A Message from the International Patient Office

Every family arrives with a different story.

Different questions. Different concerns. And the responsibility of making one of the most important decisions for their child.

Behind every conversation is the same commitment: ensuring that families receive clear information, thoughtful guidance, and the confidence to make the decision that is right for them.

We believe exceptional medical care begins long before entering the operating room.

It begins with trust, open communication, and the reassurance that someone will be there to guide the journey from the very beginning.

Idil Saguner

Idil Saguner, International Patient Office

We guide you through every step.

We know that seeking medical care away from home can be a challenging time for patients and their families. Our role is to coordinate and guide you through every aspect of your patient journey. You will be introduced to your dedicated patient coordinator, who will remain the single point of contact throughout your trip.

Physician with a smiling young patient and her parent

Patient Support Services

Accommodation Assistance

Carefully selected four-star and five-star hotels located within convenient distance of the hospital and imaging facilities.

Reservation & Scheduling

Our International Patient Unit coordinates consultations, imaging appointments, hospital admissions, and follow-up visits.

Airport Transfers

Meet-and-greet services and private airport transfers on arrival and departure, coordinated around your flight schedule.

Local Transportation

Private transportation for all medical-related travel within Ankara — between your hotel, the hospital, and imaging facilities.

Arabic & English Support

Dedicated interpreting and coordination services to assist families throughout the evaluation and procedure process.

Personalized Coordination

Every family's needs are different — support services are tailored to your requirements and travel plans.

From first contact to your return home.

Contact

You reach out and share your child's medical records.

Remote Assessment

Preliminary review and coordination of your visit.

Travel Planning

Flight and airport transfer arranged for your family.

Arrival in Ankara

Arrival in Ankara and check-in at your hotel.

Clinical Evaluation

Clinical evaluation and imaging with Professor Keskil.

PAMO Procedure

The procedure itself — approximately one hour.

Return Home & Follow-Up

Final consultation, then ongoing remote follow-up.

Patient Follow-Up

  • Initial changes are commonly observed within the first two weeks
  • Maximum observed changes are typically seen within the first month
  • A remote follow-up assessment is generally conducted at approximately four months
  • Some patients may benefit from an additional procedural course based on follow-up findings
  • All future planning is individualized, with transparent communication throughout every stage of care

A Structured Six-Day Clinical Process in Ankara

01
Ankara city skyline

Day 1: Arrival in Ankara

Patients and families arrive in Ankara and settle in ahead of their first clinical appointment.

02
Initial clinical assessment

Day 2: Initial Assessment

Professor Semih Keskil conducts a comprehensive clinical evaluation of your child's posture and spinal alignment.

03
Advanced imaging and radiological evaluation

Days 2–3: Advanced Imaging & Evaluation

Full-spine radiographs and additional imaging studies are reviewed to confirm candidacy and plan the procedure.

04
Final review with the clinical team

Day 4: Final Review

Findings are discussed with the family and the procedural plan is finalized.

05
PAMO procedure day

Day 5: PAMO Procedure

The PAMO procedure is performed on a hospital-based, same-day basis, without incisions or general anesthesia.

06
Follow-up and return home

Day 6: Follow-up & Return Home

A final follow-up confirms recovery before the family returns home.

TOBB ETÜ Faculty of Medicine Hospital

A modern, internationally accredited hospital in Ankara — tobbetuinternational.com

Ankara — a safe, modern capital.

From the moment you land at Esenboğa Airport to your time in the city, Ankara offers a secure and comfortable environment for your family's stay.

Why Families Feel Comfortable

Support you can rely on, every step of the way.

One Dedicated Coordinator

A single point of contact accompanies your family from your first message to your return home.

Personalized Planning

Every itinerary is built around your family's needs, schedule, and medical requirements.

Clear Communication

Honest, transparent updates in your language, throughout evaluation and treatment.

Support Before, During and After Your Visit

Guidance continues long after you return home, through remote follow-up and ongoing care.

Frequently Asked Questions About PAMO

Find answers to the questions families ask most frequently about PAMO.

Doctor talking with a young patient

Before You Travel

Below are answers to the questions international families ask most frequently before travelling to Ankara for evaluation and treatment.

PAMO is generally intended for adolescents between 10 and 20 years of age with a Cobb angle of approximately 20° to 50°. Before travelling to Turkey, families may submit their child's medical records and imaging studies for a complimentary preliminary review, which helps determine whether travelling to Ankara for a comprehensive evaluation is appropriate.

Families are asked to submit recent spinal X-rays, MRI scans (if available), previous medical reports, and any other relevant clinical information. You may send these directly to our International Patient Unit by email or WhatsApp, and our team will let you know if additional documentation is required.

The remote preliminary assessment is typically completed within a few business days of receiving your child's complete medical records and imaging studies. Our International Patient Unit will keep you informed throughout the review process.

Although PAMO is not a surgical procedure, it is performed in a fully equipped operating-room environment under real-time C-arm imaging guidance. There are no incisions, no stitches, and no general anesthesia. However, the procedure is carried out under the same sterile, controlled, and carefully monitored conditions expected of any hospital-based procedure.

No. PAMO does not involve general anesthesia. A topical anesthetic cream is applied to the treatment area to maximize your child's comfort, allowing the procedure to be performed without surgical or general anesthesia.

Families are generally advised to plan for approximately six days in Ankara. This schedule allows sufficient time for consultation, comprehensive imaging, clinical evaluation, eligibility assessment, the PAMO procedure (when appropriate), and a final follow-up consultation before returning home. The exact schedule may vary slightly depending on the individual patient's needs.

Planning Your Stay

What to expect while coordinating and living through your visit to Ankara.

Yes. Our International Patient Unit provides guidance before your arrival and throughout your stay in Ankara. The team assists with appointment coordination, medical documentation, interpreter arrangements when needed, and practical information to help make your visit as smooth as possible.

Yes. A parent or legal guardian is expected to accompany the child throughout the evaluation and treatment process. Our team will be happy to answer any questions and provide guidance during your stay.

Yes. Language assistance can be arranged for international families when required to ensure clear communication throughout every stage of the evaluation and treatment process.

After Returning Home

How follow-up and continued care are managed once your family is back home.

Most patients are able to travel home after their final clinical review. Individual recommendations may vary depending on the patient's overall condition and the physician's assessment.

Follow-up is carried out remotely using updated imaging studies and clinical photographs. Professor Semih Keskil personally reviews each patient's progress and provides further recommendations whenever appropriate.

Not necessarily. Many follow-up evaluations can be completed remotely. If an additional treatment cycle is recommended, our International Patient Unit will assist you with planning your next visit.

Still Have Questions?

If you have additional questions about PAMO or would like to discuss your child's condition, our International Patient Unit will be pleased to assist you.