You got into health care because you wanted to help people. But you're only human. Sometimes you make mistakes — and those mistakes can cause harm.

According to a 1999 report by the Institute of Medicine, between 44,000 and 98,000 Americans die every year from mistakes in their care. That's more than the number dying from homicides. From motor vehicle accidents. From all US war operations since 1980.

And then there are other problems that don't kill people, but still hurt them. Delays. Ineffective treatments. High costs. Lack of respect for patients. Racial and economic inequality.

Clearly, it's not enough for the next generation of health care leaders simply to try harder. We need to start doing things a new way — a better way.

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