About Doctor
Dr. Gopalakrishnan Balamurali is a distinguished Consultant Spine and Neurosurgeon and the Head of Spine Surgery with extensive professional qualifications and an impressive career. His education includes:
- MBBS: Bangalore University, India (1997)
- MRCS: Member of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK (2001)
- FRCS: Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (Surgical Neurology), UK (2008)
- MD (Research): University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK (2010)
Dr. Balamurali is recognized for his outstanding contributions to spine surgery. He has 16 years of surgical experience, having trained internationally in the UK, USA, and Switzerland. He completed a 3-year fellowship in spinal surgery at renowned institutions such as the University of California (San Francisco), Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago), and Schulte’s Klink (Zurich). Since 2011, Dr. Balamurali has been a senior spine and neurosurgeon in India.
Business Ventures:
- International Spine Academy (iSpine): Director of this academic platform, which provides advanced education in spine surgery.
- HAMSA Spine and Brain Rehabilitation: Managing Director of a 20-bed facility focused on spinal cord injury and brain injury rehabilitation, based in Chennai.
- GETfit360: Director and trainer of a holistic weight loss program that offers long-term solutions for obesity.
Awards and Recognition:
- Best Contribution to Society Award from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam for work with spinal cord injury patients.
- Prof. Alan Crockard International Travel Fellowship Award (2010), USA.
- Best Doctor Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu (2019).
- Recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Influential People of Chennai (2020).
- Best Influencer Award from Kotak Mahindra Bank (2021).
Special Interests:
- Minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery
- Pediatric spine surgery
- Spinal cord tumors
- Complex and deformity spine surgery
- Pain management procedures like DREZ Rhizotomy and spinal cord stimulation
Core Surgical Skills:
Dr. Balamurali's expertise includes minimally invasive spinal procedures such as TLIF and OLIF for spinal fusion, vertebroplasty for fractures, spinal cord tumor surgery, deformity correction, and cranial surgeries, including pediatric neurosurgery.
Fellowships:
- Nottingham Senior Spinal Fellowship, UK (2011)
- AANS & NASS Spine Fellowship, USA (2010)
- AO Spine Fellowship, Zurich, Switzerland (2009)
- Liverpool Spinal Fellowship, UK (2009)
Research and Publications:
Dr. Balamurali has authored numerous research papers, presented at national and international conferences, and contributed to various books and chapters in the field of spine surgery. His notable publications include works on minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal trauma management, and spinal cord tumors.
Social Contributions:
Dr. Balamurali is involved in several social initiatives such as:
- HAMSA Community Rehab: A project for children with disabilities in partnership with the Rotary Club.
- Thalirgal: A program providing free treatment for congenital spine and brain abnormalities in partnership with government hospitals.
- Project AMISH: An awareness campaign to educate the public on spinal and head injuries.
Dr. Balamurali is a respected figure in his field, with his academic pursuits, social contributions, and clinical excellence making a significant impact in spine surgery and rehabilitation.
