The Veterans Health Administration has pioneered implementation of several innovative safety interventions, including teamwork training (using the Medical Team Training model) for surgical and intensive care unit staff. This report on the early effects of the teamwork training initiative found positive perceptions of the impact on teamwork, communication, efficiency, and patient safety. This preliminary study also provides examples of changes in participant behavior and clinical outcomes associated with implementation of the teamwork program. Failure to report these outcomes is a common limitation of teamwork training studies, as discussed in a recent systematic review.