This article describes the implementation of the Clinician-Directed Performance Improvement (CDPI) program, which was launched in September 2015 and provides clinicians with protected time, support and training to conduct performance improvement projects to improve patient outcomes. Examples of CDPI include projects that focused on reducing the rate of healthcare-associated infections and the rate of adverse drug events. Since program implementation, this community hospital has seen improvements in quality metrics, culture of safety and clinician morale.