Page 2 - Best spinal surgeons in Turkey: TOP 43 doctors

Prof. Dr. Ilhan Elmaci is a leading neurosurgeon. He is known for his skill in brain and spinal surgeries, neurooncology, and skull base surgery. He has worked at top institutions such as Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Elmaci has introduced new techniques in microsurgery and endoscopic skull base surgery.

He is the founding chairman of the Skull Base Society in Turkey. He is also an active member of the European Skull Base Society. Dr. Elmaci has helped advance neurosurgery through teamwork across specialties. He led Turkey’s first EANS-accredited neurosurgery clinic. He also holds accreditations from the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies.

Dr. Elmaci has published over 110 scientific papers and given more than 250 presentations at congresses. His work continues to influence neurosurgical practice and patient care around the world.

Prof. Dr. Salih Murat İmer is a neurosurgeon with over 30 years of experience. He founded and led the Neurosurgery Department at Okan University Hospital. He has written 68 scientific articles and contributed to 9 book chapters. Dr. İmer has also presented at 33 international congresses, showing his influence in neurosurgery worldwide.

Dr. İmer holds advanced certifications in functional and stereotactic neurosurgery, Leksell Gamma Knife radiosurgery, and endoscopic spine surgery. He received specialized training in several European countries. He has worked with leading experts such as Prof. Matti Vapalahti and Prof. Juha Hernesniemi. Through these collaborations, he has helped improve neurosurgical practice and education around the world.

Dr. Derya Zengin Metli is a physician specialized in physical therapy and rehabilitation. She graduated from Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine. Her practice includes physical therapy and physiotherapy services. She also consults in English.

Her clinical scope includes musculoskeletal rehabilitation for back, neck, and joint pain, and herniated discs. She provides neurological rehabilitation for stroke and multiple sclerosis. She also offers post-surgical rehabilitation after orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures, sports injury prevention and treatment, and chronic pain management for fibromyalgia and arthritis.

Education

University of Wisconsin Clinic of Neurosurgery (2017, Madison/USA)
Bakırköy Psychiatric Hospital (2014, Istanbul/Turkey)
Mersin University Faculty of Medicine (2007, Mersin/Turkey)

Experience

Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital (2014-2021, Istanbul/Turkey)
Istanbul Bakırköy Mental and Neurological Diseases Hospital (2008-2014, Istanbul/Turkey)
Çorlu State Hospital (2007-2008, Çorlu/Turkey)

• In 2014, I completed my specialty training in the Department of Neurosurgery at Istanbul Bakırköy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Training and Research Hospital and started to work as a specialist in Neurosurgery at Istanbul Health Sciences University Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital,
• In 2017, I was a visiting scholar at the University of Wisconsin Department of Neurosurgery/ Madison USA.
• In 2021, I received the title of associate professor.
• In December 2021, I left Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, where I worked for 7.5 years, and started working at Biruni University Hospital.
•  

Scientific Memeberships

Turkish Neurosurgical Society
Turkish Spine Society
EUROSPINE
Turkish Medical Association

Dr. Halil Olgun Peker is a neurosurgeon with 19 years of experience. He specializes in scoliosis, spinal canal stenosis, neck hernia, neuro-oncology, and complex spine disorders. Dr. Peker has managed many difficult cases and has helped improve neurosurgical techniques and patient care.

He is a member of the Turkish Medical Association and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. The Ministry of Health in Sirnak awarded him a Certificate of Achievement for his service. Dr. Peker often presents his work at international conferences, showing his dedication to neurosurgery.

Experience

2019 – 2019

• University of Insubria, Varese, Italy, 

Insubria University Faculty of Medicine

2015

• MERSİN UNIVERSITY/FACULTY OF MEDICINE, DOCTOR, LECTURER

2013 – 2015

• ANKARA PRIVATE ACIBADEM HOSPITAL

2010 – 2012

• DIYARBAKIR TRAINING AND RESEARCH HOSPITAL,

2002 – 2003

• AYDIN 1ST PRIVATE TRAINING BATTALION
•  

Education

2010

• ANKARA UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF MEDICINE, BRAIN AND SURGERY SPECIALIST

1992

• GAZI UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF MEDICINE

Dr. Azmi Hamzaoglu is a leading spine surgeon with 36 years of experience in orthopedics and traumatology. He founded the Istanbul Scoliosis and Spine Center, the first facility in Turkey focused on spine surgery.

Dr. Hamzaoglu has performed thousands of complex surgeries, such as discectomy, kyphoplasty, scoliosis correction, and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. He is known for developing new surgical techniques and has played a key role in improving spine care in Turkey.

He is a member of the Turkish Medical Association. He has also held important academic and clinical leadership positions, showing his dedication to high standards and patient care in spine surgery.

A graduate of Marmara University Faculty of Medicine (Ing), one of the most established educational institutions of our country, Op.Dr. Yusuf BAYRAM completed his specialty education at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of Umraniye Training and Research Hospital of Health Sciences University in Istanbul.

It successfully performs arthroscopic (closed) knee, shoulder and ankle surgeries; general orthopedic applications other than Knee, Shoulder and Hip replacements and all orthopedic trauma surgeries.

He is particularly interested in the diagnosis, treatment and surgery of spinal diseases (Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Spinal fractures, Herniated disc, Slipped waist, Canal stenosis, etc.). It applies current treatment methods safely thanks to experience, knowledge and modern technology.

With more than 1000 surgeries performed so far, he continues his surgical life intensively thanks to positive feedback from patients and his energy.

MEDICAL INTEREST

Spinal Surgery

Arthroscopic (Closed) Knee, Shoulder and Ankle Surgery

Knee, Hip and Shoulder Replacement Surgery

All Orthopedic Traumas

Deformity Surgery

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.

*CURRICULUM VITAE*

*ASSOC. PROF. DR. BURAK ORHAN BORAN*  

Specialist in Neurosurgery  

EDUCATION:

• Turhan and Mediha Tansel Primary School (1979–1984)
• Kültür College (1984–1988)
• Semiha Şakir High School (1988–1991)
• Marmara University Faculty of Medicine (1991–1997)
• Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Neurosurgery Department, Specialist Training (1997–2002)
• Title of Associate Professor in Neurosurgery (May 31, 2021)

ADDITIONAL TRAINING:

- “Visiting Physician”, University of Southern California, Department of Neurosurgery (1998)

- “Microsurgery Training”, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara Training and Research Hospital (2003)

*WORK PLACES:*

- GATA Haydarpaşa Training Research Hospital (2002–2003)

- Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Training Research Hospital (2003–2005)

- Özel Avicenna Ataşehir Hospital (2005–2012)

- Özel 29 Mayıs Hospital (2012–2013)

- Maltepe State Hospital (2013–2018)

- Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital (2018–2020)

- Özel Academic Hospital (2020–2022)

- Hisar Intercontinental Hospital (2022–2024)

- Özel Medipol Acıbadem Regional Hospital (2024-present)

*ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACADEMIC POSITIONS:*

- Board Member of the Society of Neurosurgeons (2006–2009)

- Emergency Service Responsibility at Maltepe State Hospital (2014–2016)

- Assistant Chief Physician at Özel Academic Hospital (2020–2021)

- Member of the Advisory Board at Beykent University Faculty of Medicine (2018–2024)

- Faculty Member at Galata University Faculty of Health Sciences (2022–2024)

- Director of the Continuous Education Center at Galata University (2022–2024)

*PUBLICATIONS IN SCIENCE CITATION INDEX AND SCI EXPANDED:*

- Guculu B, Deniz L, Yuce Y, Adilay U, Aytar H, Turkoglu M, Tiryaki M, Ozdek R, Boran BO: Transformational epidural steroid injection in the treatment of pain in foraminal and parameidan lumbar disc herniations. Turkish Neurosurgery 30: 394-399, 2020.

- Boran P, Tokuc G, Boran BO, Oktem S: Intracerebral hematoma as a complication of intrathecal methotrexate administration. Pediatric Blood & Cancer 50:152-154, 2008.

- Boran BO, Boran P, Barut N, Akgun C, Celikoglu E, Bozbuga M: Evaluation of mild head trauma in pediatric population. Pediatric Neurosurgery 42:203-207, 2006.

- Tokuc G, Boran P, Boran BO: Cleidocranial dysplasia in a mother and her daughter within the scope of neurosurgery. Journal of Neurosurgery (4 Suppl Pediatrics) 104:290-292, 2006.

- Celikoglu E, Boran BO, Bozbuga M: Abscess formation in Rathke’s cleft cyst. Neurology India 54(2):213–214, 2006.

- Bozbuga M, Boran BO, Sahinoğlu K: Surface anatomy of the posterolateral cranium regarding the localization of the initial burr-hole for retrosigmoid approach. Neurosurgical Review 29(1):61–63, 2006.

- Boran BO: Rhombencephalosynapsis: a rare cerebellar malformation. Journal of Neurological Sciences (Turkish) 23(1):46-48, 2006.

- Boran BO, Colak A, Kutlay M: Erythropoietin enhances neurological recovery after experimental spinal cord injury. Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience 23:341–345, 2005.

- Colak A, Boran BO, Kutlay M, Demircan N: A modified technique of syringosubarachnoid shunting for the treatment of syringomyelia. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 12(6):677–679, 2005.

- Bozbuga M, Celikoğlu E, Boran BO: Hydatid cyst of the craniocervical junction: case report. Neurosurgery 57(1):193, 2005.

- Boran BO, Akgün C, Bozbuga M: Calvarial remodeling for the treatment of scaphocephaly in a 4-month-old boy: a technical note. Turkish Neurosurgery 15(1):40-44, 2005.

- Boran BO, Barut N, Akgün C, Çelikoglu E, Bozbuga M: Indications for computed tomography in patients with mild head injuries. Turkish Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 11(3):218–224, 2005.

- Colak A, Kutlay M, Boran BO, Demircan N: Identical twins presenting with hydrocephalus: one with triventricular, and the other tetraventricular hydrocephalus. Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 34:187-189, 2004.

- Kurtkaya O, Elmacı I, Boran BO, Kılıç T, Sav A, Pamir MN: Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor of the midbrain tectum: a case report. Brain Tumor Pathology 19(2):97-100, 2002.

- Elmacı I, Kurtkaya O, Boran BO, Kılıç T, Pamir MN: Gliosarcoma associated with neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report. Tumori 87:60-63, 2001.

- Boran BO, Kılıç T, Peker S, Şengöz M, Erdıvanlı B, Pamir N: Gamma-knife radiosurgery in the management of brain metastases. Turkish Neurosurgery 11:9-17, 2001.

*OTHER INTERNATIONAL PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS:*

- Boran BO, Colak A: Oculomotor nerve palsy due to compression by posterior cerebral artery: case report. Erciyes Medical Journal 29(2):164-167, 2007.

- Bozbuga M, Boran BO, Bayindir C: Tuberculoma of the cavernous sinus. The Internet Journal of Neurosurgery 2(2), 2005.

*PUBLICATIONS IN TURKISH MEDICAL INDEX:*

- Boran BO: Osteoid osteoma of the lumbar spine: case report. Fırat Medical Journal 13(1):71-73, 2008.

- Boran BO: Growing skull fracture: a case operated on eight years later. Inönü University Faculty of Medicine Journal 13(3):185-187, 2006.

- Boran BO: A case report of foot drop following vertebroplasty. Fırat Medical Journal 11(3):185-186, 2006.

- Boran BO, Kızılay G, Bozbuga M: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt dysfunction. Turkish Neurosurgery 15(2):148-151, 2005.

- Boran BO, Dağcınar A, Özek MM: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy role in Dandy-Walker malformation. Kartal Education and Research Hospital Medical Journal 15(1):11-13, 2004.

- Boran BO, Dağcınar A, Özek MM: Repeat endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Kartal Education and Research Hospital Medical Journal 15(1):31-32, 2004.

- Boran BO, Dağcınar A, Özek MM: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in patients under one year of age. Göztepe Medical Journal 19:83-86, 2004.

PROF. DR. HASAN ÖZGÜR ÖZDEMİR

Neurosurgery

Language;

Turkish, English

TITLES;

Attending Physician

EDUCATION;

Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine (Eng) 1987-1995

EXPERİENCE[1]Akdeniz University Department of Neurosurgery 1996-2002

Baskent University Department of Neurosurgery (Specialist) 2003-2007

Başkent University Department of Neurosurgery (Assistant Professor) 2007-2012

Başkent University Department of Neurosurgery (Associate Professor) 2012-2017Medical Park Antalya 

Hospital Complex 2018-Present

Areas of interest;

Endoscopic Lumbar Disc Surgery

Cervical Disc (Neck Hernia) Surgery

Endoscopic Brain Surgery

Vascular (brain-vascular aneurysm and AVM) operations

Spine Tumors

Spine Fractures

Brain Tumors

MEMBERSHİPS;

Turkish Neurosurgical Society

Turkish Medical Association

AWARDS;

2008 Turkish Neurosurgical Society Proficiency Exam 1st place

COURSES AN SERTİFİCATES;

Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy Course

Minimally Invasive Surgery Course

Areas of Interests

• 0-18 Years Old Healthy Child Monitoring and Tracking
• Breast Milk, Breastfeeding and Nutrition Consultancy
• Newborn Care and Follow-up
• Vaccines and Preventive Medicine
• Nutrition in Infancy and Childhood
• Childhood Diseases

Education:

• Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine 2009-2015
• Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Department of Child Health and Diseases 2016-2019
• Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Department of Child Health and Diseases 2020

Experience:

• Liv Hospital Ulus
• Private Levent Hospital 2022-2023
• Van Özalp State Hospital 2021-2022
• Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital Child Health and Diseases Clinic 2020
• Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Child Health and Diseases Clinic 2016-2019
• Denizli State Hospital Pediatric Emergency Service 2015-2016
•  
• Psoriatic Arthritis in the Differential Diagnosis of Zinc Deficiency - Scientific Poster Presentation (38th Pediatrics Days - 2016)
• Myoclonic Epilepsy in a Patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus - Scientific Poster Presentation (39th Pediatrics Days - 2017)
• Evaluation of Children Diagnosed with Acute Pancreatitis - Specialization Thesis (November 2020)

Dr. Mustafa Emiroglu is a general surgery specialist at Memorial Bodrum Hospital. He has significant experience from his work at Sağlık Bilimleri University Tepecik SUAM (2016–2023) and Kırşehir Hospital (1997–1999).

He earned his medical degree from Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine. He completed his specialization at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital. Dr. Emiroglu is a member of the Turkish Society of Surgery, the Endocrine Surgery Association, and the Colorectal Surgery Association.

He has attended advanced courses, including the Europe Senology Academia. He has also received training in proctologic, hemorrhoidal, and oncoplastic breast surgery, as well as thyroid diseases.

Dyt. Yaren Nur Güngör is a dietitian. She graduated from the Faculty of Nutrition and Dietetics. She provides evidence-based, personalized nutrition counseling in English. She designs tailored programs for health promotion, disease management, and weight control.

Her clinical focus includes diet plans for diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, and other metabolic issues. She also guides weight loss and gain and improves body composition. She offers sports nutrition and nutrition care for children and teens. She provides preventive nutrition with lifestyle counseling. Her approach is patient-centered and motivating.