In Memory of a Master
Prof. Dr. Emin Alıcı was born on March 1, 1947, in Adıyaman, Türkiye. He completed his primary, secondary, and high school education in Malatya and graduated from Ege University Faculty of Medicine in 1973 as a medical doctor. In the same year, he commenced his residency training in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology at Ege University Faculty of Medicine.
During his residency, he was awarded a scholarship that enabled him to gain experience in spinal surgery in Italy. He prepared his specialization thesis on spondylolisthesis and continued his academic career at Ege University. In 1982, he was promoted to Associate Professor with his thesis entitled “Spinal Biomechanics and Spinal Prosthesis”. In 1988, he transferred to Dokuz Eylül University, where he attained the rank of Professor. While continuing his academic work there, Prof. Alıcı focused extensively on spinal deformities, spinal infections, and spinal tumors.
Throughout his academic career, he pioneered numerous innovations in spinal surgery. The “Alıcı Spinal System”, named after him, became the first domestically produced spinal implant in Türkiye, marking a milestone in the country’s medical history. Over the years, the system was further developed and came into widespread use nationwide. In addition to his significant contributions to healthcare, Prof. Alıcı’s role as an educator stands out prominently. During his terms as Dean and Rector, he introduced the active learning model into medical education at the university level. By placing special emphasis on medical education, he institutionalized the concept of faculty development within medical schools.
Prof. Alıcı founded the first spinal surgery society in Türkiye and organized the first international spinal congress. In order to enhance the society’s success and recognition, he played a leading role in organizing numerous national and international meetings. Even after stepping down from active duties, he continued to support the society. Through the dedicated efforts of subsequent administrations, the Turkish Spine Society has achieved its current level of success. The society’s official journal, the Journal of Turkish Spinal Surgery, has continued its publication without interruption, demonstrating a steadily increasing trajectory of academic impact.
As one of the most significant cornerstones of spinal surgery in Türkiye, Prof. Dr. Emin Alıcı has served as a role model for all physicians devoted to spine care, both through his professional achievements and his identity as an educator. With a character firmly grounded in reason and science, he has secured a permanent place among the unforgettable figures of the Turkish scientific community. His cherished memory will continue to be kept alive by his students.
This special issue is dedicated to a great pioneer who inscribed his name in gold letters in the history of Turkish spinal surgery. The review articles were prepared by authors whose professional and personal paths frequently intersected with the life and career of Prof. Dr. Emin Alıcı. As a mark of respect for our senior colleague, the name of Prof. Dr. Emin Alıcı has been symbolically added as the final author to all manuscripts. It is our hope that his professional diligence and deep respect for humanity will continue to serve as an example for future generations.
Special Issue Contributor Editor
Ömer Akçalı, Prof. M.D.
