🔍 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:

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  Early Career & Mentorship:

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

    
    
  
  
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    Influenced by college professors and supportive residency leadership at Hennepin.

    
    
  
  
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    Chose private practice for flexibility and family reasons.

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Business of Private Practice:

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

    
    
  
  
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    Advocates for collaboration between employed physicians and private practice.

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Medical Liability Awareness:

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

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

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Litigation’s Toll on Physicians:

  
  
  
  
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    Emotional, financial, and reputational damage of being sued.

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

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

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Legal & Legislative Advocacy:

  
  
  
  
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    Helped create Minnesota Physicians for Reform.

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

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

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Current Climate & Physician Risks:

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

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

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Remediation & Patient Trust:

  
  
  
  
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    Advocates for early, honest communication after harm events.

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

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Call to Action for Physicians:

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

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

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