Best Brain MRI with contrast (FLAIR sequence) pediatric neurosurgeons in Turkey: TOP 59 doctors

Mustafa Solak, M.D. is a medical doctor who graduated from Hacettepe University School of Medicine and has completed residencies at Istanbul Sisli Etfal Teaching and Research Hospital and a fellowship at Hacettepe University Cancer Institute. He specializes in Breast Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Lung Cancer, Head-Neck Cancer, and Gastrointestinal Cancers. He has also worked at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Hitit University Corum Training Hospital, and Medical Park Hospital.

Award-winning stereotactic and functional neurosurgeon from Turkey, working for over 30 years. 

Expert in deep brain stimulation (DBS). Has provided over 850 successful DBS procedures and more than 1,350 neurosurgery procedures. Broke a Guinness World Record for the biggest number of patients after DBS gathered in one place. Was trained in Germany, Spain, Great Britain, Israel, Belgium, and the USA. Cooperates with Bookimed from 2018 and regularly trains and educates the Bookimed’s team for training and education in neurology.

The Medical Advisory Board expert is a verified credible medical professional with solid theoretical background and practical experience in the field. The expert provides support related to medical content accuracy for medical writers and performs educational workshops to Bookimed coordinators serving patient requests.

The medical content creation under the expert’s control follows rigorous and well-established procedure to be informative, trustworthy, and transparent and making Bookimed.com a credible source of evidence-based health information.

Gülümser Kızıltaş Tokmak, M.D., graduated from Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Istanbul University in 2002 and completed residency at Neurology Clinic, Okmeydanı Teaching and Research Hospital in 2008. She holds a master’s degree in Electrophysiology from Istanbul University, and has studied and worked in fields such as EMG, EEG, PSG, Dementia, Headache, and Vertigo. She has worked at Ağrı State Hospital Neurology Clinic, Hisar Intercontinental Hospital, and Medical Park Hospitals.

Professional Experience Compulsory Service 2014 - 15 District Health Director - Güroymak Community Health Center/BİTLİS Specialization 2015 - 20 Fırat University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery. Work Location 2024 - present Eskişehir City Hospital Neurosurgery Department Education Siirt Ataturk Anatolian High School 2003 - 07 Fırat University Faculty of Medicine 2007 - 13 SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES • 1. Ozturk S, Erol FS, Akgun B, Surme MB, Artas G, Ozercan IH. Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Cavernous Hemangioma Mimicking Neurofibroma in a Patient Diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type I. Turkish Journal of Neurosurgery 2016; 26:141-144. • 2. Akgun B, Ozturk S, Taskent I, Surme MB, Erol FS, Yildirim H. Evaluation of Apparent Diffusion Coefficients in the Cerebellar Tonsils and Bulbus in Chiari Type I Malformations: Comparison Before and After Surgery. Turk Neurosurg. 2017 May 7. • 3. Surme MB, Hergünsel OB, Ertugrul B, Kaplan M. Ossifying Chronic Subdural Hematoma. Turkiye Clinicals Journal of Neurology. 2017;12:44-48 • 4. Akgun B, Surme MB, Ozturk S, Erol FS. Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematomas: Evaluation of 12 Cases. F.U. Journal of Health Science and Medicine. 2016; 30:107-111. • 5. Surme MB, Hergunsel OB, Akgun B, Kaplan M. Cranioplasty with preoperatively customized Polymethyl-methacrylate by using 3-Dimensional Printed Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol Mold. J Neurosci Neurol Disord. 2018; 2:052-064. • 6. Bakal U, Poyraz AK, Tartar T, Akdeniz I, Surme MB, Çelik S. A Rare Complication of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: Asymptomatic Small Bowel Perforation Istanbul Med J 2019; 20(6): 571-3. • 7. De Lima L, Surme MB, Gessi M, Mastronuzzi A, Miele E, Tamburrini G, Massimi L. Central nervous system high-grade neuroepithelial tumor with BCOR alteration (CNS HGNET-BCOR)—case-based reviews Child's Nervous System ( 2020) 36:1589–1599 • 8. Surme MB, Demir F, Erol D., Kaplan M. Is There A Genetic Relationship Between Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia And Meningioma ? A Case Report Of 3 Genes Analyzes. Arq Bras Neurocir 2021;00:1–3. • 9. Gurbuz O, Surme MB. The effect of intradiscal percutaneous radiopaque gel ethanol injection on pain in patients with lumbar disc herniation: Our clinical experience. Eskisehir Med. J. 2022; 3(2):130-137. • 10. Arikan E, Surme MB. Evaluation of Clinical and Radiological Findings of Patients Diagnosed with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hematoma. Mevlana Medical Sciences Journal 2 (2), 70-74. ORAL PRESENTATIONS • Hergünsel OB, Ertugrul B, Surme MB, Kaplan M. A Case of Cervicogenic Headache Treated with C1 Posterior Arch Resection. Turkish Journal of Neurosurgery 30th Scientific Congress, 8-12 April 2016, Antalya. • Ozturk S, Erol FS, Akgun B, Surme MB, Artas G, Ozercan İH. Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Cavernous Hemangioma Mimicking Neurofibroma in a Patient Diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type I. Turkish Neurosurgery Society 30th Scientific Congress. 8-12 April 2016, Antalya. • Ertugrul B, Surme MB, Ozturk S, Kaplan M. A Case of Sacrococcygeal Teratoma Presenting with Intergluteal Tail. Turkish Neurosurgery Society 30th Scientific Congress. 8-12 April 2016, Antalya. • Akgun B, Surme MB, Ozturk S, Demir F, Okcesiz I, Erol FS. Evaluation of Acute Lumbar Disc Hernias with Thin Section Lumbar MRI. 12th International Turkish Spine Congress, 19-22 April 2017, Antalya. • Akgun B, Ozturk S, Taskent I, Surme MB, Erol FS, Yildirim H. Evaluation of Apparent Diffusion Coefficients in the Cerebellar Tonsils and Bulbus in Chiari Type I Malformations: Comparison Before and After Surgery. XVI. World Congress of Neurosurgery, August 20-25, 2017, Istanbul. • Akgun B, Surme MB, Ozturk S, Erol FS. Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematomas: Evaluation of 12 Cases. 12th International Turkish Spine Congress. 19-22 April 2017, Antalya. • Surme MB, Hergunsel OB, Celik S., Kaplan M, Erol FS. Evaluation of Cases with Cervical Spondylomyelopathy who underwent corpectomy - Our Clinical Experience. Turkish Neurosurgery Society 32nd Scientific Congress. 20-24 April 2018, Antalya. • Surme MB, Hergunsel OB, Akgun B, Kaplan M. Repair of Orbitofrontal Defects Using Polymethylmethacrylate Grafts Created by 3D Printer. Turkish Neurosurgery Society 32nd Scientific Congress. 20-24 April 2018, Antalya. C I T A T I O N S • My publications have a total of 40 citations. CERTIFICATES (OTHER) • 1. I received an Academic Incentive Bonus for 1 year in 2017 for my academic publications. • 2. Community Health Center Physicians Education. 14-18 July 2014, Kars. (Turkish public health institution). • 3. V. Turkey Zoonotic Diseases Symposium. 24 October 2015, Erzurum. (EKMUD- Turkish Infectious Diseases Specialization Association and TVHB - Turkish Veterinary Medical Association). • 4. Meaningful Occupation Solutions Together. 15-17 April 2015, Gothenburg/Sweden. (Lifelong Learning Programme). • 5. Certificate of Achievement (Position: District Health Manager) 2015, Güroymak/ Bitlis • (Güroymak District Governorship) • 6. Between 16.03.2019 - 04.04.2019, I performed my military service in Mamak/Ankara and was given a 'Certificate of Appreciation'. CERTIFICATES (NEUROSURGERY) • 1. Intracranial Aneurysms and Vascular Neuroanatomy. 14-15 January 2017, Mersin (TNDer Neuroanatomy and Neurovascular Education Training Group). • 2. XII. International Turkish Spine Congress. 19-22 April 2017, Antalya (Turkish Spine Association). • 3. Certificate of Use of Experimental Animals. 10.12.2018 – 20.12.2018, Elazig (FÜSEM- Fırat University Continuing Education Center). • 4. Turkish Neurosurgery Academy 4th Scientific Conference. 1-4 November 2018, Adana. • 5. Turkish Neurosurgery Society Training Program 6.Semester 1.Module. 28.06.2018- 01.07.2018, Mudanya/Bursa. (Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group). • 6. Turkish Neurosurgery Association Training Program 7.Semester 2.Module 27.06.2019 – 30.06.2019, Van. (Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group). • 7. Turkish Neurosurgery Association Training Program 8th Term 1st Course 2-5 May 2019, Kayseri. (Pediatric Neurosurgery Teaching and Training Group). • 8. Current Developments in Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. 30.11.2019, Elazig. (Koç University Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Selçuk Peker) • 9. Turkish Neurosurgery Society 25. Spinal Symposium 28-31 October 2021, Çeşme. (Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group) • 10. Turkish Neurosurgery Society, 34. Scientific Congress. September 30 - October 3, 2021, Online • 11. Turkish Neurosurgery Association, NOVA 19-22 May, 2022, Kütahya. (Speaker) • 12. Spinal Deformity Correction Maneuvers Course 21 May 2022, Eskişehir. (Speaker) • 13. Turkish Neurosurgery Society, 35. Scientific Congress. 24 – 27 November 2022, Antalya. (Speaker) • 14. Complex Spinal Surgery, February 4, 2023, Eskişehir (Speaker). • 15. I worked as a fellow in the Pediatric Neurosurgery department of Catholica University (Rome/Italy) Agostino Gemelli Hospital between 15.01.2020 and 14.02.2020 for 1 month. ORAL PRESENTATIONS(2) • Surme MB, Ertugrul B, Sen D, Kaplan M. Is There a Genetic Link Between Meningioma and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia? A Case Presentation Involving the Analysis of 3 Genes. 33rd Scientific Congress of the Turkish Neurosurgery Congress. April 11-14, 2019, Antalya. • Ozturk S, Surme MB, Gönen M, Yıldırım H, Korkmaz S, Kocabıçak E. Analysis of Perfusion Changes in White and Grey Matter in Parkinson's Patients Treated with Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation. 34th Scientific Congress of the Turkish Neurosurgery Congress. September 30 - October 3, 2021, Online." • "Surme MB, Ustun ME. Case of Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency Due to Vertebral Artery Dolichoarteriopathy. NOVA 2022, Kütahya." • "Ustun ME, Surme MB. Can vertebrobasilar insufficiency lead to parkinson like symptoms? EANS 2022, Belgrade." • "Ustun ME, Surme MB. Do vertebral artery stenoses have an atherosclerotic origin? EANS 2022, Belgrade." • "Surme MB, Yilmaz AH, Ustun ME. Could Resistant Urinary Incontinence Be Related to Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency? Our Initial Case Experiences. 31st National Urology Congress. October 27-30, 2022, Cyprus." • "Surme MB, Akgün B, Isci M, Baloglu M, Millet H. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Surgical Approaches to Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy on Cervical Spinal Canal Diameter and T2 Signal Intensity. 35th Scientific Congress of the Turkish Neurosurgery Congress. November 24 – 27, 2022, Antalya. • Surme MB, Cosar A, Daltaban IS, Ustun ME. Efficacy of a New Surgical Technique for Carotid Artery * "Surme MB, Arikan E, Baloglu M, Millet H, Ercan S. Analysis of Clinical and Radiological Findings in Cases November 24 – 27, 2022, Antalya. • "Surme MB, Cosar A, Ustun ME. Can Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency Cause Parkinson-like Symptoms? 35th Scientific Congress of the Turkish Neurosurgery Congress. November 24 – 27, 2022, Antalya. Diagnosed with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hematoma. 35th Scientific Congress of the Turkish Neurosurgery Congress. Dolichoarteriopathies in Patients with Moderate Hemiparesis due to Cerebrovascular Ischemic Attacks. 35th Scientific Congress of the Turkish Neurosurgery Congress. November 24 – 27, 2022, Antalya." • "Baloglu M, Millet H, Ercan S, Surme MB, Yayla E. The Effect of MCI-186 on Lipid Peroxidation in Rats with Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury. 35th Scientific Congress of the Turkish Neurosurgery Congress. November 24 – 27, 2022, Antalya." * "Surme MB, Ustun ME. Can Quantitative ElectroCorticoGraphy (ECoG) Be More Valuable Than Non -Quantitative ECoG? A Preliminary Report. Bridging Neurosciences and Neurosurgery: New Frontiers in Intraoperative Neurophysiology. February 2 – 4, 2023, Verona, Italy

Neurosurgery Training: Gazi University, Department of Neurosurgery, 2011 

H index: 10, I10 Index: 12 Citations: 296

 Dr Mehmet Tonge has international and nationwide 32 publications, 12 book chapters, 92 oral and poster presentations and 41 invited lectures, mostly on Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. 

Work & Training experience:

2004-2011: Gazi University, Department of Neurosurgery (Residency)

 2008: Zurich University Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery (Intraoperative MRI applications), Switzerland 

2008: Zurich University Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery: Microneurosurgery, white matter dissection, interventional neuroradiology courses, Switzerland 

2011 – 2012: Sinop Ataturk State Hospital, Neurosurgeon

 2012 – 2013: Cankiri State Hospital, Neurosurgeon 

2013 – 2014: Istanbul Medipol University, Department of Neurosurgery & Gamma Knife Center (Ass Prof) 

2013 – now: Maastricht University Neurosurgery & Neuroscience Department (Visiting scientist, PhDc) The Netherlands 

2014: Maastricht University, The Netherlands: Deep Brain Stimulation Fellowship 2014-2018: Istanbul Memorial Hospital Neurosurgery: Staff Neurosurgeon

 2016-2018: Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital (Consultant, Gamma Knife Center) 

2018-now: Istanbul Medipol University (Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery, Gamma Knife Center) Ass. Prof.) 

Dr Mehmet Tonge has completed 4-year cycle EANS (European Association of Neurosurgical Societies) Training courses. 

Clinical areas of interest:

 • Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery

 • Surgery for movement disorders

• * MR Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)

 • Gamma Knife Radiosurgery 

• Surgery for pain & spasticity 

• Psychosurgery

Research areas of interest: 

• Deep brain stimulation

• * MR Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)

 • Stereotactic radiosurgery 

Administrative duties:

 • Turkish Neurosurgical Society, Sterotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Section: Board member 2015- 2017 

• Turkish Neurosurgical Society, Sterotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Section: Board member (Secretary) 2017-2019

 • Turkish Skull Base Society: Board member 2016-2018

 • Turkish Skull Base Society: Supervisory board member 2018-2020

 • Deep Brain Stimulation and Movement Disorders Surgery Society: Executive Board Member, (Accountant) 2023-still 

Memberships: 

• WSSFN (World Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Society) 

• ESSFN (European Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Society)

 • Deep Brain Stimulation and Movement Disorders Surgery Society

 • Deep Brain Stimulation Society 

• International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society 

• Leksell Gamma Knife Society 

• EANS (European Association of Neurosurgical Societies) 

• Turkish Neurosurgical Society

• Turkish Skull Base Society

Sample Publications: 

1. Tonge M. Technological developments in electric based DBS. Deep Brain Stimulation 2024 4(36-41) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdbs.2023.12.001 

2. Akgul E, Onan HB, Islek I, Tonge M, Durmus Y, Barburoglu M, Azizova A, Erol C, Hakyemez B, Sencer S, Aydin K, Arat A. Flow diverter stents in the treatment of recanalized intracranial aneurysms. Interv Neuroradiol. 2021 Aug;27(4):481-489. doi: 10.1177/1591019921990507. Epub 2021 Jan 28. PMID: 33509011; PMCID: PMC8580529. 

3. Mulders AEP, Temel Y, Tonge M, Schaper FLWVJ, van Kranen-Mastenbroek V,Ackermans L, Kubben P, Janssen MLF, Duits A. The association between surgical characteristics and cognitive decline following deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson's disease. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2021 Jan;200:106341. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106341. Epub 2020 Nov 3. PMID: 33160716. 

4. Wetzelaer P, Vlis T, Tonge M, Ackermans L, Kubben P, Evers S, Kocabicak E, Temel Y. Management of Hardware Related Infections after DBS Surgery: A Cost Analysis. Turk Neurosurg. 2018;28(6):929- 933. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.21511-17.1. PMID: 29465741. 

5. Bedirli N, Emmez G, Ünal Y, Tönge M, Emmez H. Effects of positive end- expiratory pressure on intracranial pressure during pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position in a porcine mode. Turk J Med Sci. 2017 Nov 13;47(5):1610-1615. doi: 10.3906/sag-1609-17. PMID: 29152942. 

6. Sari R, Tonge M, Bolukbasi FH, Onoz M, Baskan O, Silav G, Elmaci I. Management of Failed Cranioplasty. Turk Neurosurg. 2017;27(2):201-207. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.15395-15.0. PMID: 27593759. 

7. Tonge M, Kocabicak E, Ackermans L, Kuijf M, Temel Y. Final Electrode Position in Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery: A Comparison of Indirect and Direct Targeting Methods. Turk Neurosurg. 2016;26(6):900-903. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.13739-14.1. PMID: 27337232. 

8. Tonge M, Ackermans L, Kocabicak E, van Kranen-Mastenbroek V, Kuijf M, Oosterloo M, Kubben P, Temel Y. A detailed analysis of intracerebral hemorrhages in DBS surgeries. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2015 Dec;139:183-7. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2015.10.017. Epub 2015 Oct 23. PMID: 26513430. 

9. Silav G, Bölükbaşı FH, Özek E, Tönge M, Önöz M, Elmacı İ. A Simple Technique for Bone Storage after Decompressive Craniectomy in Children. Pediatr Neurosurg. 2015;50(3):161-4. doi: 10.1159/000381748. Epub 2015 May 14. PMID: 25998533. 

10. Yilmaz MB, Donmez H, Tonge M, Senol S, Tekiner A. Vertebrojugular arteriovenous fistula and pseudoaneurysm formation due to penetrating vertebral artery injury: case report and review of the literature. Turk Neurosurg. 2015;25(1):141-5. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.8247-13.1. PMID: 25640560. 

11. Kurt G, Tönge M, Çeltıkçı E, Çapraz I, Serdaroğlu A, Bılır E. Surgery for intractable temporal lobe epilepsy: experience of a single institution. Turk J Med Sci. 2014;44(5):866-70. doi: 10.3906/sag-1307- 30. PMID: 25539559. 

12. Yılmaz MB, Tönge M, Emmez H, Kaymaz F, Kaymaz M. Neuroprotective effects of quetiapine on neuronal apoptosis following experimental transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. J Korean Neurosurg Soc. 2013 Jul;54(1):1-7. doi: 10.3340/jkns.2013.54.1.1. Epub 2013 Jul 31. PMID: 24044072; PMCID: PMC3772279. 

13. Yilmaz MB, Egemen E, Tonge M, Kaymaz M. Transoral protrusion of a peritoneal catheter due to gastric perforation 10 years after a ventriculoperitoneal shunting: case report and review of the literature. Turk Neurosurg. 2013;23(2):285-8. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.4904-11.1. PMID: 23546921. 

14. Omerhodzic I, Tonge M, Matos B, Musabeliu E, Raspanti C, Ferdinandov D, Galimova R, Muroi C, Balik V, Kursumovic A. Neurosurgical training programme in selected European countries: from the young neurosurgeons' point of view. Turk Neurosurg. 2012;22(3):286-93. doi: 10.5137/1019- 5149.JTN.5133-11.0. PMID: 22664994. 

15. Ergun E, Kurt G, Tonge M, Aytar H, Tas M, Baykaner K, Ceviker N. Effects of phenytoin sodium on dura mater healing in a rat model of CSF leakage. Turk Neurosurg. 2011;21(4):471-6. PMID: 22194102. 

16. Emmez H, Tonge M, Tokgoz N, Durdag E, Gonul I, Cevıker N. Radiological and histopathological comparison of microporous polysaccharide hemospheres and oxidized regenerated cellulose in the rabbit brain: a study of efficacy and safety. Turk Neurosurg. 2010 Oct;20(4):485-91. doi: 10.5137/1019- 5149.JTN.3300-10.2. PMID: 20963698. 

17. Emmez H, Yildirim Z, Kale A, Tönge M, Durdağ E, Börcek AO, Uçankuş LN, Doğulu F, Kiliç N, Baykaner MK. Anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of α-lipoic acid on spinal cord ischemiareperfusion injury in rabbits. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2010 Sep;152(9):1591-600; discussion 1600-1. doi: 10.1007/s00701-010-0703-9. Epub 2010 Jun 10. PMID: 20535507. 

18. Kurt G, Tonge M, Börcek AO, Karahacioglu E, Gurel O, Baykaner K, Ceviker N, Aykol S. Fractionated gamma knife radiosurgery for optic nerve tumors: a technical report. Turk Neurosurg. 2010 Apr;20(2):241-6. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.1681-09.3. PMID: 20401852. 

19. Emmez H, Kale A, Tönge M, Cakir A, Ceviker N. Two meningiomas with different histological grades in the same patient. Case report. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 2010;50(8):686-8. doi: 10.2176/nmc.50.686. PMID: 20805656.

Education and Career

2011 – 2015, (Internal Medicine Specialist) Istanbul University Istanbul School of Education and Career

Medicine Department of Internal Medicine

2015 – 2016, (Internal Medicine) Specialist Istanbul Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital

2016 – 2019, (Medical Oncology) Istanbul University Istanbul School of Medicine Department of Medical Oncology

2019 – 2021, (Medical Oncology Specialist) - Istanbul Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital

2021 – 2024, (Associate Professor) Marmara University School of Medicine Department of Medical Oncology

Memberships in Scientific Organizations

ASCO

ESMO

TTOD 

AVOD 

Publications

In the field of oncology, he has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles at both international and national levels.

Awards Received

EAACI The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2019 Best Poster Award

"The top 3rd verbal presentation, IGICC (11th International Gastrointestinal Cancers Conference – IGICC2021)"

Speeches Delivered at National Congresses, Conferences, and Symposia:

Courses, Meetings, and Certificates

ESMO certified Medical Oncologist since 2019

Prof. Erkan Kaptanoğlu, M.D. was born in Balikesir, Turkey in 1966. After completing his primary school, secondary school and high school education in Balikesir, he graduated from Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine in 1990. He completed his internship at Peterborough District Hospital and Lincoln County Hospital in the United Kingdom. After a year of compulsory medical service, he completed his residency, which he had started in 1992, at Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital in 1997 and became a Neurosurgery Specialist. After being assigned at the same hospital as Chief Resident in the same year, he studied “spinal cord injury and spinal cord regeneration” as a “research fellow” alongside Prof. Charles Tator, M.D., at the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine in 1998-1999. After returning from Canada in 1999, he was tasked by the Ministry of Health to establish a Field Hospital and to work in cooperation with the Turkish Red Crescent Society at Hakkari, Şemdinli for two months. Following this assignment, he volunteered to work for the 1999 Marmara Earthquake relief effort.

He became an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery in 2004. He earned the title Doctor of Science (Ph.D.) by completing a doctorate program on Advanced Neuroscience between 2000-2005, at Hacettepe University Institute of Medical Sciences. He joined the project for autologous stem cell therapy in human spinal cord injuries with the Departments of Neurosurgery and Hematology at the Ankara University Faculty of Medicine. In 2009, he was appointed as Deputy Chief to the 1st Neurosurgery Clinic at the Ankara Numune Hospital, where he had been working.

At this hospital, in which he worked until 2010, he supervised and attended complex cranial, pediatric, spinal, trauma and vascular neurosurgery operations. He continued his academic research at Ankara University, Department of Anatomy and research laboratories of Ankara University and Hacettepe University for the purpose of developing strategies for complex spinal surgery operations.

With his research on spinal cord injuries and spinal anatomy, he won many awards such as the Acibadem Hospital Medical Research Award, 1st Place in 2000, Turkish Neurosurgical Society Dr. Mahir Tevruz Scientific Research Award, Tübitak and Brain Research Society Wheyt Award in 2001, Turkish Neurosurgical Society Hamit Ziya Gokalp Young Neurosurgeons Research Award, 2nd Place in 2002, Turkish Neurosurgical Society Yildiz Yalcinlar Scientific Research Award in 2004.

In 2010, he went to Cyprus to found the Near East University Faculty of Medicine Hospital with the guidance of Hacettepe University, and was appointed as full Professor. Between 2010-2015, he served as the Founder and Head of Department at the Near East University and Founder and Deputy Chief Physician at the University Training and Research Hospital in TRNC.

In 2000-2001, he served as a member of the editorial board for Türk Nöroşirurji Dergisi and Turkish Neurosurgery journal. Between the years 2001-2006, he served as an assistant editor for Türk Nöroşirurji Dergisi and Turkish Neurosurgery journals. In 2002-2003, he served as the Chairman of the Young Neurosurgeons Committee under the Turkish Neurosurgical Society. He was elected to the Turkish Neurosurgical Society Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group Board of Directors to serve between 2003-2009. In 2013, he was again elected as a member to the Turkish Neurosurgical Society Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group Board of Directors. In 2015, he became the Chairman of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group Board of Directors. In 2018, he was elected as a member to the Board of Turkish Neurosurgery Academy.

In 2015, he was appointed to the Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery and was elected as the Head of Department. During the same period, he also served as the Director of the Institute of Neuroscience. In 2018, he completed his tenure as the Head of Department. Reaching the end of this tenure in 2019, he retired from his duties as the Director of the Institute of Neuroscience and as a Member of the Faculty of Medicine. During his tenure at Marmara University, he supervised and accompanied surgical operations for complex cases from cranial patients to brain tumors (gliomas, meningiomas and hypophysis adenomas in particular), cerebral hemorrhages, Parkinson’s disease, trauma and vascular neurosurgery. He performed complex spinal surgery operations such as surgeries for spinal deformities (e.g. scoliosis and kyphosis), thoracoscopic spinal surgeries and sacral tumor surgeries. He conducted research and experimental studies on stem cell therapy and regeneration in spinal cord injuries. Between 2019-2020, currently He continues his clinical practice and surgeries along with his local and international academic studies, from his private clinic and Istanbul Brain and Spine Center.

He has attended numerous national and international courses and meetings as an instructor and speaker, was a guest speaker in over 100 events and conferences. He has published 65 international, 35 national scientific articles, edited 7 books, written 52 book chapters. He has served in the organizational committee 5 times in international meetings and 22 times in national meetings.

He is a member of the Turkish Medical Association, Turkish Cypriot Medical Association, Turkish Neurosurgical Society, Turkish Spine Society, EUROSPINE, AO Spine, Turkish Neurosurgery Academy.

Assoc. Prof. Ali Zirh is a world renowned neurosurgeon from Turkey. He was born on October 8, 1960 in Ankara, Türkiye and completed his primary and secondary education in the same city. He graduated from Ankara Atatürk High School with first place, and he entered the Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine. He graduated from Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine on August 31st, 1983 as a medical doctor. Between the years 1983 and 1985, he carried out his state service obligation in Gaziantep and was rewarded with a commendation by the Provincial Authority for his work in this period. He completed his military service in Istanbul in 1987 and was discharged.

In 1988, he started his specialization at Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery. In 1990, he attended the British Council in Glasgow and Edinburgh; the European Neurosurgery Association (EANS) in Warnemünde, Germany in 1989; Zaragoza, Spain in 1991; Jerusalem, Israel in 1992; Brudge, Belgium in 1993; and in 1994, he attended the World Neurosurgery Association (WFNS) training courses in Antalya, Turkey.

Glasgow Institute of Neurological Sciences in 1990, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburg in 1992, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia in 1992, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Washington in 1992, Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital in 1994, Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1994 he visited and participated in clinical studies.

He became a neurosurgeon in February 1994. He completed his master's degree in neurophysiology at Marmara University Health Sciences Institute in March 1994. In September 1994, he completed the fifth of the European Neurosurgery Association's (EANS) training courses in Izmir, took the exams, and received his EANS diploma. On the same date, he participated in the European Board of Neurosurgery Primary Examination, passed successfully and certified.

In line with his field of interest, Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, he attended training courses on "Stereotactic Target Calculation" and "Neurostimulation for Pain" in Çeşme İzmir in September 1994. "Stereotactic Neurosurgery Hands-On" in New-Orleans USA in November 1994, "Augmentitative Procedures for Pain" in San Francisco USA in October 1995, "Stereotactic Neurosurgery Hands" in New Orleans-USA in November 1995 , "Deep Brain Stimulation for Treating Parkinson's Disease" in Minneapolis-USA in May 1996, "Interventional Therapies Workshop: Implantable Spinal Cord Stimulation and Drug Infusion Systems" in Washington-USA in May 1996, "Surgical Treatment for Movement Disorders" and" Interventional Therapies in Chronic Pain Management" in Montreal-Canada in October 1996, "Management of Patients with Deep-Brain Stimulators, Expert Course and Workshop"  in Kiel-Germany in June 2001.

Dr. Ali ZIRH returned from the United States in 1997 and started to work at the VKV American Hospital, performing functional neurosurgery interventions and DBS insertion with the Microelectrode Recording and Stimulation technique at the single cell level, which is available in only a few centers in the world.

He started to work at Medicalpark Bahçelievler Hospital as of January 2009 and implemented these initiatives in a health institution where Social Security Institution patients could also benefit. He continues his surgical interventions at Medipol Bağcılar Hospital as of January 2015.

As of September 2018, he continues his academic and clinical studies at Medipol University's Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center (PARMER).

Over 30 years of clinical and surgical experience in the field of functional neurosurgery, more than 1900 surgical interventions for Parkinson’s and other movement disorder diseases and more than 1400 DBS surgeries that he has successfully performed, made Dr. Ali ZIRH the first name that comes to mind in movement disorder surgery in Turkey and the adjacent geography. He enabled the center where he performs these surgeries to become a Training and Reference Center in the international arena.

Dr. Ali ZIRH is a member of the Turkish Neurosurgery Association, Parkinson's Disease Association, European Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, American Academy of Advancement of Science, World Federation of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, International Association for the Study of Pain, American Pain Society, World Neuromodulation, American Neuromodulation Society, American Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, The Movement Disorder Society, American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS). At the international congresses and symposiums of these organizations held in different parts of the world at least 4-5 times a year, Dr. Zirh shares his experiences with other colleagues at these meetings, and also follows the progress and developments in his field of expertise day by day.

Dr. Ali ZIRH has many publications published in international journals, eight book chapters, more than 150 congress papers and various national / international awards.

Experience

2021 - 2022

Clinical Manager of Radiation Oncology, Medicana International Istanbul Hospital

2021 - 2022

Department of Radiation Oncology, Biruni University Faculty of Medicine

2020 - 2021

Clinical Manager of Radiation Oncology, Medicana International Istanbul Hospital

2017 - 2020

Clinical Manager of Radiation Oncology, Neolife Medical Center

2016 - 2017

Department of Radiation Oncology, Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine

2011 - 2016

Department of Radiation Oncology, Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine

2010 - 2011

Department of Radiation Oncology, Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine

2008 - 2010

Radiation Oncology Clinic, Samsun Training and Research Hospital (Education Coordinator)

2006

Medical Faculty, Dokuz Eylül University

2006 - 2008

Radiation Oncology Clinic, Samsun Mehmet Aydın State Hospital (Compulsory Service)

2000 - 2006

Medical Faculty, Dokuz Eylül University

Education

2022

Biruni University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty Member, Professor Doctor

2022

Anadolu University Open Education Faculty Undergraduate Program, Cultural Heritage and Tourism

2021

Feyziye Schools Foundation Işık University Health Services Vocational School, Faculty Member, Associate Professor Doctor

2017

Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty Member

2017

Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Associate Professor Doctor

2006

Samsun Training and Research Hospital, Specialist Doctor, Compulsory Service

2006

Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Specialization

1998

Ege University, Faculty of Medicine

Education

• Ege Faculty of Medicine 1978
• Specialization in Pediatrics 1982
• Subspecialty Pediatric Oncology 2002 (EU Faculty of Medicine)
• Pediatric Hematology and Oncology 2012 (EU Faculty of Medicine)
• Deputy Chief of Clinic 1988 Tepecik EAH
• Clinical Chief 1993 Tepecik EAH
• Associate Professorship 1995
• Professorship  2002
• Ege U. Faculty of Medicine, faculty member 1998 – 2022
• EU Faculty of Medicine Department of Pediatrics 2009-2018
• Member of Tepecik Education Planning and Coordination Board (1993-1998)
• SSI Tepecik Hospital Ethics Committee Chairman (1996-1998)
• Turkish Society of Pediatric Hematology "Bone Marrow Transplantation Working Group Co-Chair" (2002-2006)
• Turkish Society of Pediatric Hematology "Bone Marrow Transplantation Working Group" (2006-2008)
• Turkish Society of Pediatric Hematology - Responsible for Bone Marrow Transplantation "Online" Data Registry System 2007-ongoing.
• Ege University Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Commission Chairman, 2011-2021

Institutional Memberships

• Turkish Medical Association İzmir and Kocaeli Branch
• Turkish National Pediatric Association - İzmir
• European Group for Bone Marrow Transplantation (EBMT); Ege University Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit was accredited by the European Group for Bone Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) in June 2007.
• Turkish Society of Pediatric Hematology - Board Member for two terms (2005-2009)
• Turkish Society of Hematology - Board Member for two terms (2001/2005)
• Turkish Pediatric Oncology Association
• Bone Marrow Transplantation Foundation (KITVAK) Member of the Board of Trustees

Units he is the founder of                        

1- SSI Tepecik Hospital Pediatric Oncology Clinic (1990) 
2- SSI Tepecik Hospital Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit (1992) 
3- EU Faculty of Medicine Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit (1998) 
4- FOUNDER of JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC RESEARCH, 2014; SCI application was made in 2022.  

Transplantation units that he contributed to the establishment of                        

1. İzmir BUÇH EAH Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit (2019) 
2. Ümraniye EAH Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit (2020) 
3. Kanuni Sultan Süleyman EAH Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit (2020) (Transferred to Çam Sakura EAH)

Awards

• Thrombotic parameters in bone marrow stem cell transplant patients, Pediatric Hematology Congress, Trabzon 2003
• CD133 Antigen in Stem Cell: Pediatric Hematology Congress 2005. Research award
• The role of Toll like receptors in febrile neutropenic patients, Best poster award. Turkish Hematology Congress 2008, Çeşme-İzmir
• National pediatric stem cell transplantation activity- Oral presentation second prize, Turkish Hematology Society Stem Cell Transplantation Congress, 2022, Antalya

Publications

Kansoy S. "Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Child Health and Diseases, 1st edition, EU Faculty of Medicine Printing House, 1999, İzmir

Kansoy S. Bone marrow transplantation in Thalassemia Major III. Aegean Thalassemia Days Book, 2000, Izmir

Kansoy S. Pediatric KIT Center Standards in Turkey. Childhood Acute Leukemias, Antalya 2000: 73-5

Kansoy S. Late Side Effects in Children. Special issue of Bone Marrow Transplantation Journal of Turkish Clinics. 2003

Kansoy S. Stem Cell Applications in Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation. Pediatric Oncology Nursing Course Book, İzmir, 2005

Kansoy S. Cord Blood as a Stem Cell Source. Stem Cell Special Issue. Turkey Clinics, 2008

Kansoy S. Stem Cell Transplantation in Lymphomas. General Pediatrics Book, Ed. Prof.Dr.Enver Hasanoglu, 2009

Kansoy S, Aksoylar S. Bone Marrow Transplantation in Children. Pediatrics, 2014 and 2017

Kansoy S. Rhabdomyosarcoma. Pediatrics, 2014 and 2017

Kansoy S. Approach to the child with cancer according to clinical findings. Pediatrics, 2014 and 2017 

11. Çetingül N, S.Kansoy, M.Kantar. Oncological Diseases. Pediatrics (Ed. A. Cura), 641-672, Ege University Print house, İzmir, 1999.  (1.05 points)

Kansoy S, M.Kantar. Head, Face and Eye Examination. Pediatric Prosthetic Physical Examination and Symptom Information (Ed. A.Cura)

Kantar M. Metabolic Emergency Problems in Oncology. Oncologic Emergencies and Supportive Care in Childhood (Ed. N. Çetingül, S. Kansoy), 15-24, Meta Basım, İzmir, 2003. 

Cord Blood Transplants in Turkey. HEMATOLOGIST, 2016

Kansoy S. Central Nervous System Tumors in Children Pediatrics, 2014 and 2017

Acute myeloblastic leukemia in children and its treatment. Pediatric Oncology Textbook, Poplack's Turkish, 2020

National pediatric stem cell transplant activity, 2020

Childhood stem cell transplantation indications, Turkey Clinics - International book 2020

In addition to the studies and papers in international journals published in large numbers, he is involved in international multicenter studies in some journals with high impact value.

He was born in 1974 in Osmanbey, Istanbul. He graduated from Marmara University Faculty of Medicine in 1997, which he started in 1991. In the same year, he started his specialization in Marmara University Neurosurgery Department. He graduated in 2002 with the title of Neurosurgery Specialist. After getting his specialization, he did his military service as a Neurosurgeon Specialist at Gülhane Military Medical Academy Haydarpaşa Hospital. During this period, he also had a microsurgery education at GATA Ankara Microsurgery Laboratories with an official assignment. Subsequently, Kartal Dr. He completed his compulsory service at Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital.

He worked at Avicenna Ataşehir Hospital for seven years. Meanwhile, he also served as a member of the board of directors of the Nervous System Association. He went to the 29 Mayıs Hospital of the Turkish Religious Foundation. Later, he returned to the state for a period, first at Maltepe State Hospital, then with its new name Kartal Dr. He worked at Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital.

In 2020, he left the state again and started to work as a Neurosurgeon Specialist and Deputy Chief Physician at Academic Hospital.

After receiving the title of Associate Professor of Neurosurgery in 2021, he left his administrative duty to focus on academic studies. Currently, he is a faculty member at Galata University Faculty of Health Sciences and a member of the Beykent University Faculty of Medicine Advisory Board.

Although he provides professional service in all areas of Neurosurgery, the areas he prefers to work with are spine surgery, pediatric neurosurgery, peripheral neurosurgery, and tumor surgery.

He has been accepting patients at Hisar Intercontinental Hospital since October 2022.