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In the late 1970’s NASA concluded that most aircraft tragedies were attributable to human error. This led to a fundamental change in commercial aviation called crew resource management (CRM). CRM encompasses a wide range of knowledge, skills and attitudes including communications, situational awareness, problem solving, decision making, and teamwork to prevent accidents. It is not surprising that these concepts have been adapted to surgical care. Bad outcomes with surgery are not always attributable to human error but often they are. We have all heard stories of the wrong leg being removed by talented surgeons at prestigious hospitals.

At Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center we employ CRM based thinking in many aspects of your care. An illustration of CRM can be seen on the day of your surgery. You will see check lists, whiteboards, and open communication encouraged among all parties including the patient. You will probably be asked by multiple staff members when the last time you have eaten or had anything to drink. This is done for your safety or your loved one’s safety. Before, during and after your surgery Dr. Liu and myself communicate with the staff to verify that we are performing the right procedure on the right patient at the right time.

Our practice engages in frequent emergency simulations and equipment inspection. Our surgeons and surgical assistants are all advanced cardiac life support trained (ACLS). Recurrent ACLS training is required by the American Heart Association every two years. We require it to be taken every year. It is that important!

Thank you for entrusting us with your care and that of your loved ones. We consider it an honor and strive to provide you with the best surgical care possible.