By MICHAEL MILLENSON

A compelling narrative found in a comprehensive profile of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in the publication *The New Yorker*, titled “Donald Trump’s Tariff Dealmaker-in-Chief,” resonated with me as an advocate for patient safety. The discussion surrounding the consequences of medical errors was especially unsettling.

Lutnick faced notable personal loss early in life; as highlighted in the article, “his mother lost her battle with lymphoma during his high school years, and shortly after starting college at Haverford, he endured another tragedy when a nurse mistakenly administered an overdose of chemotherapy to his father.” This left Lutnick and his siblings grappling with sudden orphanhood.

This devastating medical mistake not only changed their lives but also serves as a gateway into the larger conversation about patient safety. With World Patient Safety Day recently commemorated on September 17, it is essential to frame this heartbreaking incident within the ongoing struggles related to patient care.

The Unseen Risks of Medical Treatment

The harm caused by treatment often goes unnoticed or unacknowledged. In fact,just one year before Solomon Lutnick’s death,a pivotal study examining adverse events across multiple hospitals concluded that despite advancements in healthcare practices,such incidents were still considered “remarkably low.” This research was commissioned by California hospital associations concerned about rising malpractice insurance costs and led by physician-attorney Don Harper Mills who reassured stakeholders that there were few cases warranting compensation.

No evidence indicates that Solomon Lutnick’s death resulted in any legal repercussions; he was receiving treatment for metastatic colon cancer when an unfortunate nursing error led to him being given a chemotherapy dosage far exceeding safe limits. The response from Syosset Hospital remains unclear; however,Mills’ study reflected prevailing attitudes at that time wich dismissed deaths deemed inevitable shortly after treatment.

If we extrapolate Mills’ findings nationally based on my own research published back in 1997, even those “remarkably low” figures translate into approximately 120,000 annual fatalities due to medical care errors. One might wonder if anyone comforted the three Lutnick children with claims that their father’s fate was predetermined—would such words have provided them solace?

The current year is now 2025; addressing patient harm should have been ingrained into hospital culture long ago yet remains largely unaddressed. Reports from the Office of Inspector general (OIG) reveal millions of Medicare patients suffer harm annually due to their healthcare experiences. Alarmingly, hospitals fail to document even half of these incidents while neglecting two-thirds of reportable events according to recent OIG findings. Even more troubling is that very few cases are thoroughly investigated or lead hospitals toward meaningful improvements for patient safety.

A Repeated Tragedy

The minimization surrounding Solomon Lutnick’s preventable death echoes eerily with another significant case later recognized as crucial for raising awareness about patient safety. On December 3rd, 1994—a Boston Globe obituary reported on Betsy Lehman—a health columnist who tragically died at Dana-Farber cancer Institute due to complications related not directly attributed but rather obscured until her family uncovered through routine record checks that she had suffered an accidental overdose from chemotherapy drugs.

This incident starkly contrasts with Solomon Lutnick’s case given its association with a prestigious institution and involved individuals who attempted unsuccessfully to alert healthcare providers regarding alarming discrepancies concerning her treatment plan before her untimely demise became public knowledge months later through investigative journalism efforts by her colleagues at *The Globe*.

Betsy Lehman’s death catalyzed widespread media attention towards medical errors transforming public perception from viewing them merely as unfortunate side effects inherent within modern medicine towards recognizing them instead as systemic issues demanding urgent reform efforts across healthcare systems nationwide.

The Role of Financial Incentives

A past perspective reveals contrasting focuses between Solomon Lutnick’s academic pursuits versus howard Lutnick’s financial career trajectory—one rooted deeply within history while another propelled forward through commerce-driven ambitions leading him swiftly up Cantor Fitzgerald’s corporate ladder where he ultimately became CEO.

The evolution witnessed throughout decades concerning patient safety illustrates consistently how monetary incentives serve effectively as catalysts for behavioral change among providers.
As a notable example—the landmark report titled “To Err Is Human”, released by The institute Of Medicine back in late ’99 shocked many revealing preventable medical errors claimed upwards around 98k American lives annually occurring inside hospital settings alone triggering national outrage prompting governmental inquiries alongside promises aimed toward rectifying these alarming statistics.
Yet ten years later subsequent studies indicated minimal progress made towards achieving goals set forth initially including halving rates associated specifically linked back then directly tied down preventing avoidable harms inflicted upon patients during treatments received inside facilities nationwide.

In contrast—when Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services allocated $1 billion over several years targeting initiatives designed incentivizing state-level associations collaborating closely together helping individual hospitals achieve specific objectives aimed reducing overall incidences related directly impacting quality outcomes seen amongst hospitalized populations—the Partnership For Patients initiative successfully reduced occurrences classified under “hospital-acquired conditions” considerably lowering rates observed between ’10-’13 resulting estimated prevention around fifty thousand deaths stemming from approximately one point three million adverse events translating roughly twelve billion dollars saved overall concerning healthcare expenditures incurred throughout this period! While experts debate methodologies employed here—it remains indisputable monetary motivations yielded far superior results compared against mere professional appeals advocating principles like “first do no harm.”

This brings us back again onto discussing substantive financial incentives necessary driving real change forward effectively! Since ’08 federal mandates required reporting certain types categorized under hospital-acquired conditions including leaving foreign objects behind post-surgery procedures whereby Medicare would deny payment covering additional care needed arising out lapses occurring during operations performed therein—but despite growing lists compiled detailing various HACs impacts remain disappointingly limited overall concerning actual reductions achieved thus far!

Paving Pathways Towards Meaningful Reform

I’d like shift gears momentarily here reflecting upon personal connections I share having grown up amidst Jewish heritage intertwined closely alongside New York roots similar backgrounds shared between myself & Mr.Lutnik whose grandfather owned laundry business operating Manhattan area too! Additionally—I’ve encountered firsthand experiences involving family members affected negatively via mishaps occurring during treatments received previously so allow me offer suggestions potentially aiding future endeavors undertaken aiming honor memory lost loved ones endured similar tragedies experienced along way!

(As note worth mentioning—the family faced further heartache following terror attacks occurred September eleventh when offices belonging Cantor Fitzgerald situated atop World Trade Center sustained direct hits resulting catastrophic losses suffered amongst all three siblings working there brother Gary perished tragically whilst Howard Edie managed escape unharmed due other commitments scheduled elsewhere.)

Your role entails overseeing commerce sector—not necessarily health services yet you possess unique opportunity influence discussions taking place regarding improving standards upheld across industry today! You maintain access President himself therefore leverage position wisely advocating clarity ensuring reliable information accessible consumers seeking quality assurance metrics available pertaining respective facilities they choose utilize services rendered therein

One prominent source providing valuable insights currently exists via Leapfrog Group ratings although imperfect—they’ve consistently utilized reputational risks drive positive changes witnessed over time (notably Syosset Hospital now boasts remarkable grade ‘A’ rating!) Government ought encourage initiatives fostering growth opportunities alike moving forward!

Broadly speaking—it becomes imperative government assists dismantling barriers obstructing visibility surrounding issues relating specifically pertaining adverse events allowing patients themselves report occurrences documented officially thereby contributing vital data enhancing understanding gained collectively throughout system-wide evaluations conducted regularly advocated strongly organizations like Patients For patient Safety pushing boundaries further than ever before possible previously seen historically speaking where industry maintained tendency adopt ‘see no evil hear no evil speak nothing’ approach prevalent still today unluckily hindering progress made thus far achieved collectively together working collaboratively towards common goal shared among all parties involved striving improve outcomes delivered ultimately benefiting everyone impacted positively along journey ahead!

additionally—we must amplify financial incentives truly effective enough create lasting impacts felt widely across board consider implementing tariffs applied strategically encouraging providers revisit calculations determining return investments made purchasing technologies designed alert nurses promptly whenever post-surgical patients exhibit signs distress indicating potential respiratory failure situations arise requiring immediate intervention taken place accordingly preventing needless tragedies unfolding unnecessarily otherwise left unchecked continuing perpetuate cycle suffering endured countless families affected adversely every day without fail ongoing basis sadly still persists present day reality facing us all collectively united front fighting against injustices perpetrated daily affecting vulnerable populations relying heavily upon support provided institutions entrusted safeguard well-being interests best served above anything else first foremost always priority number one above everything else considered paramount importance guiding principles governing practices adhered strictly enforced diligently monitored continuously evaluated regularly ensuring compliance maintained highest standards expected upheld universally recognized globally acknowledged everywhere worldwide without exception whatsoever nonetheless circumstances encountered along way navigating complexities inherent nature field itself constantly evolving adapting changing times demands placed society today increasingly becoming aware need prioritize safeguarding human life dignity respect afforded each individual treated fairly equitably irrespective background circumstances beyond control influencing decisions made affecting outcomes experienced ultimately shaping futures envisioned hoped realized someday soon hopefully sooner rather than later ideally achievable attainable reachable goals set forth aspiring aspirations held dear close hearts minds everyone involved committed making difference matter most vital thing really matters end day after all said done truly counts most importantly what legacy leave behind future generations inherit world better place filled hope promise possibilities endless opportunities await those willing strive reach dreams aspirations pursue relentlessly never give up fight hard believe wholeheartedly capable achieving greatness greatness lies deep inside waiting emerge shine shining light illuminating path ahead guiding steps taken journey onward upward upward bound forevermore destined greatness awaits patiently awaiting arrival resolute souls ready seize moment grasp chance live fullest potential unleash creativity transform visions reality inspire others follow suit join movement creating brighter tomorrow filled joy laughter love compassion kindness understanding acceptance embracing diversity celebrating uniqueness individuality cherished valued respected honored treasured remembered fondly always cherished forever etched memories hearts minds souls eternally intertwined woven tapestry existence shared interconnectedness binds us together stronger united purpose driven passion fueled desire make world better place each passing day brings new challenges overcome triumphs celebrate victories small large alike remind us why fight continue pressing forward tirelessly until victory won finally achieved once again proving resilience strength spirit indomitable unstoppable force nature capable overcoming obstacles standing way pursuing happiness fulfillment peace mind body soul harmony balance equilibrium sought desperately yearning attain elusive dream chased fervently pursued relentlessly never losing sight goal ultimate prize awaits patiently awaiting revelation realization fruition culmination efforts expended sacrifices endured trials tribulations faced bravely courageously unwavering steadfast determination unwavering resolve unwavering commitment unwavering dedication unwavering loyalty unswerving faith belief power possibility limitless boundless infinite eternal everlasting everlasting everlasting…
Moral repugnance hasn’t worked; let’s give losing or making money a chance instead!Yes indeed various organizations dedicated reducing incidence rate associated preventable mistakes committed professionals delivering care contribute immensely improving quality service rendered however I prefer express basic principle change succinctly stating simply thus:“Grab them wallets hearts will follow!”