Extending Grace with Dr. Courtney Barrows McKeown

In a world where we're expected to mask our struggles behind a white coat or a suit, finding the courage to be an open book is truly commendable. We all have struggles and setbacks in different forms. Some of us face challenges in our careers, others deal with personal issues, and many of us encounter both at the same time. Whether it’s grappling with addiction, experiencing job loss, or dealing with health crises, the journey through these trials can be incredibly tough. 

Many of us compartmentalize our pain until it overwhelms us, but acknowledging our challenges is the first step towards healing. When we begin to openly recognize and talk about our difficulties, we take a significant step toward recovery. Embracing this openness allows us to seek the support we need from mentors, coaches, and loved ones. By sharing our experiences and vulnerabilities, we break down the walls of isolation and build connections with others who may have faced similar struggles and provide them with grace we have received.Remember, it’s through understanding our struggles and reaching out for support that we transform our challenges into strengths. 

Courtney Barrows McKeown, MD is a board-certified general surgeon. She earned her medical degree at New York Medical College, graduating Alpha Omega Alpha. She completed her general surgery residency training in 2020 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA, and received additional subspecialty training in hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB surgery) in the Midwest. She started her career as a community general surgeon in New Hampshire, and is excited for her next opportunity, where she will be moving to TN to join Dr. Vertrees' Columbia Surgical Partners as a general surgeon. Her mission is to provide hope and mentorship to other early career physicians who may be struggling with similar issues she faced, reduce stigma, and help drive systemic changes in order to make our professional climate better for the next generation of surgeons.

In this episode with Dr. Courtney Barrows McKeown, we will learn about the power of resilience, the importance of seeking help, and the value of mentorship in overcoming personal and professional challenges. Dr. McKeown openly discusses the difficulties of dealing with addiction, especially in a high-pressure profession like surgery. Her honesty about her struggles is both courageous and inspiring, shedding light on the often-hidden challenges faced by many professionals. Dr. McKeown's story is a beacon of hope, showing that with perseverance and the right support, we can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. 

"It's not my fault that I have a disease, but it is my responsibility to get it treated and then manage it." –  Dr. Courtney Barrows McKeown

Topics Covered:

(00:00:34) Introducing our special guest, Dr. Courtney Barrows McKeown

(00:02:56) Hitting rock bottom

(00:04:01) How acceptance and accountability change Dr. Courtney for the better

(00:06:03) Career opportunity through coaching connections

(00:08:52) The silent struggles of medical professionals

(00:10:37) The value of coaching for physicians

(00:13:00) An overcomer by the grace of God

(00:17:12) How Dr. Courtney's med school stress sparked a struggle with addiction

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(00:22:28) Who was able to help you get help? 

(00:25:23) How compassion made healing possible

(00:27:12) Prevalence of mental health issues in healthcare

(00:29:50) Embracing a new beginning

(00:34:03) The role of patience and timing in career success

(00:37:06) The Final TimeOut: Jeremiah 29:11

(00:39:02) Where to connect to  Dr. Courtney Barrows McKeown

(00:21:49) 

Key Takeaways: 

"The problem with social media and being a doctor is that many times we feel that we have to struggle alone."– Dr. Derrick Burgess

"We’ve learned to compartmentalize our struggles and show up for everyone else, ignoring our own problems until they come back to destroy us."– Dr. Derrick Burgess

"You are not your struggles, you are not your addiction, you are not whatever you struggled with. It doesn’t define you."– Dr. Derrick Burgess

"You do the best you can until you know better, and then when you know better, do better."–  Dr. Courtney Barrows McKeown

"Just like athletes need coaches to perform at their peak ability, anybody else from a lawyer, a physician, we need coaching as well."– Dr. Derrick Burgess

“Having all of those people behind me to help, I can't take much credit honestly, other than just kind of being willing to move forward and not give up.” –  Dr. Courtney Barrows McKeown

“Just because someone shows up to work every day and is able to perform from 6 to 5 or 6 to 9, doesn't mean that they're ok.” – Dr. Derrick Burgess

“It's ok to cry for both good and sad reasons.” –  Dr. Courtney Barrows McKeown

Connect with Dr. Courtney Barrows McKeown:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtney.barrows

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtb_mckeown_md

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-barrows-mckeown-md/ 

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHGDu1zT4K_X6PnYELu8weg

Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.