Medicine care team
Rehabilitation medicine
Medical Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
2075 Bayview Avenue, Room UG 25
Toronto, ON
M4N 3M5
Administrative Assistant: Queenie Jung
Phone: 416-480-4069
Email: queenie.jung@sunnybrook.ca
Clinical Profile:
Dr. David Berbrayer is Medical Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics at Sunnybrook Health Science’s Centre, a University of Toronto teaching hospital. He is involved in teaching both at the undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Berbrayer’s special interest includes research in amputee management, back pain management, cerebral palsy and spina bifida. Dr. Berbrayer’s clinical interests include management of musculoskeletal disorders, and adult complex chronic neurological diseases with a focus on functional restoration.
Dr Berbrayer has held several leadership positions: President of the medical staff of Bloorview Macmillan Center, Vice President and Chief of Staff of Lyndhurst Hospital, and Head Division of Physiatry at Sunnybrook Hospital. In 2005, Dr Berbrayer completed a Physician Leadership Program in Department of Health Care Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Berbrayer is also the only academic physiatrist at Bloorview Kids Rehab, a University of Toronto teaching hospital and the largest children’s rehab in Toronto. Dr. Berbrayer is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the American Board of medical specialties in physiatry. Dr. Berbrayer is Chairman of Section of PM&R of the Ontario Medical Association. He is vice chair of the Continuing Professional Development Committee of the Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (CAPM&R) and active member of the education and research committee of CAPM&R. Dr.Berbrayer is chair of the membership committee Association of Academic Physiatrist.
Dr. Berbrayer is a member of the faculty of Canadian Life Care Planners and has actively lectured across Canada. Dr. Berbrayer is the first physiatrist to have completed the Master Teacher Program at the University of Toronto. Dr. Berbrayer is involved in a partnership with University of Montreal for a web based education program in physiatry and insurance. Dr. Berbrayer has completed PMI-1 -4 and refresher of the CMA.
Research Presentations (click to read more)
Orlando, Florida
November 16-20, 2011
- Clinical Pearl on Obesity, Jobs and Spina Bifida
- First Peer Reviewed Pediatric Case Report " Hip Pain and Cerebral Palsy"
- Knowledge Now article "Evidence Based Management of Plantar Fasciitis"
- The Impact of Social Support on Functioning of Adult Spastic Cerebral Palsy patients and its influence on their decision making regarding Botulinum A toxin treatment
- Weight and Image Related Barriers to Employment in Spina Bifida
- Physical Activity and Qualtiy of Life in Diabetic Patients Using Prosthtic Limbs following Lower LImb Amputation
Annual Meeting - Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitiation
Victoria BC
June 8-12, 2011
- The Impact of Social Support on Functioning of Adult Spastic Cerebral Palsy patients and its influence on their decision making regarding Botulinum A toxin treatment
- Weight and Image Related Barriers to Employment in Spina Bifida
- Physical Activity and Qualtiy of Life in Diabetic Patients Using Prosthtic Limbs following Lower LImb Amputation
Ontario Association for Amputee Care
Hamilton Ontario
April 29-30, 2011
- Synergy of Care
Association of Academic Physiatrists
Phoenix, Arizona
April 12-16, 2011
- The Impact of Social Support on Functioning of Adult Spastic Cerebral Palsy patients and its influence on their decision making regarding Botulinum A toxin treatment
- Weight and Image Related Barriers to Employment in Spina Bifida
- Physical Activity and Qualtiy of Life in Diabetic Patients Using Prosthtic Limbs following Lower LImb Amputation
Ontario Federation of Cerebral Palsy - hosting Finland Cerebral Palsy
Toronto, Ontario
March 12, 2010
- Aging Cerebral Palsy-Service Needs, Health Care, Housing and Accommodation Needs
Annual Canadian Medical Association
- Developed and proposed motion, approved as part of Consent motion (Dr. Berbrayer delegate as part of OMA caucus)
- The Canadian Medical Association will work with provincial/territorial medical associations and governments to ensure that norms for regulation and standard setting on water quality and human health are based on dagta that are scientifically valid, accurate and publically accurate
Annual Assembly - American Academy Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Seattle, Washington
November, 2010
- Peer reviewed Abstract accepted as poster presentation:
Impact of Bilateral Proximal Focal Femoral Deficiency on functional quality of life in a young adult: A case report, by Winfried Heim Msc, CP(C),Amy Richardson BSC, Dr. David Berbrayer MD, BSC(MED), FRCPC, Emily Tam MD - Clincal Pearls presentation: Pain In Cerebral Palsy
- Completed MOC3 - 2 hours- peer reviewed for all US Physiatrists recertififying for American PM&R Board examinations; Peer reviewed only; Canadian preparing module
Copyright AAPMR and sold by AAPMR
Centre for Independent Living Toronto
Toronto, Ontario
October 21, 2010
- Round Table Discussion
Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - Paper of the Year Contest Review
February 2010
70th Annual Assembly - American Academy Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Austin, Texas
October 21-25, 2009
- Prosthetic Outcome in Lower Limb Amputees with late prosthetic Fitting due to delay in wound healing
- The Pole of Pain in the lives of Adult Cerebral Palsy
62nd Annual Conference 2009 - Ontario Federation of Cerebral Palsy
Toronto, Ontario
October 17, 2009
- Plenary Speaker - Anticipating the Future with Adult Cerebral Palsy
Annual Scientific Meeting - Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Banff, Alberta
May 27- June 1, 2009
- Managing Phantom Limb pain in the Amputee
- Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin A in Cerebral Palsy: What is the Evidence?
- Poster - The role of Pain in the lives of Adult Cerebral Palsy
- Poster - Impact for post -Secondary Education on Spina Bifida Quality of Life
- Poster - Prosthetic Outcome in Lower Limb Amputees with late prosthetic Fitting due to delay in wound healing
Annual meeting 2009 - Association of Academic Physiatrists
Colorado Springs, Colorado
February 24 - 28, 2009
- The role of Pain in the lives of Adult Cerebral Palsy
- Impact for post -Secondary Education on Spina Bifida Quality of Life
- Prosthetic Outcome in Lower Limb Amputees with late prosthetic Fitting due to delay in wound healing
69th Annual Assembly - American Academy Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
San Diego, California
November 19 - 22, 2008
- How Successful is the Workers' Compensation Board in Returning Work Related Traumatic Amputees to Employment (RTW)?
61st Annual Conference - Ontario Federation of Cerebral Palsy
Toronto Marriott Hotel, Toronto, Ontario
October 17-19, 2008
- Cerebral Palsy, Health and Well Being
56th Annual Scientific Meeting - Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Fredericton, New Brunswick
June 11-15, 2008
- Social Support and It's Effect on the health Related Quality of Life of Young Adults with Spina Bifida
- To Investigate the Physical and Cognitive Disabilities that are Barriers to Driving in the Cerebral Palsy population
- Special Lecture - Aging with Cerebral Palsy
- Innovation We Move You
Transitions Conference 4 - Building Skills for Living in the Adult World
Toronto, Ontario
May 23, 2008
- What happens with Adult Cerebral Palsy as they age?
Annual Scientific Meeting - Ontario Amputee Association
Toronto, Ontario
April 25, 2008
- Management of Hip Disarticulation and Sarcoma- multidisciplinary approach
The Law Society of Upper Canada
University of Toronto, Ontario
April 2, 2008
- Special lecture - Proving Pain
Annual Meeting - Association of Academic Physiatrists
Anaheim, California
February 20 - 24, 2008
- Social Support and It's Effect on the health Related Quality of Life of Young Adults with Spina Bifida
- Poster Grand Rounds - To Investigate the Physical and Cognitive Disabilities that are Barriers to Driving in the Cerebral Palsy population
Annual Meeting Assembly - Ameican Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilition
Boston, Massachusets
September 27 - 30, 2007
- Does income level influence complementary medicine use with chronic low back pain
- How do cultural differences affect social functioning in multiple sclerosis
- Is Smoking associated with an increased liklihood of developing foot ulcers?"
2007 Annual Meeting - Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
London, Ontario
June 13-17, 2007
- Does Income level influence Complementary Medicine Use with Chronic Low Back Pain
- How do Cultural Differences Affect Social Functioning in Multiple Sclerosis
- Is Smoking associated with an increased liklihood of developing foot ulcers?
- Cerebral palsy-Controversial treatment strategies
Canadian Life Care Training Program, Canadian Institute of Life Care Planners
Carleton University, Sprott School of Business - Ottawa, Ontario
April 15, 2007
- Does Income level influence Complementary Medicine Use with Chronic Low Back Pain
- Module 2-Spinal Cord Injury
- Key Note Speaker
2007 Annual Meeting - Association of Academic Physiatrists
San Juan, Puerto Rico
April 10-15, 2007
- Does Income level influence Complementary Medicine Use with Chronic Low Back Pain
- How do Cultural Differences Affect Social Functioning in Multiple Sclerosis
- Is Smoking associated with an increased liklihood of developing foot ulcers?
University of Montreal - MMD6220-A13 (Web Based Course)
Montreal Quebec
January 17, 2007
- Conflict and IME - The difficult claimant
67th Annual Assembly and Technical Exhibition - American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Honolulu, Hawaii
November 9-12, 2006
- Self Esteem and Bowel Management in Adult Spina Bifida -Peer-Reviewed Poster Presentation
- The Effects of Massage Therapy on the Physical, Psychological and Social Well Being of Multiple Sclerosis - Open Session Poster
- Open Session Poster - Investigating the Impact of Pre-Amputation Occupational Status on the Rehabilitation and Quality of Life of Upper Limb Amputees Experiencing Phantom Limb Pain
Update Muscular Dystrophy 2006
Toronto, Ontario
October 25, 2006
- Invited Speaker
Annual Meeting - American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine
Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, D.C
October 11-14, 2006.
- Superior Gluteal Nerve Palsy following Hip Surgery: Under recognized Complication
Co-presented with J. Lo MD, J. Flannery MD, S. Wong MD
University of Manitoba Medical School Scientific Session Med/76
Winnipeg, Manitoba
August 19, 2006
- Exercise and Illness- Is there a connection?
54th Annual Scientific Meeting - Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Vancouver, British Columbia
June 7-11, 2006
- Self Esteem and Bowel Management in Adult Spina Bifida
- The Effects of Massage Therapy on the Physical, Psychological and Social Well Being of Multiple Sclerosis
- Investigating the Impact of Pre-Amputation Occupational Status on the Rehabilitation and Quality of Life of Upper Limb Amputees Experiencing Phantom Limb Pain
- Management of Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy
- Fibromyalgia patients treated with thermoflow garments: a randomized, controlled pilot study.
Co-presented with Dr. GD Ko & Dr. G. Traitses
University of Montreal - MMD6220-A11e (Web Based Course)
Montreal Quebec
June 2, 2006
- IME in Rehabilitation
Transitions Conference 3: Growing Up ready
CNIB, Toronto, Ontario
May 12-13, 2006
- Challenges of Cerebral Palsy Teenagers and Adult
2006 Annual Meeting Muscular Dystrophy Association
Toronto, Ontario
April 29, 2006
- Adult Muscular Dystrophy-What is the challenges and what are possible solutions?
Annual Meeting - Association of Academic Physiatrists
Daytona Beach, Florida
March 1-4, 2006
- The Effects of Massage Therapy on the Physical, Psychological and Social Well Being of Multiple Sclerosis
- Self Esteem and Bowel Management in Adult Spina Bifida
- Investigating the Impact of Pre-Amputation Occupational Status on the Rehabilitation and Quality of Life of Upper Limb Amputees Experiencing Phantom Limb Pain
Annual Scientific Meeting - American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM)
Monterey, California
September 19-23, 2005
- Prospective Validation of a Clinical Prediction Rule for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Co-presented with Dr. J. Lo, Dr. H.M. Finestone, Dr. K. Gilbert & Dr. M.G. Woodbury
53rd Annual Scientific Meeting - Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Ottawa, Ontario
June 15-18, 2005
- The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Adult Cerebral Palsy
- Sex and Young Adults with Spinal Bifida: What Are the Issues?
41st Annual AAP Educational Conference - Association of Academic Physiatrists
Tucson, Arizona
February 24-28, 2005
- Sex and Young Adults with Spinal Bifida: What Are the Issues?
- The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Adult Cerebral Palsy
Canadian Life Care Training Program, Canadian Institute of Life Care Planners
Vancouver, British Columbia
October 23-24, 2004
- Module 2-Spinal Cord Injury
- Key Note Speaker
York University, Toronto, Ontario
November 18, 2004
- Module 3-Amputee Management
- Key Note Speaker
Carleton University, Sprott School of Business, Ottawa, Ontario
December 2-4, 2004
- Module 2-Amputee Management
- Key Note Speaker
- Module 1- Spinal Cord Injury
North Network Educational Videoconference Presentation
Toronto, Ontario
June 23, 2004
- Evidence -Based Management of Low Back Pain
2nd Annual Scientific Meeting - Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
June 18, 2004
- Pain in Spina Bifida: The Tethered Cord Syndrome
- Motivation and Barriers to Sport Participation for Adult Amputees
- Surface EMG changes with Botulinum Toxin-A Injections for Failed Surgical Pain Syndromes
- Co-presented with Dr. Gordon Ko & Mr. Pablo Diatel
Transitions Conference 2
Toronto Convention Center, Toronto Ontario
May 1, 2004
- Spina Bifida Management: 18 Years Experience
40th Annual AAP Educational Conference: Physiatry: Soaring to New Heights
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Feb 24-29, 2004
- Master Teacher Program of Toronto: Parts of Course, A Presentation - Excellence in Writing, Speaking and Teaching: Communication Skills for Physiatrists
- Motivation and Barriers to Sport Participation in Adult Amputees
10th Annual Ontario Academic Physiatry Day
Toronto, Ontario
October 17, 2003
- Motivation and Barriers to Sport Participation in Adult Amputees
2003 Annual Scientific Meeting - Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Edmonton, Alberta
June 11-15, 2003
- Comparison of ESRD with/without lower limb amputations
- Evidenced Based Management of Pain in Cerebral Palsy
American Association of Academic Physiatrists Annual Meeting
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
March 26-30,2003
- End Stage Renal Disease and Lower Limb Amputations
9th Annual Ontario Academic Physiatry Day
Toronto, Ontario
October 25, 2002
- A Social And Community Barrier Assessment of End Stage Renal Disease Patients with Lower Limb Amputations
- Effect of Ceramic-impregnated gloves on patients with Raynaud's Syndrome: randomized, placebo controlled study
Co-presented with Dr. G. Ko - Surface EMG Changes with Botulinum Toxin A-Injections for Cervicogenic Headaches
Co-presented with Dr. G. Ko, Mr. Pablo Dietel & Dr. A. Newall
Rogers TV - Advances in Stroke Management
Toronto, Ontario
September 30, 2002
- Medical Intelligence
Annual Meeting - Association of Children's Prosthetics and Orthotics
Sheraton Hotel, Toronto, Ontario
April 12, 2002
- Unilateral lower limb fitting in a child with Down syndrome
Co-presented with Mary Huggins PT - Learning about a Juvenile Amputee with a Head Injury
Co-presented with Mary Huggins PT
Medical Rounds - Sport CARE program - Women's College Hospital
Toronto, Ontario
January 2, 2002
- Moving the Back Ahead-Evidenced Based Review of Evaluation and Treatment Of Low Back Pain
Rheumatology Rounds - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario
November 22, 2001
- Evidence for Acupuncture treatment of Osteoarthritis
Pain Preceptorship Program - Toronto Regional Cancer Centre - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario
November 20, 2001
- Physical Modalities and Pain Reduction
Medical Ground Rounds - Department of Medicine - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario
October 30, 2001
- Acupuncture: Physiology, Efficacy and Clinical Applications
2001 Annual Scientific Meeting Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Halifax, Nova Scotia
June 13-17, 2001
- Case Report: Fibromyalgia Patient with low Back Pain Effectively treated with Botox
Co-presented with Dr. G. Ko
Pediatric Grand Rounds - Bloorview Macmillan Centre
Toronto, Ontario
May 23, 2001
- Back Pain- What are the treatment Options?
Medical Ground Rounds - Department of Medicine - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario
May 15, 2001
- Treatment of Low Back Pain-A Healthcare Nightmare
Medical Rounds - Sport CARE program - Women's College Hospital
Toronto, Ontario
May 15, 2001
- Evaluation and Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
2001 Annual Meeting - Ontario Association of Amputee Care
Kingston, Ontario
May 4-5, 2001
- Learning About A Juvenile Amputee with a Closed Head Injury
Co-presented with M Huggins PT, L Le CPO
Pediatric Grand Rounds - Bloorview Macmillan Centre
Toronto, Ontario
February 21, 2001
- Back Pain - Why me?
Medical Ground Rounds - Department of Medicine - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario
February 20, 2001
- Evaluation of low back pain - A major disability
Teaching Rounds - Department of Dentistry - Sunnybook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario
February 5, 2001
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- mysteries explained
Medical Ground Rounds - Department of Medicine - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario
December 5, 2000
- Determining Medical Fitness to Drive: Physician's Role
Rogers Cable TV Channel 9 - Live with Michael Coran
Toronto, Ontario
December 5, 2000
- Living with a stroke - Neurology and Physiatry
Co-presented with Dr. J. Norris
2000 Fall Conference - Ontario Trial Lawyers Association
Toronto, Ontario
October 27-28, 2000
- Catastrophic Injury is not so catastrophic: The AMA Mystique Exposed
Grand Rounds - Bloorview MacMillan Centre
Toronto, Ontario
October 26, 2000
- Driving and Disability
Toronto Board of Trade: Neurotrauma 2000 - Trends For Service Provision in the Year 2000 and beyond: Where is the value?
Toronto, Ontario
June 8, 2000
- Medically Necessary and Reasonable: The Physician's Role in Ensuring Value for Community Rehabilitation.
Grand Rounds - Bloorview MacMillan Centre
Toronto, Ontario
May 29, 2000
- Upper Limb Amputee - Myoelectrics - TAR Syndrome
Physiatry Grand Rounds - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
Toronto, Ontario
May 19, 2000
- Burn Injury - Neurological and Musculoskeletal Complications
Pediatric Grand Rounds - Bloorview Macmillan Centre
Toronto, Ontario
May 8, 2000
- Pediatric Amputees - New Advances
23rd Annual Conference - Ontario Association For Amputee Care: The Changing Face of Amputee Care
Radisson Hotel, Markham, Ontario
April 28 - 29, 2000
- How Well Are Diabetic Transtibial Amputees Functioning?
Co-presented with Lisa Becker Hon BSC, 2nd Year Medical Student, McMaster University, Hamilton - Unilateral Lower Limb fitting with a Down Syndrome Child
Co-presented with Mary Huggins PT, Bloorview MacMillan Centre, Toronto
Physiatry Educational Rounds - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario
February 18, 2000
- The Female Athlete - Musculoskeletal Injuries hip and knee
Pediatric Ground Rounds - Bloorview Macmillan Centre
Toronto, Ontario
January 31, 2000
- Maintenance of Certification for Fellows - Accrediting Grand Rounds.
Physiatry Educational Rounds - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario
January 21, 2000
- Pharmacological Management of Spasticity - Introducing Tizanidine.
Women's College Hospital Sports Injury Clinic Rounds
Toronto, Ontario
January 12, 2000
- Role of EMG & nerve conduction studies in Sports Injuries
Pedorthotic Association of Canada - Aging Feet and Active Living
Toronto, Ontario
April 9, 1999
- Keynote speaker: Aging and Gait Problems
Grand Rounds - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - Rumsey Site
Toronto, Ontario
February 10, 1999
- Impairments, Disability, Handicap-Revised Terminology W.H.O.
Lyndhurst Foundation Rounds
Toronto, Ontario
September 26, 1997
- Complications of Treatment of Spinal cord Injury.
Department of Family Medicine Community Seminars - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario
March 12, 1997
- Management of Back Problems
University Grand Rounds
Toronto, Ontario
April 1996
- Hart Walker University of Toronto Telemedicine Canada
American Academy Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Assembly
November 1995
- Developed first 4 hour workshop on OSCE exams
1995 Annual Meeting - Spina Bifida Association
Adult Spina Bifida Clinic - Montreal Quebec
September 15-16, 1995
- Keynote presentation - "Power of Integration"
University Grand Rounds
Toronto, Ontario
May 18, 1995
- Recognition of Work Related Neck and Upper Extremity Involvement
University Grand Rounds
Toronto, Ontario
January 1995
- Overview of Spinal Cord Development
University of Toronto Telemedicine Conference
Toronto, Ontario
1995
- Repetitive Upper Extremity Injuries
University Grand Rounds
Toronto, Ontario
September 1994
- Evaluation of Brachial Plexus Clinic
Ontario Association for Amputee Care
Toronto, Ontario
October 18-19, 1991
- The Team: It's function in Amputee Care.
University Grand Rounds
Toronto, Ontario
January 1991
- Electrical Stimulation and Physical Applications
Rounds - Riverdale Hospital
Toronto, Ontario
October 1990
- Wheelchair Prescription and Seating Principles
Fifth Annual Ontario Seating and Mobility Conference
Toronto, Ontario
September 13 - 14, 1990
- Clinical Process Critical in Obtaining Funding for New ADP Clients in Seating.
Co-presented with Dr. L. Zorras, Dr. N. Splait, Dr. S. Bourbeau
CAPO/ACPO
Winnipeg, Manitoba
June 11-14, 1990
- Meningococcal Septicemia and Complications with Paediatric Prosthetic Fittings
Co-presented with Dr. N. Splait - Seating: Then and Now - New Technology in Seating
Rehabilitation Rounds - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario
September 1989
- Overview of Adult Seating
Medical Grand Rounds - Scarborough Centenary Hospital
Toronto, Ontario
January 1989
- Rehabilitation of the Adult Amputee.
University Grand Rounds
October 1988
- What Underlies the Movement Disorder of Cerebral Palsy?"
University Grand Rounds
Toronto, Ontario
September 1987
- Van Nes Rotationplasty
University Grand Rounds
Toronto, Ontario
December 1986
- Seating - A Problem for Everyone
Paediatric Grand Rounds - Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto, Ontario
March 1986
- The Congenital Amputee
Aetna Insurance: Spinal Cord Day
Toronto, Ontario
October 1977
- Invited keynote speaker - New Treatments for Spinal Cord Injury
Recent Publications
View a selected list of publications on PubMed