Best Brain MRI with Contrast (FLAIR Sequence) Doctors Abroad

Op. Dr. Tansu Gürsoy is a brain and nerve surgery specialist at Çerkezköy Private Optimed Hospital. He completed his training at Ankara Training and Research Hospital. His practice focuses on spine surgery. Key areas include degenerative scoliosis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, trauma, and tumors.

In 2019, he won third place from the Turkish Neurosurgery Association for a paper on prebending rods and sagittal parameters in lumbar degenerative scoliosis. He co-authored Chapter 75 (Lenke-Silva Classification & Adult Degenerative Scoliosis) in The Aging Spine. His thesis analyzed screw malposition in 415 thoracolumbar pedicle fixation cases.

He is a member of the Turkish Neurosurgery Association (Spinal & Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group), the Turkish Spine Association, and the Turkish Medical Association. He completed the Advanced Spinal Surgery Course and the Hands-on Microvascular Anastomosis & Microsurgery training. He holds a Category A Certificate for Experimental Animals. He also attends major spine congresses.

The doctor is an experienced neurosurgeon with an extensive background in both military and civilian medical practice. Holding a medical degree from the GATA School of Military Medicine and a specialization in neurosurgery, the doctor has served in various capacities, including as a Chief of Neurosurgery Clinic and a Chief Assistant in the Department of Neurosurgery. The doctor also holds a Master’s degree in Hospital and Health Institutions Management.

With a strong academic presence, the doctor has served as a lecturer and faculty member at Altınbaş University. Clinical expertise spans microsurgery, spine surgery, and peripheral nerve surgery, supported by numerous certifications in advanced cardiac life support and specialized surgical techniques. The doctor is a prolific researcher with extensive publications in neurosurgical journals.

Dr. Alper Karaoglan is a Professor of Neurosurgery at Memorial Bodrum Hospital. He specializes in treating brain tumors, aneurysms, and spinal conditions like spondylolisthesis. He has held senior academic roles at Maltepe University for over 15 years. Dr. Karaoglan won the Best Paper Award from the Turkish Neurosurgical Society.

• Specializes in pituitary adenomas, cavernomas, and arteriovenous malformations.
• Received the Young Neurosurgeon Encouragement Award from the Turkish Neurosurgical Society.
• Member of the Turkish Medical Association and the Turkish Neurosurgical Society.
• Treats complex conditions including Moyamoya disease and craniostenosis.

Zhang Jinshan, male, China’s First M.D. in the Radiation Medicine, CCI (Chinese College of Interventionalists) Master Interventionalist, Director of the Department of Former Radiological Diagnosis at Chinese PLA General Hospital(No.3 in China) Ph.D. of Medicine, Nagasaki University, Japan.

1980–1985: Completed doctoral studies at Nagasaki University, Japan

1968–present: Department of Radiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital

1988: Third Prize of the Military Science and Technology Progress Award

1989–present: Member of Radiological Society of North America(RSNA)

1990–2009: Standing Committee Member of the Radiology and Therapeutic Radiology Committee of the PLA

1991: Second Prize of the Military Science and Technology Progress Award

1992–2008: Group Leader of the Group of Intervention of Chinese Journal of Radiology

1992–2015: Standing Editorial Board Member and Editorial Board Member of Journal of Interventional Radiology

1993: Granted the Lifetime Special Government Allowance of the State Council

1993–2012: Deputy Chief Editor of Chinese Journal of Medical Image Technology

1994: Third Prize of the Military Science and Technology Progress Award

1997: Second Prize of the Military Science and Technology Progress Award

1997–2009: Standing Member of Chinese Society of Radiology

1999: Third Prize of the Military Science and Technology Progress Award

1999–2010: Deputy Director Member of Chinese Society of Interventional Oncology

2002: Second Prize of the Military Science and Technology Progress Award

2005: Third Prize of the Military Science and Technology Progress Award

Member of Radiological Society of North America(RSNA)

Standing Member of Chinese Society of Radiology

Group Leader of the Group of Intervention of Chinese Journal of Radiology

Deputy Director Member of Chinese Society of Interventional Oncology

Director Member of Beijing Medical Association Society of Interventional Radiology

Deputy Chief Editor of Chinese Journal of Medical Image Technology

Standing Member of Professional Committee of Radiological Medicine of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army

Standing Editorial Board Member and Editorial Board Member of Journal of Interventional Radiology

Awarded the Special Government Allowance of the State Council

Awarded three Second Prizes and four Third Prizes for Military Science and Technology Progress.

Awarded the honorary title of “Chinese College of Interventionalists(CCI) Master Interventionalist”

Led multiple national and provincial/ministerial scientific research projects, including two projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and two projects funded by the Department of Science and Technology of Sichuan Province.

In the pioneering development of interventional medicine in China, Zhang Jinshan has been an indispensable founder and leading figure. As China’s first overseas-trained doctoral graduate in radiological medicine, he returned to China in the 1980s after completing his studies abroad and introduced cutting-edge international interventional technologies to the country. Over more than four decades of dedicated practice and research, he has helped propel Chinese interventional medicine from its infancy to a position at the forefront of the global field through his exceptional clinical expertise and profound academic accomplishments.

Professor Zhang Jinshan has long been dedicated to the field of medical imaging and has developed distinctive expertise in selective and superselective interventional diagnosis and treatment for solid tumors such as liver cancer, demonstrating exceptional technical proficiency and profound academic accomplishment. Beginning in the 1990s, he led his team in pioneering the clinical application and research of TIPSS and B-ORTO in China, filling major gaps in the domestic field and opening new paths for the interventional management of gastrointestinal bleeding caused by portal hypertension secondary to liver cirrhosis. In addition, he has made groundbreaking contributions to the interventional diagnosis and treatment of peripheral vascular diseases, as well as to preoperative embolization for spinal tumors.

In the field of liver cancer treatment, Professor Zhang Jinshan not only led the development of standardized treatment protocols for liver cancer but also pioneered Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization with temporary Hepatic Vein Thrombosis (TACE-THVO) for primary liver cancer, bringing the efficacy of interventional therapy to a new level. In recognition of his outstanding clinical and scientific contributions, he was awarded the honorary title of “Chinese Master of Interventional Radiology” at the 2019 annual conference of the Chinese College of Interventionalists.

Professor Zhang Jinshan is not only a master clinician but also a driving force in the development of the discipline and a dedicated mentor in talent cultivation. He led his team in establishing one of China’s premier interventional therapy centers. As a doctoral supervisor, he has trained a large number of outstanding specialists and future leaders in interventional medicine, with many of his students and protégés now serving across the country. Academically, he has led multiple key national and military research projects, published more than 300 academic papers, and served as chief editor of three monographs, making remarkable contributions to the establishment of China’s academic framework for interventional medicine and the nationwide dissemination of its technologies.

From the laboratory to the operating room, and from academic podiums to grassroots hospitals, Professor Zhang Jinshan has consistently upheld the principles of “pioneering, innovation, pragmatism, and compassion". He has devoted his life to fulfilling the mission of a physician—relieving patients’ suffering through minimally invasive techniques and advancing the discipline through academic excellence—thereby establishing himself as a truly towering figure and one of the foremost authorities in the field of interventional medicine in China.

Professor Zhang Jinshan’s Academic Achievements

Professor Zhang Jinshan has achieved prolific academic accomplishments, having published over 300 academic papers covering areas such as interventional therapy for liver cancer, minimally invasive treatment of portal hypertension, interventional treatment of vascular diseases, and tumor ablation.

Selected Publications by Professor Zhang Jinshan

1. Zhang Jinshan, Wang Maoqiang. Experiments and Clinical Studies of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPSS). Chinese Journal of Radiology, 1993，27（6）：361-365.

Professor Zhang Jinshan is the first author. This is one of the early research papers in China that systematically elaborates on the TIPSS technique. Through animal experiments and clinical case analysis, it confirmed that TIPSS is a safe and effective minimally invasive method for treating portal hypertension and its complications, laying an important foundation for the promotion and application of this technique in China.

2.Zhang Jinshan, Li Huai. Clinical study on transcatheter arterial embolization with temporary hepatic vein occlusion for the treatment of primary liver cancer.Chinese Journal of Radiology, 1996，30（8）：521-524.

Professor Zhang Jinshan is the first author. He innovatively proposed the technique of "transcatheter arterial embolization with temporary hepatic vein occlusion." Clinical results demonstrated that this method can significantly increase the drug concentration within liver cancer lesions, reduce damage to normal liver tissue, and effectively improve the therapeutic outcomes for intermediate and advanced liver cancer, providing a novel strategy for the interventional treatment of liver cancer.

3. Zhang Jinshan, Wang Maoqiang, Li Huai. Interventional treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome. Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology, 1998，14（3）：189-191.

Professor Zhang Jinshan is the first author. This paper systematically summarizes the early experience in interventional treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome in China, elaborating in detail on the key operational points and therapeutic efficacy of techniques such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent placement. It confirms that interventional therapy is the preferred minimally invasive method for Budd-Chiari syndrome, promoting the standardized development of treatment for this disease.

4.Zhang Jinshan, Li Huai, Wang Maoqiang. Clinical value of superselective hepatic arterial chemoembolization in the treatment of hypovascular liver cancer. Chinese Journal of Radiology, 2000，34（5）：335-337.

Professor Zhang Jinshan is the first author. Addressing the challenges in interventional treatment of hypovascular liver cancer, this paper explores the clinical efficacy of superselective hepatic arterial chemoembolization. The results indicate that this technique can precisely target the lesions and improve the treatment response rate, providing an important clinical basis for the interventional treatment of hypovascular liver cancer.

5. Zhang Jinshan, Li Huai, Wang Maoqiang. Interventional treatment of peripheral vascular stenosis and occlusion.Chinese Journal of Radiology, 2002，36（7）：612-614.

Professor Zhang Jinshan is the first author. This paper summarizes the interventional treatment experience of over 400 patients with peripheral vascular stenosis and occlusion, analyzing the indications and efficacy of techniques such as balloon angioplasty and stent placement. It confirms that interventional therapy is a safe and effective approach for peripheral vascular diseases, providing practical support for its clinical promotion.

6.Zhang Jinshan, Li Huai, Wang Maoqiang. Clinical application of CT-guided percutaneous puncture ablation in the treatment of abdominal tumors. Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology, 2004，20（9）：1395-1397.

Professor Zhang Jinshan is the first author. This paper explores the application value of CT-guided percutaneous puncture techniques such as radiofrequency ablation and chemical ablation in the treatment of abdominal tumors. The clinical results show that this method is minimally invasive with reliable efficacy, offering a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with inoperable abdominal tumors.

7.Zhang Jinshan, Wang Maoqiang, Li Huai. Advances in the application of interventional therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Chinese Journal of Radiology, 2006，40（8）：876-878.

Professor Zhang Jinshan is the corresponding author. This paper systematically reviews the cutting-edge advances in interventional therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia, including the principles, procedures, and efficacy of techniques such as prostatic artery embolization and stent placement, providing new insights for the minimally invasive treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

8.Zhang Jinshan, Li Huai, Wang Maoqiang. Discussion on the standardization of interventional therapy for liver cancer. Chinese Journal of Practical Surgery, 2008，28（10）：856-858.

Professor Zhang Jinshan is the corresponding author. Drawing on years of clinical experience and research findings, he led the discussion on standardized protocols for interventional therapy of liver cancer, covering key aspects such as preoperative assessment, treatment modality selection, and postoperative management, providing important references for the formulation of clinical guidelines for interventional therapy of liver cancer in China.

Professor Zhang Jinshan co-authored monographs

1. Interventional Radiology (People's Military Medical Press, 1995): The first monograph in China to systematically discuss the theories and techniques of interventional radiology. It comprehensively elaborates on the interventional diagnosis and treatment system for tumors, vascular diseases, and non-vascular diseases, becoming a classic essential textbook for interventional physicians in China.

2.Interventional Therapy for Liver Cancer (People's Health Press, 2001): Focusing on minimally invasive interventions for liver cancer, this book systematically summarizes techniques such as TACE, ablation, and vascular intervention, refines operational standards and the prevention and management of complications, and promotes the standardization of interventional therapy for liver cancer.

3.Interventional Treatment of Portal Hypertension (Science Press, 2005): This book systematically elaborates on minimally invasive techniques for portal hypertension, such as TIPSS and B-ORTO, covering experimental research, clinical procedures, long-term follow-up, and efficacy evaluation, filling the gap in monographs on interventional treatment of portal hypertension in China.

Professor Zhang Jinshan’s Research project

1.The National "Eighth Five-Year Plan" Scientific and Technological Key Project—Clinical and Basic Research on Comprehensive Interventional Therapy for Liver Cancer (Project Leader): This project systematically explored multimodal interventional strategies for liver cancer, established the core regimen of superselective TACE combined with local ablation, and significantly improved the therapeutic outcomes for intermediate and advanced liver cancer.

2.The Military "Ninth Five-Year Plan" Key Medical Scientific Research Project—Standardized Research on TIPSS for the Treatment of Portal Hypertension (Project Leader): This project formulated China's first operational standards and postoperative management guidelines for TIPSS, reduced the incidence of complications, and promoted the popularization of this technique throughout the military and across the country.

3.National Natural Science Foundation of China Project — Research on the Mechanism of Targeted Therapy for Liver Cancer Using Hepatic Vein Occlusion Combined with Chemoembolization (Project Leader): This project revealed the synergistic enhancement mechanisms of the innovative technique at the levels of hemodynamics, drug metabolism, and the tumor microenvironment, providing theoretical support for precision interventional therapy of liver cancer.

4.Military Clinical High-Tech Major Project-Establishment and Clinical Application of the Interventional Treatment Technology System for Complex Vascular Diseases (Project Leader): This project overcame interventional challenges in complex lesions such as Budd-Chiari syndrome, peripheral vascular occlusion, and vascular malformations, forming a complete technical system that has been promoted and applied widely.

Dr. Ercan Kocakoc is a prize-winning radiologist at Medical Park Bahcelievler Hospital in Istanbul. He won 1st Prize at the 2009 ESGAR congress for clinical cases. Dr. Kocakoc specializes in interventional radiology and advanced body imaging. He completed a research fellowship at the University Hospital of Cleveland in the USA.

• Performs liver chemoembolization and radioembolization for cancer patients.
• Treats urological conditions through procedures like varicocele embolization.
• Held former chairmanship roles at Bezmialem Vakif and Yeditepe Universities.
• Fellow of the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology.

The doctor is a board-certified expert in Obstetrics and Gynecology, practicing at the Hadassah Medical Center. Specializing in managing all aspects of women's health, the doctor is known for providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients.

Dr. Nuria Martínez Moreno is a radiation oncologist at Hospital Ruber Internacional in Madrid. She has treated over 7,000 patients using Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Dr. Martínez Moreno specializes in complex brain pathologies, including tumors and functional disorders. She works within a multidisciplinary team alongside world-renowned neurosurgery specialists.

• Member of the International Gamma Knife Consortium led by the University of Pittsburgh.
• Treats benign and malignant brain tumors, vascular malformations, and refractory epilepsy.
• Professor of the International Master of Radiosurgery at the Complutense University of Madrid.
• Practices at JCI-accredited Hospital Ruber Internacional, ranked among Spain's top six hospitals.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdullah Emre Taçyıldız is a neurosurgeon at Optimed International Hospital. He has more than 10 years of experience. He graduated from Mersin University Faculty of Medicine in 2012. He completed his neurosurgery residency at Bakırköy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital in 2019. He has worked at Gölbaşı Community Health Center, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Karabük Training and Research Hospital, and Malatya Turgut Özal University.

His main fields include brain tumors, back and neck pain, lumbar and cervical disc herniation, head and neck injuries, and spinal stenosis. He is a member of national and international neurosurgery societies. He has an academic research background and solid surgical experience. He provides diagnosis and neurosurgical care.

The doctor is a highly skilled neurosurgeon with extensive expertise in complex cranial and spinal procedures. Clinical focus areas include the surgical management of brain tumors, aneurysms, and pituitary conditions. Furthermore, the doctor specializes in advanced spine surgery, addressing waist, neck, and back hernias, as well as the treatment of spinal tumors and fractures.

In addition to cranial and spinal care, the doctor is proficient in peripheral nerve surgery. With a comprehensive background in neurosurgical interventions, the doctor provides specialized care for patients requiring intricate surgical solutions for neurological and orthopedic conditions.

Dr. Erkan Karatas is an ENT and maxillofacial surgeon at Atlas University Hospital in Istanbul. He specializes in skull base surgery and cochlear implant placement. Dr. Karatas has contributed to over 100 medical articles. He completed specialized training at prestigious centers in the US, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.

• Member of 11 professional associations, including the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
• Expert in complex surgeries for thyroid, tongue, and larynx cancers.
• Performs specialized procedures like stapedectomy, tympanoplasty, and orthognathic surgery.
• Works at an AACI-accredited hospital that treats 565,000 patients annually.

Dr. Mehmet Besir Surme is a neurosurgeon at Eskişehir City Hospital in Turkey. He specializes in pediatric neurosurgery and complex brain tumor removal. Dr. Surme completed an international fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery in Rome, Italy. He has authored scientific publications with over 40 citations in his field.

• Performs craniotomy, shunt surgeries for hydrocephalus, and brain cyst removal.
• Treats Arnold Chiari syndrome and spinal stenosis using surgical techniques.
• Expertise in deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease and spinal cord stimulation.
• Uses 3D-printed molds for customized cranioplasty procedures.

Professor Mustafa Bozbuga chairs neurosurgical education at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital. He specializes in brain tumors and skull base surgery using Brain MRI with contrast (FLAIR sequence) for diagnosis.

• Heads the neurosurgery department at a JCI-accredited hospital.
• Expert in neuro-oncology – treats complex brain tumors, acoustic neuromas, and pituitary adenomas.
• Performs trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy to remove pituitary tumors through the nose without external cuts.
• Professor of neurosurgery who trains other specialists in the latest surgical techniques.
• Contributor to peer-reviewed journals on neurovascular and oncological surgery.

Dr. Hilmi Apak is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Biruni University Hospital in Istanbul. He specializes in bone marrow transplantation, CAR T-cell therapy, and leukemia chemotherapy. Dr. Apak is the current Head of Department at Istanbul University Department of Pediatrics.

• Published over 70 international medical articles on pediatric oncology research.
• Treats complex conditions like lymphoma, neuroblastoma, and Ewing's sarcoma.
• Served as a board member of the Turkish Pediatric Society.
• Works at Biruni University Hospital, a TEMOS-accredited facility in Turkey.

Dr. François Lechanoine is a neurosurgeon at Maria Cecilia Hospital in Italy. He has performed over 2,500 surgeries. This includes 1,600 procedures as the lead surgeon. He specializes in complex brain and spine conditions. Dr. Lechanoine founded the UBE surgical training center at his hospital.

• Holds diplomas from the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies and Eurospine.
• Expert in minimally invasive spine procedures like Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy.
• Treats complex cases including brainstem conditions and pituitary adenomas.
• Works at Maria Cecilia Hospital, a JCI-accredited facility in Italy.

Dr. Mehmet Tonge is a stereotactic and functional neurosurgeon at Medipol Acibadem District Hospital. He specializes in deep brain stimulation and MR-guided focused ultrasound for movement disorders. Dr. Tonge completed his deep brain stimulation fellowship at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. He treats complex conditions including Parkinson’s disease, spasticity, and chronic pain.

• Authored over 30 international publications and 12 medical book chapters.
• Completed the four-year training cycle of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies.
• Expert in Gamma Knife radiosurgery and electrode placement for movement disorders.
• Works at a JCI-accredited hospital equipped with the da Vinci robotic system.

Dr. Didem Karacetin is a radiation oncologist at Biruni University Hospital in Istanbul. She completed clinical training at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. Dr. Karacetin is a former Head of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Health Sciences University. She specializes in intraoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer and brachytherapy for gynecological tumors.

• Holds a Master’s degree in Phytotherapy from Istanbul University.
• Certified in Hydrogel SpaceOAR applications for prostate cancer treatment.
• Treats lung, brain, and gastrointestinal cancers using targeted radiation.
• Practices at Biruni University Hospital, which holds TEMOS and ISO quality certifications.

Dr. Elnur Sahibov is a radiation oncology specialist at Emsey Hospital. Brain MRI with contrast (FLAIR sequence) supports his precision in identifying neural tissue changes.

• Completed specialized training at Marmara University Faculty of Medicine
• Expertise in radiation oncology – focuses on using high-energy radiation to treat cancer
• Part of the specialized medical team at the JCI-accredited Emsey Hospital
• Trained at an English-language medical faculty for international clinical standards

Dr. Melih Ucer is a neurosurgeon and associate professor at Biruni University Hospital in Istanbul. He served as a visiting scholar at the University of Wisconsin Clinic of Neurosurgery. Dr. Ucer specializes in complex brain and spine surgeries. He treats conditions like spinal stenosis, brain tumors, and cerebral aneurysms.

• Specializes in transnasal tumor resection and deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery.
• Performs Gamma Knife radiosurgery and stereotaxic procedures for brain conditions.
• Member of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society and EUROSPINE.
• Practices at Biruni University Hospital, a TEMOS-accredited facility in Turkey.

Dr. Ercan Kaya is a neurosurgery specialist. He earned his M.D. from Marmara University. He completed his residency at Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital in 2020. He fulfilled his mandatory service in Mardin. He then served as a neurosurgery specialist at Sancaktepe Training and Research Hospital. Since 2026, he has worked as a neurosurgeon at NPİSTANBUL Hospital.

His practice focuses on spine and spinal cord disorders. He gained further experience as an observer in the Complex Spinal Surgery department at The Walton Centre, a leading neurosurgery center in the UK.

Associate Professor Ayse Irem Yasin specializes in brain tumors and central nervous system cancers. She integrates brain MRI with contrast and FLAIR sequences into oncological monitoring at Medipol Acibadem District Hospital.

• Holds the ESMO Board Certificate from Paris for excellence in medical oncology
• Trained at world-renowned institutions including Cleveland Clinic and Harvard Medical School
• Completed a specialized observership at Italy's Maggiore della Carita Hospital breast unit
• Focuses on identifying complex CNS malignancies and brain tumors through diagnostic imaging
• Expert in neuro-oncology and various rare cancers like Merkel cell carcinoma