Superlative performance in cardiovascular surgery

Achieving excellence in surgery is an ongoing endeavor, gained through experience, observation, and practice. It is difficult to evaluate enterprise excellence, but attempts include the ratings of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. The surgery team at Baylor University Medical Center has achieved three-star ratings for 9 of the past 10 evaluations for coronary artery bypass. This accomplishment is a result of many factors, including teamwork, multidisciplinary conferences, application of the latest evidence, continuous efforts at quality improvement, and effective governance. Some aspects of the latter include individual excellence, enjoying the work, being bold, having psychological safety, and employing meritocracy. Discernment of contemporary issues, a clear vision of the common good, and virtuous service to all must be attained while preserving the highest level of patient-centered service to patients and the institution.