Sparrow surgeon McLeod earns patient safety award

Michael K. McLeod, M.D.

Published: May 1, 2012

Sparrow endocrine surgeon Michael K. McLeod, MD, has received a top state honor for his leadership in Patient safety and quality improvement.

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center for Patient Safety & Quality Leadership Award recognizes individuals whose contributions to the field transcend the bounds of their own hospital or health system.

"Dr. McLeod has provided outstanding leadership as the physician champion for many of the surgical quality initiatives undertaken at Sparrow Hospital," said Sparrow Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Joe Ruth. "Dr. McLeod has earned this honor because of his attention and ability to always stay Patient-focused. He exudes compassion and sensitivity to others."

McLeod provides the guiding voice for quality surgical care at Sparrow and has helped develop a charter for the Surgical Quality Committee that emphasizes improving safety and quality of care.

At the bedside, McLeod has modeled effective safety and quality procedures, including pre-operative briefings, hand-offs and evidence-based best practices. From 2010 to 2011, the health system increased the number of surgical briefing and debriefing sessions by approximately 22 percent, largely due to McLeod's support.

As program director for the Michigan State University Integrated Residency Program in General Surgery, he actively teaches the next generation of surgeons about the importance of Patient safety and quality and acts as a role model for them.