Best Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery neurologists in Istanbul: TOP 33 doctors

• Uses Microelectrode Recording and Stimulation in deep brain stimulation surgery.
• Trained in Germany, Spain, Great Britain, Israel, Belgium, USA.
• Over 1,300 successful deep brain stimulation surgeries performed.
• Member of European Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery.
• Certified by the European Board of Neurosurgery.

Education and Specialization:

• Medical Degree: Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine (1991-1998)
• Specialization in Neurosurgery: Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Medicine (1999-2005)
• Associate Professorship: (2015)
• Professorship: (2020)

Professional Experience:

• 2007-2008: Ankara GATA
• 2009-2011: Özel Ordu Medical Park Hospital
• 2011-2013: Ankara Keçiören Training and Research Hospital
• 2013-2015: Giresun University Faculty of Medicine
• 2014: Clinical Observer at Helsinki University Central Hospital
• 2015-2023: Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Medicine
• Current Position: Neurosurgeon at VM Medical Park Pendik Hospital

Areas of Expertise:

• Brain Aneurysm and Repair
• Brain Tumor/Cancer Surgery
• Spinal Canal Stenosis Surgery
• Lumbar and Cervical Disc Herniation
• Spinal Cord Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery
• Pediatric Neurosurgery
• Congenital Anomalies

Research and Publications: Prof. Dr. Arslan has numerous publications in prestigious journals, covering topics such as the treatment of brain and spinal tumors, innovative neurosurgical techniques, and outcomes of neurosurgical interventions. His work includes studies on brain ischemia/reperfusion injury, spinal cord ischemia, and various other neurosurgical conditions.

Professional Memberships:

• Turkish Neurosurgery Association
• Turkish Society of Neurological Surgery

Medical Area of Interest and Activities 

Functional Neurosurgery (Parkinson’s, Deep Brain Stimulation) 

Brain and Spinal tumors 

Spinal degenerative diseases Education 

Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine 

Trakya University Faculty of Medicine Brain and Nerve Surgery

Experience 

Ankara Gülhane Military Medical Academy Brain and Nerve Surgery 

Osmaniye State Hospital 

Bolu State Hospital 

Private Taksim German Hospital 

Taksim Training and Research Hospital 

Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine Brain and Nerve Surgery 

Liv Hospital Ulus

Memberships 

Turkish Neurosurgery Society 

Turkish Medical Association

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.

• Specializes in functional neurosurgery, including deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery.
• Trained in the USA and Turkey at top institutions for neurosurgery.
• Certified in functional neurosurgery and Gamma Knife procedures.
• Member of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society Stereotactic Functional and Epilepsy Surgery Group.
• Awarded the Young Neurosurgeon Award by the German Society of Neurosurgery in 2014.

Education and Expertise

1998 - 2005 - Marmara University Faculty of Medicine

1998 - 2005 - Marmara University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul

(Head of the Department: Prof Dr Türker KILIÇ)

2011 - 2012 - Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA (Director: Murat Günel MD. PhD., Professor of Neurosurgery)Cerebrovascular Research Fellowship

Professional Memberships

2014 + Turkish Neurosurgery Association

2017 + Turkish Spine Association

2018 + AOSpine

Awards

Turkish Neurosurgery Society 31st Scientific Congress “Prof. Dr. Hamit Ziya Gökalp Young Neurosurgeon Encouragement First Prize”, Antalya, 2017.

Courses and Certificates

1. Member of the Organizing Committee; 12. National Neuroscience Congress, Bahçeşehir University, 28-31 May 2014

2. Member of the Organizing Committee; 11. ASNO 'Skull-base Anatomy Course', 11-14 September 2014, Istanbul

3. Instructor / Member of the Organizing Committee; Neurosurgery Course Series – 4 /Prof. Dr. Evandro de Oliveira Skull Base Course 2, Prof. Rhoton Anatomy Lab BAU Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, 2015.

4. Member of the Organizing Committee; International Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery Microelectrode Recording Cadaver Course, Rhoton Anatomy Lab BAU Faculty of Medicine, 6-7 February 2015 Istanbul.

5. Organization Officer; TND Istanbul Meetings, Istanbul, 2015-2016

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.

2002-2007 Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Department of Brain and Nerve Surgery

1988-1995 Trakya University Faculty of Medicine

2015- Atlas University Medicine Hospital

2014-2015 Private Pendik Yüzyıl Hospital Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic

2009-2014 Medicine Hospital Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic

2009-2009 Nisa Hospital Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic

2007-2009 Mardin State Hospital Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic

2002-2007 Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Brain and Neurosurgery

1997-2001 Enez Health Center and Enez State Hospital

Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Disc Surgery (endoscopic/microsurgery)

Far lateral (non-canal) lumbar disc surgery (lateral microsurgical approach)

Neurovascular surgery

Cerebrovascular diseases (vascular diseases of the brain)

Aneurysms

Arteriovenous malformations

Cavernomas

Neuro-oncological surgery

Brain tumors

Glial tumors

Meningiomas

Pituitary gland tumors

Metastatic brain tumors

Skull base tumors

Pontocerebellar angle tumors

Pineal tumors

Intraventricular tumors

Spinal disease surgery

Cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine fractures

Spine and spinal cord tumors

Scoliosis

Degenerative spine diseases

Peripheral nerve disease surgery

Peripheral nerve tumors

Entrapment neuropathies

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Ulnar groove syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Functional neurosurgery and pain surgery

Trigeminal neuralgia

Microvascular decompression

Epilepsy surgery

Spasticity surgery

Epiduroscopic interventions

Hydrocephalus surgeries

Endoscopic 3rd ventriculostomy

VP shunt surgeries

LP shunt surgeries

Developmental anomalies

Meningomyelocele

Tethered cord syndrome

Arachnoid cyst

Craniosynostosis surgeries

Chiari malformation

Head trauma

Subdural hematomas

Intracerebral hematomas

Article published in internationally refereed journals

Cansever T, Civelek E, Sencer A, Karasu A, Kiris T, Hepgül K, Can H, Canbolat A: Spinal cavernous malformations: a report of 5 cases. Surg Neurol Jun 69 

Effects of combined and individual use of N-methyl-D aspartate receptor antagonist magnesium sulphate and caspase-9 inhibitor z-LEDH-fmk experimental spinal cord injury. A.Sencer, A.Aydoseli, Y.Aras, M.Osman Akçakaya, C.Gömleksiz, H.Can, A.Canbolat. Turkısh Joumal of Trauma&Emergency Surgery 2013

Aydoseli A, Can H, Aras Y, Sabanci PA, Akcakaya MO, Unal OF. Memantine and Q-VD-OPh Treatments in Experimental Spinal Cord Injury: Combined Inhibition of Necrosis and Apoptosis. Turk Neurosurg. 2016

Can H, Kircelli A, Kavadar G, Civelek E, Cansever T, Aydoseli A, Onal MB, Yilmaz C. Lumbosacral Conjoined Root Anomaly: Anatomical Considerations of Exiting Angles and Root Thickness. Turk Neurosurg. 2017

Kırcelli A, Özel Ö, Can H, Sarı R, Cansever T, Elmacı İ. Is the presence of linear fracture a predictor of delayed posterior fossa epidural hematoma? Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2016 Jul

Kavadar G, Demircioğlu DT, Can H, Emre TY, Civelek E, Senyigit A. The clinical factors associated with benefit finding of complementary medicine use in patients with back pain: A cross-sectional study with cluster analysis. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2017

Ozer AF, Suzer T, Can H, Falsafi M, Aydin M, Sasani M, Oktenoglu T. Anatomic Assessment of Variations in Kambin’s Triangle: A Surgical and Cadaver Study. World Neurosurg. 2017 Apr

Can H, Aydoseli A, Gömleksiz C, Göker B, Altunrende ME, Dolgun M, Sencer A. Combined and individual use of pancaspase inhibitor Q-VD-OPh and NMDA receptor antagonist riluzole in experimental spinal cord injury. Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2017

Gomleksiz C, Erbulut DU, Can H, Kodigudla MK, Kelkar AV, Kasapoglu E, Ozer AF, Goel VK. A new lumbar fixation device alternative to pedicle-based stabilization for lumbar spine: In vitro cadaver investigation. J Spinal Cord Med. 2018 Jul 16:1-8.

Aydoseli A, Özgen U, Akgül T, Orhan EK, Adıyaman AE, Can H, Karadağ C. Subacute Traumatic Ascending Myelopathy in a 28-year-old man: A rare case. World Neurosurg. 2019 Apr 28

Article published in national refereed journals

1) Intracranial Hemangioblastomas: Clinical Evaluation of 32 Patients T. Cansever, A. Karasu, K. Hepgül, H. Can, A. Sencer Turkish Neurosurgical Journal 2007, Volume:17 

2) Halil Can, Müge Dolgun, Utku Özgen, Cengiz Gömleksiz, Furkan Diren, Aydın Aydoseli, Yavuz Aras, Altay Sencer. Microsurgical Results in Vestibular Schwannoma Patients; Retrospective Clinical Study. JAREM 2019

3) Furkan Diren , Özcan Gayretli , Halil Can , İlke Ali Gürses , Orhan Barlas. Examination of Pons-Cerebellum Cisterna Anatomy with Endoscopic Retrosigmoid Suboccipital Approach: Cadaver Study. JAREM 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.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2019-present: Department of Neurosurgery, Florence Nightingale Hospitals affiliated to Demiroglu Bilim University Medical Faculty, Istanbul/Turkey. Associate Professor

2017-2019: Department of Neurosurgery, Liv Hospital Ulus affiliated to Istinye University Medical Faculty, Istanbul/Turkey. Associate Professor

2016-2017: Department of Neurosurgery, Liv Hospital Ulus affiliated to Istinye University Medical Faculty, Istanbul/Turkey. Assistant Professor

2015-present: Department of Neurosurgery, Liv Hospital Ulus, Istanbul/Turkey. Attending Neurosurgeon

2013-2015: Department of Neurosurgery, GOP Taksim Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul/Turkey. Attending Neurosurgeon

2006-2012: Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul/Turkey. Resident

EDUCATION 

October 2017-March 2018: Clinical Fellowship on Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover/Germany (Professor Joachim K. Krauss M.D, Ph.D)

January-April 2010: Clinical Fellowship on Microsurgery of Peripheral Nerves and Brachial Plexus, Division of Peripheral Nerve Reconstruction, Department of Neurosurgery, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, affiliated to Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv/Israel (Professor Shimon Rochkind M.D, Ph.D)

2006-2012: Resident at Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul/Turkey

2005-2006: Resident at Department of Anatomy, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul/Turkey

1999-2005: Istanbul School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul/Turkey GPA: 3.17/4.00

1991-1999: Istanbul Erkek Lisesi (High School), Istanbul/Turkey GPA: 4.47 / 5.00

Assoc. Prof. Ozdogan, M.D., Ph.D., completed his education at Yeditepe University Health Sciences Institute in the Molecular Medicine Doctorate Program under Prof. Dr. Turgay İsbir, and he also studied at Saint Louis University in Arkansas, USA, with Prof. Dr. M. Gazi Yasargil. He pursued a Clinical Fellowship in Brain and Nerve Surgery at Yeditepe University Hospital, guided by Prof. Dr. Yasargil and Prof. Dr. Uğur Türe. Additionally, he underwent specialization training at Ufuk University Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Medicine at Gazi University, and completed his secondary education at İçel Anatolian High School.

Professionally, he has held various positions, including Faculty Member in the Department of Neurosurgery at Haliç University, and Associate Professor at Private Adatip Istanbul Hospital and Biruni University Hospital. He has also served as an Associate Professor at S.B.U. Kartal, Sancaktepe, and Istanbul Training and Research Hospitals, and worked as a Chief Assistant at S.B.U. Gaziosmanpaşa Taksim and Kartal Training and Research Hospitals. His earlier roles include Specialist Doctor at S.B.U. Baltalimanı Bone Diseases Hospital and Mus State Hospital, as well as Clinical Fellow at Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine Hospital.

Assoc. Prof. Özdoğan is a member of several professional associations, including the Turkish Neurosurgery Association, Turkish Spine Association, and the Turkish Neurosurgery Society’s Neuroanatomy, Neurovascular, and Neurooncology Groups. He is also affiliated with the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies.

Prof. Yaşar Kütükçü is a neurologist with an education from Gülhane Askeri Tıp Akademisi Medical School and University of California San Francisco. He is a member of Turkish Neurology Society, Parkinson’s Disease Society and International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society and specializes in Neurophysiology (Deep Brain Stimulation) and movement disorders treatment.

Education and Expertise

GATA Military Medical Faculty

GATA Haydarpaşa Training Hospital Neurosurgery Clinic (Specialization)

Beykent University Hospital and Health Institutions Management (Master's)

Experience

GATA Military Medical Faculty Trainee Doctor (6 months)

Samsun Sahara Medical School Comm. (3 months)

Naval Command War Squadron TCG Diligence Medical Officer (2 years)

Dz.K.K. Submarine Battery Factory Infirmary Doctor (3 months)

Naval Forces Command Infirmary Doctor (3 months)

GATA Haydarpaşa Training Hospital Chief Assistant (12 years)

Kasımpaşa Marine Hospital Neurosurgery Clinic Chief (5 years)

Bahçelievler Medical Park Hospital Neurosurgery Specialist (11 years)

Altınbaş University Faculty of Medicine Neurosurgery Lecturer. Member (4 years)

Altınbaş University Faculty of Medicine Head of Neurosurgery Department. (3 years)

Basic and Advanced Cardiac life support courses (BASIC)

Basic and Advanced Cardiac life support courses (ADVANCED)

GATA Military Medical Faculty. Microsurgery Training Course

Istanbul Vatan Hospital Hand surgery microsurgery course

Neuroanatomy course

Spine Surgery course

Professional Memberships

Turkish Neurosurgery Association

Spine Society of Europe

Turkish Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group