Teodor Grantcharov, a professor of surgery at Stanford, reflects on his early experiences with surgery and the importance of self-review after watching a recording of his own performance. His initial shock at the inefficiencies and mistakes he observed sparked a journey toward improving surgical safety through technology. In response to the high rates of surgical errors, he developed an AI-powered Black Box Platform for operating rooms, trauma bays, and other high-risk environments that records comprehensive data, including video and audio, to enhance understanding of surgical practices and outcomes. This system aims to shift the culture of secrecy in operating rooms towards a more transparent, data-driven approach akin to that of aviation safety.

Despite its potential benefits, the implementation of these black boxes has faced resistance from surgical staff, who express concerns about privacy and the potential for punitive measures based on recorded performances. While Grantcharov has designed the system to anonymize identities and prioritize learning over punishment, the apprehension among medical personnel reflects a deeper anxiety about being monitored. The black box technology is currently in use in various institutions, but the balance between accountability and a supportive learning environment remains a challenge.