New Orleans, LA -- Today Douglas H. Kirkpatrick, MD, of Colorado, became the 59th president of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) based in Washington, DC. His inauguration took place during ACOG's Annual Clinical Meeting at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center.

As President of ACOG, Dr. Kirkpatrick announced patient safety as his top priority. During his presidential address he said, "I believe that what defines our specialty is our dedication and commitment to providing the best care possible to our patients. A fundamental element, of course, is patient safety."

Dr. Kirkpatrick noted that learning to practice competently, the most basic component of patient safety, is not limited to residency or fellowship training. "Acquiring competency in new skills is a lifelong challenge," he said.

In 2000, the Institute of Medicine report, To Err Is Human, raised public awareness that serious health consequences can occur in both a hospital and an office setting. "As physicians, we know these are often 'system-related' errors, not negligent physician care," Dr. Kirkpatrick said. "But, our patients, quite rightly, expect us to provide a safe medical environment. And it is incumbent on us to show leadership in improving our patient care environment to maintain their trust," he added.

Dr. Kirkpatrick discussed a variety of steps that can be taken in the hospital and office setting including team training, checklists to prevent wrong-side surgery, time outs in the operating room, and the use of simulators, protocols, and electronic tools. Finally, Dr. Kirkpatrick cited mentoring as a low-tech, low-cost way to contribute to patient safety, and gain great personal reward.

"It is a supreme compliment to be the mentor of a younger physician," he continued. "It keep us sharp, but more importantly, it rekindles the joy and enthusiasm we all felt when we chose obstetrics and gynecology as a career." Speaking directly to the new inductees of ACOG in the audience, Dr. Kirkpatrick encouraged them to become mentors as well. "Just as an older mentor can help show you the way, you can help those coming behind you and you should take the time to do so."

Dr. Kirkpatrick has been in private practice for 33 years in Denver and is an assistant clinical professor of ob-gyn at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. He has been an ACOG Fellow since 1980. Dr. Kirkpatrick has served as vice president of ACOG and has chaired the Grievance Committee and the Council of District Chairs. He has served as a member on the committees on Nominations, Credentials, Health Care for Underserved Women, and Professional Liability. Dr. Kirkpatrick has been a chair of ACOG's District VIII and Colorado Section and is the recipient of the 2003 Outstanding District Service Award and the 1990 Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Section Award. He is past president of the Colorado Gynecological and Obstetrical Society.

Dr. Kirkpatrick received his medical degree from the University of Iowa Medical Center in Iowa City and completed his residency at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, MI.

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