Clinical Observers & Visiting Scholars

The Elmacı Neurosurgery Institute (ENI) offers medical students from around the world the opportunity to observe and experience the latest developments in the field of neurosurgery. This program aims to enhance students’ knowledge of neurosurgery, provide practical experience by observing surgical procedures, and teach the fundamental aspects of patient management.

Objectives and Goals

Led by Prof. Dr. İlhan Elmacı, this program aims to teach participants the basic applications and techniques in neurosurgery, helping them improve their skills by observing surgical processes. Participants will have the opportunity to observe various cases in neurosurgery practice and gain insight into multidisciplinary patient management. The program supports students in strengthening their theoretical knowledge through practical experience, contributing to their professional development.

Program Content

1.Discussion and Evaluation of Clinical Cases

Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Location & Time: Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, Neurosurgery Department Meeting Room, 08:00

One of the cornerstones of ENI is the discussion of clinical cases within the team. This provides participants with comprehensive training in clinical decision-making and the development of treatment plans through a multidisciplinary approach. During these meetings:

• Case Discussions: Complex daily cases from the neurosurgery department are thoroughly discussed. The medical history, symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment processes, and outcomes of the cases are shared with participants.
• Radiological Evaluations and Surgical Planning: Radiological images are reviewed and surgical plans are revised when necessary. The surgical decision-making process, based on radiological findings, is discussed.
• Post-Operative Evaluation: The clinical conditions of post-operative patients are assessed, and valuable information about the recovery process is provided.

2.Theoretical Training and Development of Basic Practical Skills

Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Location & Time: Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, Inpatient Rooms, 08:30

During daily bedside visits, participants observe clinical practice and acquire theoretical and practical knowledge in post-operative follow-up and patient management. This includes:

• Post-Operative Examination and Monitoring: Neurological and physical examinations are performed to assess the general condition of patients, especially during the post-operative recovery phase.
• Medical Treatment Processes: In-depth knowledge of medical treatment processes for neurosurgery patients is provided, with a focus on treatment methods.
• Intensive Care Management: Topics such as anesthesia and post-anesthesia management, neurological monitoring, and complication management are addressed.
• Discharge Planning: Planning for neurosurgery patients’ discharge and post-discharge care is conducted.

3.Principles of Neurosurgical Patient Evaluation

Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday

Location & Time: Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital and Elmacı Neurosurgery Clinic (schedule based on the program)

Participants observe how neurosurgical patients are evaluated from Prof. İlhan Elmacı’s perspective and how accurate treatment plans are developed. This training covers:

• Neurological and Physical Examination Techniques: The process of obtaining medical history, complaints, clinical findings, and patient backgrounds is taught. Emphasis is placed on neurological examination techniques, and post-operative patient follow-up is conducted.
• Neuroradiological Imaging Techniques: The use of MRI, MR Angiography, CT and CT Angiography, X-rays, and other imaging methods is introduced. Participants learn how to analyze imaging results and evaluate patients accurately.
• Surgical Indication Criteria: A detailed discussion on how surgical intervention decisions are made based on urgency, priority, and necessity classification. The role of symptom severity, progressive diseases, neurosurgical emergencies, and pathological findings in imaging as factors for surgical indications is examined.
• Post-Operative Patient Follow-up: Understanding periodic follow-up strategies for post-operative patients.

4. Multidisciplinary Council Participation

Day: Tuesday

Location & Time: Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, 1st Floor, Neuro-Oncology Meeting Room, 07:30

ENI’s multidisciplinary approach offers participants the opportunity to engage with specialists from various fields in case discussions and treatment strategy development. During these multidisciplinary conference meetings:

• Case Discussions: Experts from neurosurgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, and pathology come together to discuss cases.
• Treatment Planning: Treatment options are developed through a multidisciplinary approach. In neuro-oncology councils, treatment processes and pre/post-surgical treatment options are discussed.

5.Observation of Surgical Procedures

Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Location & Time: Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, -3rd Floor, Operating Room No: 1, 08:30

Participants observe real-time surgical operations at ENI and participate as observers in each stage of the surgery. These observations help enhance participants’ surgical skills. During these sessions:

• Surgical Methods: The detailed use of microsurgical and endoscopic surgical techniques is observed.
• Operating Room: Participants observe modern technologies and safety measures in the surgical setting, including sterilization techniques, the use of neurosurgical instruments, and more.
• Technological Infrastructure: The use of surgical microscopes, intraoperative neuronavigation, intraoperative neuromonitoring systems, and intraoperative ultrasonography in neurosurgery is demonstrated.
• Post-Operative Procedures: Information is provided on post-operative anesthesia monitoring, intensive care planning, early neurological examinations, and evaluation of radiological findings during the recovery phase.

6.Literature Discussion Meetings

Day: Thursday

Location & Time: Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, 1st Floor Meeting Room, 08:30

Participants are given the opportunity to present and discuss significant articles from the neurosurgical literature with ENI. The meetings involve case-based literature analysis, where participants gain up-to-date knowledge and improve their presentation skills. These discussions promote academic development and encourage critical thinking about innovative approaches in neurological surgery.

7.Research and Academic Contributions

Participation in clinical research projects at ENI with opportunities for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

8.Neuropathological Diagnoses

Understanding the pathological diagnosis processes after surgery and planning necessary additional treatments.

Program Duration and Certification

ENI Neurosurgery Observership Program offers various duration options. Observers who successfully complete the program will receive a training certificate.

Application Process

Applications for the observership program are accepted through the ENI website. Applications will be reviewed by ENI, and suitable candidates will be contacted.