By Dr. Bradford Ferrick, 32, has been accused of secretly recording pediatric patients while working as a physician at Baystate Health, headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts. According to the U.S. Justice Department, Ferrick was arrested on March 14 after the authorities seized and searched around 80 of his personal recording devices, including external hard drives, computers, cell phones, hidden camera systems, and SD cards, which contained thousands of images of suspected child pornography.
Ferrick began practicing family medicine in Western Mass. as part of a medical residency in July 2022 where he saw hundreds of patients at several facilities in the area.
The authorities searched his home on Feb. 13 as part of the investigation. A total of 61 devices containing explicit material were found in his Winchester home. During a separate state investigation, the police recovered 11 additional devices from the property. Another eight devices were found at an apartment he was renting in Amherst, MA.
“I can think of no greater fear as a parent or guardian than potential harm coming to your child. Today we allege that this doctor, who held a position of trust with access to children, maintained child sexual abuse material. The investigation is active and ongoing,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins.
“Members of the public with questions, concerns or any information pertaining to this doctor are strongly encouraged to contact the FBI via the provided form. As members of law enforcement, the safety of children is our highest priority. Together, in close cooperation with the medical facilities where Dr. Ferrick was employed, we will do all that we can to identify the duration and scope of his alleged offenses and proceed accordingly and expeditiously.”
The police believe Ferrick installed various recording devices in the exam rooms where he treated his patients.
“It is alleged that one of the hidden camera devices — which was designed to be worn as a bracelet — was found to contain at least two surreptitiously recorded videos of Ferrick administering medical exams,” the department said in a letter to the public. “It is alleged that two minors who investigators believe to be patients could be heard and, at times, partially seen in the videos. Forensic review of the devices seized at both residences remains ongoing.”
Ferrick has been charged with one count of possession of child pornography and has since been released on home confinement after he posted bail.
The health system said it has been cooperating with the investigation and is doing its best to keep the public informed.
Mark Keroack, MD, president and CEO of Baystate Health, called the allegations “heartbreaking and horrifying” in a letter addressed to employees, patients, families, and local residents. He said it’s still not clear how the images and videos obtained during the investigation originated, but that individuals with information or questions should contact representatives of the United States Attorney’s Office.
“Our existing policies are designed to support and protect our minor patients. They require a guardian to be present during clinical encounters and have other protective measures,” Keroack wrote.
“In addition, every provider undergoes extensive vetting, including reference and background checks, local and national criminal review, verification of education and training, and confirmation of credentials. We are nonetheless reexamining those policies to ensure they reflect best practices. We also are reviewing policies related to recording images during clinical encounters.”
