Assessing the performance of early career surgeons and its impact on patient safety

Early career surgeon performance - a patient safety blind spot

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11055279

This study looks at how well new surgeons do with common surgeries and how their training impacts patient safety, aiming to find ways to improve their skills and ensure better care for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11055279 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how well early career surgeons perform common surgical operations and how their training affects patient safety. By analyzing national Medicare claims data, the study aims to determine if the performance ratings of surgical trainees can predict their outcomes once they begin practicing independently. The goal is to identify gaps in surgical training and establish better standards for surgical graduates to ensure high-quality care for patients. Ultimately, this research seeks to enhance the safety and effectiveness of surgical procedures performed by new surgeons.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing surgical procedures performed by early career surgeons.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing surgery or whose procedures are performed by experienced surgeons may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved training standards for surgeons, enhancing patient safety and surgical outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has highlighted the importance of surgical training on patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights into improving surgical care.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.