Dear Colleagues,
As clinicians, we have an essential leadership role to play in redesigning complex healthcare delivery. Over the last two
decades, both our communities and the medical profession have recognized that the US healthcare system often falls short in
meeting patients' and our own expectations for safety, quality, and efficiency. This disappointing performance persists and
has been challenging to solve, despite the best intentions of all parties involved. Quality improvement is hard and complex,
but essential. The financial viability and success of hospitals and physician practices will depend on their ability to
improve quality, safety and value to patients and payers.
Physicians must lead the transformation of care delivery systems to fulfill the expectations of our patients. Responsibility
for care improvements cannot be delegated to administrators and insurers. Unfortunately, many physicians didn't receive
training in medical school on how to lead quality improvement projects. However, with the right training, physicians can
acquire these skills at any career stage and can guide healthcare organizations with the optimal approach to safe and
effective care delivery.
At the WSMA, we have been working to address this challenge and I am pleased to announce a new professional development
course for physicians, physician assistants, and other members of the health care team. In partnership with the University of
Washington Center for Scholarship in Patient Care Quality and Safety, the WSMA has designed a 14-week hybrid course to equip
you to lead and participate in quality improvement projects in your organization.
We hope to see you and your colleagues at the course.
Mika Sinanan, MD, PhD
WSMA Executive Committee, 1st Vice President