Muhammad Ali Akbar

I am a neurosurgery resident physician at the University of Toronto. After my 4th year in residency I was accepted in the surgeon-scientist program, which allowed me to pursue a PhD through the Institute of Medical Science (IMS). My research is focused on the use of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging in traumatic and atraumatic spinal cord injury. The goal of my research is to identify imaging biomarkers of neurological injury. These biomarkers will have the potential to improve diagnostic ability, inform surgical decision-making as well as predict operative and non-operative outcomes. My research has provided me several opportunities to explore and use deep learning techniques for image processing and utilizing machine learning methods to analyze the vast amounts of data obtained through advanced MR imaging. 

My strengths would lie in providing a niche surgical/clinical perspective supported by a strong translational research portfolio. My work will also allow me to leverage a network of international collaborators with expertise ranging from computer science, neuro-imaging, engineering, physics and of course clinical medicine.