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On behalf of all contributing authors, this work is dedicated to our patients, patients' families, and their loved ones, whose immense amount of suffering and hardship can never be adequately appreciated by the surgeon's perspective. We pledge to continue our journey towards becoming better surgeons by attempting to listen to our patients, understand their stories, see through their eyes, and feel through their souls, with unconditional empathy and compassion.
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The book is also dedicated to our trainees—medical students, residents, and fellows—with the hope of igniting the flame of patient safety and surgeon accountability as non-negotiable core responsibilities for the next generation of surgeons.
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Finally, I dedicate this book to the most important people in my life: my endlessly supportive wife Aimée and our amazing and eternally inspiring kiddos, Vanessa, Vincent, and Cedric. You guys are my heroes and my meaning of life!
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Philip F. Stahel, MD, FACS
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