Page 5 - Best Brain MRI doctors in Turkey: TOP 120 doctors

Dr. Mehmet Tonge is a neurosurgeon with expertise in Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. He specializes in MR Guided Focused Ultrasound, deep brain stimulation, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, and surgery for movement disorders, pain, and spasticity.

Dr. Tonge has published 32 articles in international and national journals and written 12 book chapters. He has presented 92 oral and poster presentations and delivered 41 invited lectures. He completed a Deep Brain Stimulation Fellowship at Maastricht University and finished the 4-year EANS training cycle. Dr. Tonge is known for his research and clinical work in functional neurosurgery.

Education:

Medical Specialization

Hacettepe University 2017 - 2007

Medical Specialization (Minor)

Ufuk University 2011 - 2009

Doctorate

Ankara University 2021 - 2000

Undergraduate

Ankara University 2006

Experience: 

Research Assistant

Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Institute, Ankara University

September 01, 2009 - October 08, 2021

Research Assistant

Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University

February 27, 2014 - February 28, 2017

Research Assistant

Dr. Ridvan Ege Health Research and Application Center, Ufuk University

November 27, 2007 - December 09, 2011

Specializations

Brain Tumors

Aneurysm Surgery

Pituitary Surgery

Spine Surgery

Waist neck and back hernias

Spine Tumors

Spinal Fractures

Peripheral Nerve Surgery

Specializations

Micro Surgical Lumbar and Cervical Disc Herniation Treatment

Scoliosis Surgery and Treatment

Brain and Spine Tumors

Spine Fracture Treatment

Spinal Canal Narrowing Surgery

Lumbar Slipping Surgery and Treatment

Specializations

Endoscopic Closed Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery

Surgical Treatment for Spine Fractures

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Cervical and Lumbar Herniations

Dr. Evren Sandal is a specialist in Brain and Neurosurgery. He completed his medical degree at Ege University Faculty of Medicine. He finished his neurosurgery training in 2015. Dr. Sandal focuses on skull base, craniocervical junction, and neurovascular surgery. He has extensive experience in these fields.

Dr. Sandal has worked at the Health Sciences University Tepecik Training and Research Hospital. He also contributed to laboratory and clinical studies in skull base and cerebral bypass surgery at the University of Wisconsin, USA. He has collaborated with experts such as Prof. Dr. M. Sedat Çağlı and Prof. Başkaya. These experiences have strengthened his skills in complex neurosurgical procedures.

Dr. Ela Simay Zengin is a neurologist. She completed her medical training at Dokuz Eylül University, Başkent University, and Acıbadem University. She has worked at Bitlis Tatvan, Sirnak, and Cizre State Hospitals.

Dr. Zengin treats Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, migraines, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. She uses advanced treatments, including apomorphine pump therapy, botulinum toxin injections, and migraine vaccines.

She is a member of the Turkish Neurology Association, American Academy of Neurology, European Academy of Neurology, and International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Dr. Ulvi Samadzade is a neurologist with training from Azerbaijan State Medical University, Gazi University, and Dokuz Eylul University Hospital. He diagnoses and treats neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, movement disorders, stroke, migraine, and multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Samadzade uses advanced treatments, including botulinum toxin injections, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, migraine vaccines, and plasmapheresis. He practices at İzmir University of Economics Medical Point Hospital.

He is a member of several professional organizations. These include the Multiple Sclerosis Research Association, Turkish Neurological Society, European Academy of Neurology, and the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS).

Dr. Alper Karaoglan is a Professor of Neurosurgery at Memorial Bodrum Hospital. He has many years of experience in neurosurgery. He worked at Maltepe University Faculty of Medicine and Taksim Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul. Since 2008, he has held the positions of Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor in neurosurgery.

Dr. Karaoglan is a member of the Turkish Medical Association and the Turkish Neurosurgical Society. He has received several awards. These include the Best Paper Award at the Turkish Neurosurgical Society Scientific Congress in 2005 for his research on resveratrol’s protective effects after subarachnoid hemorrhage, and the Young Neurosurgeon Encouragement Award in 2008.

Education and Expertise

1988: Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Medical Education, Istanbul

1996: Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic, Neurosurgery Specialist Training, Istanbul

Experience

1989 to 1996: Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic, Assistant Doctor, Istanbul

1996 to 1999: Private Respect Hospital, Specialist Doctor and Chief Physician, Istanbul

2000 to 2002: Bakırköy Mental and Neurological Diseases Training and Research Hospital, 1st Neurosurgery Clinic, Specialist Doctor, Istanbul

2002 to 2010: Ministry of Health Pendik State Hospital, Specialist Doctor, Istanbul

2008 to 2009: Participation in "Spinal Surgery Program" at Istanbul American Hospital Neurosurgery Clinic. Fellowship Days: 01.05.2008 - 31.12.2009

2010 to 2011: University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Santa Monica Hospital Center for Spinal Surgery (Comprehensive Spine Center), Researcher (Fellow), California, USA

2011: Associate Professor

2014: Virginia University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain and Neurosurgery, Visiting Faculty Member, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

2012 to 2016: Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain and Neurosurgery, Istanbul

2016 to 2018: Vital Fulya Plaza, Fulya/Beşiktaş/Istanbul

Professional Memberships

-Turkish Neurosurgery Association
-Turkish Neurosurgery Association, Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Teaching and Training Group
-Turkish Spine Association
-AO Spine International
-Society for Minimal Intervention in Spinal Surgery
-Turkish Neurosurgery Association, Surgical Neurosurgery Group
-Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)

 

Education & Academic Background

GATA School of Military Medicine – Medical Degree

GATA Haydarpaşa Training Hospital, Neurosurgery Clinic – Specialization in Neurosurgery

Beykent University – Master’s Degree in Hospital and Health Institutions Management

Professional Experience

GATA Military Medical Faculty – Internship in General Medicine 

Samsun Field (Sahra) Medical School Command – Physician 

Naval Command, Combat Fleet, TCG Effort – Medical Officer 

Submarine Battery Factory Infirmary, Turkish Naval Forces – Physician

Shipyard Command Infirmary, Turkish Naval Forces – Physician 

GATA Haydarpaşa Training Hospital – Chief Assistant, Neurosurgery Department 

Kasımpaşa Marine Hospital – Chief of Neurosurgery Clinic 

Bahçelievler Medical Park Hospital – Neurosurgery Specialist

Altınbaş University Faculty of Medicine – Neurosurgery Lecturer

Altınbaş University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery – Faculty Member 

Certifications & Courses

-Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BLS & ACLS) Courses

-GATA Military Medicine Faculty – Microsurgery Training Course

-Istanbul Vatan Hospital – Hand Surgery & Microsurgery Course

-Neuroanatomy Course

-Spine Surgery Course

Professional Memberships 

-Turkish Neurosurgery Association 
-Spine Society of Europa
-Turkish Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group

Research & Publications

Transpedicular fixation application in thoracic and lumbar stabilization, results and complications.
Yayla O, Demircan MN, Kutlay M, Çolak A, Seçer HI, Kıbıcı K, Tosyalı L, Akın ON, Alkan K. GATA Bulletin.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on histopathological changes in acute period after crush trauma in rabbit sciatic nerve.
Akın ON, Kutlay M, Demirel D, Kıbıcı K, Elbüken E. J Atatürk Univ Med Fac.

Early diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of delayed traumatic intracerebral hematomas.
Kutlay M, Kıbıcı K, Demircan MN. Natl J Trauma.

Traumatic delayed epidural hematomas: Retrospective analysis of 7 new cases and 48 from literature.
Kutlay M, Çolak A, Kıbıcı K, Demircan MN, Akın ON. Natl J Trauma 1998.

Single vertebral body screw-rod or plate fixation for ventral thoracic spine lesions.
Kutlay M, Çolak A, Demircan MN, Akın ON, Kıbıcı K, Seçer HI, Tosyalı L. Turk Neurosurg 1999.

Peripheral nerve schwannomas.
Kutlay M, Çolak A, Akın ON, Demircan MN, Kıbıcı K, Topuz K, Başekim Ç, Demirel D. Turk J Neurosurg  1999.

Epidemiological study of traumatic spinal cord injuries.
Kutlay A, Kıbıcı K, Demircan MN. GATA Bulletin  1999.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment on fetal spinal cord grafts: Preliminary study.
Kutlay M, Çolak A, Demircan MN, Akın ON, Kıbıcı K, Dündar K, Yıldırım Ş. Turk Neurosurg, 1999.

Corpus callosum lipomas with frontal subcutaneous lipomas.
Çolak A, Kutlay M, Başekim Ç, Kıbıcı K, Demircan MN. Gülhane Med J,  2000.

Morphometric study with image analysis system in meningiomas.
Kıbıcı K, Kutlay M, Çolak A, Demircan MN, Akın ON, Baloğlu H. Turk J Neurosurg, 2003.

Morton Neuroma with Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Case report.
Kıbıcı K, Demircan MN, Kıral A, Çolak A, Kutlay M, Akın ON. Turk J Neurosurg, 2006.

Carpal tunnel surgery with mini open technique: Functional results.
Kıbıcı K. Turk J Neurosurg, 2010.

Surgical treatment of common peroneal nerve entrapment: Clinical study.
Kıbıcı K. Turk J Neurosurg,  2010.

Cauda equina syndrome after sacrum transverse fracture: Case report.
Köksal V, Kıbıcı K. Turk J Neurosurg,  2010.

Schwannoma from sensory sural nerve: Case report.
Köksal V, Kıbıcı K. Erciyes Med J,  2013.

Clinical analysis of wrist drop due to radial tunnel syndrome.
Köksal V, Kıbıcı K, Kırbaş S. Indian J Med Res Pharm Sci,  2016.

Spinal subdural hematoma after minimally invasive lumbar discectomy.
Kıbıcı K, Atca AÖ, Erok B, Gültekin MZ. J Clin Rev Case Rep,  2019.

Rare variant of vertebral artery originating from external carotid artery.
Kıbıcı K, Atca AÖ, Erok B. J Clin Rev Case Rep,  2019.

Minimally invasive surgical treatment of piriformis syndrome.
Kıbıcı K, Atca AÖ, Erok B. J Clin Rev Case Rep,  2019.

Large suprasellar psammomatous meningioma: A rare variant.
Erok B, Kıbıcı K, Kaya RA. Pak J Radiol,  2020.

Large pericallosal lipoma after traumatic head injury: Case report.
Erok B, Kıbıcı K, Atca AÖ. Pak J Radiol,  2020.

Fungating orbital mass as presentation of retinoblastoma.
Kıbıcı K, Erok B, Akın O. J Acad Res Med, 2020.

Ligamentum flavum hematoma with L5-S1 pars defect: Case report.
Kıbıcı K, Erok B, Akın O. Indian J Neurosurg,  2020.

Radiation-induced brachial plexopathy in breast cancer: Surgical role.
Kıbıcı K, Erok B, Atca AÖ. Indian J Neurosurg, , 2020.

Drop foot due to peroneal intraneural ganglion: Case report.
Kıbıcı K, Erok B, Akın O. Indian J Neurosurg,  2020.

Surgical decompression of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in meralgia paresthetica.
Kıbıcı K, Erok B, Atca AÖ. Indian J Neurosurg,  2020.

Pulmonary cavitation in COVID-19: Primary or secondary?
Erok B, Kıbıcı K, Atca AÖ. Afr J Respir Med,  2020.

Posterior dynamic stabilization for bilateral L5 pars defect.
Kıbıcı K, Erok B. Turk Neurosurg, , 2020.

Incidental MRI appearance of COVID-19 pneumonia.
Atca AÖ, Erok B, Kıbıcı K. Afr J Respir Med,  2020.

Orbital rhabdomyosarcoma in Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
Erok B, Kıbıcı K. Eur J Clin Exp Med,  2021.

Chest CT features of progressive COVID-19 pneumonia.
Erok B, Atca AÖ, Kıbıcı K. Acta Med Mediterr, 2021.

Academic Details

Faculty / University
19 Mayis University, Faculty of Medicine, Samsun – Turkey

Date of Graduation
1992

Postgraduate Training
Institution: Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri – Turkey
Supervisor in Charge of Training: Mustafa Ozturk
Training Period: From 1993 to 1998
Title of Thesis: Evaluation of Lower Extremity Artery-Occlusive Disease by MR Angiography

Accreditation

Radiology Specialist: 1998, The Ministry of Health of Turkey

Associate Professor: 2003, Interuniversity Committee

Academic Experience

Residency: Department of Radiology, Erciyes University, Kayseri – Turkey (1993 to 1998)

Private Practice: Maternal and Children Hospital, Sivas – Turkey (1998–2000)

Academic Positions:

2000 to 2003: Assistant Professor of Radiology, Firat University, Elazig – Turkey

2003 to 2009: Associate Professor of Radiology, Firat University, Elazig – Turkey

2009 to 2010: Professor of Radiology, Firat University, Elazig – Turkey

2010 to 2015: Professor of Radiology, Chairman, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul – Turkey

2015 to 2016: Professor of Radiology, Chairman, Yeditepe University, Istanbul – Turkey

2017 to Present: Professor of Radiology, Interventional Radiology Unit, Bahçelievler Medical Park Hospital, Altınbaş University, Istanbul – Turkey

Fellowship

Institution: Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Duration:  2004 to 2005

Position: Research Fellow – Ultrasound & CT (Body)

Professional Memberships

-Turkish Society of Radiology

-Medical Ultrasound Society of Turkey

-Turkish Society of Radiology, Abdominal Radiology Study Group

-ESGAR – European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (Fellow)

-ESUR – European Society of Urogenital Radiology (Fellow)

-ESR – European Society of Radiology

-Turkish Society of Magnetic Resonance

-Turkish Society of Radiology, Urogenital Radiology Study Group

-Turkish Society of Interventional Radiology

-Korean Society of Radiology (International Member)

-Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) – Corresponding Member

Prizes and Awards

European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2002, Vienna – Image Interpretation, 3rd Prize

Interpretation Corner of European Radiology 2003 – 2nd Prize

Cases of the Day – ESGAR 2007, Lisbon, Portugal – 2nd Prize

Cases of the Day – ESGAR 2009, Valencia, Spain – 1st Prize

Dr. Zuhal Cakmak Peksen is a Family Medicine Specialist since 2017. She earned her MD from Çukurova University in 2010. She completed specialty training at Yüzüncü Yıl University between 2013 and 2017. She is currently studying for a bachelor’s degree in Health Management at Anadolu University (2024–present).

She has 15 years of clinical practice (2010–2025) across 8 institutions. Her experience includes research in Family Medicine (2013–2017) and work at several Family Health Centers. Since 2020, she has served at TOKİ Avrupa Family Health Center in Gaziosmanpaşa, Istanbul.

Dr. Irfan Cicin is a Professor of Medical Oncology at the Trakya University Faculty of Medicine (2015–present). He has over 20 years of medical oncology experience and has held academic roles since 2010.

Education: MD, Istanbul University – Cerrahpaşa (1991–1997). Residency in Internal Medicine, Trakya University (1997–2002). Fellowship in Medical Oncology, Trakya University (2002–2004).

Practice: Medical Oncologist, Trakya University (2005–2008). Medical Oncologist, Elazığ Training and Research Hospital (2008–2010). Associate Professor of Medical Oncology, Trakya University (2010–2015). He previously served as a physician in the Turkish Air Force at Etimesgut Military Hospital (2004–2005).

Dr. Muhammed Mustafa Atci is an Associate Professor of Medical Oncology at İstinye University, Liv Hospital Topkapı (2025–present). He previously served as Associate Professor and Education Coordinator at Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu City Hospital (2023–2025). He was also a Medical Oncologist there (2018–2021).

He has been a member of ASCO and the Turkish Society of Medical Oncology since 2018. He is the author or co-author of 19 peer-reviewed international papers on colon, breast, gastric, pancreatic, lung, thyroid, sarcoma, and colorectal cancers.

Notable works include a multicentre study on stage IIB colon cancer survival (Journal of Chemotherapy). He also studied the De Ritis ratio for lung metastasis in testicular cancer (Current Urology). His prognostic studies used PET/CT, MSI, lymph node ratio, and metabolic tumor volume.

Assoc. Prof. Atakan Topçu, M.D., is a medical oncologist at Medipol University and Medipol Acıbadem Regional Hospital. He treats solid tumors, including lung, breast, colorectal, gastric, and neuroendocrine cancers. His work also covers targeted therapies, immunotherapy, geriatric oncology, and cancer-related malnutrition, cachexia, and sarcopenia.

He has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed papers. Recent work includes a 2024 Frontiers in Medicine study on geriatric syndromes and a 2023 Future Oncology paper on sarcopenia and anxiety in lung cancer. He has also published on the CONUT score in breast cancer and on malnutrition in HER2-negative metastatic gastric cancer.

Dr. Topçu serves on the Editorial Board of BMC Cancer. He is a member of the Turkish Society of Medical Oncology, ESMO, and the Turkish Geriatrics Society. Education and training: M.D., Uludağ University; residency in Internal Medicine, Marmara University; fellowship in Medical Oncology, Bezmialem Vakıf University.

Dr. Ayhan Kaya is a neurosurgeon who speaks English. He graduated from the Dicle University Faculty of Medicine in 1991. He completed his neurosurgery specialization in 2003. He provides surgical care using advanced microsurgical techniques.

Expertise: spinal surgery (herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, spinal trauma). Brain tumor surgery (microsurgical removal of benign and malignant tumors). Cerebrovascular surgery (aneurysms, AVMs, vascular malformations). Traumatic brain and spine injuries (emergency and reconstructive). Peripheral nerve surgery (entrapments and injuries). He offers patient-centered, safe, and personalized care.

Dr. Buse Cagla Ari, MD, is an Associate Professor of Neurology. She specializes in Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, headache disorders, sleep disorders, and dementia. She works at Istanbul Medipol University and the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center (PARMER). She previously served as an Assistant Professor at Bahcesehir University.

Her research focuses on Parkinson’s disease biomarkers, cognition, uric acid and cholesterol associations, restless legs syndrome, and complex headaches. This includes a 13-patient case series. She has published 15 international and 4 Turkish papers and 5 book chapters. Her work has 147 citations on Google Scholar (h-index 5) and 91 citations on Web of Science (h-index 5).

She is a member of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society, the International Headache Society, and the Turkish Parkinson’s Disease Society. She serves as a peer reviewer for SAGE Open Medical Case Reports, BMC Neurology, and Parkinsonism & Related Disorders.

Dr. Inci Emekli is a neurologist at PARMER, Istanbul Medipol University (2025–). She specializes in Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders. She completed her neurology residency at Istanbul University (2015–2020). She then completed a neurology fellowship at Karabuk University (2020–2023) and movement disorders training at Michigan State University (2023–2024).

Her publications include an accepted article in Movement Disorders on the Head Snap Sign, a 2024 World Neurosurgery article on gender inequality in leadership, and a 2021 Parkinsonism & Related Disorders paper on hereditary Parkinson’s in Turkey. She delivered an oral presentation in 2022 on COVID‑19’s impact on carpal tunnel surgery. She also co‑authored a neurology chapter on hyperlipidemia in 2021.

Accreditation: Fellow of the Turkish Board of Neurology (2019–). Memberships: Turkish Society of Neurology (2016–) and European Academy of Neurology (2019–).