What if you could build a skull base practice outside academia, without sacrificing complexity, income, or fulfillment? On this episode of the BackTable ENT Podcast, Dr. Kibwei McKinney from SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City joins guest host Dr. Dennis Tang to discuss building a rhinology and skull base surgery practice outside academia.

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Timestamps

01:30 - Introduction and Career
04:55 - Private Practice vs. Academics
10:38 - Defining Skull Based Surgery
15:10 - Patient Pool and Logistics in Academics vs Private Practice
19:03 - Marketing and Referral Sources
24:58 - Case Management and the O.R. in Private Practice
29:30 - Balanced Workload and Intentional Care
32:10 - Billing and Coding
38:55 - Lifestyle Benefits of Private Practice
44:21 - Strategic Advice and Advantages or Disadvantages of Private Practice.
47:38 - Common Misconceptions
50:00 - Advice and Closing Thoughts

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More about this episode

Dr. McKinney walks through his training journey, from dedicated research years to time in private-practice rhinology and a skull base fellowship, before ultimately starting his academic career in Oklahoma. He shares how shifting family priorities and the growing push for clinical productivity led him to step away from academia and into an employed private-practice model focused exclusively on rhinology and skull base surgery, without ER call. Along the way, he dives into what that transition really looks like, including the autonomy he’s gained, the role of marketing support, how he builds referrals through direct communication, and the operational differences of working without residents. He also touches on postoperative care structure, billing and coding, insurance challenges, and the impact on his overall lifestyle.

Check out this episode to hear Dr. McKinney’s perspective on why skull base surgery in private practice can be not only technically feasible and financially viable, but also emotionally sustainable, creating space for truly patient-centered care and the ability to pursue the work with genuine passion.

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Resources

Dr. Kibwei McKinney
https://www.getcare.ssmhealth.com/find-a-doctor/doctor-details/kibwei-mckinney-md