SurgIQ Celebrates First Graduation
Advancing Resident-Led Quality Improvement in Surgery
February 23, 2026
The Department of Surgery celebrated a major milestone with the first completed project from SurgIQ (Surgery Improvement in Quality). SurgIQ is a resident- and OR staff–driven quality improvement initiative designed to turn frontline insight into meaningful change. The program was launched by Amin Etemad, the department’s Quality Program Manager, to provide a structured pathway for resident-led improvement work.
Led by PGY1 resident Dr. Dong Gi Hur, the inaugural team focused on improving resident–RN communication on the trauma unit, strengthening teamwork, streamlining workflow, and reinforcing a culture of safety.
"We extend our gratitude to faculty team sponsor Dr. Aussama Nassar, Dr. David Spain, and the residency administrative team for their leadership in supporting the first cohort," said Etemad. "This milestone represents just the beginning as we continue building a culture where innovation and quality improvement are integral to surgical training and practice."
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About Stanford Surgery
The Stanford University Department of Surgery is dedicated to inventing the future of surgical care through:
• pioneering cutting-edge research,
• developing the next generation of leaders, and
• healing through incomparable surgical skills and compassion.
To learn more, please visit surgery.stanford.edu
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