Prof. Atilla YILMAZ, MD has trained more than 40 fellows and visiting neurosurgeons from 30 countries, and has proctored the first deep brain stimulation procedures performed in six countries. He directs cadaver and live-surgery courses in İstanbul and teaches on international faculty programmes in Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia and North Africa.
At a glance
- Fellows and visiting surgeons trained
- 40+, from 30 countries
- Countries where he proctored the first DBS
- Bosnia and Herzegovina, Libya, Algeria, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan
- Courses directed
- DBS & Neuromodulation Interventions Cadaver Course (İstanbul); MSSFN live DBS surgery course series
- University teaching
- Medical students and neurosurgery residents, Istanbul Health and Technology University
Building programmes, not just performing operations
A DBS programme is not a single surgeon. It needs a neurologist who can select candidates and programme the device afterwards, a neurophysiologist or a surgeon comfortable with microelectrode recording, imaging that supports accurate targeting, and a hospital that will keep supporting the patient for the ten to fifteen years the implant will be in place.
Prof. YILMAZ's teaching work has focused on exactly this: travelling to centres that want to start a programme, proctoring the first cases on site, and then supporting the local team remotely while they build volume. In six countries the first DBS procedure was performed with him in the room.
International trainees
Neurosurgeons, neurologists and biomedical engineers have come to İstanbul from 30 countries to train with Prof. YILMAZ, and several now lead neuromodulation services in their own institutions.
Visiting surgeons and fellows have come from 30 countries; in six of them Prof. YILMAZ went on to proctor the first deep brain stimulation procedure performed in the country.
Algeria · Azerbaijan · Croatia · Egypt · Georgia · Germany · India · Iran · Iraq · Jordan · Kazakhstan · Kyrgyzstan · Lebanon · Libya · Moldova · Mongolia · Morocco · Namibia · Nigeria · Pakistan · Qatar · Romania · Russia · Saudi Arabia · South Africa · Tajikistan · United Arab Emirates · Uzbekistan · Yemen · Zimbabwe
Courses and structured programmes
Prof. YILMAZ founded İstanbul's cadaver course series in deep brain stimulation and neuromodulation in 2022 and has directed every edition since; he also serves as course or workshop director at national and international meetings. See the full list of meetings he has founded and directed →
- DBS & Neuromodulation Interventions Cadaver Course, İstanbul — founded in 2022 and directed by Prof. YILMAZ; hands-on anatomy and implantation technique for DBS, spinal cord stimulation, sacral neuromodulation and intrathecal baclofen. The 4th edition is scheduled for 26–29 August 2027.
- MSSFN Live DBS Surgery Course — live-transmitted DBS surgery with step-by-step commentary, targeted at neurosurgeons beginning functional practice.
- MSSFN Diploma Webinar Programme — a structured webinar series with moderated sessions leading to a society diploma.
- University teaching at İSTÜN: undergraduate medical teaching and neurosurgery residency training.
Trainee and country figures are practice records maintained by the Neuromodulation Center and published as rounded figures.
Frequently asked questions
Does Prof. Atilla YILMAZ accept observers or fellows?
Yes. Visiting neurosurgeons and fellows are hosted at the Neuromodulation Center in İstanbul, and structured hands-on training is offered through the cadaver course and the MSSFN live surgery course. Enquiries can be sent through the contact page.
Which DBS devices does he work with?
All three major systems — Medtronic, Abbott and Boston Scientific. Device selection is made per patient, based on the target, the need for directional or sensing capability, MRI requirements and what can be supported locally after the patient returns home.