Ep 199 Operative Gap to Chief of Surgery with Dr. Courtney McKeown

In this episode of the Boss Business of Surgery Series, Dr. Amy Vertrees sits down with Dr. Courtney McKeown, who shares her remarkable journey from navigating an operative gap to becoming chief of surgery at a rural hospital. Dr. McKeown opens up about the challenges she faced after being laid off from her first job, her prior recovery from substance use disorder, and the difficulties of securing a new position with a gap in her surgical practice. Together, Dr. Vertrees and Dr. McKeown dive deep into what it takes to return to surgery after time away, from licensing hurdles to credentialing committees, malpractice insurance, and professional references. The conversation also highlights the American Board of Surgery’s reentry guidelines, state-specific policies on operative gaps, and the importance of supportive partners and mentorship during the reentry process. Now serving as chief of surgery, Dr. McKeown reflects on how her experience not only rebuilt her career but also brought life-changing surgical services to underserved communities. Her story is both a candid look at the obstacles surgeons face and an inspiring example of resilience, mentorship, and community impact. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The challenges of returning to surgery after an operative gap How state licensing boards and disciplinary history affect reentry The step-by-step process of hospital credentialing Why references and case logs are crucial for reentry Insights into the American Board of Surgery’s reentry guidelines The role of mentorship and supportive partners in regaining confidence How Dr. McKeown expanded surgical services in rural Tennessee hospitals Resources & Action Items: 90-Day Notice Program for doctors seeking new positions – launching Sept 28 at 4 p.m. CT Click HERE Keep case logs organized (last 12 months, last 2 years, etc.) for credentialing American Board of Surgery Reentry Guidelines HERE Joint Commission FPPE Guidelines HERE Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. McKeown’s journey 01:14 – Background and initial challenges 04:01 – Finding a new position 05:44 – Licensing challenges 07:09 – State requirements for operative gaps 09:13 – Impact on board certification 10:36 – Reciprocal disciplinary actions 16:13 – Malpractice insurance considerations 17:22 – Reference challenges 19:43 – Finding the right practice environment 22:00 – Qualities to look for in partners 24:47 – Mutual benefits of mentorship 36:49 – Hospital credentialing process 42:08 – ABS reentry guidelines 46:58 – Gradual return to independent practice 56:42 – Current success as chief of surgery 59:57 – Expanding services and rural community impact 1:02:25 – Conclusion and future impact 🎧 Listen now to hear Dr. McKeown’s inspiring story of resilience, reentry, and redefining what it means to build a surgical career.