Fellow
American
Heart
Association

Fellow
American
College of
Surgeons

Member
Society of
Thoracic
Surgeons

Member
Society of
University
Surgeons

Member Association Academic Surgeons

Member Warren H. Cole Society

Reviewer
&
Study Section Chairman NIH Center for Scientific Review

Hello, I'm "Doctor K". You know, our healthcare system in the United States is a hot topic of conversation amongst patients, politicians and pundits right now. This increasing scrutiny is driving a real transformation - some would say a true revolution - to reinvent patient care that is focused on safety, quality, accountability and transparency. Few healthcare professionals ever consider what it takes to really advocate for patient safety, and fewer still know just how far they will go to safeguard those patients who are most vulnerable. I have. At the grassroots level - literally, at the bedside - it takes real courage and strength of character to promote patient safety in this era of modern healthcare, because there are so many conflicting interests that pull doctors, nurses and administrators in different directions.

To me promoting patient safety means taking all reasonable measures to avoid unnecessary risks in the care of the patient. Putting the best interests of our patients first and foremost, as the highest priority, will always drive the best medical decision making in terms of quality and safety. A transformation requires real leadership. This website profiles my own trials and tribulations advocating for patient safety, and also my unique combination of skills, experiences, and accomplishments necessary to guide healthcare through this fundamental paradigm shift.   Irvin B. Krukenkamp, MD July 4, 2007

Download QuickTime File (46Mb) Download pdf	Dr. Krukenkamp answers the challenges for healthcare reform by offering specific solutions - a fundamental paradigm shift - for the next generation of doctors, nurses and administrators to promote patient safety. (Run time: 3 min 30 sec)   Audio only version for slow connections:
	An administratively difficult case concerning patient safety and quality of care challenged Dr. Krukenkamp at his own institution. This powerpoint video slide presentation emphasizes the need for healthcare reforms - a fundamental paradigm shift - for the next generation of doctors, nurses and administrators to promote patient safety. (Run time: 6 min 00 sec) Click on Photo at Left to Start
Download QuickTime File (125Mb) Download pdf	Drawing on his own experiences with a program that jeopardized patient safety, Dr. Krukenkamp speaks about the courage, character, and strength of conviction that is necessary to advocate for patient safety and quality of care. (Run time: 9 min 44 sec) Audio only version for slow connections: