So, where's Gemba? And why are our people going there? In Lean lingo, "gemba" means the actual place where work is done, whether it's the OR at Children's or a Toyota plant in Japan.
Ever since we started using Lean methods, staff members have been going to gemba, both at Children's and at local companies, to observe how these principles are put into practice.
This month a group of leaders from throughout the hospital is visiting the Toyota plant in Japan. On this blog, you can read about what they're learning and post your questions and comments.

A group of 24 talented individuals from Children's is now in Japan in an effort to learn how to improve children's health care by working smarter. It is relevant that your delegation of physicians, nurses, and administrators see things from different perspectives and experiences, and everyone always has something to say.

It's been an interesting experience being in a different culture, one in which service and respect for others is paramount. The vast population on these tiny islands limits space, and yet there seems to be an emphasis on availability of resources and tidiness.

So, it sounds like our colleagues have been wondering who has gone to Gemba. Here's a list of everyone on the trip and their teams.

Greetings from Hone Chimu (the bone team), aka the Samurai Tuna Cutters. Chappie was very impressed with the tuna cutters at the Nagoya fish market. He says they would make excellent orthopedic surgeons!