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    Atahan Durbas, MD

    HSS

    Atahan Durbas is a spine surgery research fellow at the HSS, where he focuses on advancing the field of spine surgery through clinical research and innovation. With a strong foundation in medicine and molecular biology, he has contributed to various projects aimed at improving surgical outcomes and patient care.
    Atahan graduated with honors from Acibadem University School of Medicine, earning his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree with a minor in Molecular Biology and Genetics. His academic journey was marked by notable achievements, including ranking 60th in Turkey’s Undergraduate Placement Exam (top 0.02‰ percentile) and earning medals in both the British and International Biology Olympiads when he was in high school.
    During his time as a researcher at Acibadem Maslak Hospital’s Spine Center Research Group (SCRG), Atahan played a key role in designing and conducting clinical studies. His work in data analysis and reflective thinking has contributed to several publications in respected medical journals. He also gained valuable experience as a data entry at EUROSPINE, where he helped manage a large radiographic database, using data to better understand spinal conditions. Currently, as a research fellow at the Hospital for Special Surgery, Atahan is involved in projects that aim to optimize spine surgery outcomes. His responsibilities include clinical data collection, statistical analysis, and translational research, all of which are geared toward improving patient care. His research interests include spinal surgery techniques, patient recovery, and biomechanics.
    Outside of his professional work, Atahan is passionate about mentorship and education. He has served as a jury member for the Turkish National Committee of the International Biology Olympiad, supporting young scientists in their academic pursuits. As the President and Re-founder of Acibadem University’s European Medical Students’ Association (EMSA), he worked to create a collaborative environment for medical students. He also mentors high school and pre-med students, sharing his knowledge and experiences to help guide their paths.
    In his personal time, Atahan enjoys a variety of hobbies that help him unwind and stay balanced. He is an enthusiastic sports player, often engaging in basketball and soccer with friends. He also enjoys strategy games like chess and Civilization, which challenge his problem-solving skills. Music is another interest—he plays the guitar and finds it a relaxing way to recharge. Additionally, Atahan loves traveling, exploring new cultures, and experiencing different cuisines, which broadens his perspective and inspires his work.

    Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

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