Mary Brennan-Taylor (Consumers Union, Safe Patient Project) provides UB medical students access to the patient harm story that ended her mothers' life. Patient safety requires vigilance by medical staff to identify patient harm and investigate the source of the harm so that it can be corrected/eliminated. Unrealistic litigation fears have interfered with this partnership between patients and their health providers. Medical schools that recognize this conflict have invited harmed patients/families/advocates to speak. The conversations are poignant and appreciated by doctors-in-training. Inviting patients as stakeholders is essential and we all benefit from this balanced approach to improving healthcare. Harmed patients should not abandoned as lepers, but should be provided additional attention/care to help design a healthcare system that honestly benefits mankind. Young medical doctors in training want to join a profession where their ethical choices will be respected and valued.
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