The theme editor introduces a special issue that examines patient safety and medical errors.

Physicians have an ethical obligation to admit mistakes to their patients, even if no harm came of the mistakes.

Patient simulation in medical education is an effective tool to teach response skills needed to ensure patient safety.

The financial constraints of HMOs often conflict with physicians' medical decisions regarding patient care.

Medical errors often result in longer hospital stays and increased costs in patient care.

Physicians have an ethical obligation to admit mistakes to their patients, even if no harm came of the mistakes.

The Institute of Medicine's ground-breaking report on medical errors has helped to make patient safety a priority goal, but the findings of the report are often interpreted by the media.

Residents and attending physicians have an ethical responsibility to speak up if there is a concern that a colleague lacks clinical skills and is providing inadequate patient care.

A system of physician self-regulation will help ensure patient safety and quality medical care.

The financial constraints of HMOs often conflict with physicians' medical decisions regarding patient care.