Ep. 191 From Lawsuit to Litigation Reform: Dr. Kourtney Kemp’s Mission to Protect Physicians

🔍 Episode Overview:

In this powerful episode, general surgeon Dr. Courtney Kemp shares her journey from a small town in Montana to establishing a successful private practice in Minnesota. She opens up about the pivotal moments that led her to become a national advocate for medical liability reform, and how early career complications transformed her into a leader in physician protection and legislative change.

🧠 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• Early Career & Mentorship:

  • Grew up in a rural town with limited exposure to medicine.

  • Influenced by college professors and supportive residency leadership at Hennepin.

  • Chose private practice for flexibility and family reasons.

• Business of Private Practice:

  • Highlights the importance of understanding practice finances, proper documentation, and timely invoicing.

  • Advocates for collaboration between employed physicians and private practice.

• Medical Liability Awareness:

  • Two early complications (port placement and retained sponge) ignited her passion for liability reform.

  • Became active in her liability insurance board to understand systemic issues.

• Litigation’s Toll on Physicians:

  • Emotional, financial, and reputational damage of being sued.

  • Shocking statistics: 500% rise in litigation with increased transparency.

  • Describes physician vulnerability and altruism as a double-edged sword.

• Legal & Legislative Advocacy:

  • Helped create Minnesota Physicians for Reform.

  • Modeled reform efforts after Utah’s bill (caps on non-economic damages, asset protections).

  • Explained different types of damages and need for fair caps to protect access to care.

• Current Climate & Physician Risks:

  • Growing threats include cyberbullying, violence, and suicide—often connected to litigation stress.

  • Discusses social inflation, reptile theory, and litigation financing as rising threats.

• Remediation & Patient Trust:

  • Advocates for early, honest communication after harm events.

  • Encourages open dialogue, assuming good intent, and sharing knowledge with patients.

• Call to Action for Physicians:

  • Get involved with state health committees, medical societies, and tort reform efforts.

  • Talk to legislators and medical liability carriers (like SVMIC).

  • Visit www.healthcare4reform.org to learn more and take action.