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Dr. Les Kertay

Dr. Les Kertay is a board-certified clinical psychologist, strategic leader, industry consultant, and healthcare executive with more than 50 years of experience applying behavioral science principles to a broad range of corporate and clinical settings. 

His expertise includes health psychology, disability medicine, workers’ compensation, absence management, return-to-work, and medical-psychiatric comorbidity, with a particular passion for improving workplace mental health. Over the last 25 years, he has published and presented widely in these areas.

Dr. Kertay currently serves as chief medical officer for Ascellus and as a consultant for other companies in disability and workers’ compensation. Prior to Ascellus, he held several prominent roles, including senior vice president of behavioral health for Axiom Medical, chief medical officer for Lincoln Financial, and chief medical officer for Unum.

Dr. Kertay is a fellow of the International Academy of Independent Medical Examiners, co-dean of Work Comp College’s School of Medical Management, and adjunct professor of psychology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Recent Posts

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Insight
04.05.2026
Transforming Workers’ Compensation with Behavioral Health: Insights from Ascellus & .406 Ventures

In a recent episode of the Expanding Access podcast from Behavioral Health Tech, Joe Holtschlag and Liam Donohue dive into how behavioral health is reshaping the workers’ compensation landscape.

Insight
04.05.2026
Building the Next Generation of Behavioral Health Access in Workers’ Comp

For many years, behavioral health has been missing from workers’ compensation’s recovery approach. Clinicians have long understood that psychological and social factors slow

Insight
04.05.2026
Ascellus Announces Creation of Vice President of Sales and Customer Activation Role

With years of customer implementation, retention, and growth experience, Nancy Schaefer is appointed to the role

MIAMI (Jan. 20, 2026) – Ascellus, a leading behavioral health provider focused on helping injured workers restore their physical and emotional wellbeing, today announced the appointment of seasoned industry professional Nancy Schaefer as vice president of sales and customer activation.

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