Improving Detection of Spine Injuries in Trauma Imaging

May Yau, Medical Radiation Technologist at Foothills Medical Centre, and Noah Stewart, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Student at the University of British Columbia, submitted an unmet need focused on improving training for the detection of cervical spine injuries in trauma imaging and were recognized with an MDDC Discovery Sprint Award ($5,000).

Timely recognition of cervical spine injuries can support critical decision-making in trauma care, yet opportunities for hands-on training using realistic imaging models remain limited. Existing educational resources often do not fully replicate the imaging challenges encountered in clinical practice.

May and Noah identified a gap in current training tools and are exploring the development of a realistic simulation-based learning system for medical imaging education. Their concept aims to enhance learner confidence and proficiency while supporting improved trauma imaging workflows and, ultimately, better patient care.