Ferco Berger

Research Interest: CT Protocol Improvements (Dual Energy), Efficiency, Emergency, Quality Improvement, Simulation Strategies, Trauma and Acute Care, Workflow Optimization

The focus of Dr. Berger’s research is on optimization of imaging protocols and efficiency improvements in the setting of acute care imaging, for traumatic injuries as well as nontraumatic emergencies. This has expanded to include the setting of mass casualty incidents (MCI), which require optimization of workflow.    He is collaborating with U of T’s Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (MIE) to use discrete event simulation modelling as well as operations research to improve throughput and turnaround times in the emergency department and during MCI. The building of the new division of Emergency & Trauma Radiology at Sunnybrook, Canada’s largest level 1 trauma centre, provides many opportunities to investigate the enhancement of imaging in the setting of acute care.    Furthermore, Sunnybrook is replacing CT equipment with state-of-the-art machinery, which will provide a solid basis on which to investigate new imaging protocols and their impact on patient management and outcomes. New equipment and the repurposing of space for imaging interpretation will also help to enhance workflow. This will be investigated after instalment is complete.