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. 4D AGO

    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

  2. FEB 9

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

    BOSS Business of Surgery Series

    35 min

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. JAN 13

    Ep 214 Math not drama replay

    BOSS Business of Surgery Series

    1 hr

  6. JAN 5

    Ep. 213 When your job isn't taking you seriously with Dr. Sujata Gill

    Episode Description How do you know when it’s time to leave a job—and how do you trust yourself enough to do it? In this episode of the BOSS Business of Surgery Series, host Dr. Amy Vertrees sits down with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Sujata Gill for a candid, deeply honest conversation about career fit, power, gender dynamics, and navigating a difficult transition in surgery. Dr. Gill shares her journey from an initially rewarding community hospital role to a position that gradually became professionally suffocating—despite long hours, leadership roles, and relentless effort. She describes what it felt like to be treated as an employee rather than a physician, to be labeled “too high standard” and “too likable,” and to repeatedly be passed over for leadership roles she was qualified to hold. This episode explores the psychological and emotional toll of staying too long, the fear and imposter syndrome that can follow even experienced surgeons into new roles, and the critical skill of not carrying old stories into new contexts. Dr. Gill’s story ultimately becomes one of clarity, courage, and renewal—finding a physician-friendly system, supportive partners, full scope practice, and joy in surgery again. If you’re questioning your current role, feeling “capped,” or wondering whether something better actually exists—this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn How to recognize when a job is no longer a good professional fit Why working harder doesn’t fix a misaligned system The hidden cost of being treated as an “employee” rather than a physician How gender bias can show up subtly—and how to respond without internalizing it Why transitions often come with fear, imposter syndrome, and grief How negative stories from past jobs can contaminate new opportunities The importance of consciously choosing context in professional relationships What it looks like to become a “happy surgeon” again Chapters / Timestamps 00:00:02 – Dr. Gill’s background and early career decisions 00:01:26 – Early success and growing frustration in community practice 00:04:18 – Systemic issues and gender-based challenges 00:13:07 – The breaking point and decision to leave 00:23:07 – Not getting stuck in stories during transition 00:31:04 – Finding fulfillment and lifting others as you rise Action Items Pay attention to signs that you feel “capped” or powerless despite effort Examine whether frustration is about you—or the system you’re in Be intentional about releasing old narratives when entering new roles Seek coaching or support during career transitions Support others navigating similar challenges as part of your own healing About the Guest Dr. Sujata Gill is a general surgeon with expertise in bariatric and robotic surgery. After navigating a difficult and misaligned hospital system early in her career, she now practices in a physician-friendly environment that allows her to work at full scope, prioritize her family, and rediscover joy in surgery. She is passionate about supporting other physicians through career transitions and professional healing.

    43 min

  7. 12/29/2025

    Ep 212 In Pursuit: Fulfillment Beyond Achievement with Jessica Smarro

    Episode Description What if the next goal isn’t the answer? In this episode of the BOSS Business of Surgery Series, host Dr. Amy Vertrees speaks with Jessica Smarro, licensed therapist, certified life coach, and author of In Pursuit: Go After What You Want, Alive, Aligned, and Fully You. Jessica shares her journey from nearly 15 years working in jail diversion programs to helping high achievers “free themselves from the prison of an unmanaged mind.” Together, Amy and Jessica explore why so many accomplished professionals reach milestones only to feel disappointed, empty, or restless—and why this experience is far more common than we admit. This conversation dives into the subtle but powerful shift from chasing achievements to understanding the feelings we’re actually pursuing. Jessica introduces her Freedom Framework, explains why self-worth must be uncoupled from accomplishment, and offers practical tools for navigating fear, imposter syndrome, and emotional discomfort without abandoning ambition. This episode is especially resonant for surgeons and high achievers who are successful on paper—but quietly wondering if there’s more. What You’ll Learn Why achievement alone often fails to create fulfillment How many goals are really about chasing feelings, not outcomes Why feeling good before achieving doesn’t lead to complacency The danger of “arrival addiction” and how to step off the treadmill How to distinguish self-honoring goals from externally imposed ones A healthier way to work with imposter syndrome The difference between fixing yourself and understanding yourself How to create emotional safety through self-compassion Chapters / Timestamps 00:00:02 – Meet Jessica Smarro and the origin of In Pursuit00:02:03 – The disappointment of achievement and chasing feelings00:04:19 – The Freedom Framework: prison, path, and pursuit00:09:34 – Addressing the fear of complacency00:12:53 – Self-honoring vs. following predetermined paths00:18:11 – Rethinking imposter syndrome as useful feedback00:21:20 – Understanding yourself instead of fixing yourself00:35:12 – Creating emotional safety through self-compassion00:37:17 – Jessica’s work, podcast, and upcoming group program Action Items Reflect on whether your current goals are driven by fear/lack or curiosity/wholeness Practice staying present with difficult emotions rather than bypassing them Experiment with separating self-worth from outcomes Use “compass checks” to assess alignment before setting your next goal Resources In Pursuit: Go After What You Want, Alive, Aligned, and Fully You – Jessica Smarro Jessica’s podcast: Unblocked About the Guest Jessica Smarro is a licensed therapist, certified life coach, and author who helps high achievers pursue meaningful goals without abandoning themselves in the process. Her work focuses on identity, emotional safety, and sustainable fulfillment.

    41 min

  8. 12/22/2025

    Ep 211 Thriving in retirement (and other transitions) with Elizabeth Parsons

    Episode Description What happens when the career that once defined you no longer fits—or ends entirely? In this episode of the BOSS Business of Surgery Series, host Dr. Amy Vertrees sits down with Elizabeth Parsons, former Wall Street lawyer and author of Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement. Elizabeth shares her deeply personal journey of leaving a prestigious legal career at age 35, only to discover that financial security alone was not enough to replace the identity, structure, and purpose her work had provided. Together, Amy and Elizabeth explore why high-achieving professionals—especially those in service fields like medicine and law—often struggle with retirement or major career transitions. Elizabeth introduces the concept of “identity bridging” and explains why retirement isn’t just a financial decision, but a psychological and emotional one. This conversation challenges the idea of retirement as an “ending” and reframes it as a new graduation—an opportunity to intentionally design a next chapter filled with meaning, agency, and fulfillment. If you’re a surgeon or professional thinking about retirement, scaling back, or simply wondering “what’s next?”, this episode offers powerful insights and practical guidance. What You’ll Learn Why high achievers excel as “reactors” but struggle to become “creators” of their own lives The concept of identity bridging and why retirement disrupts more than just your schedule The three motivational pillars of identity: communion, agency, and cohesion Why staying too long can diminish a career—and why “leaving on top” matters How to develop new internal metrics for success beyond professional recognition Why retirement planning should begin at least two years before your exit How to experiment with new interests without needing immediate competence or validation Why succession planning is emotionally harder than most professionals expect Timestamps / Chapters 00:00:02 – Elizabeth Parsons’ journey from Wall Street lawyer to retirement transition expert 00:04:21 – From problem-solver to life designer: reactor vs. creator 00:06:06 – Identity bridging and the three motivational properties 00:08:31 – Common pitfalls: why career-adjacent options often fall flat 00:11:11 – Creating new metrics for success without external applause 00:13:46 – Finding your “second curve” and rediscovering dormant interests 00:18:25 – Life restructuring after work: avoiding “365 Saturdays” 00:21:39 – Knowing when it’s time to retire—and why leaving on top matters 00:24:53 – Succession planning and the emotional difficulty of handing over the reins 00:32:29 – Elizabeth’s programs, intensives, and resources Action Items Begin thinking about retirement or major transitions at least two years in advance Identify how your current identity is tied to belonging, agency, and routine Create personal definitions of a “great day” that don’t rely on professional validation Pay attention to persistent annoyance with work—it may be a signal, not a flaw Explore interests with curiosity and experimentation, not immediate mastery Resources & Links Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement by Elizabeth Parsons Learn more about Elizabeth’s programs: highachieverretirement.com Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn About the Guest Elizabeth Parsons is a former Wall Street lawyer and the founder of High Achiever Retirement. After leaving her legal career early, she experienced firsthand the identity loss that often follows high achievement. Today, she helps accomplished professionals navigate retirement and major career transitions with intention, clarity, and purpose.

    36 min
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4.8
out of 5
57 Ratings

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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