Meet Courtney Kelm of Full Circle Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Kelm.

Hi Courtney, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I remember even as a kid finding great joy taking care of others. It just came naturally for me. Giving to others felt more rewarding than getting. I knew early on that pursuing a career in medicine would be a good fit. I was headed for medical school until my 3rd year in college when I pivoted to become a Physician Assistant instead. I have served as a PA for 23 years, first in my hometown Houston, Texas and now in Phoenix since 2001. While the career has been amazing and serving has been a privilege, one of my biggest regrets is not going to medical school. I’ve been a PA with an entrepreneurial mind. To start my own practice is more difficult than if I were a Medical Doctor. Despite this, my passion led me to open my own practice in 2019 called “Full Circle Orthopedics and Sports Medicine” because I wanted to go back “Full Circle” to focusing on the patient. With insurance demands rising and patient volumes increasing, I was losing the ability to treat the patient effectively and I missed spending time getting to know them. The people are my “Why” so if I had to rush through them like a number, it wasn’t worth it. And it’s just not good medicine. Full Circle is designed with a low patient volume so that I have ample time to spend with each person. This allows me time to listen, define the true cause of their pain, and try to fix it using personalized treatment solutions, not “cookie cutter” plans. It has been a dream come true to take my time and offer high quality care for each person who walks through the door. I have already served over 500 community members in just a few years. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would definitely say it has not been a smooth road. I feel I’ve grown exponentially as a result. My partner Navin, daughter Emily, mentors, friends, colleagues, family, and even my dogs! have carried me through. Full Circle would not exist without them. 

One of the biggest challenges was changing my mind set from being an employee and being “under a physician” to being a business owner and an equal to my physician colleagues in that regard. I kept feeling I needed my overseeing physician’s approval for everything that I did in the practice, not just patient care. After 3 years, that’s completely changed. It is nice to now have business conversations as equals. 

Another more obvious challenge was that I opened the doors for the practice six months prior to the pandemic. I was just starting to build up and then business plummeted. I have persevered with the help of many, and the practice is growing strong. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Full Circle Orthopedics and Sports Medicine?
Full Circle is a boutique style, non-surgical orthopedics and sports medicine practice that people feel comfortable visiting. It’s not like a regular medical office. It’s more like a living room setting. I conduct consultations, examinations, and injection procedures in a relaxed professional environment. It is self-pay by design. I offer high quality medical service and patients have direct access to me. It’s a great place to come for active individuals who have pain or injury and want to avoid surgery. The individuals that thrive are those that want to stay healthy and keep doing what they love.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Don’t wait too long to have your pain evaluated.

One of the most common things I hear from patients as they leave clinic is “I wish I would’ve come sooner.” My treatments are typically more effective if caught early. I am a highly qualified medical provider who has served over 80,000 patients visits and have performed over 20,000 injections.

I use this experience to help determine the cause the pain and the best way fix it. If I can’t fix it alone, I have a grown a strong network of other talented providers who may be able to help. It goes back to the saying, “it takes a village.” On that note, I love our “village” here in Phoenix and I’m proud to serve! 

Contact Info:

• Email: courtney@fullcircleorthopedics.com
• Website: fullcircleorthopedics.com
• Instagram: @fullcircleorthosports

Image Credits
Margaret de Hesse, UltraRunner, Pro Recovery Zone, Melissa Ruse, and Sole Sports Running Store