Open to opportunities

Kathryn Watson

@kathrynwatson1

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Experienced healthcare attorney driving successful outcomes for providers and patients.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that allows me to leverage my legal expertise in healthcare, fostering a culture of compliance and ethical practices while driving strategic initiatives.

I am a seasoned legal professional with extensive experience in healthcare law, serving as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Whitman-Walker Health System & Clinic. My role involves providing comprehensive legal counsel and implementing tailored enterprise risk management programs. I advise on a broad range of legal issues, including corporate governance, contracts, and healthcare compliance, ensuring that business leaders are equipped for informed decision-making.

Previously, I held senior legal positions at Maxor National Pharmacy Services and MedStar Health, where I managed enterprise risk and supported strategic planning. My background includes representing not-for-profit healthcare organizations and serving as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, where I provided legal advice on civil rights matters. I am committed to promoting ethical corporate culture and educating interdisciplinary teams on legal and compliance principles.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Risk Officer

Current

Whitman-Walker Health System & Clinic

Apr 2023 - Present (2 years 3 months)

Provided comprehensive legal counsel and implemented tailored enterprise risk management programs as a C-Suite executive. Advised on a broad range of legal issues, including corporate governance, contracts, real estate, and healthcare compliance.

Corporate Governance Contracts Real Estate Law Healthcare Compliance Risk Management Legal Counsel

Senior Legal Counsel

Maxor National Pharmacy Services, LLC

Nov 2021 - Present (3 years 8 months)

Served as a senior leader for a Private-Equity funded healthcare company, managing legal needs for pharmacy services. Supported business growth, acquisitions, contracts, investigations, and compliance.

Contract Negotiation Compliance Investigation Business Growth Legal Strategy

Senior Counsel

Nixon Gwilt Law LLP

Apr 2021 - Present (4 years 3 months)

Assisted with a surge in clients in the emerging digital health space, including national telemedicine companies. Supported clients in obtaining venture capital funding and expanding telemedicine reach.

Digital Health Telemedicine Venture Capital Healthcare Regulations Legal Consulting

Hospital Counsel

MedStar Health, Inc.

Sep 2015 - Present (9 years 10 months)

Managed enterprise risk and reduced reliance on outside counsel as general counsel for two safety net hospitals. Participated in strategic planning and advised on a wide range of legal issues in the hospital setting.

Hospital Law Enterprise Risk Management Strategic Planning Regulatory Compliance Workplace Violence Prevention

Attorney

Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP

Jan 2013 - Present (12 years 6 months)

Represented not-for-profit healthcare organizations on regulatory, transactional, and reimbursement matters. Counseled on contracts related to company formation, professional services, and integrated delivery systems.

Regulatory Compliance Transactional Law Contract Law Board Governance

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney

Social Security Administration, Office of General Counsel

Jan 2009 - Present (16 years 6 months)

Represented the federal government on litigation matters and served as lead attorney on civil rights cases. Provided legal advice to high-level agency officials on employment law, ethics, and privacy issues.

Litigation Employment Law Legal Ethics Privacy Law Government Relations Legal Advice

Attorney

Physicians' Advocates

Jan 2007 - Present (18 years 6 months)

Represented physicians in business and regulatory matters, serving as de facto General Counsel for a start-up health informatics company. Drafted and negotiated healthcare agreements.

Regulatory Compliance Health Informatics Contract Drafting Negotiation General Counsel

Associate

Reed Smith, LLP

Jan 2006 - Present (19 years 6 months)

Provided advice on a wide variety of health law matters, including corporate transactional work, fraud and abuse, and Medicare/Medicaid analysis. Represented medical device manufacturers and long-term care providers in disputes.

Fraud Stark Law False Claims Act Medicaid Medicare Contract Disputes

Judicial Law Clerk

U.S. Federal District Court, Chambers of Judge Claire V. Eag

Jan 2005 - Present (20 years 6 months)

Assisted the Chief Judge in researching and writing opinions and orders in civil and criminal matters. Analyzed and drafted bench memoranda for the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Legal Research Civil Law Appellate Law

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Loyola University Chicago

Master of Laws (LL.M.), Health Law

Grade: Honors

Activities and societies: Health Law Fellow

Completed a Master of Laws degree with a focus on health law. Recognized with honors as a Health Law Fellow during the program.

Georgetown University Law Center

Juris Doctor, Law

Grade: Honors

Activities and societies: Public Interest Law Scholar

Earned a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Awarded the Public Interest Law Scholar honor.

Johns Hopkins University

Master of Public Health, Public Health

Grade: Honors

Activities and societies: Greenwall Fellow in Bioethics and Health Policy

Obtained a Master of Public Health degree. Received a full scholarship as a Greenwall Fellow in Bioethics and Health Policy.

Brown University

Bachelor of Arts, Environmental Studies & Anthropology

Grade: Honors

Activities and societies: Albert A. Bennett Award: Excellence in Thesis Research and Service

Completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in Environmental Studies and Anthropology. Recognized with the Albert A. Bennett Award for excellence in thesis research and service.