Today we’d like to introduce you to Corinne Gehegan.
Hi Corinne, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
“ I quit!” Mine is a story of both conventionality and nonconformity. I am a board certified podiatrist through the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons with 25 years of clinical experience. As I evolved in my career the pleasure and fulfillment of treating patients became overshadowed by the challenges of working within the constraints of the health insurance paradigm. For the first time, in 2024, less than half of physicians worked in private practices, while hospital/corporate ownership continued to rise. I was aware of this trend for some time, but was resistant to becoming another statistic whereby I relinquished sovereignty to private equity or a hospital system. The reality was that I had already been practicing without full agency. As an in-network health care provider, I was faced with stagnant or decreased payments, administrative burdens, and regulatory demands. Within this system exists an invisible wedge between the patient and the doctor.
The necessity to see a large volume of patients daily in order to maintain financial stability was at odds with how I feel patient care should unfold. Time is required to discover the source of a patient’s issue through history and a thorough exam. Time is required to explain the pros and cons of treatment options and to educate the patient on prevention of recurrences. Time is required to actually chat with the patient on a personal level to develop trust.
After much soul searching, I decided to sell my practice of 15 years and exit the healthcare industry. I thought about the 8 years of college and the 3 years of hospital based residency training. I thought about the grit of establishing a practice while pregnant with my first child. I thought about the challenges of maintaining the business. (Business, marketing, and accounting classes are not part of a medical curriculum). And, of course, I thought about my patients. After all of these achievements do I just walk away? In the end, the rebellious risk taker part of my character prevailed. I sold the practice to a private equity group in 2022. Now what?
Many discussions ensued amongst family and friends. A colleague opined that she would pursue a career in permanent makeup if she gave up podiatry. I researched the profession and I realized that several parallels exist when comparing podiatry and permanent makeup. Both involve adherence to the principles of infection prevention, knowledge of skin physiology, dexterity to perform procedures, and the joy of interacting one on one with an individual. Prior to the sale of my practice I embarked on the journey of achieving board certification through the American Academy of Micropigmentation. Before I knew it, I was the owner of two businesses- one that I was closing and one that I was growing. I went from feet to faces!
Throughout this chapter I realized that not only my rebellious side was calling, but my creative side was in need of nourishing. Permanent makeup was a stepping stone, but then I was introduced to the world of permanent jewelry and another opportunity to work with my hands. I enjoy assisting clients in designing their pieces and seeing the smiles on their faces! You guessed it… another small business was born! I especially enjoy the intricacies of designing hand chains, but I do recommend clasps for these pieces.
While searching for a new location to grow the permanent makeup and permanent jewelry businesses, Dr. Julie Diasparra, the owner of Ora Wellness where I am currently based in Tenafly, insisted that I also offer podiatry services upon hearing my story. I no longer say I went from “feet to faces”. Now I say, “feet and faces”. However, I am practicing as an out-of-network provider with no connection to health insurance plans. My focus is sports medicine and dermatologic issues. I was inspired to pursue this career while working for a brilliant podiatrist during my undergraduate years at NYU.
I am an avid runner and can be found running outdoors in all four seasons along the New Jersey Hudson River waterfront or within the majestic Palisades Interstate Park. I also enjoy hiking, skiing, kayaking and paddle boarding. I often combine my outdoor activities with my love of photography and have captured innumerable photos along the way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I indeed encountered struggles, but surmounting challenges breeds fulfillment and purpose. If an individual fails initially, that person has done more than the one who didn’t even try. After completion of my residency training, I was employed by a podiatry group in New Jersey. The financial stability felt safe, but I wanted more. I wanted to own my own practice. I decided to walk away in pursuit of that dream while pregnant, aware of the financial impact and risks. Fifteen years later, now with two children, I decided to exit another comfort zone to appeal to my soul.
Stamina and perseverance are essential, but support from family and friends is paramount. Not one person told me that I am crazy. My husband is a small business owner as well and we rely on each other for physical labor and brain storming. We are accustomed to the roller coaster ride of small business ownership and the required resilience.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about 1) Dr. Gehagn 2) MicroMagik Permanent Makeup 3) MicroMagik Permanent Jewelry?
As a board certified podiatrist and a board certified permanent makeup artist, I help active people move confidently and look polished with precise, long-lasting and low maintenance solutions which are ideal for people who are always on the go. I specialize in sports-focused foot care, natural-looking sweat-proof permanent makeup, and active lifestyle, everyday-wear welded custom jewelry. Each service is designed for people who seek results that feel effortless, elevated, and built to keep up. The blend of sports podiatry with performance-proof beauty and elegance is grounded in medical expertise with attention to precision and safety.
I realize that I am an outlier as an out-of-network doctor. But, I am excited to offer personalized podiatry care without the corporate healthcare model. That means minimal paperwork, minimal to no waiting, no phone tree, generous appointment duration, no surprise bills, transparent pricing and easy access to the doctor.
What were you like growing up?
Nyack, New York is my hometown. It is a charming river town and the village is entirely composed of small businesses. There are no chains whatsoever. It was a great place to grow up and I frequently visit. I would say that I was versatile growing up. Academics and athletics were priorities, but I was a non-conformist regarding my taste in music and clothing. I was comfortable socializing with peers from all of the typical high school “cliques”. One of my favorite movies is 1985’s “The Breakfast Club”. I feel that my appreciation for Main Street, community and small business culture was influenced by my upbringing in Nyack as is my ability to relate to people from all walks of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drgehegan.com/ https://micromagik.com/
- Instagram: MicroMagikGehegan
- Facebook: Corinne Gehegan
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinnegehegan/
