BOSS Business of Surgery Series

Amy Vertrees, MD
  • 4.8 (57)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to BOSS Business of Surgery Series! This program was specifically designed to help surgeons learn concepts not taught in residency but necessary for a successful surgery career. We were not told that most of our job would be interacting with others. We thought it was about the technical success of surgery or the knowledge that we learn. But it is so much more. Difficult partners and colleagues. Dealing with complications. Negotiating with administration. Running a successful and efficient clinic that doesn’t take bleed into our home life. How to have a life outside of surgery But if we don’t learn these concepts, we will end up in a negative spiral that will lead us into misery. And all of the time we spent training for the job we love, that could be so rewarding, is lost. You know there has to be a solution out there. That you can’t be the only one unhappy or wondering if it is just you. It’s time for a program that addresses your specific problems run by someone who knows what you are going through. You need a fellow surgeon who knows the way. You need a surgeon who has been where you are and found her way out to the other side: -Loving surgery again -Not taking work home -finishing notes immediately after clinic and heading home on time -Not letting complications set you back -Interacting with others with confidence -Finally seeing that you can control the results you get at work and home You can find out more about Dr. Vertrees and her work at www.BOSSsurgery.com.

  1. 1D AGO

    Ep. 221 Ask the CMO Part 2: Dr. Claudia Emami talks credentials and peer review

    What New Attendings Need to Know About Credentialing, Peer Review, and Protecting Your Career Guest: Dr. Claudia Emami Starting your first job as an attending physician involves navigating systems that residency rarely teaches you about. In this episode, Dr. Claudia Emami joins the BOSS Business of Surgery Series to explain how hospital credentialing works, how peer review actually functions, and what physicians should understand to protect their careers. Dr. Emami walks through the credentialing process required for physicians who want to practice in hospitals, including verification of training, licensure, malpractice history, and case logs. For surgeons and proceduralists, documenting recent cases is essential, and when case volume is insufficient, hospitals may require proctoring before granting full privileges. A key point discussed in the episode is that having a job contract does not guarantee hospital privileges. Credentialing is a separate process that must be approved by the hospital’s credentialing committee and medical staff leadership. The conversation also explores Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE) and Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE)—the systems hospitals use to review complications, outcomes, and performance trends. These processes feed into broader reporting systems, including the National Practitioner Data Bank. Dr. Emami explains how peer review works when complications occur and outlines how concerns may escalate through departmental review, quality committees, and medical staff leadership. In more serious situations, physicians may face additional proctoring, monitoring, or privilege restrictions. The episode also addresses professional realities that new attendings often overlook—such as the importance of building relationships throughout the hospital. Developing strong connections with the chair of surgery, chief medical officer, medical staff office, and OR teams can be critical to navigating complex situations. Finally, Dr. Emami emphasizes professional resilience. Career challenges, complications, and difficult reviews happen to nearly every surgeon at some point. Understanding the systems, participating in peer review, and maintaining perspective can help physicians recover from setbacks and continue to build successful careers. Key Takeaways A signed job contract does not guarantee hospital privileges Surgeons must maintain accurate case logs and documentation Proctoring is common and often required when privileges are new Physicians should understand peer review, OPPE, and FPPE processes Strong professional relationships within the hospital are essential Setbacks in credentialing or peer review are challenging but not career-ending

    1h 2m

  2. MAR 2

    Ep 220 Successfully navigating a military medicine career with Dr. Andrew Schlussel

    🎙️ Navigating a Successful Military Surgical Career With Dr. Andrew Schlussel In this episode of the BOSS Business of Surgery Series, Dr. Amy Vertrees interviews Andrew Schlussel, colorectal surgeon, Army veteran, and co-editor of The SAGES Manual for Navigating a Successful Military Surgical Career. Dr.Schlussel  shares insights from his 15 years on active duty in the U.S. Army, his transition to the reserves, and his experience building a fulfilling and dynamic military surgical career. This conversation is both practical and deeply personal — covering everything from surgical volume and research opportunities to LGBTQ+ service and retirement planning. 🔎 In This Episode, We Discuss: 🇺🇸 Building a Military Surgical Career ROTC beginnings and returning to medicine through HPSP Training at Tripler Army Medical Center Deployments to Afghanistan, time in Iraq and Syria Serving in Korea, Fort Lewis, and Fort Eisenhower Transitioning from active duty to the reserves Dr.Schlussel shares how military training provided not just clinical skills, but leadership experience in quality improvement, root cause analysis, and systems-based practice. 📘 Why This Book Was Needed The idea for The SAGES Manual came after Dr.Schlussel found his Army Officer’s Guide while cleaning out his closet after leaving active duty. He realized: Military medicine needed its own playbook. The book was intentionally developed as a tri-service resource — benefiting Army, Navy, and Air Force surgeons alike — and was created collaboratively with leaders involved in Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) military initiatives. ⚙️ The Truth About Surgical Volume in the Military A common concern: lower surgical volume. Dr.Schlussel reframes this as opportunity: Time for research NIH collaboration Global health engagement (including the Wilkins Fellowship) Creative academic and leadership projects Quality improvement and systems innovation His key message: Persistence is everything in the military system. You may hear “no” repeatedly — but success often comes to those who continue asking the right questions. 💼 Employment Flexibility: ODEs, URSAs, and MTAs Military surgical careers have evolved. Dr.Schlussel explains: Off-Duty Employment (ODE) URSAs (utilizing civilian colonoscopy suites) MTAs (taking acute care call at civilian hospitals) These opportunities are significantly more available than they were 10–15 years ago — but require understanding military legal frameworks and approval processes. Current reserve bonuses for surgeons: 💰 $75,000 per year with a two-year minimum commitment 🌈 LGBTQ+ Service in the Military One of the most powerful parts of this episode is Dr.Schlussel's personal experience serving under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” ROTC contracts in 2000–2001 included clauses prohibiting identifying as homosexual. He served closeted for years. Following repeal, he observed gaps in military physicians’ understanding of LGBTQ+ healthcare — including knowledge of PrEP and inclusive care practices. As former president of the Association of Gay and Lesbian Surgeons and Allies, he emphasizes: Inclusive environments require both cultural awareness and clinical competence. 📝 Preparing for Retirement or Separation Dr.Schlussel strongly recommends: Start preparing one year earlier than required Carefully review your DD-214 Utilize Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) Take advantage of transition programs (college courses, certifications, Lean Sigma training) Once the DD-214 is signed, changes are extremely difficult. 🏥 Working at the VA Dr. Schlussel discusses his experience serving at the VA — both as a volunteer and paid staff. He explains: Differences between DOD and VA funding models Communication challenges between systems The deep fulfillment of caring for veterans He also highlights: Priority hiring for veterans Ability to “buy back” military time toward federal retirement TSP rollover benefits 📍 Finding His Current Role After relocating to Jacksonville for his husband’s practice, Dr. Schlussel contacted every colorectal surgeon in the area — demonstrating the same persistence he advocates. He now: Works in Jacksonville Continues reserve service Plans to coach and mentor military surgeons 📚 Resources & Links The SAGES Manual for Navigating a Successful Military Surgical Career (Springer, 20% discount available; proceeds support SAGES) Connect with Dr.Schlussel on Instagram: @rainbow_scalpel Email: Andrew.T.Schlussel@gmail.com  Attend the annual Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) meeting Free for active duty personnel Reduced membership ($60–100 for attendings, free for residents) 💡 Key Takeaways ✔ Military surgical careers offer leadership development far beyond the operating room ✔ Lower volume can create space for innovation and research ✔ Persistence within the military system is critical ✔ Separation planning must begin early ✔ LGBTQ+ inclusion requires both policy change and medical education ✔ Military surgeons develop unique leadership and systems-thinking skills that translate powerfully into civilian careers

    41 min

  3. FEB 23

    Ep. 219 Ask the CMO Part 1: Administrative Structure of the hospital with Dr. Claudia Emami

    After a decade in private practice, Dr. Claudia Emami transitioned from pediatric surgeon to Chief Medical Officer—driven by burnout and a deep curiosity about how healthcare systems function. In this episode, she shares the behind-the-scenes structure of hospital operations that every surgeon should know but rarely learns in training. We cover: The difference between medical staff and hospital administration Why bylaws are your protection How credentialing and peer review actually work Who sits in the C-suite—and what they control Why surgeons should proactively build relationships with their CMO and chief of staff How committee participation builds influence and opportunity Healthcare is becoming increasingly complex. Mergers, acquisitions, and system growth mean that physicians who don’t understand governance risk losing their voice. This episode is a practical roadmap for surgeons who want to protect their autonomy, navigate hospital politics wisely, and possibly even explore leadership beyond the OR.

    30 min

  4. FEB 16

    Ep 218 Small Wins and Big Results: Movement and Marriage with Dr. Sara Ionescu

    As surgeons, we are trained to go big or go home. 45-minute workouts. Perfect outcomes. Hero-level stamina. And when we can’t do it perfectly?We often do nothing. In this week’s episode of the BOSS Business of Surgery Series, I sat down with Dr. Sara Ionescu — family physician, movement coach, mother of five (ages 8 and under), and spouse of a general surgeon. Her question can change how you think about goals: “Can you find one minute a day to move?” That simple question helped her patients transform their health — and helped her rebuild her own consistency after residency and multiple pregnancies. We discuss:• Why surgeons fall into “all-or-nothing” thinking• How 5 minutes a day compounds into real results• Why accountability matters more than motivation• What surgeon spouses wish you understood• And how small communication shifts can protect your marriage If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to prioritize your health or your relationship, this episode will challenge that thinking. You don’t need more time. You need a realistic starting point that gives compounded results.   Free movement consult: calendly.com/drsaraionescu/30min Website: drsaraionescu.com Instagram: @drsaraionescu YouTube: @DrSaraIonescu Facebook: facebook.com/drsaraionescu LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drsaraionescu

    37 min

  5. FEB 9

    Ep. 217 Becoming a surgeon entrepreneur and advocate with Dr. Mandy Rice

    BOSS Business of Surgery Series

    35 min

  6. FEB 2

    Ep. 216 Military Medicine to Financial Freedom: Build Wealth Outside the OR with Dr. Schloe

    In this episode of the BOSS Business of Surgery Series, Dr. Vertrees sits down with Dr. Alex Schloe, Air Force veteran, family medicine physician, and host of the Physicians and Properties podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation on financial freedom, real estate, and practicing medicine on your own terms. Dr. Schloe shares his path through military medicine via the HPSP scholarship, his experience training and serving as the sole physician at an Air Force base, and how that preparation shaped his confidence as both a clinician and leader. From there, the conversation turns to entrepreneurship—starting with his first rental property purchased during intern year using a physician loan and evolving into a diversified real estate portfolio. A major focus of the episode is residential assisted living—a boutique, high-quality care model that addresses the massive shortage of senior housing while offering strong cash-flow opportunities for physicians. Dr. Schloe breaks down multiple investment strategies, including his lease-to-operator model, which generates consistent income without day-to-day operational burden. The discussion also dives into direct primary care, healthcare affordability, and how insurance-based systems distort patient care. Dr. Schloe shares a powerful patient case illustrating how cost barriers delay life-saving diagnoses—and why DPC offers a compelling alternative for both doctors and patients. Finally, Dr. Schloe explains why mastermind communities, coaching, and accountability are critical accelerators for physicians looking to build wealth and optionality outside traditional clinical roles. This episode is a must-listen for physicians who want more agency, better alignment, and real choices in how they practice medicine and live their lives.

    41 min

  7. JAN 26

    Ep. 215 Rethinking how surgeons deliver care with Dr. Ronen Elefant

    Description: In this episode of the BOSS Business of Surgery Series, I sit down with Dr. Ronan Elefant, trauma surgeon, entrepreneur, and pilot, to explore a radically different way of delivering surgical care. Dr. Elefant shares how his background in biomedical engineering shaped his view of surgery, why he believes healthcare insurance should be reserved for catastrophic events, and how transparent, bundled cash pricing can lower costs while paying surgeons more. We discuss his company, ACES National Surgical Team, which leverages underutilized ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) nationwide—without building hospitals. We also dive into how aviation allows him to scale surgical access across multiple states, manage complications safely, and maintain quality of life—plus how mid-career surgeons can shift from achievement to mentorship without burning out. Keywords: surgery entrepreneurship, healthcare economics, cash-pay surgery, ambulatory surgery centers, surgeon business models, physician leadership, nontraditional surgical practice

    40 min

  8. JAN 13

    Ep 214 Math not drama replay

    BOSS Business of Surgery Series

    1 hr
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About

Welcome to BOSS Business of Surgery Series! This program was specifically designed to help surgeons learn concepts not taught in residency but necessary for a successful surgery career. We were not told that most of our job would be interacting with others. We thought it was about the technical success of surgery or the knowledge that we learn. But it is so much more. Difficult partners and colleagues. Dealing with complications. Negotiating with administration. Running a successful and efficient clinic that doesn’t take bleed into our home life. How to have a life outside of surgery But if we don’t learn these concepts, we will end up in a negative spiral that will lead us into misery. And all of the time we spent training for the job we love, that could be so rewarding, is lost. You know there has to be a solution out there. That you can’t be the only one unhappy or wondering if it is just you. It’s time for a program that addresses your specific problems run by someone who knows what you are going through. You need a fellow surgeon who knows the way. You need a surgeon who has been where you are and found her way out to the other side: -Loving surgery again -Not taking work home -finishing notes immediately after clinic and heading home on time -Not letting complications set you back -Interacting with others with confidence -Finally seeing that you can control the results you get at work and home You can find out more about Dr. Vertrees and her work at www.BOSSsurgery.com.

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