A physician member of Congress gives a first-hand account of how she has balanced medicine and politics and how she views her responsibility to the patients of America.

A physician argues that every clinician should expand themselves beyond individual patient care and on some level adopt a public role within their community.

A physician member of Congress discusses what led him to enter into the political arena and the various public policy issues he has faced.

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

A basic standard for error disclosure for physicians needs to be developed, which will enhance the patient-physician relationship.

A journal author calls for physicians to admit to and repent for their medical mistakes, even in a no-blame environment.

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.

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

A physician argues that a systems analysis approach to medical errors must be widely used to improve health system safety.

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.