Up until nw most physicians in training have spent the bulk of their time treating individual patients, one at a time, and that's as it should be. But health care experts have now recognized the powerful role physicians play in assessing health systems for safety, efficienc ad evidence based processes when they have received training to do so.

During residency, you will participate in a quality improvement project that will change the outcome for many patients, learning the core principles and skills need for this important work throughout your career. Learning QI skills will broaden your professional skill set and deepen your impact on patient care.

The first step in QI is asking, "What outcomes does this health process (office workflow, system of care, hospital unit) produce for our patients?" and then, "What change would make it better?"

Resources on this page will help you develop a skill set in QI that will serve you long after you graduate.

For further information, please reach out to Mike Oravec, who will help guide you through the process of starting a QI project.

The SQUIRES model for reporting QI work will help you think through your project and include key elements reviewers look for that show robust QI methodology.