Prof. İlhan Elmacı began his medical career at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, where he earned his medical degree. In 1987, he completed his residency in Neurosurgery at the Dr. Zeki Oral Neurosurgery Clinic of Bakırköy Mental and Neurological Diseases Hospital. Driven by a strong commitment to excellence in neurosurgery, he pursued advanced training at some of the world’s leading institutions. At the University of Zurich, he received extensive microsurgical training at the clinic of Prof. M. Gazi Yaşargil, one of the pioneers of modern microneurosurgery.
With a particular interest in neurosurgical innovation, Prof. Elmacı further advanced his expertise in neuro-oncology and vascular neurosurgery through fellowship training at Johns Hopkins University, where he worked with Prof. Donlin M. Long and Prof. Daniele Rigamonti. He subsequently received additional training in skull base surgery and endoscopic neurosurgical techniques at the University of Pittsburgh.
Between 1993 and 2003, Prof. Elmacı served at the Department of Neurosurgery, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, under the leadership of Prof. Necmettin Pamir. During this period, he was actively involved in clinical practice, scientific research, medical education, and advanced neurosurgical procedures. In recognition of his academic achievements, he was awarded the title of Associate Professor of Neurosurgery in 2003.
From 2004 to 2010, he served as Chief of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Ministry of Health Göztepe Training and Research Hospital. Under his leadership, the department achieved accreditation by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS), reflecting its compliance with international standards in neurosurgical education and training.
Prof. Elmacı believes that the successful management of complex neurosurgical cases depends on multidisciplinary collaboration, teamwork, and the integration of advanced technologies. Guided by this philosophy, he provided highly specialized neurosurgical care and led scientific research programs at several of Türkiye’s leading healthcare institutions—including Acıbadem, Medipol, Memorial, Liv Ulus, and Florence Nightingale Hospitals—between 2010 and 2026.
In 2021, he founded Elmacı Neurosurgery Clinic to advance his work in clinical research, medical education, and patient consultation.
Prof. Elmacı is the founder of the Skull Base Society and served as its president from 2016 to 2021. He was also an active member of the Executive Committee of the European Skull Base Society (ESBS).
Since April 2026, he has continued his clinical and academic work together with his experienced team at Acıbadem Kent Hospital in İzmir.
Throughout his career, Prof. Elmacı has led neurosurgery departments at some of Türkiye’s foremost healthcare institutions, contributed extensively to scientific research, and mentored numerous young neurosurgeons. He is the author of more than 130 articles published in international peer-reviewed journals and more than 30 articles in national peer-reviewed journals. In addition, he has presented over 200 scientific papers at national and international meetings and has made significant contributions to the field of neurosurgery through his books and book chapters.