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.