Leading Medicine with Houston Methodist
Leading Medicine with Houston Methodist is for physicians and researchers. Each episode, our hosts are joined by experts to explore a topic, trend or innovation in healthcare. Quality Time with Dr. Shlomit Schaal focuses on quality and safety within healthcare systems.
At Houston Methodist, our commitment is to develop and move the best, most innovative science and technology from the bench to the bedside through translational research, interdisciplinary programs and continued education. We are proud to be a top hospital in Texas and the nation.
For more on our latest research, check out our Leading Medicine blog at https://www.houstonmethodist.org/leading-medicine-blog/
Leading Medicine with Houston Methodist
How Professionalism Shapes Patient Safety | Dr. William Cooper
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In this episode of Quality Time, Dr. William Cooper, president of the Vanderbilt Health Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy discusses how professionalism, teamwork, and communication shape everything—from malpractice risk to patient outcomes, workplace culture, and long‑term career performance.
- Just 2% of physicians account for 50% of all malpractice claims.
- Peer‑delivered feedback—"Cup of Coffee” conversations—can reduce future malpractice risk by up to 80%.
- Ninety-seven percent of clinicians who receive early, informal feedback modify their behavior.
- These interventions decrease complaints, strengthen workplace culture, and ultimately save lives.
Expert: Dr. William Cooper, president of the Vanderbilt Health Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy
Notable topics covered:
- Professionalism’s effect on quality care
- Who is responsible for the majority of malpractice claims
- Ways to reduce claims and increase professionalism