Erkan Kaptanoglu

Erkan Kaptanoglu is a neurosurgeon specializing in complex spine and brain surgeries at Estexper Clinic. He holds a Ph.D. in Advanced Neuroscience and multiple scientific research awards. Kaptanoglu treats adults and children, focusing on spinal regeneration and tumor resection. He also treated victims of the 1999 Marmara Earthquake as a volunteer.

Specialization & Approach

Kaptanoglu performs procedures for conditions like scoliosis, brain tumors, and spinal stenosis. He uses thoracoscopic spinal techniques — a minimally invasive method using a camera and small incisions to treat the chest-level spine. He also uses stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries. Kaptanoglu treats Parkinson’s disease and vascular neurological disorders. Additionally, he treats complex pediatric cases, including spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

Work Experience

• 2019–Present — Neurosurgeon, Istanbul Brain and Spine Center and Estexper Clinic
• 2015–2019 — Head of Neurosurgery Department, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine
• 2015–2019 — Director, Institute of Neuroscience at Marmara University
• 2010–2015 — Founder and Head of Neurosurgery, Near East University (Cyprus)
• 2010–2015 — Founder and Deputy Chief Physician, Near East University Training and Research Hospital
• 2009–2010 — Deputy Chief, 1st Neurosurgery Clinic at Ankara Numune Hospital
• 1999 — Field Hospital Establishment and Red Crescent volunteer, Hakkari, Şemdinli
• 1998–1999 — Research Fellow, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Canada
• 1997–2009 — Chief Resident and Specialist, Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital

Education & Training

• 1990 — Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine — Medical Degree
• 1990 — Peterborough District and Lincoln County Hospitals (UK) — Internship
• 1997 — Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital — Neurosurgery Residency
• 2005 — Hacettepe University Institute of Medical Sciences — Ph.D. in Advanced Neuroscience

Research & Recognition

Kaptanoglu has published 65 international and 35 Turkish scientific articles. He edited seven medical books and authored 52 book chapters. Kaptanoglu has delivered lectures at more than 100 international events. He also served on organizational committees for five international and 22 national meetings.

• 2004 — Yildiz Yalcinlar Scientific Research Award
• 2002 — 2nd Place, Hamit Ziya Gokalp Young Neurosurgeons Research Award
• 2001 — Brain Research Society Wheyt Award and Tübitak honors
• 2000 — 1st Place, Acibadem Hospital Medical Research Award
• 2000 — Dr. Mahir Tevruz Scientific Research Award

Professional Memberships

• Turkish Neurosurgery Academy — Board Member
• Turkish Neurosurgical Society — Former Chairman of Spine and Peripheral Nerve Group
• EUROSPINE
• AO Spine
• Turkish Spine Society
• Turkish Medical Association
• Turkish Cypriot Medical Association
• Turkish Neurosurgical Society — Former Chairman of Young Neurosurgeons Committee
• Turkish Neurosurgery and Türk Nöroşirurji Dergisi — Former Editorial Board Member and Assistant Editor