Best Spine cyst neurosurgeons in Turkey: TOP 64 doctors

Prof. Dr. Ilhan Elmacı was born in Niğde, a city located in the heart of Anatolia. He completed his high school education in Adana and graduated from Ankara University Medical School. His career began in 1987 at the Bakırköy Neurological Sciences Hospital, under the mentorship of Dr. Zeki Oral, where he completed his Neurosurgery residency by 1993. During this time, he also undertook groundbreaking micro neurosurgery training at Zurich University under the guidance of Professor M. Gazi Yaşargil.

From 1993 to 2003, Prof. Elmacı served as a teaching assistant and later assistant professor at Professor Necmettin Pamir’s Clinic, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine. He also enhanced his expertise in neurooncology and vascular neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University, working with Professors Donlin M. Long and Daniele Rigamonti. In 2003, he was appointed Associate Professor of Neurosurgery.

Between 2004 and 2010, Prof. Elmacı served as Chief of Clinic at Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, where he led the clinic to become the first in Turkey accredited by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS). During this period, he completed his endoscopic skull base surgery training at the University of Pittsburgh.

In 2010, Prof. Elmacı joined Acıbadem University Faculty of Medicine as a Professor of Neurosurgery and went on to establish the Neurosurgery Department at Medipol University Faculty of Medicine in 2012. He headed the Neurosurgery Department at Memorial Health Group Istanbul Hospitals from 2014 to 2018, and then worked with his team at Maslak Hospital, Acıbadem Health Group, until September 2021.

Since October 2021, he has been working with his team at his private clinic in Fulya and Ulus Hospital of Liv Health Group. Prof. Elmacı is the founding chairman of the Skull Base Society in Turkey and a member of the Executive Committee of the European Skull Base Society (ESBS). With more than 110 published scientific papers in international journals and over 250 congress presentations, he continues to shape the field of neurosurgery.

Since November 2023, he has been working with his team at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, focusing on cutting-edge areas of research and treatment, including brain and spinal tumors, pituitary adenomas, brain vascular diseases, back and neck pain, hydrocephalus, cerebellar herniation, syringomyelia, and trigeminal neuralgia. He also specializes in microsurgery, endoscopic surgery, and advanced techniques like neuromonitorization and neuronavigation to improve patient outcomes. His work is guided by ethical principles, always aiming to preserve patients' quality of life.

Education & Training

Medical Education:

• Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey (1977 - 1983)
• M.D. Degree earned in 1983

Neurosurgical Training:

• Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul (1985 - 1991)
• Certification from the Turkish Ministry of Health, Turkish Board in Neurosurgery (1991)

Previous Appointments

• Physician: Obligatory Service, March 1983 - March 1985
• Consultant Neurosurgeon: Medical Faculty, Trakya University, Edirne, February 1993 - September 1993
• Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery: Medical Faculty, Trakya University, Edirne, September 1993 - January 1996
• Consultant Neurosurgeon: Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, January 1996 - January 2000
• Associate Professor: Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, January 2000 - January 2006
• Professor of Neurosurgery: Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, January 2006 - April 2011
• Retired from University: April 2011
• Professor of Neurosurgery & Founder: Neurosurgery Department, Okan University Hospital, Istanbul, December 2016 - March 2018
• Current Appointment: Private Office, Kadıköy, Ataşehir & Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospitals

Certificates & Specializations

1. Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgery Course, Oulu, Finland, 1990
2. EANS European Courses (5-year cycle): Amsterdam (1988), Rostock (1989), Çeşme (1994), Klagenfurt (1995), Aalborg (1996)
3. Primary Examination for European Board, Klagenfurt, Austria, 1995
4. Advanced Training in Functional Disorders with Leksell Gamma Knife, Marseille, France, 2004
5. Advanced Training in Vestibular Schwannomas and Skull Base Surgery with Leksell Gamma Knife, Marseille, France, 2004
6. DISC Nucleoplasty in Cervical and Lumbar Disc Diseases, Freiburg, Germany, 2004
7. Neuropathfinder Train-the-Trainer, Vienna, Austria, 2009
8. Neuropathfinder Train-the-Trainer, Athens, Greece, 2011
9. Full-Endoscopic Spine Surgery Certificate, Herne, Germany, 2011

International Experience

1. University Central Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Kuopio, Finland, under the care of Prof. Matti Vapalahti and Prof. Juha Hernesniemi, April-May 1990
2. Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery and Radiosurgery, Marseille, France, August-October 2004

Publications & Presentations

• 9 Book Chapters (National & International Publications)
• 68 Articles
• 82 Reports (Presented orally or as posters)
• 33 International Congresses (Speaker or Moderator)
• 99 National Congresses & Symposia (Speaker or Moderator)

Op.Dr. Özgür AKŞAN 

Neurosurgeon 

Dr Akşan has completed his residency on 2007 at Neurosurgery Department of 9 Eylul University Medical Faculty. Following that, he got assigned to Muş State Hospital to complete his compulsory medical service, where he served as deputy chief physician, managed intensive care units and performed a wide range of operations including microsurgical discectomy for both spinal disc herniation and cervical disc herniation as well as laser nucleoplasty discectomy for spinal disc herniation.After completing his compulsory service, he worked at Eskişehir Air Force Hospital's Neurosurgery Department for another year. Dr Özgür also worked at Izmir Tınaztepe Hospital between 2010-2016. He currently works at his own clinic in Alsancak/Izmir. 

Articles Published at International Journals: 

1. Postoperative lumbosacral instability: Proposal of a new classification based on etiology. Sait Naderi, Ozgür AKSAN, Süleyman Men, Levent Firat, Tansu Mertol, M. Nuri Arda. World Spine Journal 2: 16-21, 2007 

2. Difference between generic and Multiple Sclerosis-specific quality of life instruments regarding the assessment of treatment efficacy.Ozakbas S, Akdede BB, Kösehasanogullari C, AKSAN O, Idiman E. Journal Of The Neurological Science 5/2007; 256/1 -2/30-34/2007 

Articles Published at National Journals: 

1. Odontoid fractures: Sait Naderi, Özgür AKSAN, Feridun Acar, Tansu Mertol, Nuri Arda: Turkish Neurosurgery 16: 81-84, 2006 

2. Pediatrik Kafa Travmalan, Ozkara E, Yuceer N, AKSAN O, Arda MN, Inarucl MA., Adli Bilimler Dergisi Turkish Journal of Forensic Sciences, 9 (1): 7-12 (2010). 

Papers Presented at International Congresses: 

1. 1. Difference betweengeneric and MS- spesific quality of life instruments regarding the assessment of treatment efficacy. Özakba9 S, Akdede B, AKSAN Q Karahasanogullarl C, Uzunel F, idiman E. 20th Congress Of European Commitee for Treatment and Research in Multipl Sclerosis. October 6-10, 2004. Austria 2. Postlaminectomy lumbosacral instability. Sait Naderi, Özgür AKSAN, Levent Firat, Tansu Mertol, Nuri Arda.7th International Congress on Spine. April 14-17, 2005, Hotel Pine beach City, Belek, Antalya 

3. Pediatric Cranial Traumas. Erdem Özkara, Nurullah Yüceer, Özgür AKSAN, Mehmet Nuri Arda, M Akif inanici. Fifth Congress Of The Balkan Academy Of Forensic Sciences. 3-7 June 2007, Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia 

4. A rare cause of Sl radiculopathy: perineural (Tarlov) cyst: Ozgür AKSAN, Nail Ozdemir, Hakan Sinan Yllmaz. 14th European Congress of Neurosurgery (EANS 2011) Rome, Italy. October 9 — 14, 2011. 

MEDICAL SPECIALITIES 

Hernia Discectomy 

Lomber Narrow Canal (Spinal Stenosis) Treatment 

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Treatment 

■ Cerebral Hemorrhage Treatment 

Brain Tumour Treatment 

Cervical Stenosis Treatment 

Chiari Malformation Treatment 

Hydrochepalia Treatment 

■ Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment 

■Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Spinal Fracture Treatment 

Psuedotumour Cerebri Treatment 

Spine and Spinal Cord Tumour Treatments 

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

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. Serdar Kabatas, graduated from Trakya University Medical Faculty, Edirne/Turkey in 1997. He became a neurosurgeon-specialist- in 2003 and then gained an award for postdoctoral fellowship in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and Neural Cell (NSC) at Harvard Medical School in 2007. He has spent most of his scientific carrier in the study of SCI related stem cell applications either experimentally or clinically, stem cell clinical applications in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, periferic nervous system injuries, cell-based approaches for intervertebral disc regeneration, dentritic stem cell vaccines regarding brain tumours, trigeminal neuralgia, aneurysm surgery, etc. Among his achievements are the prediction of neural and anatomical abnormalities of the gastrointestinal system resulting from contusion SCI and functional multipotency of NSCs- its therapeutic implications- in USA. 

In addition to his scientific interests, he is the President of Society of Cell and Cellular Therapies in Turkey. He is also member of AANS, CNS, Society of Neuroscience, Turkish Neurosurgical Society, Society of Nervous System Surgery and Turkish Spine Society. He is the chief editor of Journal of Nervous System Surgery. He had been teaching neurosurgery to medical students at the Baskent University, Turkey from 2008 to 2013. Between 2013 to 2015, he was the chief of Neurosurgery Department in Private Reyap Hospital, Tekirdağ. Curently, he has been the chief of Department of Neurosurgery in University of Health Sciences Turkey, Gaziosmanpaşa Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey since 2016. He was awarded as the first candidate for Specialization Thesis (2004) and Board Exam (2011) in Turkey, respectively. He was also awarded as research project regarding Cell Applications in Rat Model (2013) in Turkey. He has more than 100 publications in peer-reviewed international journals with around 1300 citations. His h-index is 21 in google scholar and 17 in web of science. 

Selected Publications: 

1. S.Kabatas, D.Yu, X.D.He, H.S.Thatte, D.Benedict, K.T.Hepgul, P.M.Black, S.Sabharwal, Y.D.Teng, “Neural and anatomical abnormalities of the gastrointestinal system resulting from contusion spinal cord injury.“ Neuroscience 154(4): 1627-1638 pp., 2008 

2. Y.D.Teng, S.Kabatas, J.Li, D.R.Wakeman, E.Y.Snyder, R.L.Sidman, “Functional Multipotency of Neural Cells and Its Therapeutic Implications“, ed. H.Ulrich. Perspectives of Cells, 255-270 pp., Springer Dordrecht Heidelberg London New York © Springer Science+Business Media B.V., 2010 

4. S.Kabatas, Y.D.Teng, “Potential Roles of Neural Cell in Restoration of the Injured Spinal Cord: Review of the Literature.“ Turk Neurosurg 20(2): 103-110 pp., 2010 

5. S. Kabataş, T. Cansever, E. Civelek, C. Yılmaz, "The therapeutic potential of neural in traumatic brain injuries", Curr Signal Transd T 6(3): 327-336 pp., 2011 

6. Teng YD, Yu D, Ropper AE, Li J, Kabatas S, Wakeman DR, Wang J, Sullivan MP, Redmond DE Jr, Langer R, Snyder EY, Sidman RL. Functional multipotency of : a conceptual review of neurotrophic factor-based evidence and its role in translational research. Curr Neuropharmacol 9(4): 574-85, 2011. 

7. Karaoz E, Kabatas S, Duruksu G, Okcu A, Subası C, Ay B, Musluman M, Civelek E. Reduction of lesion in injured rat spinal cord and partial functional recovery of motility after derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation. Turk Neurosurg 22(2): 207-17, 2012. 

8. Han I-B, Kim S-W, Ropper AE, Thakor D, Kabatas S, Teng YD. Recent Patents on Cell-based Approaches for Intervertebral Disc Regeneration. Recent Patents on Biomedical Engineering, 5: 122-30, 2012 

9. Sonmez E, Kabatas S, Ozen O, Karabay G, Turkoglu S, Ogus E, Yilmaz C, Caner H, Altinors N. Minocycline Treatment Inhibits Lipid Peroxidation, Preserves Spinal Cord Ultrastructure and Improves Functional Outcome after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in the Rat . Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2013 Jan 30.

10. Han I-B, Ropper AE, Konya D, Kabatas S, Toktas Z, Aljuboori Z, Chi JH, Teng YD. Biological Approaches to Treating Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Devising stem cell therapies. Cell Transplant 24 (11): 2197-208, 2015. 

11. Aras Y, Sabancı PA, Kabataş S, Duruksu G, Subaşı C, Erguven M, Karaöz E. The Effects of Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Cell Transplantation During The Acute And Subacute Phases Following Spinal Cord Injury. Turk Neurosurg 26 (1):127-39, 2016.

12. Kabatas S, Demir CS, Civelek E, Yilmaz I, Kircelli A, Yilmaz C, Akyuva Y, Karaoz E. Neuronal regeneration in injured rat spinal cord after human

dental pulp derived neural crest stem cell transplantation. Bratisl Med J 119 (3): 143-151, 2018

13. Karaoz E, Tepekoy F, Yilmaz I, Subasi C, Kabatas S. Reduction of Inflammation and Enhancement of Motility after Pancreatic Islet Derived Cell Transplantation Following Spinal Cord Injury. J Korean Neurosurg Soc. 2019 Mar;62(2):153-165. 

14. Han IB, Thakor DK, Ropper AE, Yu D, Wang L, Kabatas S, Zeng X, Kim SW, Zafonte RD, Teng YD. Physical impacts of PLGA scaffolding on hMSCs: Recovery neurobiology insight for implant design to treat spinal cord injury.

Exp Neurol. 2019 Oct;320:112980. 

15. Kabataş S, Cİvelek E, Sezen GB, Kaplan N, Savrunlu EC, Çetİn E, Dİren F, KaraÖz E. Functional Recovery after Wharton's Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Cell Administration in a Patient with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study. Turk Neurosurg. 2020;30(6):914-922. 

16. Kabataş S, Civelek E, İnci Ç, Yalçınkaya EY, Günel G, Kır G, Albayrak E, Öztürk E, Adaş G, Karaöz E. Wharton's Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Cell Transplantation in a Patient with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Pilot Study. Cell Transplant. 2018 Oct;27(10):1425-1433. 

17. Teng YD, Wang L, Kabatas S, Ulrich H, Zafonte RD. Cancer Cells or Tumor Survival Cells? Cells Dev. 2018 Nov 1;27(21):1466-1478. 

18. Kabatas S, Civelek E, Savrunlu EC, Kaplan N, Boyalı O, Diren F, Can H, Genç A, Akkoç T, Karaöz E. Feasibility of allogeneic mesenchymal in pediatric hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: Phase I study. World J Cells. 2021 May 26;13(5):470-484. 

19. Kabataş S, Civelek E, Kaplan N, Savrunlu EC, Sezen GB, Chasan M, Can H, Genç A, Akyuva Y, Boyalı O, Diren F, Karaoz E. Phase I study on the safety and preliminary efficacy of allogeneic mesenchymal in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. World J Exp Med. 2021 Mar 20;11(2):17-29.

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

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.

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

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

Research and Publications 

Development of micro-neurosurgery laboratory training model for orbita and optical nerves on fresh lamb cadaver (2007) • 

Effect of Astaxanthin on NMDA sub units and MRNA expression levels in Primary Cortical Neurons 

Articles in International Journals (18)  

Chapters in International Books (1) 

Articles in National Journals (5) 

International Papers (12) 

National Papers (24) 

Experience

Hospitalpark Darıca Hospital

Sultanbeyli State Hospital

Yesilyurt State Hospital

Edirne Health Center No. 4

Education

Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine (1989)

Istanbul Göztepe Training and Research Hospital

Vocational Trainings, Courses and Conferences Attended

Marmara University Istanbul Pediatric Orthopedic Meetings "Sipina Bifida" Symposium

Turkish Neurosurgery Association Cervical Disc Herniation Course

Turkish Neurosurgery Association "Spinal Surgery and Peripheral Nerve Surgery" Training Course

Turkish Neurosurgery Association "Cerebrovascular Surgery" Training Course

Turkish Neurosurgery Association "Head Traumas, Pain Management and Functional Neurosurgery" Training Course

TCDD "Preventive Medicine" Course

Turkish Neurosurgery Association "12th Scientific Congress" Antalya

Turkish Neurosurgery Association "13th Scientific Congress" Istanbul

Turkish Neurosurgery Association Course on "Tumors"

Professional Memberships

Turkish Neurosurgery Association

Turkish Medical Association

Specializations

Brain Tumors

Aneurysm Surgery

Pituitary Surgery

Spine Surgery

Waist neck and back hernias

Spine Tumors

Spinal Fractures

Peripheral Nerve Surgery

 Medical Experience

- *2023 - Present*: Memorial Şişli Hospital  

 Neurosurgery Specialist / Istanbul

- *2013 - 2023*: Bezmialem University Faculty of Medicine  

 Neurosurgery Specialist / Istanbul

- *2011 - 2013*: Konya Beyşehir State Hospital  

 Neurosurgery Specialist / Konya

- *2010 - 2011*: Bezmialem University Faculty of Medicine  

 Research Assistant in Brain and Nerve Surgery / Istanbul

 Medical Education

- *2021 - 2023*: Bezmialem Vakif University Faculty of Medicine  

 / Istanbul / Turkey

- *2006 - 2011*: Bezmialem Vakif University Faculty of Medicine  

 / Istanbul / Turkey

- *2000 - 2006*: Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine  

 / Istanbul / Turkey

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

KTU Faculty of Medicine 2005-2011

Izmir Ege University Faculty of Medicine Hospital Department of Brain and Nerve Surgery

2011-2017 Erzincan BY University Faculty of Medicine

2017-2023 Izmir University of Economics Medicalpark Hospital

 

AREAS OF INTEREST AND TREATMENT METHODS USED;

Spine Surgery

Lumbar hernias, (fully closed herniated disc surgery, microsurgery herniated disc surgery)

Cervical hernias (fully closed cervical disc herniation surgery, microsurgery cervical disc herniation surgery)

Spinal Fracture Treatment (open surgery and fully closed surgery = kyphoplasty vertebroplasty)

Scoliosis (Spine Curvatures)

Ankylosing Spondylitis (Hunchback)

Spine Tumors

Nerve Compression

Endoscopic (Closed Method) Brain Tumor Surgeries

Brain tumor surgery with neuronavigation

Brain Hemorrhages

Pain Intervention Procedures (Radiofrequency, Laser)

Hydrocephalus (accumulation of water in the brain)

Congenital Anomalies

Minimally Invasive Procedures and Head Traumas.

Prof. Dr. Sait Öztürk is a neurosurgeon based in Istanbul, Türkiye. He specializes in the surgical treatment of movement disorders, functional neurosurgery, and epilepsy surgery.

Educational Background:

• -Graduated from Marmara University Faculty of Medicine (English) in 2007.
• -Completed neurosurgery specialization at Fırat University in 2014.
• -Trained at United States Harvard Medical School Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in under Prof. Dr. Ron L. Alterman.

Professional Experience:

Served as Assistant Professor (2015 to 2019) and Associate Professor (2019 to 2021) at Fırat University.

• Currently practices at Medical Park Bahçelievler Hospital in Istanbul.

Specializations:

• -Epilepsy Surgery
• -Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
• -Brain Tumors
• -Lumbar and Cervical Disc Herniation
• -Spinal Cord Tumors
• -Spasticity Surgery
• -Vagus Nerve Stimulation (Epilepsy Implant) Surgery

Notable Achievements:

• -Successfully performed brain pacemaker surgery on a dystonia patient who remained awake watching cartoons during the procedure.
• -Assisted a Romanian painter with Parkinson's disease to resume painting after deep brain stimulation surgery.
• -Provided relief to a Saudi Arabian patient suffering from severe depression through brain pacemaker surgery.
  -The first physician to perform deep brain stimulation surgery in diseases such as drug-resistant epilepsy and treatment-resistant major depression in Russia, the Middle East, the Balkans, Turkey and the Turkic Republics.

Professional Memberships:

• -Turkish Neurosurgical Society
• -European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS)
• -International Neuromodulation Society (INS)
• -Board member of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society's Education and Training
  -Group for Stereotactic, Functional, Pain, and Epilepsy Surger
  
  Scientific Awards and Scholarships Received

Scholarships and Awards

1)The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) Scholarship for International Observership/Post-Doctoral Research Program.

2)International Residency Scholarship for International Basic Neurosurgery Course, Term I – Course III: Spine and Peripheral Nerve, Antalya, Turkey, 2014 (organized by the Turkish Neurosurgical Society).

3)Scientific Award – The Effect of Radiation on Endothelin-1 Levels in Brain Tissue and Tumor Formation. Kaplan M, Kılınç A, Öztürk S, İlhan N, Gurocak S, Gönen M. Presented at the 10th Scientific Congress of the Turkish Society of Neurosurgery, 2014, İzmir, Turkey.

4) Scientific Award – Morphological Anatomy of the Corpus Callosum in Patients with Open Spinal Dysraphism and Its Relationship with Hydrocephalus. Öztürk S, Serin HM, Kaplan M. Presented at the 10th Scientific Congress of the Turkish Society of Neurosurgery, 25-28 October 2014, İzmir, Turkey.

5)International Residency Scholarship for International Basic Neurosurgery Course, Term I – Course IV: Neurovascular Surgery, 14-17 April 2015, Antalya, Turkey (organized by the Turkish Neurosurgical Society).

6) First Prize Award – Comparison of Collagen Type IX Levels in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation. Kaplan M, Arıcı L, Hergünsel OB, Şimşek BÇ, Öztürk S, Erol FS. 11th Scientific Congress of the Turkish Society of Neurosurgery, 5-8 November 2015, Antalya, Turkey.

7)International Residency Scholarship for International Basic Neurosurgery Course, Term II – Course I: Neurotrauma and Functional Neurosurgery, 5-8 April 2016, Antalya, Turkey (organized by the Turkish Neurosurgical Society).

8)Third Prize Award (Best Oral Presentations of the Year) – Evaluation of MTHFR c677t, MTHFR a1298c, PAI-1, Factor II, and Factor V Polymorphisms in Patients with Open Spinal Dysraphism and Their Healthy Mothers. Öztürk S, Çakın H, Kara M, Kaplan M, Erol FS.

9)First Prize Award – Effects of Intrathecal Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on IL-6, TNF-Alpha, and Local Inflammatory Responses in Spinal Cord Injury. Akgün B, Öztürk S, Artaş G, Erol FS, Kaplan M. 12th Scientific Congress of the Turkish Society of Neurosurgery, 13-16 October 2016, Fethiye/Muğla, Turkey.

10) First Prize Award (Neurosurgery Field – Best Research of the Year) – Smartphones and Programmable Shunts: Are These Phones as Reliable as They Are Smart? Öztürk S, Çakın H, Kurtuldu H, Koçak O, Erol FS, Kaplan M..

11)International Residency Scholarship for International Basic Neurosurgery Course, Term II – Course II: Neuro-oncology, 15-19 March 2017, Antalya, Turkey (organized by the Turkish Neurosurgical Society).

12)Prof. Dr. Hamit Ziya Gökalp Young Neurosurgeons Scientific Encouragement Award – 2018. 32nd Scientific Congress of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society, 20-24 April 2018, Antalya, Turkey.
 

PhD/Specialization Thesis

Sait ÖZTÜRK – Evaluation of Hearing Function by Auditory Brainstem Response in Newborn Patients with Hydrocephalus before and after Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery

Institution: Fırat University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery

Year: 2015

Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Fatih Serhat EROL

Articles published in National or International Journals

1)Kaplan M, Cakin H, Ozdemir N, Gocmez C, Öztürk S, Erol FS. Is the elapsed time following the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter an individual risk factor for shunt fractures? Pediatr Neurosurg. 2012.

2)Erol FS, Kaplan M, Öztürk S. Surgical treatment of Parkinson's disease. Türkiye Klinikleri J Neurol-Special Topics 2012

3)Erol FS, Öztürk S, Akgun B, Cakın H, Kaplan M. How innocent is corpus callosum dysgenesis? Pediatric Neurosurgery 2013.

4)Kaplan M, Koparan M, Sarı A, Öztürk S, Kaplan SK, Erol FS. Can behenic acid (C22:0) levels be a prognostic factor in glial tumors? Canedey Journal of Neurological Sciences 2013.

5)Çakın H, Kaplan M, Öztürk S, Kazez A. Intrathoracic migration of ventriculoperitoneal shunt through Morgagni's hernia in a Down syndrome patient: a rare shunt complication. Neurol India. 2013.

6)Erol FS, Cakin H, Öztürk S, Donmez O, Kaplan M. Free-floating ventricular shunt catheter between lateral ventricles: a case report of an unusual ventriculoperitoneal shunt complication. Türk Neurosurg. 2013.

7)Kaplan M, Öztürk S, Cakin H, Akgun B, Onur MR, Erol FS. Sacrococcygeal sinus angle: a new anatomic landmark for the posterior approach of presacral lesions. Eur Spine J 2014.

8)Akgun B, Öztürk S, Cakin H, Kaplan M. Migration of fragments into the spinal canal after intervertebral polyethylene glycol implantation: an extremely rare adverse effect: Case report. J Neurosurg Spine. 2014.

9)Erol FS, Öztürk S, Çakın H, Akın MM. Spontaneous rupture of intracranial dermoid cyst mimicking a primary psychiatric disorder. Archive of Neuropsychiatry 2014.

10)Öztürk S, Serin HM, Kaplan M. Morphological anatomy of corpus callosum in patients with opened spinal dysraphism and the relationship between hydrocephalus. Global Journal of Human Anatomy and Physiology Research 2014.

11)Öztürk S, Cakin H, Kaplan M. Spontaneous recanalization of traumatic transverse sinus occlusion despite the persistence of depression fracture. Journal of Pediatric Neurology. 2015.

12)Öztürk S, Akgun B, Erol FS, Okcesiz I, Yıldırım H. Schwannoma of the medial cord of the brachial plexus: An uncommon localization. Neurology India 2015.

13)Akgun B, Öztürk S, Ucer O, Erol FS. Epithelioid hemangioma of the thoracic spine. Neurology India 2015.

(The list continues with more articles. If you need all items, please specify.)

National or International Symposium, Congress, or Conference Presentations

1)Öztürk S, Kaplan M, Önder S. Spinal nerve root-origin diffuse astrocytoma. 25th Scientific Congress of the Turkish Neurosurgery Association, April, 2011, Antalya, Turkey.

2)Öztürk S, Kaplan M, Sarı A, Çakın H, Erol FS. Can behenic acid levels be used as a prognostic marker for grading of glial tumors? 5th International Congress of Nutrition and Cancer, 2012, Elazığ, Turkey.

3)Erol FS, Öztürk S, Kaplan M. How innocent are corpus callosum dysgeneses? 26th Scientific Congress of the Turkish Neurosurgery Association, April 2012, Antalya, Turkey.

4)Erol FS, Çakın H, Kaplan M, Öztürk S. Free-floating ventricular shunt catheter as a VP shunt complication; Case report. 26th Scientific Congress of the Turkish Neurosurgery Association, April 2012, Antalya, Turkey.

5)Öztürk S, Çakın H, Kaplan M, Erol FS. Age as a risk factor in post-traumatic epilepsy among cerebral contusion patients. VIII. Scientific Congress of the Nervous System Surgery Association, September 2012, Gaziantep, Turkey.

(More presentations available upon request.)

Education:

Medical Degree: Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine (1993)

Specialization in Urology: Şişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital (2005)

Professional Experience:

Current Position: Practicing at İstinye University Hospital Medical Park Gaziosmanpaşa, Istanbul

Past Experience: Extensive work in both public and private healthcare sectors, including significant contributions at Istanbul İstinye University Health Practice and Research Center.

Areas of Interest:

Pediatric Urology

Urogynecology

Treatment of pediatric urology disorders

Urological surgeries and procedures

Professional Memberships:

Member of several prestigious medical societies, including the Turkish Medical Association, European Society of Pediatric Urology, and the Turkish Society of Pediatric Urology.

Certifications:

Dr. Güllüoğlu has completed numerous certifications and advanced training programs, reflecting his commitment to continuous professional development and staying at the forefront of urological advancements.