About AQSI

The program includes formal quality improvement (QI) training and a self-proposed team project. The project lets team members lead change efforts on QI initiatives that directly affect their practice, colleagues and patients.

AQSI began on Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s campus as a collaboration among:

  • The Department of Medicine
  • The Master of Science Program in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety offered by Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
  • The Northwestern Memorial Hospital Performance Improvement Department

In 2013, the first cohort completed the program. Since then, ASQI has expanded to include more departments and a diverse group of professions. By 2020, ASQI expanded across Northwestern Medicine.

In 2015, the American Association for Physician Leadership awarded AQSI the Leape Ahead Award.

In 2020, The Joint Commission awarded AQSI the John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award.

AQSI Programs

Academic Medical Center (Downtown Chicago) Program

Applications for this program are due in June. The program starts in October every year. Visit the Academic Medical Center Program page for more information about the program or application information.

learn more about the AMC program

Northwestern Health Network Program

The Northwestern Health Network includes Northwestern Medicine locations in the north, northwest, south and west Chicago suburbs. Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital is not included. Applications for this program are due in September. The program starts in January every year. Visit the Northwestern Health Network Program page for more program information and application information.

learn more about the Northwestern Health Network program

AQSI Leaders

Kevin O'Leary, MD
Vice President, Quality, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare

Abra Fant, MD
Academic Medical Center Medical Director

Amir Marouni, MD
Northwestern Health Network Medical Director

Performance Improvement Department Leaders

Lindsay Phan
Vice President, Performance

Barbara Jones
Program Director, Performance Training, Coaching, Methods

Bizhan Shahpar
Program Manager, Performance Training, Coaching, Methods

Mollie Whiting
Program Coordinator, Performance Training, Coaching, Methods

Contact Us

Please contact us at aqsi@nm.org with any questions.

Alumni and Past Projects

All AQSI participants lead a QI project. The projects align with Northwestern Medicine goals and standards, but they are projects that are self-identified by the participants. The projects are a key part of the AQSI experience and are what the participants spend the most effort on.

Please email aqsi@nm.org to request information about alumni and past projects.