Dr. Erika Trovato: Award-Winning Leader in Brain Injury Medicine

In honor of June being Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, we connected with Dr. Erika Trovato, Associate Chief Medical Officer, Brain Injury Medicine Program Director, and Director of the Brain Injury Medicine Fellowship at Burke Rehabilitation to speak about her hands-on approach to leadership in brain injury medicine and rehabilitation and her dedication to advancing both clinical outcomes and the broader culture around brain injury recovery – which led her to recently be recognized with top industry recognitions.

Can you tell us about your role at Burke Rehabilitation?

As Brain Injury Medicine Program Director at Burke Rehabilitation, I drive our clinical strategy and am directly involved in patient care, leading a multidisciplinary team of dedicated physicians; rehabilitation nurses; physical, occupational, and speech therapists; social workers/case managers and neuropsychologists. Together, we care for individuals with a range of neurological diagnoses, including traumatic brain injury, stroke, brain tumors, and complex poly-trauma cases.

As Associate Chief Medical Officer, I also serve as a liaison between frontline clinicians and hospital leadership, ensuring that our clinical practices and initiatives are evidence-based, patient-centered, and aligned with our institutional goals.

Beyond my clinical work, I also serve as the Director of the Brain Injury Medicine Fellowship at Burke Rehabilitation. In this role, I have helped foster a culture of excellence and innovation, positioning Burke as a leader in brain injury rehabilitation while simultaneously improving patient outcomes through a more integrated, multidisciplinary approach. Through mentoring the next generation of specialists and encouraging cutting-edge research, the fellowship has not only elevated the standard of care within our organization but has also contributed to the broader field of neurorehabilitation.

I am involved in research and public advocacy – presenting regularly at national conferences, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and collaborating with organizations such as the Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS). These external partnerships help shape Burke’s care and connect the entire Burke team to national conversations around brain injury care.

What major initiatives are you most proud of that you’ve helped lead in Burke’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program?

I’m especially proud of the establishment of the Brain Injury Medicine fellowship at Burke, for which I have had the privilege of serving as the inaugural Program Director since January 2020. This fellowship has not only enhanced the educational opportunities for future leaders in brain injury medicine but has also strengthened our presence within the Montefiore Health System. By training fellows who rotate across the continuum of care, from acute care settings to inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient follow up, we have ensured that patients who sustain brain injuries receive expert, coordinated care at every stage of their recovery.

Another area of significant development that I have been heavily involved with is the ongoing expansion of our Brain Injury Medicine program, with a particular focus on our behavior management program for patients experiencing confusion or agitation. Recognizing the unique challenges these patients face, we implemented interdisciplinary processes for assessment and management, emphasizing non-pharmacological interventions, and staff training. As a result, we have seen a marked reduction in the use of restraints, an enhanced focus on safety for both patients and staff, and improved education for patients and caregivers. These efforts have translated into measurable quality outcomes, including reduced length of stay and increased rates of discharge to home, underscoring our commitment to patient-centered, evidence-based care.

I also take pride in leading the annual Brain Bee competition, which engages local high school students interested in neuroscience. This event inspires the next generation, strengthens community connections, and raises awareness about brain injury and rehabilitation.

Finally, I have played a pivotal role in advancing Palliative Care services at Burke, leading the introduction and integration of consultative services for patients across the facility. Initially, our focus was on patients with brain injuries, and following the success of this initiative, we expanded the service to serve patients throughout all departments. As the clinical lead, I spearheaded these efforts to enhance the quality of support available to our patients and their loved ones. These initiatives are rewarding because they go beyond clinical improvement.

What does it mean to you to be honored with the Marie Ivancich Memorial Award by the Brain Injury Association of New York State and the Excellence in Health Care Award by the United Hospital Fund?

Receiving the Marie Ivancich Memorial Award from BIANYS is a profound honor. I first became aware of the organization during residency, and I’ve always admired the resources, advocacy, and education they provide to individuals with brain injuries and their families. Over the years, I have partnered with BIANYS on symposium planning, research initiatives, and public outreach efforts, witnessing firsthand the meaningful impact they make. While my work at the bedside allows me to support patients and families on an individual level, collaborating with BIANYS has allowed me to extend that impact across New York State by improving access to services, promoting awareness, and advocating for policies that enhance the quality of life for brain injury survivors.

Earlier this year, I was also incredibly honored to receive the Excellence in Health Care Award by the United Hospital Fund. This prestigious award highlights my commitment to advancing quality care, patient safety, and the overall patient experience. As Associate Chief Medical Officer, I have been actively engaged in leading quality initiatives, and this award serves as a meaningful acknowledgment of those ongoing efforts.

What is your vision for the brain injury care, both at Burke and beyond?

The future of brain injury care hinges on personalization, innovation, and access. At Burke, we plan to continue using cutting-edge tools like neuromodulation, virtual reality, and AI-assisted therapy to customize treatments to individual patients. In the future, we will continue to balance compassionate care with innovation to help patients achieve maximum recovery following a brain injury.

Technology alone isn’t enough—comprehensive care also requires systemic support and advocacy. We must advocate for expanded access to long-term rehabilitation, community reintegration support, and caregiver services. Policy, research, and clinical care all need to align to meet these evolving needs. Through partnerships with organizations like BIANYS, national academic societies, and institutions across the Montefiore Health System, we’re working to build a new model of care: one that is interdisciplinary, equitable, and driven by science and compassion. My hope is that Burke continues to lead this charge, not just as a provider of care, but as a convener, educator, and advocate for the brain injury community.