–2009 — Neurosurgeon at VKV American Hospital
• 1983–1985 — State service physician in Gaziantep

Education and International Training

• 1983 — Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine — Medical Degree
• 1994 — Marmara University Faculty of Medicine — Neurosurgery Residency
• 1994 — Marmara University Health Sciences Institute — Master’s in Neurophysiology
• 1994 — European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) — Diploma and Board Certification
• 1990 — Glasgow Institute of Neurological Sciences, UK — Clinical Study
• 1992 — University of Pittsburgh, University of Virginia, and University of Washington, USA — Clinical Study
• 1994 — Johns Hopkins Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital — Clinical Study
• 1994 — World Neurosurgery Association (WFNS) Training Courses — Antalya, Turkey
• 1994 — Stereotactic Target Calculation and Neurostimulation for Pain — Çeşme, Izmir
• 1994 — Stereotactic Neurosurgery Hands-On — New Orleans, USA
• 1995 — Augmentative Procedures for Pain — San Francisco, USA
• 1996 — Minneapolis and Washington, USA — DBS and Neurostimulation specialized workshops
• 1996 — Surgical Treatment for Movement Disorders and Chronic Pain Management — Montreal, Canada
• 2001 — Kiel, Germany — Expert Course in Deep Brain Stimulator Management

Research, Publications and Awards

Dr. Zirh has authored eight book chapters and over 150 congress papers. His research appears in Turkish Neurosurgery and the US Advances in Neurology Journal. He has received multiple honors for his clinical achievements:

• 2021 — Best Neurosurgeon of the Year — Global Health Awards, Baku
• 2018 — Guinness World Record for the largest DBS patient gathering
• 2017 — Golden Palm Award
• 1998 — Eczacıbaşı Scientific Research Medicine Encouragement Award
• 1997 — International Elekta Award for stereotactic and functional neurosurgery
• 1997 — Turkish Neurosurgical Society Award
• 1995 — Turkish Brain Research Foundation Award
• 1985 — Commendation by the Provincial Authority for state service in Gaziantep

Professional Memberships

Dr. Zirh is a member of the following organizations:

• World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (WSSFN)
• American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
• International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
• European Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (ESSFN)
• American Academy of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)
• International Neuromodulation Society
• International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP)
• Turkish Neurosurgery Association
• Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS)
• American Neuromodulation Society
• American Pain Society
• American Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery
• North American Cervicogenic Headache Society (HACHS)
• North American Neuromodulation Society
• Parkinson's Disease Association