Trustworthy, attentive, successful neurosurgeon with over 34 years of experience, high rate of success and exceptional surgical skills, providing quality neurological service for patients, successfully treating over thousands of patients suffering from many severe, complex conditions of the brain, spine and the nerves.
Experienced in performing treatment modalities like micro neurosurgery, endoscopic skull base surgery, endoscopic third ventriculostomy, minimally invasive spine surgery and percutaneous spine surgery. Keen on performing clinical research and attending national and international medical conferences to stay abreast of new technologies in the field. Compassionate and detail-oriented with excellent communication skills. Expertise in healthcare, education and program management. Adept at developing and implementing forward-thinking strategies to enhance patient outcomes and collective knowledge in the field. Desiring to bring skills and success. Focused on working closely with other medical professionals and following up with patients. Well-versed at emergency procedures and fast and accurate sanitation.
Work History
2020-01 – Current - Asst. Prof. Neurosurgeon
Istanbul Medipol University, Health Care Practice and Research Center Pendik Hospital
• He successfully treated and followed patients with cerebral hemorrhage, brain and spinal cord tumors, and patients with hydrocephalus.
• He performed transnasal pituitary surgeries with success.
• Also, many cervical lumbar and thoracic disc patients were successfully treated, and disc prosthesis were applied to some of them.
• He re-operated a degenerative spine patient who had been operated on before at another center and the patient regained his health.
• He also successfully treated patients with premature neonatal intracerebral hemorrhage.
2019-08 – 2020-01 - Neurosurgeon
Freelancer, Istanbul, Turkey
• Operated on patients' brains, spines and peripheral nerves to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent and treat diseases and improve patients' motor functions. Performed successful operations for complex, advanced and complicated disease of the brain and spine some of which were operated unsuccessfully at other medical centers by different neurosurgeons.
• Offered advanced knowledge, leadership abilities and technical assistance with complex surgical cases.
• Maintained admitting privileges at local hospitals and provided quality follow-up care.
• Educated patients on recovery methods and times.
• Designed treatment plans for patients.
• Thoroughly assessed patients to identify medical condition and level of surgical risk.
• Founded a spinal surgery group with orthopedic surgeons and treated very advanced and severe vertebra deformities, spine abnormalities, scoliosis.
2018-12 - 2019-08 - Neurosurgeon
Alkafeel Super Speciality Hospital, Karbala, Iraq
• Conducted up to 5 operations per month to correct deformities in neurological and spinal systems, repair traumas, and treat diseases of different areas. Performed successful operations (success rate 100 percent : 90-95) for severe, complex and advanced diseases of the brain, spine and nerves in adults and children. (Cerebral intrinsic and extrinsic tumor surgery, posterior fossa surgery, spontaneous and traumatic intracranial hematomas, Interhemispheric 3th ventricle and lateral ventricle surgery, pontocerebellar angle tumor surgery, spinal instrumentation and fusion surgery, microdiscectomy cervical, thoracic, lumbar, pediatric cranial and spine anomaly surgery). Followed the patients postoperatively.
• Educated patients on recovery methods and times.
• Thoroughly assessed patients to identify medical condition and level of surgical risk.
• Performed emergency surgeries.
• Examined 900 patients in total in the outpatient clinic and gave medical treatments to them when necessary.
2015-10 - 2018-11 - Neurosurgeon
Medistate Kavacık Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
• Operated on patients' brains, spines and peripheral nerves to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent and treat different advanced, complex severe diseases and improve patients' motor functions.
• Conducted up to operations per month to correct deformities in neurological and spinal systems, repair traumas, restore partial or full functionality and prevent and treat diseases of different areas.
• Performed successful operations (success rate percent : 95) for severe, complex and advanced diseases of the brain , spine and nerves in adults and children.(Brain tumor, arachnoid cyst, intracerebral hematoma, spinal stenosis, hydrocephalus, myelomeningocele).Followed the patients postoperatively.
• Educated patients on recovery methods and times Thoroughly assessed patients to identify medical condition and level of surgical risk.
• Performed emergency surgeries (intracerebral hematoma, intracerebral abscess).
• Examined 850 patients in total in the outpatient clinic and gave medical treatment to them when necessary.
1994-03 - 2015-09 - Neurosurgeon
Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
• Supervised trainees, medical students, residents and fellows to help each achieve proficiency in field.
• Conducted up to 20 operations per month to correct deformities in neurological and spinal systems, repair traumas, restore partial or full functionality and prevent and treat diseases of different areas. Performed successful operations (success rate: %90) for severe, complex and advanced diseases of the brain, spine and nerves in adults and children. (Skull base surgery, extended trans base approach, orbit zygomatic approach, presigmoid approach, orbital approaches, transcranial and lateral orbitotomy, Endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, CSF leakage surgery, endoscopic, microscopic and transsphenoidal, transcranial. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and surgery of multiloculated hydrocephalus and pediatric neurosurgery. Cerebral intrinsic and extrinsic tumor surgery, posterior fossa surgery. Brain aneurysm, AVM and cavernoma surgery.
• Spontaneous and traumatic intracranial hematomas. Hemifacial spasm and trigeminal neuralgia surgery (microsurgical decompression) Interhemispheric 3th ventricle and lateral ventricle surgery. Pineal area surgery. Pontocerebellar angle tumor surgery.
• Foreman magnum tumors surgery. Surgery of hydrocephaly, Syringomyelia and craniovertebral animalia).Followed the patients postoperatively.
• Educated patients on recovery methods and times Thoroughly assessed patients to identify medical condition and level of surgical risk.
• Performed emergency surgeries (Epidural, subdural and intracerebral hematoma, vertebra fracture).
• Examined 500-700 patients per day in the outpatient clinic and gave medical treatment to them when necessary. Examined patients in the emergency service.
• Designed treatment plans for patients.
• Offered advanced knowledge, leadership abilities and technical assistance with complex surgical cases.
• Led and oversaw 15 medical personnel in operating room setting to perform surgeries.
• Led and oversaw medical personnel in operating room setting to perform surgeries.
Education
1982-09 - 1988-08
M.D.: Medicine And (Pre-Medicine)
Ankara University Medical School - Ankara
General Medicine Training for 6 years. Graduated with a high GPA.
1988-11 - 1994-05
Specialist Neurosurgery: Neuroscience
University of Health Sciences - Ankara
6 years of neurosurgery training.
• My thesis was on brain abscess and their clinical and laboratory evaluations
1995-05 - 1995-07
Neuroscience
The Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry.
Ankara
I attended the course for microsurgery at University of Hacettepe Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry.
1998-04 - 2019-05
Observer Doctor: Neuroscience
Department of Neurosurgery, MSU - Ann Arbour,
Michigan USA
2012-05 - 2012-05
Neuro endoscopy: Neuroscience
Ghent University - Ghent, Belgium
International endoscopic neurosurgery workshop,
Ghent, Belgium
I attended the workshop for endoscopic skull base operations the and Neuro endoscopic third ventriculostomy at University of Ghent Hospital
Skills
Micro neurosurgery - Excellent
Neuro endoscopy - Excellent
Cranial base endoscopy - Excellent
Minimal invasive surgery - Excellent
Percutaneous spinal surgery - Excellent
Neuronavigation – Excellent
Certifications
1995-04 Microsurgery
2012-05 Endoscopy
Languages
Turkish - Native
English - Advanced
Arabic - Novice
Affiliations
Turkish Neurosurgical Society
Turkish Medical Association
Accomplishments
• Trained team of staff nurses in medical office procedures to ensure consistent quality of care.
• Published 17 articles in national and international reviews and presented papers in medical congresses.
Interests and operations I perform
Vascular diseases of brain
Endoscopic hypophysis surgery
Tumors of brain, spine and medulla spinalis surgery
Endoscopic brain ventricle surgery
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy
Traumas of brain and spine
Cervical, thoracic and lumbar disc hernias and narrow
canal disease surgery
Spine instrumentation and fusion surgery
Baclofen pump and neurostimulators insertions
Hydrocephalus surgery
Congenital diseases of the brain and spine (pediatric
neurosurgery)
Peripheral nerve surgery
Medical Interests:
• Brain, cerebellum, spine, and spinal cord tumor surgeries in adults and children
• Pediatric Neurosurgery Surgeries (Hydrocephalus, Tethered Cord, Diastematomyelia, Encephalocele, Meningocele-Meningomyelocele, Dermal Sinus Tract Excision, Craniosynostosis)
• Spine Surgery (Lumbar and Cervical Disc Herniation, Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Stenosis, Stabilization for Spinal Fractures, Vertebroplasty-Kyphoplasty Surgeries, Kyphosis Surgery)
• Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery for Parkinson's Disease, Essential Tremor, and Dystonia
• Vagal Nerve Stimulation Surgery (Epilepsy Surgery) • Spinal Cord Stimulation Surgery (Spinal Cord Pain Stimulator)
• Surgeries for Trigeminal Neuralgia and Hemifacial Spasm
• Baclofen Pump Implantation Surgery (for Severe Spasticity)
• Surgeries for Aneurysms, AVMs, and Cavernomas
University of Wisconsin Clinic of Neurosurgery (2017, Madison/USA)
Bakırköy Psychiatric Hospital (2014, Istanbul/Turkey)
Mersin University Faculty of Medicine (2007, Mersin/Turkey)
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)
Turkish Neurosurgical Society
Turkish Spine Society
EUROSPINE
Turkish Medical Association
Dr. Hilmi Apak is a respected pediatric hematology-oncology specialist with more than 21 years of experience. He is trained in pediatric oncology. Dr. Apak has led advanced treatments, including bone marrow transplantation, leukemia chemotherapy, and CAR T-cell therapy.
He has published 75 international medical articles, showing his strong contribution to pediatric oncology research. Dr. Apak has worked as assistant editor for the Turkish Pediatrics Archives Periodical. He has also held important academic and leadership positions, such as Head of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa.
Dr. Kamran Aghayev is a neurosurgeon with over 23 years of experience. He specializes in complex brain and spine surgeries. Dr. Aghayev has performed more than 5,000 successful procedures. He is known for creating new surgical techniques, including the Posterior Upper Rib Excision & Decompression (PURED) method for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
Dr. Aghayev holds several US patents for spinal surgery devices. He has published more than 50 scientific papers. He treats brain tumors, hydrocephalus, AVMs, pituitary adenomas, and spinal conditions such as herniated discs, scoliosis, and spinal tumors.
Dr. Elnur Sahibov is a licensed Radiation Oncologist with 8 years of medical training and clinical experience. He completed his undergraduate and specialization studies at Marmara University Faculty of Medicine. From 2012 to 2016, he focused on advanced radiation oncology techniques.
Dr. Sahibov is known for his expertise in cancer treatment. He has helped improve patient outcomes and uses evidence-based protocols. He is accredited by leading medical institutions and is dedicated to ongoing professional development in oncology.
Areas of Interests
Education:
Experience:
Research:
Publications:
Dr. Idris Sertbas is a skilled neurosurgeon with experience in both adult and pediatric brain and spine surgeries. He performs complex procedures such as brain and cerebellum tumor surgeries. He also treats children with conditions like hydrocephalus, tethered cord, and craniosynostosis. Dr. Sertbas is experienced in advanced spine surgeries, including stabilization for disc herniation, vertebroplasty, and kyphosis surgery.
He is trained in neuromodulation surgeries, such as deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy stimulation, and spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain. He also performs procedures for trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and baclofen pump implantation for severe spasticity.
Dr. Sertbas graduated from Sivas Cumhuriyet University and completed his neurosurgery training at Ankara Training and Research Hospital. He has worked at Bartın State Hospital and Istanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University. He now practices at the Neurosurgery Clinic of Liv Vadistanbul Hospital.
Dr. Cagri Canbolat is a neurosurgeon. He specializes in neuro-oncological surgery, skull base surgery, neurovascular surgery, minimally invasive spinal surgery, oncological spinal surgery, pediatric neurosurgery, neuro-trauma, and neuro-intensive care. He completed his medical education and neurosurgery training at Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine from 2005 to 2018.
Dr. Canbolat has contributed to research on the therapeutic effects of Etanercept and Ustekinumab in spinal cord injury models. He has also studied the genetics of neural tube defects. His publications include work on primary central nervous system lymphoma and surgical outcomes in elderly patients with intracranial meningioma. He has analyzed 228 cases in these studies.
He has worked at Liv Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Service Hospital, Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, and Vezirköprü State Hospital.
Dr. Ayhan Kaya is a neurosurgeon who speaks English. He graduated from the Dicle University Faculty of Medicine in 1991. He completed his neurosurgery specialization in 2003. He provides surgical care using advanced microsurgical techniques.
Expertise: spinal surgery (herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, spinal trauma). Brain tumor surgery (microsurgical removal of benign and malignant tumors). Cerebrovascular surgery (aneurysms, AVMs, vascular malformations). Traumatic brain and spine injuries (emergency and reconstructive). Peripheral nerve surgery (entrapments and injuries). He offers patient-centered, safe, and personalized care.
Dr. Erkancakir is a specialist in pediatric chest diseases. He has experience with acute and chronic respiratory problems, respiratory tract infections, and bronchoscopic procedures. His areas of focus include asthma, sleep-related breathing disorders, cystic fibrosis, and tuberculosis.
He completed his medical degree at Istanbul University. He continued his specialty training at Göztepe Training and Research Hospital and Marmara University. Dr. Erkancakir has worked at leading institutions, such as Bezmialem Vakıf University and Süreyyapaşa Chest Diseases Training and Research Hospital.
He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Turkish Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society. Dr. Erkancakir has received more than 20 national and international awards for his research and presentations, especially in pediatric pulmonology and cystic fibrosis.
Undergraduate Karadeniz Technical University 2001
PhD: Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital Neurosurgery 2009
Konya Doğanhisar Başköy health center 2001-2002
Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital 2004-2010
Agri State Hospital (Compulsory service) 2010-2011
Arnavutkoy State Hospital 2011-2012
Bakirkoy Sadi Konuk EAH 2012-2014
Istanbul Kanuni Training and Research Hospital 2015-2020
Başakşehir çam Sakura City Hospital 2020-2024
In 2009, I completed my specialty training in Neurosurgery and Neurosurgery at Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital and worked as a specialist doctor at Istanbul Bakırköy Sadi Konuk EAH, Kanuni EAH and Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital affiliated to the University of Health Sciences. I have been working in the field of pediatric neurosurgery for 9 years. In 2024, I started to work as a Faculty Member at Biruni University Department of Neurosurgery and Neurosurgery.
Turkish Neurosurgical Society Membership
Pediatric Neurosurgery Group Membership
Turkish Medical Association