At the Scheie Eye Institute, quality is the foundation of patient care and medical training; it is woven into every aspect of trainees’ mindsets to ensure that future ophthalmologists set new standards. Residents are trained to challenge the status quo, equipped with the tools to lead meaningful change in patient care beginning on their first day of training—forming the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of better patient outcomes.
Dr. Lama Al-Aswad, MD, MPH, a faculty founder of Scheie’s Resident Quality Improvement Program, explains this priority and what it means to her—emphasizing that quality is something that shapes the very “culture” of our community. In turn, the prioritization of quality is necessarily collaborative. Dr. Al-Aswad explains that there is a “science” to perfect in order to foster these expectations of quality. “To create [these] expectations of quality,” she explains, “you have to engage all stakeholders: staff, faculty, residents, and fellows. Because the priority is [our] culture of quality and safety, patient interest comes first.”
This initiative ensures that residents develop the skills to drive meaningful improvements throughout their careers.
Achieving high standards in patient care requires a structured foundation, critical thinking, adaptability, and collaboration—a multifaceted approach that Scheie’s program instills in every class of residents. Many have gone on to lead academic institutions nationally and internationally. Others have remained at Scheie, becoming some of its most accomplished faculty and innovators, including past Department Chair Myron Yanoff, MD (RES ‘65), and esteemed alumni James A. Katowitz, MD (RES ‘67), Charles W. Nichols, MD (RES ‘69), Graham E. Quinn, MD (RES ‘78), Steven Rubin, MD (RES ‘82), Stephen E. Orlin, MD (RES ‘85), Dwight Stambolian, MD (RES ‘86), William Trattler, MD (RES ‘96), Mina Massaro-Giordano, MD (RES ‘98), Scott Goldstein, MD (RES ‘00), Paul Tapino, MD (RES ‘03), Kenneth Shindler, MD, PhD (RES ‘03), William Katowitz, MD (RES ‘05), Gil Binenbaum, MD (RES ‘06), Madhura Tamhankar, MD (RES ‘07), Vivian Lee, MD (RES ‘11), Tomas S. Aleman, MD (RES ‘14), Karen E. Revere, MD (RES ‘15), Katherine E. Uyhazi, MD, PhD (RES ‘17), Michael E. Sulewski Jr., MD (RES ‘19), and Drew H. Scoles, MD, PhD (RES ‘20).
“We provide a structured curriculum with speakers specializing in different aspects of quality,” Dr. Al-Aswad states. “This structured approach is pivotal in cultivating a comprehensive understanding of quality improvement among residents. We train them in medical data and how to analyze it. The residents, as a group, choose their projects by reflecting on the issues they’ve encountered, then present several topics. Through a voting process, faculty members select two projects that residents will work on for the next two years.”
By embedding quality improvement into daily responsibilities, the program ensures that residents engage with quality and safety through a critical, continuous lens.
A core element of the program is its morbidity and mortality (M&M) rounds—designed to encourage open, constructive discussions about complex cases. These sessions serve as a critical learning tool, reinforcing key lessons and translating them into tangible improvements in patient care. Dr. Al-Aswad emphasizes that these rounds are, first and foremost, about educational growth: “We are fostering a non-punitive, educational environment. These discussions help residents reflect on outcomes, consider alternative approaches, and continuously refine their clinical decision-making.” By prioritizing learning over fault-finding in relevant cases, the program ensures that residents develop both clinical confidence and accountability—skills that will serve them throughout their careers.
Resident-driven innovation is the soul of this program. Residents, with their fresh perspectives, are encouraged to observe challenges and then propose novel solutions. Residents are currently identifying and implementing solutions that enhance patient care. One such initiative emerged from their own experiences: prioritizing emergency room triage to ensure that urgent cases receive timely evaluations while maintaining Scheie Eye Institute’s hallmark standard of care. By streamlining processes and expediting necessary interventions, residents are actively contributing to a more efficient, responsive patient management system—without compromising the core principles of quality and safety.
Beyond immediate patient care improvements, Scheie’s program prepares residents to be leaders in quality and safety long after they complete their training. “I think [the program] is going to enrich and enhance their careers because they will become drivers for better quality and safety in patient care,” Dr. Al-Aswad explains. “They can drive change, and we’re training them to drive change to improve quality, safety, and outcomes for patients—because ultimately, quality and safety improve patient outcomes.”
Through its structured training, emphasis on open learning, and encouragement of resident-led innovation, the Scheie Eye Institute’s Resident Quality Improvement Program is building a culture of quality and standards-driven excellence that will extend far beyond the walls of the institution—this serves as the foundation of a lifetime’s leadership.
by Maressa Park