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My mother thinks I missed my calling, and my father can’t quite believe the things I actually take on. It’s my passion outside of work – my hidden talent. It all has to do with neglected houses and my desire to make them shine again. I get so much enjoyment and fulfillment out of taking a real “handywoman special” and turning it into something so improved that it isn’t recognizable (with help from my spouse, ...

Sit in any meeting of health care executives and you are bound to hear the term “accountability” thrown around. This is especially true today. Under health reform, so many of the needed changes depend on leaders, physicians and frontline staff delivering measurable results. We are told that hospitals and physician groups are being held accountable for patient outcomes and nurses are being held accountable for exceeding patient expectations. In reality, however, accountability is exactly what ...

“I just spoke with three patients last week who told me how much they love the care I provide. This week, two other patients told me this is the highest quality care they have ever had. I don’t understand why my Press Ganey scores aren’t better! I don’t think the data are valid.”

When I speak with physicians, and hear the above argument, I understand their confusion and frustration, and why this would lead them ...