Yesterday, our group took a trip down to Arlington National Cemetery. As we wandered around the memorial site, which served as a solemn backdrop for reflection during our meeting on patient safety, we were reminded of the many people who gave their lives for something greater than themselves. We were reminded that their lives must not be lost in vain. Many of us are fortunate to have the freedoms that we do as a direct result of their service, and these freedoms must not be taken for granted. Despite our noble intentions, not every war fought in our history was worth the price paid. As a result, we are tasked with the responsibility of being continually reflective and learning from our mistakes. And as we’ve seen throughout world history, in fields from war to medicine, doing so is easier said than done.
