Best Arnold Chiari Syndrome Doctors Abroad for Australian Patients

Professor Erkan Kaptanoglu is a highly decorated neurosurgeon who holds a PhD in Advanced Neuroscience and previously led the Department of Neurosurgery at Marmara University.

• Specialises in complex spinal and paediatric neurosurgery to treat structural issues at the base of the skull
• Completed a clinical research fellowship at the University of Toronto focusing on spinal cord regeneration
• Former Chairman of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group
• Won multiple scientific research awards for his work on spinal anatomy and injury repair strategies
• Published over 65 international scientific articles and edited seven medical textbooks in his field

The doctor graduated from Dicle University Faculty of Medicine in 1984 and completed specialization training in Pediatric Surgery at the same institution in 1994. With a focus on neonatal surgery, pediatric urology, oncological surgery, and more, the doctor holds a Turkish Pediatric Surgery Qualification Certificate since 2002.

Having participated in numerous specialized courses, including Anorectal Malformations and Repairs and International Hypospadias Courses, the doctor is a member of several professional societies such as the Turkish Society of Pediatric Surgery and the Pediatric Urology Society.

The doctor completed medical education at Marmara University Faculty of Medicine and specialized in neurosurgery. Further training included a Cerebrovascular Research Fellowship at Yale School of Medicine. The doctor is a member of the Turkish Neurosurgery Association, Turkish Spine Association, and AOSpine. Awards include the Turkish Neurosurgery Society's Young Neurosurgeon Encouragement First Prize in 2017. The doctor has participated in organizing several neurosurgery courses and congresses, contributing as both an instructor and committee member.

Professor Kenan Kapici is the former Head of Neurosurgery at Altinbas University, where he trained the next generation of spine and brain surgeons.

• Specialises in microsurgery for Arnold Chiari malformations to relieve brain pressure and restore fluid flow
• Member of the Spine Society of Europe, focusing on complex craniocervical junction procedures
• Completed extensive neuroanatomy and spine surgery training at GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital
• Uses microsurgical techniques for smaller incisions and improved precision during decompression surgery

Education and Specialization

• Bachelor’s Degree: Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine (1987/1993)
• Medical Specialization: Department of Pediatrics, Fırat University (1993/2001)
• Subspecialty: Pediatric Neurology Unit, Hacettepe University (2002/2004)

Professional Experience

• General Practitioner: Mardin State Hospital, Emergency Department (1993/1996)
• Research Assistant: Faculty of Medicine, Fırat University (1996/2001)
• Lecturer: Faculty of Medicine, İnönü University (2001/2002)
• Subspecialty Research Assistant: Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University (2002/2004)
• Assistant Professor: Faculty of Medicine, İnönü University (2004/2008)
• Associate Professor: Faculty of Medicine, İnönü University (2008/2014)
• Professor: Faculty of Medicine, İnönü University (2014/2023)

Dr. Murat Cakar is an Assistant Professor of Pediatric Surgery. His focus includes neonatal thoracic and abdominal diseases, esophageal atresia replacement, diaphragmatic hernia, pediatric cancer surgery (Wilms tumor, neuroblastoma), and testicular surgical conditions.

He earned his MD from Cumhuriyet University (1998–2005). He completed pediatric surgery training (2006–2011). He worked as a pediatric surgeon (2011–2013). He has served as Head of Pediatric Surgery at Karabük University, İstinye University/Liv Hospital (since 2020), and Aydın University (since 2021).

His roles include Founding Manager of Karabük University Hospital, Head of Laboratory Operations, and Chair of Child Advocacy Centers. He has also served on Medicines and Medical Supplies Commissions. He is a member of the Turkish Association of Pediatric Surgeons and the Pediatric Urology Association.

Education:

Medical Specialization

Hacettepe University 2017 - 2007

Medical Specialization (Minor)

Ufuk University 2011 - 2009

Doctorate

Ankara University 2021 - 2000

Undergraduate

Ankara University 2006

Experience: 

Research Assistant

Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Institute, Ankara University

September 01, 2009 - October 08, 2021

Research Assistant

Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University

February 27, 2014 - February 28, 2017

Research Assistant

Dr. Ridvan Ege Health Research and Application Center, Ufuk University

November 27, 2007 - December 09, 2011

Assistant Professor Cevdet Gokcek is a senior neurosurgeon who has successfully treated thousands of patients with complex brain and spine conditions. He manages challenging cases at Medipol University Pendik Hospital.

• Specialises in craniovertebral anomalies and syringomyelia often associated with Chiari malformation
• Performs posterior fossa surgery, a common procedure to create more space for the brain
• Uses micro-neurosurgery and neuro-endoscopy for more precise results and smaller incisions
• Completed clinical observations at Michigan State University in the United States
• Member of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society and the Turkish Medical Association

Dr Mehmet Besir Surme is a highly clinical neurosurgeon who has published specific research on improving surgical outcomes for Chiari Type I malformations.

• Completed a specialist fellowship in paediatric neurosurgery at Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome
• Researched imaging techniques to better assess the brainstem and cerebellar tonsils before and after surgery
• Presented technical insights on spinal and paediatric neurosurgery at major international congresses
• Uses 3D printing technology to create customised grafts for complex cranial and spinal repairs
• Active member of the Turkish Neurosurgery Society paediatric and spinal surgery groups