Faculty/Staff Communications
Saturday May 30, 2009
University of Rochester Medical Center CEO, Dr. Bradford C. Berk, sustained a severe injury to his cervical spine and spinal cord this afternoon as a result of a bicycle accident. He has been airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital where the full extent of the injury is being evaluated.
Fortunately, there was no brain injury nor was the spinal cord severed. There was, however, severe swelling of the cervical spinal cord which has resulted in significant loss of function in his limbs. He will undergo cervical spine surgery this evening by neurosurgeon, Dr. Paul Maurer, to repair and stabilize a fracture of the cervical spine.
Dr. Berk is medically stable, communicating well and is fully aware of his medical condition. The full prognosis of the injury will not be known for several weeks or longer.
