title: Understanding surgeon performance and improving patient outcomes.
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Birkmeyer
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D013043:Specialties, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology