Cutting Risk, Not Corners: Risk Reduction in Surgery

Webinar Description

This webinar provides a high-level discussion of risk management considerations in the operating room and their broader impact on patient safety and organizational performance. Participants will gain insight into strategies that support safer practices, strengthen systems, and promote a culture focused on continuous improvement.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand operating room risks and their impact on patient safety and organizational liability.
  • Review the effectiveness of policies and safety culture in mitigating surgical and operating room risk.
  • Identify tangible steps you can share with your facility to reduce/prevent errors and improve outcomes.

Broadcast date: July 21, 2026
Intended Audience(s): Physicians, Risk Managers, Clinic Managers, Leadership

 

Speakers

Steven Counter, MD

Counter Professional Consulting, PLLC
Dr. Steven Counter is a recently retired general surgeon who practiced for more than 25 years at The Polyclinic in Seattle. During his tenure, his work encompassed both inpatient and outpatient procedures across the full breadth of general surgery. He also held leadership positions, including Chief of Surgery and Medical Director, most recently serving as Medical Director at First Hill Surgery Center in Seattle.

He currently operates a medico legal consulting practice, Counter Professional Consulting, PLLC, and regularly serves on the Physicians Insurance Claims Committee.

Eric M. Stoler, MD

Columbia Anesthesia Group
Dr. Eric Stoler has been a practicing anesthesiologist in Vancouver, WA since 1992, including leadership for ten years as President of his group. He previously also trained and was board certified in Pediatrics. Dr. Stoler has worked in various capacities with Physicians Insurance since 2007, having been elected as a Director on the Executive Board since 2024, as well as the Claims Committee for 16 years, serving as Chair for the past six years.

Anne Flitcroft, RN, BSN

VP of Risk Management
Physicians Insurance

Anne Flitcroft has over 25 years of experience in healthcare, much of it in clinical risk management and patient safety. She is credited with developing several of the risk-evaluation and assessment tools available to PI Members to improve processes and implement best practices. Prior to joining PI, Anne worked as a registered nurse as well as Director of Risk Management, Privacy, and Compliance at an acute care hospital in Oregon.

ABOUT THE RISK FACTORS WEBINAR SERIES - The Risk Factors Webinar Series provides education, perspectives, and insights from seasoned professionals about the risks our Members face every day in the delivery of care. Our information-filled webinars are recorded so that they are always available to our Members as reference.

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