Scalpel and Sword: Conflict and Negotiation in Modern Medicine

EP50 | From Curiosity to Communication with Dr. Lillian Liang Emlet

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Dr. Lillian Emlet) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000

What if the biggest threat to physician wellbeing isn’t burnout, but the way we’ve been trained to communicate, lead, and respond under pressure?

In this insightful episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Lillian Emlet, to explore the powerful intersection of communication, coaching, and system-wide resilience. Drawing from her experience in critical care, medical education, and personal transformation during the pandemic, Dr. Emlet shares how unintentional communication habits can create workplace trauma, and how coaching can unlock deeper awareness, curiosity, and growth. Together, they unpack how healthcare professionals can move beyond siloed thinking to build collaborative, high-functioning teams.

They also dive into the role of cognitive flexibility in high-stakes environments, the importance of active listening and permission-based communication, and why proactive system coaching is essential to prevent catastrophic breakdowns. Most importantly, they highlight how developing people, not just processes, is the key to a stronger, more human-centered healthcare system.

This episode offers both practical tools and a mindset shift for clinicians who want to communicate with intention, lead with empathy, and create meaningful change within their organizations.

Top 3 Takeaways:

Awareness Is the First Step to Transformation: You can’t change what you don’t recognize. Whether individually or as a team, honest self-assessment is the foundation for meaningful growth and improved communication.
Communication Skills Require Practice, Not Perfection: Great communication isn’t innate, it’s trained. Through repetition, feedback, and reflection, clinicians can refine both verbal and nonverbal skills to build trust and alignment.
Cognitive Flexibility Is a Superpower in Healthcare: The ability to pause, shift perspectives, and choose how to respond under pressure can turn conflict into collaboration and trauma into growth.

About the Show:

Behind every procedure, every patient encounter, lies an untold story of conflict and negotiation. Scalpel and Sword, hosted by Dr. Lee Sharma—physician, mediator, and guide—invites listeners into the unseen battles and breakthroughs of modern medicine. With real conversations, human stories, and practical tools, this podcast empowers physicians to reclaim their voices, sharpen their skills, and wield their healing power with both precision and purpose.

About the Guest:
Dr. Lillian Emlet is a critical care physician, educator, and certified professional coach. She serves as Associate Program Director of a multidisciplinary critical care fellowship and is a VitalTalk-trained faculty member specializing in communication skills for high-stakes clinical environments.

She is the founder of Transforming Healthcare Coaching, where she helps healthcare professionals and organizations build resilience, improve communication, and develop high-performing teams through systemic coaching strategies.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Lillian Emlet:

📧 Email: hello@transforminghealthcarecoaching.com
💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Lillian Emlet
🎙 Podcast: Transforming Healthcare Coaching (Apple, Spotify, YouTube)

About the Host:

Dr. Lee Sharma is a gynecologist based in Auburn, AL, with over 30 years of clinical experience. She holds a Master’s in Conflict Resolution and is passionate about helping colleagues navigate workplace challenges and thrive through open conversations and practical tools.

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

The Scalpel and Sword Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation.

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EP49 | Creating Care Beyond the System with Dr. Jubril Oyeyemi

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Dr. Jubril Oyeyemi) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000

What if the patients you see suffering from lack of access aren’t choosing noncompliance, they simply lost insurance due to life circumstances?

In this powerful episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Jubril Oyeyemi, as he shares his unlikely journey from hospitalist to clinic founder after repeatedly witnessing patients return with advanced illness simply because they couldn’t afford medications or follow-up care.

They explore how deep listening to patients’ real stories breaks assumptions, how a clear and authentic “why” attracts passionate volunteers, and how approaching partnerships with humility and shared humanity prevents conflict. Most surprisingly, they discuss how giving time at the free clinic has become a powerful antidote to burnout for busy clinicians, reconnecting them with the pure joy of practicing medicine.

This conversation offers inspiration and practical wisdom for any physician who wants to make a tangible difference for the underserved while protecting their own sense of purpose.

Top 3 Takeaways:

Start Before You Feel Ready: Don’t overthink or wait for perfect conditions. Identify a clear community need and take the first step. Support, partners, and momentum will follow as you begin serving patients.
Lead with Shared Humanity Instead of “Us vs Them”: When you frame the mission as “this could be any of us,” it dissolves conflict and naturally draws volunteers and partners. A clear, authentic “why” creates alignment and keeps the team motivated even on hard days.
Volunteering Can Be an Antidote to Burnout: Giving focused, strings-free care in a mission-driven setting re-grounds physicians in their original purpose. Many volunteers report feeling renewed and energized, even when squeezing shifts into busy schedules.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Dr. Jubril Oyeyemi is an award-winning primary care physician who practices full-time at Virtua Health in Camden, New Jersey. He serves on committees focused on bioethics, quality, patient safety, and continuity of care for complex patients. Passionate about healthcare access, he founded the Cherry Hill Free Clinic in 2017, a nonprofit primary care center dedicated to serving uninsured and underinsured patients free of charge. In just eight years, the clinic has grown to serve thousands and is now supported by nearly 200 dedicated volunteers.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Jubril Oyeyemi

🌐 Website: cherryhillfreeclinic.org

📧 Email: help@cherryhillfreeclinic.org

About the Host:

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP48 | True Crime Crossover: The Case of Lucy Letby with Heather Packer

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Heather Packer) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000

You've heard how conflict in healthcare causes burnout and poor patient care, but what if it could send someone to prison for multiple life sentences?

In this gripping episode of the Scalpel and Sword Podcast, host Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Heather Packer to examine the Lucy Letby case. What began as a spike in neonatal deaths at the Countess of Chester Hospital quickly turned into accusations against one hardworking nurse.

They unpack the toxic dynamics between doctors and nurses, the ignored external report highlighting severe staffing and oversight failures, how Lucy’s keycard data and personal journals were used against her, the questionable expert witness, and the shocking new evidence from neonatologist Dr. Shoo Lee and 14 international colleagues who reviewed the cases for free and concluded: no murders occurred — only bad teamwork and substandard care.

This episode is a sobering look at what happens when healthcare teams fail to communicate, take ownership, and work together, and a powerful reminder of why accountability and trust matter more than ever.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Take Ownership Instead of Looking for a Scapegoat: When things go wrong in healthcare, resist the urge to blame one individual. Ask hard questions about systems, staffing, training, and teamwork first. True leadership means owning the problem as a team.
Build Real Trust and Communication Across Roles: Doctor-nurse conflict thrives in environments where junior staff are afraid to call for help and senior doctors are disconnected. Create psychological safety so everyone can speak up without fear of retaliation. Strong teams save lives.
Prioritize Facts and Multiple Perspectives Over Quick Judgments: Before pointing fingers, gather all the evidence, including external reviews and nursing input. One paper, one expert, or one data point (like keycard scans) is rarely enough. Always look at the full picture, especially in high-stakes cases involving patient harm or legal consequences.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Heather Packer is a dedicated healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience. A graduate of Auburn University with a degree in criminal justice, she is known and loved by her patients and colleagues for her compassion and hard work. Heather is also a passionate true crime enthusiast who loves diving deep into complex cases with Dr. Lee Sharma.

About the Host:

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP47 | The Alarm that No One Wants to Hear: Conflict and the Case of Lucy Letby

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000

What if the biggest threat to vulnerable patients isn’t just individual wrongdoing, but a healthcare system that struggles to handle conflict, uncertainty, and early warnings?

In this powerful solo episode of the Scalpel and Sword Podcast, host Dr. Lee Sharma shares the disturbing and still-unfolding story of the Lucy Letby case at the Countess of Chester Hospital’s neonatal unit in the UK. Beginning in 2015, a series of sudden and unexpected collapses and deaths of premature infants occurred on the same nurse’s shifts. Doctors raised concerns about the pattern, but instead of a thorough investigation, hospital leadership reportedly responded with resistance, suggesting the physicians were bullying the nurse and even asking them to apologize.

Dr. Sharma traces how the case escalated: Lucy Letby was arrested, tried, and in 2023 convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven more. The story initially appeared to be a clear case of medical serial killing. However, a 2024 New Yorker article and a 2025 independent review led by Canadian neonatologist Dr. Shoo Lee and an international panel of experts dramatically challenged that conclusion. After re-examining the medical evidence for all 17 infants, the panel found no evidence of intentional harm. Instead, they pointed to systemic failures, unsafe staffing levels, inadequate resuscitation practices, delays in care, and a unit treating babies beyond its capabilities.

The episode explores the intense conflict dynamics unique to the NICU environment, where high-stakes decisions, extreme emotional pressure, and interdependent teamwork make teams especially vulnerable to narrative bias, suspicion, and fractured trust.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Speak up early and document clearly when you see concerning patterns: Don’t wait for certainty. If you observe repeated safety issues or unusual clusters of events, raise concerns through proper channels with specific, factual observations, even when it feels uncomfortable or risks pushback.
Treat conflict and disagreement as essential safety tools, not threats: Healthcare leaders must create cultures where raising alarms is welcomed rather than punished. Resistance to concerns often signals deeper organizational problems that can endanger patients.
Avoid rushing to narrative certainty in complex medical cases: When tragedy strikes repeatedly, resist the urge to lock onto one explanation too quickly. Consider systemic factors, staffing issues, and natural causes alongside individual actions, and remain open to new evidence and expert review.

About the Show:

About the Host:

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP46 | Building Trust in the Process with Karl Pister

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Karl Pister) — Mon, 6 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000

What if the conflict you're avoiding could actually become one of your most powerful tools for building trust, improving culture, and retaining top talent in healthcare?

In this insightful episode of the Scalpel and Sword Podcast, host Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Karl Pister, as he brings deep expertise in conflict management, mediation, emotional intelligence, and leadership development.

Together they unpack why many high-performing physicians are promoted into leadership roles despite lacking skills in communication and conflict resolution. They discuss the dangers of tolerating toxic high producers, the importance of setting clear behavioral expectations early, and how proactive leadership, (like the CEO who bluntly told new physicians “if you’re a whiner, a loser, or a jerk, you won’t be here long”) can transform workplace culture. Karl shares powerful stories from his coaching practice, including observing open-heart surgeries to truly understand a surgeon’s world and build genuine trust.

The conversation dives into practical strategies: using the “prism” metaphor to see situations from others’ perspectives: The three types of conflict (task, relationship, and value-based), the critical role of strong listening (including hearing what’s behind the silence)and why following a structured mediation process, instead of rushing to false harmony, leads to real resolution and stronger relationships. They also explore why healthcare’s siloed, individually focused training makes conflict resolution especially challenging for physicians, and how intentional training in these “soft” skills can dramatically improve team dynamics and patient care.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Treat conflict as a trainable leadership skill, not something to avoid: Leaders should stop giving high performers a free pass on toxic behavior. Set clear expectations early, address issues proactively, and use structured processes rather than waiting for a crisis or HR disaster.
Build trust through deep listening and understanding the other person’s “prism”: Before solving problems, take time to truly hear people including what they’re not saying. Use looping (reflecting back what you heard) and make the effort to see the situation through their filter or life experiences.
Follow the process and separate types of conflict: Don’t rush to “move forward” without addressing task, relationship, or value-based issues properly. Guard the mediation process with clear ground rules, give people time to be heard, and handle relationship repair separately when needed.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Karl Pister is the founder and president of The Coaching Group, an executive coaching and organizational consulting firm. With over 34 years of experience in coaching, training, and counseling, and a focus on healthcare leadership since 2008, Karl brings deep expertise in conflict management, mediation, executive development, and emotional intelligence. He holds degrees from Brigham Young University and is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coach Federation, as well as a John Maxwell Team certified coach. Karl also hosts The Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast.

Website: coachinggroupinc.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karlpister
Phone: (503) 381-8705)

About the Host:

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP45 | No Lone Surgeons: Why Team Building belongs in Graduate Medical Education

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

What if the biggest threat to patient safety isn’t a lack of medical knowledge, but the inability of highly trained professionals to work effectively together under pressure?

In this powerful solo episode of the Scalpel and Sword Podcast, host Dr. Lee Sharma challenges the persistent myth of the lone hero in medicine. The brilliant surgeon or decisive physician who single-handedly saves the day. She argues that while medical education still emphasizes individual mastery, real-world care in operating rooms, labor and delivery units, trauma bays, and ICUs depends entirely on seamless team performance.

Dr. Sharma explores how current medical training, with its focus on solo exams, individual evaluations, and technical skills, leaves physicians unprepared for the team-based reality of modern healthcare. Highlighting that most adverse events stem not from knowledge gaps, but from communication breakdowns, hierarchy issues, unclear roles, and unspoken assumptions.

Dr. Sharma makes a compelling case that teamwork is not a soft skill, it is a critical, life-saving clinical competency. As healthcare grows more complex, the future of safe, high-quality patient care hinges on training physicians not just to wield the scalpel, but to lead and function effectively within human systems.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Treat teamwork as a core clinical skill: Program directors and educators should integrate structured, ongoing team training into residency and fellowship curricula, not as occasional simulations or lectures, but as deliberate practice comparable to surgical technique or procedural skills.
Build psychological safety and communication protocols: Teach residents how to speak up across hierarchy, clarify roles in emergencies, give and receive critical feedback, and engage in productive disagreement. These behaviors can and should be practiced and evaluated.
Debrief the team, not just the medicine: After critical events, shift some debrief time to how the team communicated and functioned. Turn real clinical moments into learning opportunities about human dynamics and system performance.

About the Show:

About the Host:

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP44 | The Daily Practice of Leadership with Dr. Jessica Bunin - Part 2

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Dr. Jessica Bunin) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

What if the most powerful leadership skill isn’t being the smartest person in the room, but learning how to follow well, reflect honestly, and see every piece of constructive feedback as an act of love?

Picking up right where Part 1 left off, Dr. Jessica Bunin shares the practical, human side of the CLEAR framework in action, from a deeply personal peer conversation about abortion that permanently widened her lens, to tackling real institutional conflicts (LGBTQ+ and Christian student groups, military vs. civilian, basic scientists vs. clinicians). She shows exactly how starting civil discourse education at the top (deans and chairs first) created measurable cultural change, including higher belonging, more hope for the institution, and people voluntarily returning to debrief tough talks. Listeners hear powerful workshop stories, including the skeptic who couldn’t sleep the night before, then asked for a hug and volunteered to market the program, and the everyday tools that turn “that conversation went sideways” into rapid improvement: simple reflection questions, personal “pause phrases” to catch defensiveness in real time, and the daily seamless shift between leader and follower roles.

Dr. Bunin proves that durable leadership cultures are built one honest, reflective conversation at a time and that followership may actually be even more important than leadership.

Three Actionable Takeaways

After any difficult conversation, debrief with three quick reflection questions: “How did it feel at the start? When exactly did it go off-track? What one tiny change (pause phrase, common ground, or timeout) would make it better next time?”
Find or become a feedback partner or build a personal board of directors outside your daily circle, someone who will be radically honest so you can see blind spots and grow faster.
Embrace followership as the other side of leadership: use the same CLEAR skills to support your leader’s mission while constructively challenging when needed, because the best leaders were once, and still are excellent followers.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Jessica Bunin, MD, MHPE, FACP, FCCM, CEC, is retired Colonel, co-founder and chief architect of All Levels Leadership, and a critical care physician and professor of medicine and health professions education at the Uniformed Services University. A West Point graduate with an MD from Tulane and 23 years of Army service (including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan), she has served as critical care program director, assistant dean for faculty development, associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion, and associate dean for community and educational culture. She is a certified executive coach passionate about teaching healthcare leaders the practical skills of psychological safety, civil discourse, and high-stakes communication that turn conflict into collaboration.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Jessica Bunin

🌐 Website: alllevelsleadership.com

📘 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessica-bunin

About the Host:

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP43 | The Daily Practice of Leadership with Dr. Jessica Bunin - Part 1

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Dr. Jessica Bunin) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

What if the most powerful leadership tool in medicine isn’t a new protocol or policy, but the courage to say “I don’t know… but I’ll find out”?

In this rich, practical conversation, retired Colonel Dr. Jessica Bunin, shares how a single residency remediation crisis became her leadership wake-up call. After 23 years in the Army, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and years as program director, assistant dean for faculty development, and associate dean for DEI and educational culture at the Uniformed Services University, she now teaches physicians the human skills that medical school never covered.

Key insights include:

Why military and civilian residents are far more alike than different : the hierarchy of medicine already does a lot of the heavy lifting.
How to build a true “scaffolding of support” around struggling learners, separating mentoring or coaching from evaluation so people feel safe to grow.
Why psychological safety is never “comfortable”, it’s the discomfort that creates real growth, innovation, and retention
The CLEAR framework for civil discourse (Create safety, Listen actively, Establish common ground, Adjust thinking, Respond skillfully) that turns disagreement into deeper understanding instead of debate or defensiveness
The power of role-modeling humility and follow-through, especially during uncertainty like the COVID-19 pandemic

Dr. Bunin weaves in powerful stories from residency remediation, leading an ICU through daily-changing science, and even martial-arts belt exams to show exactly how leaders who admit vulnerability and act on feedback build trust that lasts.

Three Actionable Takeaways

Most leadership struggles in medicine are actually remediation and communication problems. Build a clear support scaffold first, keep mentoring completely separate from grading, and watch learners thrive.
Psychological safety starts with you: Publicly admit “I don’t know,” invite uncomfortable feedback, respond without defensiveness, and visibly act on it so everyone else feels safe to do the same.
Use the CLEAR framework (Create safety, Listen actively, Establish common ground, Adjust thinking, Respond skillfully) in every difficult conversation, especially across differences, to replace winning arguments with real understanding and stronger teams.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

🔗 Connect with Dr. Jessica Bunin

🌐 Website: alllevelsleadership.com

📘 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessica-bunin

About the Host:

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP42 | Conflict and Advocacy for our Kids with Dr. Alisa Minkin

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Dr. Alisa Minkin) — Mon, 9 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

What if true advocacy for children starts not just in the clinic, but in communities, legislatures, and even within ourselves?

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Lee Sharma sits with Dr. Alisa Minkin as she shares her journey as a pediatrician and mother of a daughter with autism, highlighting how personal advocacy evolved into broader efforts for inclusion and neurodiversity, including the evolution of programs like Art Buddies and Friendship Circles amid initial resistance from both sides.

She discusses the conflicts within advocacy groups, such as the polarization in autism advocacy; debates over whether it's an epidemic or better diagnosis, and tensions between neurodiversity advocates who view it as a way of being and those seeking treatments for severe cases, often complicated by denialism and financial interests that hinder progress on environmental factors like toxins.

Dr. Minkin emphasizes the importance of humility and open dialogue in advocacy, inviting diverse viewpoints to strengthen policies, while addressing challenges in modern pediatrics like burnout, limited time for empathy, and the need for self-advocacy among physicians. She also touches on post-COVID societal fatigue and the yearning for nuance in solving "we problems" like child mental health. Dr. Minkin shares powerful personal stories, including her own phase of vaccine hesitancy and how empathy bridges gaps in patient and advocate interactions.

Three Actionable Takeaways

Start advocacy from within: Prioritize self-care and personal well-being as a physician to model healthy behaviors and sustain energy for patient and community advocacy.
Embrace diverse viewpoints: Invite guests or colleagues with differing opinions to foster nuanced discussions and create more robust, practical policies.
Use empathy in communication: Approach hesitant patients or advocates by acknowledging their fears and perspectives, drawing from personal experiences to build trust and buy-in.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Dr. Alisa Minkin, is a board-certified pediatrician with a passion for child advocacy and neurodiversity. She attended Johns Hopkins University and earned her medical degree from NYU School of Medicine, completing her residency at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center. As a mother of six, including a daughter with autism, Dr. Minkin has dedicated years to creating inclusive programs and hosts the podcast "Kids Matter!" to discuss raising healthy, happy children.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Alisa Minkin

🌐 Podcast: Kids Matter!

📘 Instagram: instagram.com/alisaminkin

About the Host:
Dr. Lee Sharma is a gynecologist based in Auburn, AL, with over 30 years of clinical experience. She holds a Master’s in Conflict Resolution and is passionate about helping colleagues navigate workplace challenges and thrive through open conversations and practical tools.

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP41 | Sharpen the Sword : SPARC - Igniting Positive Conflict Resolution in Healthcare Workplaces

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 2 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Why do everyday conflicts, like eye rolls in the OR or “we’ve always done it this way” in meetings, erode healthcare teams, and how can physicians lead through them effectively?

In this insightful solo episode, Dr. Lee Sharma explores why medical training prioritizes decisiveness over emotional regulation and relational skills, fostering avoidance, dominance, or intellectualization that erodes trust.

She introduces SPARC (Stop, Pause, Ask, Reflect/Respond, Create) as a repeatable framework to de-escalate and transform conflicts into positive outcomes. Unmanaged conflict drains morale, impacts patient care, and fuels burnout amid pressures like staffing shortages and regulations. SPARC begins with stopping reactions to create space, pausing for self-awareness to identify triggers like respect or control, asking curiously to dissolve assumptions, reflecting to make others feel heard before responding intentionally, and creating shared agreements or protocols for forward movement.

Dr. Sharma shares an OB-GYN example resolving senior partner overrides through private feedback, reducing tension. She highlights SPARC’s scalability for various settings and offers free bracelets to encourage daily use among “peaceful warriors” in medicine.

Three Actionable Takeaways

In heated moments, stop externally (e.g., “Let’s take a minute”) and pause internally to regulate emotions and identify personal triggers like respect or fairness, preventing reactive damage.
Replace assumptions with curiosity: Ask open questions like “Can you walk me through your thinking?” to uncover hidden pressures and build understanding without defensiveness.
After reflecting back what you hear, respond intentionally with ownership or boundaries, then create shared solutions like debrief protocols to turn one-off tensions into lasting team improvements.

About the Show:

About the Host:

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP40 | Beyond Bioethics: Trust, Stories, and Durable Agreements in Healthcare Conflict

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee sharma, Dr. Haavi Morreim) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

What if the majority of what we call “ethical dilemmas” are really just conflicts in disguise?

In this rich, practical conversation, Dr. Haavi Morreim shares decades of experience as a philosopher-turned-mediator, attorney, and faculty member at UT Health Science Center. She explains how she moved from watching physicians get crushed by malpractice litigation to teaching clinicians the skills that prevent those wars altogether.

Key insights include:

Why ethics committees and consults often miss the mark when the real issue is conflict
The three non-negotiable principles of mediation (no sides, no advice, strict confidentiality)
How “trust is the coin of the realm” and how to earn it quickly
Why saying “you must” or “you can’t” instantly turns you into “another pair of fists in the fight”
Simple, powerful tools every clinician can use: “Tell me more,” affect labeling, exploring the story behind the conclusion, and the anger iceberg

Dr. Morreim also recounts powerful real-world cases, including a tragic pediatric accident with divorced parents and a Jehovah’s Witness obstetrics case, to show how durable agreements are built when people feel truly heard.

Three Actionable Takeaways

Most ethics consults are actually conflict situations. Resolve the conflict first; the “right answer” often becomes obvious.
Trust is earned through genuine curiosity, confidentiality, and never taking sides. Never say “you must” or “you can’t” if you want people to own the solution.
Simple micro-skills (“Tell me more,” affect labeling, “What’s the story behind that conclusion?”) create breakthrough conversations and prevent escalation in minutes.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Haavi Morreim, JD, PhD, is Professor in the College of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Principal of the Center for Conflict Resolution in Healthcare LLC. With a PhD in philosophy (UVA) and a law degree (University of Memphis), she has spent decades teaching, mediating, and training healthcare professionals in conflict resolution, bioethics, and mediation. She is a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 Listed Mediator and regularly mediates both clinical disputes and litigated healthcare cases.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Haavi Morreim

🌐 Center for Conflict Resolution in Healthcare: healthcare-mediation.net

📘 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/haavi-morreim-jd-phd-4a33b974

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP39 - Collaboration and Teamwork Caring for Patients with Functional Decline -Dr. Kenneth Lam

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Dr. Kenneth Lamb) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

What if medicine's blind spot to caregiving isn't ignorance, but a mismatch in roles and expectations?

In this thought-provoking episode of Scalpel and Sword, host Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Dr. Kenneth Lamb, to unpack his JAMA Network Open editorial responding to a study on healthcare-caregiver teamwork post-knee replacement. Drawing from his dual lens as physician and family caregiver, Dr. Lamb questions the "team" assumption: Do doctors truly see themselves as partners in the 24/7 world of unpaid caregiving?

He spotlights the Relational Coordination Index (RCI), a metric gauging communication, shared goals, and mutual respect, and its potential to quantify collaboration, while critiquing medicine's medicalization trap. "We promise independence through expertise, yet overlook caregivers' lived mastery" Referencing sociologist Sharon Kaufman's work on aging's paradoxes, Dr. Lamb calls for evidence-based science to bridge the gap, urging the field to earn its societal mantle.

This episode is essential for physicians, caregivers, and policymakers navigating elder carie's complexities.

Three Actionable Takeaways

Question the "Team" in Caregiving: Not all professionals buy into shared goals with caregivers. Dr. Lamb notes colleagues often defer to "case managers," creating a disconnect. Map your patient's full care network (nurses, social workers, family) using RCI-inspired questions on availability and collaboration to reveal gaps and foster true partnership.
Measure Teamwork with RCI for Outcomes: The Relational Coordination Index assesses communication, respect, and alignment. Early data links high scores to better post-op results, but it's untested in geriatrics. In your next consult, rate RCI elements (e.g., "Do I feel the caregiver can communicate freely?") and track if it correlates with patient/caregiver satisfaction.
Challenge Medicine's Paradox of Independence: We "medicalize" aging by itemizing details as if expertise alone restores autonomy, ignoring caregivers' intuitive skills. Dr. Lamb invokes Sharon Kaufman: Shift from "doctor knows best" to co-creation. Learn one caregiver "mastery" tip (e.g., double-gloving for hygiene) and integrate it into rounds to humanize care.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Dr. Kenneth Lamb, MD, MAS, is a geriatrician and Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Trained at Stanford, UCSF, Western Ontario, and Toronto, he researches caregiver-physician teamwork and the paradoxes of elder care. His recent JAMA editorial questions whether doctors truly belong on the caregiving “team,” using the Relational Coordination Index, while advocating evidence-based collaboration. As both physician and family caregiver, he champions practical skills and systemic support for unpaid caregivers.

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP38 – Conflict and Identity in the medical education process with Dr. Michael Miley

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Dr. Michael Miley) — Mon, 9 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

What does conflict really look like in modern medical training, and how can it be handled in a way that supports both learners and patients?

In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, host Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Dr. Michael Miley. Having trained through every stage of academic medicine—medical student, resident, chief resident, and now attending—Dr. Miley offers a rare, longitudinal perspective on conflict, wellness, and leadership in healthcare.

Together, they explore how conflict shows up on medical teams: through assumptions, hierarchy, workload distribution, communication breakdowns, and mismatched expectations of learners at different stages. Dr. Miley reflects on witnessing toxic behaviors early in training, the cultural shift toward wellness and work-life balance, and how systems—not individuals—often drive burnout.

A central theme of the conversation is autonomy and clinical maturity. Dr. Miley discusses how asking “why” rather than making assumptions helps assess learners’ reasoning, diffuses conflict, and improves patient care. He shares lessons from serving as a chief resident in a large program—mediating disputes, holding peers accountable, and separating behavior from identity during difficult conversations.

This episode highlights how curiosity, transparency, and professionalism can transform conflict into an opportunity for growth—and why efficient, humane training environments matter not just for physicians, but for patients.

Three Actionable Takeaways

Curiosity Diffuses Conflict: Asking “why” instead of making assumptions helps uncover gaps in reasoning, reduces defensiveness, and creates psychological safety for learners and teams.
Autonomy Should Be Earned, Not Assumed: Progressive responsibility, tailored supervision, and clear expectations allow trainees to grow without being overwhelmed—supporting both education and patient safety.
Address Behavior, Not Identity: Effective leaders separate actions from personal worth. Framing conflict around professionalism, impact on the team, and patient care leads to accountability without personal attack.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Dr. Michael Miley is a board-certified internal medicine physician and faculty member at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine regional campus in Montgomery, Alabama. A graduate of Auburn University and the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, he completed his residency and chief resident year at HCA Florida Blake.

Dr. Miley is passionate about medical education, clinical maturity, autonomy assessment, and creating training environments that support wellness, efficiency, and effective communication.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-c-miley-do-76163ab3

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

EP37 - Conflict in Career Transition with Jake Kennington

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Jake Kennington, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 2 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

What if reaching the top of your career mountain leaves you wondering, "Is this it?"

In this episode of Scalpel and Sword Podcast, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Jake Kennington, to explore the journey from professional achievement to personal fulfillment, and discover how to realign and redesign your life. Jake shares his origin story—from discovering engineering at BYU, building a career in California, to facing a mid-career crisis after passing his grueling structural engineering exam. He discusses how priorities shift over time, the subtle cues of misalignment, like boredom or lack of excitement, and his framework for change: Redefine, Realign, and Reconnect (REDAC). Together, they dive into avoiding the "villain" trap, the power of reflection, and Jake's transformative 12-hour (35-mile) walk inspired by Colin O'Brady's Antarctic trek.

Gain insights on endurance as a tool for confronting limiting beliefs, the value of group coaching, and practical steps for professionals, including physicians navigating transitions. Jake also introduces his upcoming "Second Summit" program and free "Own Your Life Playbook" resource.

Three Actionable Takeaways

Recognize Misalignment Cues: Pay attention to subtle signs like boredom, resentment, or lack of excitement in your daily work. Reflect on how your priorities have shifted since starting your career. Journal weekly about what success means now versus then, and identify one small change to realign your routine for better fulfillment.
Apply the REDAC Framework: Redefine your current definition of success by listing top priorities. Realign actions by auditing your schedule and adjusting one habit weekly. Reconnect with yourself through daily reflection or meditation. Use this to design intentional career shifts without abandoning your expertise.
Embrace Reflective Practices: Schedule a long walk or quiet time to unplug from distractions and confront limiting beliefs. Slow down to wage peace with your mind, reflecting on past experiences for lessons. Start small with 10-minute daily journaling to build clarity on your next life chapter.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Jake Kennington is a licensed structural engineer with over a decade of experience designing $100M buildings. A father of four and husband of nearly 16 years, he founded Actively Human to help established professionals redesign their lives by choice, not default. Drawing from his own mid-career transition, Jake coaches on alignment, personal development, and stepping into the next chapter.

📍 Website: activelyhuman.com

🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jakekennington

📝 Free Resource: Own Your Life Playbook here

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP36 – The experience of conflict in residency with Dr. Emily McInnis

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Emily McInnis, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

What if the way we were trained to give feedback in medicine is the very thing burning doctors out today? Every physician remembers their first day of residency—the fear, the overwhelm, and the sudden realization that medical school did not truly prepare them for the intensity of real-world practice.

In this episode of Scalpel and Sword Podcast, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with fellow OB/GYN Dr. Emily McInnis for an honest conversation about what it was really like to train in a high-pressure residency environment, and how those experiences shape the way physicians communicate, lead, and handle conflict today.

Dr. Emily reflects on being “thrown into the deep end” as a brand-new intern: performing C-sections on day one, navigating brutal call schedules, and learning through trial by fire. She and Dr. Sharma discuss the infamous culture of the “closet talk”—private reprimands filled with yelling and humiliation that were once considered normal teaching tools in medicine.

This episode dives deep into the unspoken emotional realities of medical training: the craving for praise, the terror of making mistakes, the loneliness of being on call, and the long-term impact of how young doctors are treated.

Most importantly, it offers hope, showing that physicians have the power to break old cycles and create healthier, more humane cultures for the next generation.

Three Actionable Takeaways

Feedback Doesn’t Have to Hurt to Be Effective; Constructive criticism delivered with respect is far more powerful than yelling or shaming. Physicians learn better and perform better when they feel safe rather than attacked.
Culture Is Modeled, Not Inherited; Just because harsh communication was normalized during training doesn’t mean it must continue. Every clinician has the opportunity to choose kindness and professionalism in how they teach and lead.
Psychological Safety Improves Patient Care; When trainees and team members aren’t afraid to ask questions or admit uncertainty, errors decrease and collaboration increases. Healthy communication is a patient-safety strategy.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Dr. Emily McInnis is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist practicing in Auburn, Alabama. Trained at the University of Mississippi, she experienced firsthand the intense, high-pressure culture of traditional residency programs. Passionate about mentoring and compassionate communication, Dr. Emily now strives to create a more supportive environment for colleagues, trainees, and patients alike.

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP35 - Culture, conflict and mediation in medicine with Dr. Jeff Stuart

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Jeff Stuart, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

What if conflict in healthcare wasn't a sign of failure, but an opportunity for innovation, better teamwork, and superior patient outcomes?

In this episode, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Dr. Jeff Stuart, as he shares his journey from anesthesiology and CMO roles to specializing in conflict resolution, including mediation training and insights from the High Conflict Institute. They discuss the inevitability of conflict in high-stakes environments like hospitals, the impact of the pandemic on exposing underlying tensions, and strategies for informal and formal mediation. Jeff highlights the link between effective conflict management and patient safety, drawing from real-world examples like collaborative COVID testing programs. He also touches on working with high-conflict personalities, the value of self-awareness, and passing these skills to the next generation, including his medical student daughter.

If you're a physician dealing with team dynamics, leadership challenges, or burnout, this episode offers practical wisdom to turn conflict into productive dialogue and lasting change.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Embrace conflict as inevitable: Recognize that conflict in healthcare is normal and can lead to better outcomes when managed proactively. Start by building awareness of your own style using Thomas-Kilmann assessments, and focus on patient-centered goals to foster collaboration.
Build trust through process: Use structured approaches like mining for conflict in meetings with diverse stakeholders like ER docs and pharmacists, to encourage open dialogue, listen actively, and achieve buy-in. Aim to respond rather than react for more efficient resolutions.
Invest in self-awareness and training: For high-conflict situations, prioritize future behaviors over past blame; seek mediation or coaching using Vanderbilt's model and maintain composure with tips like not taking things personally and keeping 51% optimism to support long-term resilience.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Dr. Jeff Stuart is the co-founder of RX Solve Conflict, an experienced physician executive with leadership roles as a medical director, board member, and Chief Medical Officer during the pandemic. A board-certified anesthesiologist with an MBA from Wharton, he has mediation training from the Center for Understanding and Conflict and the High Conflict Institute. He focuses on transforming conflict into opportunities for better healthcare outcomes and is pursuing ICF coaching certification.

Website: https://rxsolveconflict.com

Email: jeff@rxsolveconflict.com

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP34 - Experience With Conflict in Medicine from the International Perspective with Dr. Raed Albar

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Raed Albar, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

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What if the biggest threat to healthcare isn’t conflict itself—but our inability to talk about it?

In this episode of The Scalpel and Sword Podcast, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Dr. Raed Albar, to explore how conflict arises not only from individual behavior, but from teams, leadership structures, and healthcare systems under extreme pressure. Dr. Albar introduces the concept of conflict intelligence, a framework that emphasizes self-awareness, emotional regulation, and constructive engagement in disagreement. He explains why clinicians frequently avoid conflict not because they don’t care, but because exhaustion, burnout, and fear of damaging professional relationships make speaking up feel unsafe. The conversation dives deep into how unresolved conflict impacts clinician wellbeing, team dynamics, and ultimately patient care

Dr. Albar shares a simple, structured, step-by-step approach to navigating professional conflict starting with listening, building shared understanding, and collaborating on solutions rather than “winning” arguments. This episode offers both reflection and practical guidance for clinicians who want to care for others without sacrificing themselves.

Three Actionable Takeaways :

Conflict Is Systemic, Not Just Personal: Conflict in healthcare often stems from understaffing, workload pressure, burnout, and rigid hierarchies not individual incompetence. Understanding conflict as a system-wide issue reduces blame and opens the door to more effective, compassionate solutions that support both clinicians and teams.
Listening Is the Most Powerful Conflict Tool: Active listening allowing the other person to speak first and reflecting back what you hear can immediately de-escalate tension. Feeling heard restores psychological safety and creates space for collaboration, even in high-stress healthcare environments.
Use Structure When Emotions Run High: A simple framework, reach out, listen first, share your perspective, then co-create solutions, makes conflict feel less intimidating. Structure helps clinicians engage productively even when they are exhausted, stressed, or emotionally charged.

About the Show:

About the Guest

Dr. Raed Albar is a physician and healthcare educator based in Saudi Arabia. He recently completed his PhD in Healthcare Education and specializes in teaching communication, conflict intelligence, and human skills in medical training. Dr. Albar is also trained as a conflict coach and mediator, bringing evidence-based conflict resolution tools into academic medicine and healthcare systems.

LinkedIn: Dr. Raed Albar

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP33 - The Impact of Gun Violence Through the Eyes of Physicians and Victims with Dr. Jillian Ploof

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Jillian Ploof, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 5 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

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What if locking up a gun could prevent a child's accidental death and spare families lifelong heartbreak?

In this powerful episode of the Scalpel and Sword Podcast, host Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Jillian Ploof, as she reveals the harsh realities of treating pediatric gunshot wounds from playground accidents to teen suicides and the broader societal costs, including disabilities, family trauma, and healthcare provider burnout. She discusses her advocacy for Louisiana's failed secure storage bill, the cultural challenges of gun ownership in the South, and how states with safety laws see fewer incidents. If you're a physician grappling with gun violence's ripple effects or seeking ways to advocate effectively, this is your call to action—protecting kids, building coalitions, and turning personal stories into policy wins.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Secure your firearms: If children or teens are in your home, lock guns unloaded and store ammunition separately to prevent accidents, suicides, or unintentional shootings, states with secure storage laws show lower rates of child gun injuries.
Engage legislators personally: Research bills on your state government website, contact sponsors via email, share your medical experiences (e.g., treating victims), ask about current anti-violence efforts, and listen to build common ground from a place of shared community care.
Advocate as a physician: Join groups like Moms Demand Action or the Physicians Foundation, use your voice to highlight stories of survivors' disabilities and families' grief, and emphasize that gun safety protects rights while saving lives—pause, reflect, and respond calmly to foster dialogue over debate.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Dr. Jillian Ploof is a pediatric neurosurgeon at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With undergraduate studies at Temple University, medical school and residency at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and a fellowship at Nationwide Children's Hospital, she combines clinical expertise with advocacy against gun violence, inspired by her frontline experiences and participation in the Physicians Foundation Leadership Institute.

LinkedIn ; Dr. Jillian Ploof

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP32 – From Caregiver to Burnout Warrior: Jodie Green’s Mission to Rescue Healthcare Heroes

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Jodie Green, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

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What if the solution to healthcare burnout wasn’t more studies but immediate, actionable help like a free ride home after a 24-hour shift?

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Jodie Green, CEO and founder of the Clinician Burnout Foundation, who draws from her decades as a caregiver to her mother and autistic brother to explain why burnout affects everyone from janitors to surgeons, and why it’s not just “the job,” but a 24/7 crisis. Jodie unpacks moral injury as the “conscience of the system,” shares her “action not agonizing” mantra, and reveals how her foundation underwrites restorative support (rides, meals, childcare) to create a stable base for deeper healing. With ties to fencing, Bruce Lee philosophy, and alliances like Kim Downey’s Stand Up for Doctors, Jodie proves we need a “diverse army of burnout warriors” to crush systemic issues before more lives are lost.

If you’ve ever felt isolated in exhaustion, this episode is your rally cry: You’re not alone, and real help is here.

Three Actionable Takeaways :

Recognize burnout as a four-legged stool: mental, emotional, physical, and financial. Assess your own balance, track sleep, finances, emotions daily. If one leg wobbles (e.g., skipped meals from long shifts), seek immediate micro-supports like a free Uber home or meal delivery to prevent total collapse before deeper fixes.
Differentiate burnout (systemic overload) from moral injury (ethical distress like denied care). Advocate for cultural change: Join alliances, write legislators about PBM profits, and push for psychological/physical safety in your workplace. Turn challenges into opportunities, view setbacks as fencing moves to anticipate and counterattack.
Build your burnout warrior network: Sign up for free, frictionless resources at Clinician Burnout Foundation (rides, childcare, peer support). Share ideas, volunteer, or donate to scale solutions. Educate patients on systemic issues to grow a louder chorus for policy change, everyone’s life depends on healthy clinicians.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Jodie Green is CEO, President, and Founder of the Clinician Burnout Foundation, the first “healthcare burnout first responder”—a global charity providing frictionless, free support to restore clinicians before they sink. A lifelong caregiver, digital strategist (invited to Obama White House Women’s Digital Health Summit), and advisor in health tech and AI, she brings marketing expertise from startups to Fortune 500s. Jodie’s mantra: Action not agonizing, solutions not lip service—underwriting rides, meals, and more to crush burnout system-wide.

Connect with Jodie Green:

Website: clinicianburnoutfoundation.org
LinkedIn: clinician-burnout-foundation

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

EP31 – How More Doctors Are Quietly Building 7-Figure Passive Income with Private Real Estate

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Jonathan Spitz) — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

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What if your retirement plan didn’t rely on stock market volatility, but on institutional-grade real estate with skin in the game?

In this empowering episode, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Jonathan Spitz to break down private real estate investing for physicians, from fresh-out-of-residency tax strategies to legacy-building passive income. Jonathan shares his core principle (“long-term clarity creates long-term power”), why physicians often start with curiosity but no plan, and how to ask the right questions: direct vs. passive ownership? Manager track record? Leverage levels? He reveals red flags like excessive debt or inexperienced teams, explains Lightstone’s vertically integrated model (40 years, $12B AUM, in-house everything), and proves that with high-conviction deals where they commit 20% of their own capital first, physicians can build wealth without the daily grind.

If you’ve ever thought “I want more, but where do I start?” This is your roadmap to investing like a family office, safely, transparently, and aligned.

Three Actionable Takeaways :

Decide if you want direct ownership (hands-on rentals) or passive investing (outsourcing to pros like Lightstone): For busy physicians, passive often wins. Vet managers by asking: How long in business? Track record? Skin in the game? Alignment ensures they treat your money like their own for long-term stability.
Spot red flags before investing: Excessive leverage like 85% debt magnifies risks in volatile markets. Check track record for losses in good times, team longevity (avoid 2-year firms), and aggressive assumptions promising 25% returns. Prioritize wealth preservation over high-risk highs.
Build clarity by defining goals: Income now or growth later? Liquidity needs? Risk tolerance? Start small with education—podcasts, white papers, consultations. Meet managers where you are; if they rush or lack access and transparency, walk away. Long-term power comes from informed, patient decisions.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Jonathan Spitz is Head of Capital Formation at Lightstone Direct, where he helps investors access institutional-grade commercial real estate. With over a decade in private real estate, he’s advised physicians, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals on long-term strategies, risk management, and wealth building. His guiding principle: Long-term clarity creates long-term power. Jonathan focuses on simplifying real estate for busy professionals, emphasizing alignment, education, and passive income for legacies beyond medicine.

Connect with Jonathan Spitz:

· Website: https://lightstonedirect.com

lightstonegroup.com

· Email: jspitz@lightstonedirect.com

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP30 – If It’s Not Documented, It Didn’t Happen – Lessons from the Ambulance That Save Doctors in Court

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Trevor Allen Esq., Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 8 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

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What happens when a paramedic becomes a medical-malpractice lawyer and then an appellate clerk? You get Tevor Allen: a rare voice who has lived on both sides of the chart, the gurney, and the courtroom.

In this eye-opening episode of Scalpel and Sword Podcast, host Dr. Lee Sharma talks with Trevor Allen ESQ., as he shares how his EMS background gave him an unfair advantage reading medical records, spotting documentation red flags, and understanding what patients and families are really asking for beneath the surface.

From intubation cases and bougie questions that made partners clap, to mediating family evictions and reading judges’ body language in real time, Trevor proves that the skills that keep patients calm at 3 a.m. are the exact same skills that win appellate arguments and malpractice mediations.

If you’ve ever wished physicians were better trained in conflict, listening, and “arguing to the room,” this episode is your masterclass.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Document every chart as if it will one day be projected in open court in front of a jury. Ask yourself: “Would I be proud to read this aloud?” If the answer is no, rewrite it now. Clear, thorough, defensible notes protect you more than any insurance policy ever could.
Treat every difficult patient encounter as a micro-mediation: Look past the surface demand and uncover the real need—almost always respect, being heard, or fear. Address the hidden interest instead of arguing the position, and most conflicts dissolve before they ever reach a lawyer’s desk.
In deposition or mediation your only job is to tell the plain truth without coloring or spinning it. Stay calm, human, and factual. The other side will try to twist your words, but a thousand hours of rehearsal won’t stop that. Trust your attorney to untie the knots later.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Trevor Allen, Esquire, is a judicial law clerk for the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District. A former paramedic and clinical trainer, Trevor graduated from Washington University School of Law Dean’s List, Order of Barristers, Judge Amanda Brackman Moot Court Award after spending a summer working at a medical-malpractice defense firm. His unique dual background lets him spot documentation gaps, read hidden patient interests, and translate clinical reality into courtroom credibility. Bonus: he bakes a mean loaf and is owned by an adorable dog named Gwen.

Connect with Trevor Allen:

Instagram: @FifthOfDaybreak
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/trevor-allen91

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP29 – From Conflict-Avoidant Introvert to Empowered Leader: Dr. Asha Padmanabhan’s Playbook for Women Physicians

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Asha Padmanabhan, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 1 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

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What if being quiet isn’t a weakness… but your biggest leadership advantage?

In this relatable episode on The Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Asha Padmanabhan as she opens up about her accidental rise: stepping up when no one else would, learning business and negotiation on the fly, and discovering that trying to become the stereotypical “loud” leader made her miserable and ineffective. She reveals the hidden shame cycle of conflict avoidance that so many women physicians know too well, shares her dead-simple, OR-tested CUE Method that turns surgeon-anesthesiologist standoffs into collaborative wins, explains how to treat imposter thoughts like bad evidence in court, and proves that curiosity, not volume is the ultimate leadership superpower.

If you’ve ever felt “I’m too quiet, too nice, too introverted to lead,” this episode is your permission slip to lead exactly as you are and win.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Stop trying to become the loud leader you’re not: Identify your natural strengths (quiet observation, deep listening, empathy) and weaponize them. Authenticity builds trust faster than volume ever will. Lean into who you are, the right rooms will amplify you.
Use the CUE Method in your next conflict: Create space, pause and breathe. Uncover what’s underneath both positions “I’m worried about patient safety or you’re worried about schedule flow”, then explore a third option that serves both. Practice it until it’s muscle memory.
Kill imposter thoughts with facts: When “I only got this because no one else wanted it” shows up, demand evidence like you’re cross-examining a witness. Write down the actual facts of why you’re in the role. Read them daily until your brain believes you belong.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Dr. Asha Padmanabhan is a board-certified anesthesiologist, past-president of the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists, and founder of The Leadership Rx. A self-described “accidental leader,” introvert, and former conflict-avoider, she stepped up to save her private practice and now coaches women physicians to lead authentically, negotiate confidently, and master conflict without becoming someone they’re not. Through her signature CUE Method and evidence-based tools, she helps women dismantle imposter syndrome, embrace their natural strengths, and thrive personally and professionally.

Connect with Dr. Padmanabhan:

Website: theleadershiprx.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashapadmanabhan
Email: asha@theleadershiprx.com
FSA: fsahq.org for events and speaking.

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

EP28 – Why Every Doctor Needs a Coach Even If You Think You Don’t

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Dr. Joseph Losee) — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

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What happens when a pediatric plastic surgeon becomes a master of conflict resolution?

From program director to mediator-in-training, Dr. Losee shares how his journey from educator to conflict expert evolved and why coaching isn’t therapy, mentoring, or advice-giving. It’s a structured process of calibration, connection, and transformation that helps physicians answer: Where am I? How did I get here? And where do I want to go?

He breaks down the real-world challenges of faculty conflict, far messier than resident issues, the rise of pre-litigation mediation through programs like AHRQ’s CANDOR, and why CMS is now scoring hospitals on early dispute resolution. Plus, how peer coaching at UPMC is reducing burnout, boosting retention, and creating psychologically safer workplaces with data to prove it.

Whether you're a burned-out attending, a new department chair, or a leader building a better culture, this episode delivers the tools to lead with clarity.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Start with self-awareness: book a coaching session (even if you’re “fine”) to examine where you are, how you got stuck, and who you want to become. Coaching isn’t just for crises; it’s career nutrition. Use it to prevent burnout before it starts.
Train in the 5 core coaching skills: deep listening, powerful questioning, reflecting, naming emotions, and reframing. These aren’t just for coaches; they make you a better leader, parent, spouse, and colleague. Enroll in a peer coach program or workshop today.
Advocate for early dispute resolution: push your institution to adopt a CANDOR-style program with trained mediators. When harm occurs, offer patients a mediator before litigation. It heals relationships, reduces lawsuits, and builds trust. CMS is watching, get ahead of the curve.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Dr. Joseph E. Losee is the Dr. Ross H. Musgrave Endowed Chair of Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Executive Vice Chair of Plastic Surgery at UPMC, and Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. A former residency program director and past President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, he co-chairs UPMC’s Physician Wellness Initiative and serves on the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine. Through his firm Clarity Med Strategies, he is a board-certified executive coach and trained mediator, helping physicians resolve conflict, build self-awareness, and prevent burnout with peer coaching and pre-litigation mediation programs.

📍 Connect with Dr. Losee

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP27 - Microaggressions in Medicine: The Triangle of Source, Recipient, and Bystander

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Tracy MacIntosh, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

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What if a single comment could push a talented resident out of medicine—and how can we stop it?

In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Dr. Tracy MacIntosh, as she shares eye-opening stories like an intern greeted with “I don’t want a doctor with an accent” and the hidden toll of repeated microaggressions: burnout, attrition, and even suicidal ideation. Drawing from surgical residency data and her own workshops, she introduces a simple triangle framework (source, recipient, bystander) plus scripted “I” statements to interrupt bias without escalating conflict. Dr. MacIntosh emphasizes curiosity over defense, grace for patients in pain, and anonymous reporting channels to prevent retaliation. The goal: retain diverse talent, improve patient trust, and create training environments where the work is hard—but never toxic. This episode equips physicians, residents, and teams with immediately actionable tools to foster respect, reduce burnout, and preserve the workforce we desperately need.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Use “I” Statements to Respond, Not React: When bias strikes, start with curiosity: “I’m curious—why don’t you want a doctor who looks like me?” Practice one scripted response this week to stay calm and keep the dialogue open.
Empower the Bystander: If you witness a microaggression, check in privately: “I saw what happened—are you okay? How can I support you?” One supportive conversation can break the isolation cycle.
Build Reporting Safety Nets: Advocate for (or create) anonymous feedback channels in your program. Knowing retaliation isn’t a risk makes learners 10× more likely to speak up and protect their mental health.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Dr. Tracy MacIntosh is the Associate Dean for Access, Belonging and Community Engagement at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. A Yale MD with master’s degrees in science and public health, she completed emergency medicine residency at Yale and became founding faculty for the UCF-HCA Florida Emergency Medicine Residency of Greater Orlando. Passionate about teaching and psychological safety, she develops workshops that give learners scripting and reporting tools to address bias without fear. Her work fights burnout and attrition while improving patient trust through diverse, respected teams.

Email: tracy.macintosh@ucf.edu

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP26 - Sharpen the Sword - The Apple of Discord: Decoding 3 Types of Conflict in Medicine

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

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One apple, three conflicts.

In this solo episode of The Scalpel and Sword Podcast, Dr. Lee Sharma breaks down the hidden languages of conflict using a single prop: an apple.

Interest-Based Conflict (The Apple Itself): Tangible, quantifiable resources—money, time, call shifts. Logical fix? Split it. But when “half” isn’t enough (e.g., a part-time doc’s reimbursement drop), the fight escalates.

Identity-Based Conflict (Apple + Mirror): Self-image enters the chat. “I worked harder,” “I have seniority,” “I gave up partnership for family.” Cue: titles, effort, or sacrifice thrown like grenades. Dr. Sharma recounts her 90s practice battle—offering to cover walk-in OB for fair pay—met with “heck no.” Not about money. About who she was (part-time = less committed). Fix: Acknowledge identity (“I hear you worked hard”), then reframe to the apple.

Worldview-Based Conflict (Apple + Lens): Same object, different meaning. Intern-year story: pregnant teen refuses IV antibiotics. To Dr. Sharma? Lifesaving. To patient? Sister-killing poison (from prior sepsis death). Without worldview alignment, coercion fails. With it? Patient feels seen, buys in.

Physicians excel at rapid history-taking—use it for worldview analysis on the fly. When patients say “I felt heard,” you’ve nailed their lens. Master these three languages to keep conflicts from fracturing teams, partnerships, or patient trust.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Name the Conflict Type in Real Time: Next dispute (call, bonus, refusal), ask: Is this about the apple (interest), the mirror (identity), or the lens (worldview)? Label it silently—shifts your response from reactive to strategic.
Reframe Identity Bombs Without Dismissal: When someone says “I’ve been here 20 years,” reply: “I respect your tenure—let’s keep this about the schedule so we both get home to our families.” Acknowledge, redirect. Practice 3x this week.
Run 60-Second Worldview Scans with Patients: Before pushing treatment, ask: “What’s your biggest worry about this med/procedure?” Listen for lens (past trauma, distrust). Mirror back: “I hear your sister’s story terrified you—here’s why this is different.” Builds trust, reduces AMA risk.

About the Show:

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP25 - The Pause That Heals: Master Communication Before It Masters You

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Anne Hirsch, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 3 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

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Effective communication isn’t just a skill—it’s a reflection of inner stress and burnout.

In this insightful episode of The Scalpel and Sword Podcast, Dr. Lee Sharma sits with Dr. Anne Hirsch to reveal how peer review experiences exposed her to physicians’ blind spots in communication. Drawing from her coaching certification and decades in practice, Dr. Hirsch shares how doctors often lack insight into how they’re perceived—stemming from exhaustion, bureaucracy, and high-stakes environments.

The discussion dives into strategies for self-awareness: identifying emotional triggers (like that adrenaline rush from a cop’s lights), pausing to ground yourself (deep breaths, wiggling toes), and focusing on core messages without rabbit-hole distractions. Role-playing emerges as a game-changer, helping physicians see their tone, body language, and proximity—especially in power imbalances like attending-resident dynamics or physical size differences.

Generational shifts in medicine are highlighted: younger doctors prioritize work-life balance, challenging “old-school” grind culture, while wellness practices (walks, movies, family time) regenerate without being dismissed as frivolous. Dr.Hirsch emphasizes vulnerability in group coaching, where peers call each other out compassionately, leading to broader impacts on patient care and family life. Ultimately, mastering communication means deciding: Does this need saying? Now? By me?

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Identify and Pause on Triggers for Better Responses: Burnout amplifies reactive communication—start by listing 3–5 personal triggers (e.g., insurance denials, scheduling conflicts). Practice a grounding ritual (deep breath, finger rub) daily; before tough talks, ask: What’s my core point? What might they feel? Journal post-conversation to track calmer outcomes and reduced regret.
Incorporate Role-Playing to Refine Body Language and Tone: Authority gaps erode trust—practice hard conversations weekly with a trusted peer or mirror. Simulate scenarios (e.g., towering over a colleague) and swap roles; focus on proximity, seating, and compassion. Aim for one role-play per conflict-prone week to build insight and respectful conflict navigation.
Embrace Vulnerability and Generational Wellness for Sustainable Practice: Isolation breeds poor communication—join or form a small peer group for monthly check-ins on work-life balance. Adopt one “cup-filling” activity (walk, family dinner) thrice weekly; reflect: Does this regenerate me without guilt? Model this for trainees to foster healthier teams and patient interactions.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Dr. Anne Hirsch is an internist with over 30 years in practice, serving on the Oregon State Peer Review Committee and as an expert medical coder. Passionate about physician communication, she became a certified coach in 2022 to address burnout, leadership, and behavioral issues through one-on-one and group sessions.

Website: https://physiciancoachingwithanne.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-m-hirsch-md/

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

EP24 - Positivity Under Pressure: Pooie Cantrell’s Wisdom for Better Patient Care

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Pooie Cantrell, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

____________________________________________________________________

What if a nurse’s positivity could calm a chaotic ER night and reshape physician behavior?

In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Pooie Cantrell, a retired nurse whose 33-year career at East Alabama Medical Center transformed high-stakes CVICU and recovery room settings. A Daisy Award winner, Pooie’s infectious positivity created a tight-knit team atmosphere, uplifting colleagues and patients during chaotic nights. She shares bold stories of confronting disruptive physician behavior with professional “reality checks,” fostering mutual respect and reflection. Pooie highlights the shift toward humble, team-oriented younger doctors and the power of pausing in crises to leverage team expertise, like Dr. Sharma’s husband calming a code blue. Now cancer-free, thanks to Dr. Sharma’s care, Pooie enjoys retirement adventures in Alaska and Maine. This episode offers healthcare professionals tools to build collaborative, patient-centered environments, emphasizing joy, teamwork, and resilience to combat burnout and elevate care.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Positivity Transforms Teams: Pooie’s intentional joy, even after grueling 12-hour shifts, created a supportive community in recovery, uplifting both staff and patients. Try smiling through one tough shift to see its impact on your team’s morale.
Respect Earns Respect: Pooie stood up to disruptive physicians by emphasizing mutual expertise, fostering reflection without shame. Practice respectfully addressing one unprofessional interaction this week, focusing on teamwork for patient outcomes.
Pause for Better Outcomes: Effective physicians take a moment to assess and trust their team during crises, leading to calmer, more effective care. Next time chaos hits, pause for 10 seconds to survey your team’s strengths before acting.

About the Show:

About the Guest

Pooie Cantrell, a retired nurse with over 32 years at East Alabama Medical Center, graduated from Southern Union in 1993. She served 17 years in CVICU and later in the recovery room, fostering a tight-knit team with her infectious positivity. A Daisy Award recipient,Pooie’s joy uplifted colleagues and patients, even during grueling shifts. She confronted disruptive physician behavior professionally, advocating for mutual respect and teamwork. Now cancer-free alongside her friend Belinda, Pooie enjoys retirement, traveling to Alaska and Maine. Her legacy highlights the power of positivity, collaboration, and patient-centered care in high-stakes healthcare settings.

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/pooie-cantrell-8b432269

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP23 – When Doctors Need Healing Too: Kim Downey’s Journey from Survivor to Advocate

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Kim Downey) — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

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How can we heal the healers?

In this heartfelt conversation on Scalpel and Sword, host Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Kim Downey, After surviving three cancer diagnoses and losing her trusted physician to suicide, Kim felt called to advocate for physician well-being and culture change in medicine. She shares her journey from patient to advocate, revealing how her personal health challenges awakened her to the silent suffering of doctors. As an ambassador for both the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation and Medicine Forward, Kim works tirelessly to raise awareness around physician burnout, moral injury, and the urgent need for compassion within healthcare.

Dr. Sharma and Kim discuss the toxic culture of perfectionism and depersonalization in medicine, the importance of acknowledging trauma among healthcare workers, and the healing power of vulnerability. They emphasize how meaningful change begins not just in policies, but in everyday acts of empathy—asking your doctor how they’re doing, saying thank you, or simply holding space for one another.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Humanize Healthcare:
Recognize that physicians and patients share the same vulnerabilities. Asking your doctor, “How are you?” can begin a ripple of compassion that strengthens the system.

2. Heal Through Connection:
Foster community among colleagues and patients. Break the silence around burnout and trauma by creating safe spaces for honest conversations.

3. Practice Self-Compassion:
Doctors must extend to themselves the same empathy they offer others. Make time for joy, reflection, and rest—small steps that sustain long-term well-being.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Kim Downey is a physical therapist, three-time cancer survivor, author, and the founder of Stand Up for Doctors—a platform dedicated to physician well-being and systemic change in medicine. She is an ambassador for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation and Medicine Forward, organizations that advocate for safer, more compassionate healthcare environments.

Through her book White Coats, Courageous Hearts, her podcast, and upcoming retreat, Kim champions trauma-informed care, physician connection, and the belief that everyone wins when physicians are well. Her work bridges patients and doctors through storytelling, empathy, and shared humanity.

🔗 Connect with Kim Downey:

Website: standupfordoctors.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-downey-a9307b72/
Book: White Coats, Courageous Hearts (available on Amazon)

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP22 - From Burnout to Breakthrough: Dr. Michael Hersh on Coaching Physicians to Thrive

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Dr. Michael Hersh) — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

__________________________________________________

How can physicians move from burnout to a fulfilling career while improving the healthcare system?

In this Episode of Scalpel and Sword, host Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Michael Hersh, to recount his traditional path through medicine—college, medical school, residency, fellowship, and a busy clinical practice—only to face burnout from the start, compounded by a medical malpractice lawsuit that eroded his trust in healthcare. His pursuit of financial independence as an escape plan shifted when he discovered physician coaching in 2020, a field then dominated by programs for women physicians. Encouraged by his wife, Michael joined a co-ed coaching program, which transformed his perspective on medicine and life.

He now helps physicians get "unstuck" by embracing vulnerability, addressing shame from workplace conflicts, and recognizing their role within the healthcare system. Through a powerful story of apologizing to a nurse after raising his voice in an emergent case, Michael illustrates how owning mistakes strengthens teams and reduces personal shame, benefiting patients and colleagues alike.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Address Burnout Through Coaching: Physician coaching, like Michael’s program, helps doctors reframe their careers by aligning work with personal values, addressing burnout signs early, and creating sustainable paths forward, even amidst systemic challenges like malpractice lawsuits.
Embrace Vulnerability to Heal Teams: Owning mistakes, such as apologizing after raising your voice in a high-stress situation, reduces personal shame and strengthens team dynamics, fostering a collaborative healthcare environment that benefits patients and staff.
Act Within the System for Change: Recognize your role in the healthcare system—rather than seeing yourself above it—to take agency in improving team morale and patient care, using small actions like apologies or process tweaks to create ripple effects.

About the Show:

About the Guest

Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.

His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.

Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:
🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md
📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife
📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

EP21 - Mending Medicine: Kimberly Best on Conflict as a Cure

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Kimberly Best, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 6 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Can conflict be a catalyst for positive change in healthcare?
In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Kimberly Best, drawing from her extensive experience as a trauma nurse and mediator, Kimberly discusses how conflict, often seen as negative, is a natural part of human systems that can be harnessed for growth. She shares her journey from nursing to mediation, sparked by a painful personal divorce, and explains how transformative mediation can build better healthcare teams. Kimberly highlights the link between unresolved conflict and poor patient outcomes, offering practical strategies for clinicians to embrace conflict, reduce shame, and create collaborative, compassionate workplaces.

Top 3 Takeaways:

Conflict is Normal, Not Negative: Conflict is an inherent part of human interaction, not a sign of failure. By reframing it as an opportunity for growth, clinicians can improve communication and patient care.
Impact on Healthcare: Unresolved conflict contributes to 41% of perceived negative impacts on patient care, increasing errors and burnout. Mediation offers a cost-effective solution compared to high turnover costs (e.g., $56,000 to train a new nurse vs. $3,000 for mediation).
Building Better Systems: By fostering grace, respect, and proactive communication, healthcare teams can design conflict management systems that enhance workplace culture and patient outcomes.

About the Show:

Behind every procedure, every patient encounter, lies an untold story of conflict and negotiation.

Scalpel and Sword

, hosted by Dr. Lee Sharma—physician, mediator, and guide—invites listeners into the unseen battles and breakthroughs of modern medicine. With real conversations, human stories, and practical tools, this podcast empowers physicians to reclaim their voices, sharpen their skills, and wield their healing power with both precision and purpose.

About the Guest:

Kimberly Best, RN, MA, is a registered nurse, mediator, and founder of Best Conflict Solutions. With a Master’s in Conflict Management from Lipscomb University and certifications from institutions like Pepperdine and Hofstra, she brings 30 years of clinical and mediation experience to healthcare. Kimberly designs conflict management systems and trains teams to transform workplace disputes into opportunities for growth, drawing on her background as a trauma and ER nurse.

🔗 Connect with Kimberly Best:
🌐 Website: BestConflictSolutions.com

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

EP20 - Sharpen The Sword: From Speakeasy to Surgery - Empathy and Conflict Lessons with Kenneth Austin Cox

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Kenny Cox) — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Can lessons from managing a speakeasy transform how physicians handle conflict?

Dr. Lee Sharma discusses with Kenny Cox about his journey from dishwasher to bar manager, drawing insights on empathy, hierarchy, and creativity. Kenny shares stories of resolving staff conflicts, fostering a positive work culture, and adapting to challenges like post-COVID staffing.

While highlighting the "love always wins" approach, he discusses building trust, setting boundaries, and using creativity to lubricate the "machine" of operations. Tune in for parallels to medicine, including patient relationships and the art of caregiving, in this debut "Sharpen the Sword" episode.

Three Actionable Takeaway:

Build Empathy Through Experience – Start from the bottom to understand team feelings; Kenny's rise from dishwasher helps him relate genuinely, reducing conflicts by validating emotions and fostering trust—apply this in medicine by recalling your early training to connect with staff and patients.
Use Creativity in Conflict Resolution – Approach disputes with fresh perspectives, like turning complaints into growth opportunities or using "love always wins" to de-escalate; Kenny emphasizes adapting rules creatively while maintaining boundaries, similar to tailoring patient care for better outcomes.
Lubricate the Machine for Smooth Operations – Recognize workplace "stickiness" and use empathy, clear communication, and fun (e.g., team-building) to ease tensions; Kenny's post-COVID adaptations highlight investing in people over quick fixes, mirroring medicine's need for resilient teams and artistic patient interactions.

About the Show:

About the Guest

Kenny Cox, manager of Sneak & Dawdle, a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge in Opelika, Alabama, has 15 years of hospitality experience, starting as a dishwasher at his father’s restaurant—a retired oncology supply executive’s venture. Rising through kitchen and bartending roles, he co-owned a liquor store at 24, gaining early management skills, and later owned and sold multiple bars before joining Sneak & Dawdle in 2022. Known for his “love always wins” philosophy, Kenny fosters a tight-knit, positive team culture, emphasizing empathy from his ground-up perspective, much like medical hierarchies. His conflict resolution approach—turning complaints into growth and setting boundaries creatively—parallels strategies for physicians navigating workplace “stickiness.”

Managing a hidden venue, Kenny builds community through limited social media (@sneakanddawdle) and authentic service, earning praise for staff like himself and bartender Alex. His leadership inspires parallels to artistic, empathetic patient care.

Address: 717 1st Ave Suite B, Opelika, AL 36801, United States

About the Host:
Dr. Lee Sharma is a gynecologist based in Auburn, AL, with over 30 years of clinical experience. She holds a Master’s in Conflict Resolution and is passionate about helping colleagues navigate workplace challenges and thrive through open conversations and practical tools.

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP19 - Tackling Incivility in Healthcare: Insights from Dr. William Cooper

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. William Cooper, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

How can addressing a small group of clinicians’ behaviors transform healthcare safety and culture?

In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. William Cooper, to unpack 25-30 years of groundbreaking research on incivility in medicine. They explore how just 2-5% of physicians account for 50% of malpractice claims and unsolicited patient complaints, often linked to unprofessional conduct toward colleagues. Dr. Cooper shares how Vanderbilt’s peer-intervention model—using data-driven, non-punitive feedback—reduces complaints by up to 50%, improves patient outcomes, and mitigates risks like surgical complications and burnout. Dr. Sharma reflects on her own experience as a peer messenger in 2001, witnessing transformative change in a colleague’s demeanor.

The conversation dives into applying these strategies to safety protocols, like surgical bundles, to enhance adherence and reduce infections, emphasizing a culture of empathy and accountability to make medicine kinder and more reliable. Tune in for actionable insights on managing conflict, fostering professionalism, and preventing workplace tensions in high-stakes healthcare environments.

Three Actionable Takeaway:

Identify High-Risk Patterns Early – Use data on unsolicited complaints and behaviors to spot the 2-5% of clinicians linked to 50% of malpractice and incivility; Dr. Cooper's model employs peer messengers for non-punitive awareness, reducing risks like surgical complications and burnout.
Implement Tiered Interventions – Start with gentle, data-driven feedback (e.g., "Your peers follow protocols 98%—yours is 60%") and escalate only if needed; Dr. Cooper notes this promotes self-reflection, improving adherence to bundles and dropping infection rates precipitously.
Foster a Culture of Professionalism – Promote "love always wins" empathy and standardize processes to prevent conflict; Dr. Cooper's work shows raising awareness cuts complaints by 50%, enhancing patient safety, economic efficiency, and team well-being through peer support and leadership.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Dr. William Cooper, MD, MPH, is a pediatrician, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor, and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. As President of the Vanderbilt Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy, he has led 25+ years of research linking 2-5% of physicians to 50% of malpractice claims and incivility, impacting patient safety and burnout. His peer-intervention model uses non-punitive feedback to reduce complaints by 50% and improve outcomes like surgical infections. A prolific researcher with publications in JAMA and Pediatrics, he advises national bodies like the Joint Commission. Cooper promotes empathy and accountability, enhancing healthcare professionalism.

Connect via Vanderbilt’s CPPA website or

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/william-cooper-010061a9

Website: https://www.vumc.org/patient-professional-advocacy/vumc-cppa

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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Ep18 - Narrative Medicine: The Power of Storytelling in Healthcare: Part 2

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Dr. Allan Detsky) — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

How can storytelling transform clinical practice and medical education?

In part two of this two-part interview, host Dr. Lee Sharma continues her conversation with Dr. Allan Detsky about the role of storytelling in medicine. Dr. Detsky explains how moving from positional debates to shared stories builds trust and commonality with patients, using examples like resolving conflicts over mammography screening guidelines. He shares his approach to teaching medical students and residents, encouraging them to embrace creative listening and observation—skills he honed through music videos and theater—to find resonance with patients. Drawing from his career since 1976, Dr. Detsky highlights the importance of humility and comfort with uncertainty, recounting how he guides learners to make decisions despite ambiguous clinical scenarios. He also reflects on his own journey, noting how producing art enhanced his reflective skills as a clinician.

The episode touches on a surprising generational shift, where some students resist traditional learning methods like shadowing, and offers practical tips for crafting authentic, engaging stories. A must-listen for clinicians and educators seeking to deepen patient connections and teach the next generation of physicians.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Use Storytelling to Build Trust – Shift from defending positions to sharing stories that highlight shared interests with patients or colleagues. Practice observing details in clinical settings to find points of connection, fostering trust and collaboration.
Embrace Uncertainty with Humility – Accept that medicine often lacks clear right-or-wrong answers. Encourage learners to make decisions in ambiguous situations, as long as they’re safe, to build confidence and independence.
Hone Your Narrative Skills – Tell stories in your authentic voice, using simple, relatable language. Record and review your oral presentations to improve storytelling, just as athletes or musicians review their performances.

About the Show:

About the Guest

Dr. Allan Detsky is a professor and clinical investigator at the University of Toronto's Department of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, with cross-appointments in General Internal Medicine. Trained in economics (PhD from Harvard-MIT) and medicine (Harvard Medical School), he served as Physician-in-Chief at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto and has published extensively on health policy and economics. A prolific writer for JAMA, he teaches narrative medicine, drawing from personal stories like "The Hockey Stick" and "My Father's Voice." Twice nominated as a Tony Award producer for musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar and Come From Away, Dr. Detsky emphasizes storytelling's role in medicine, humility, and conflict resolution.

Email: Allan.Detsky@sinaihealthsystem.ca

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP17 - Narrative Medicine: The Power of Storytelling in Healthcare

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Allan Detsky, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 8 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

How can storytelling bridge the gap between clinicians and patients in modern medicine?

In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, host Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Allan Detsky, as he shares his journey from economics and clinical practice to teaching narrative medicine. He discusses the inspiration behind his narrative medicine course, sparked by his JAMA op-eds and stories like “The Hockey Stick,” where he connected with a terminally ill patient by arranging a special hockey experience. Dr. Detsky explains how narrative competence—using techniques like weaving stories or shocking patients with unexpected gestures—enhances patient care and clinician empathy. He also highlights his innovative “music video” teaching method, using songs like Hotel California to sharpen observation skills and foster mindfulness among residents. With insights from his career, including his time as physician-in-chief at Mount Sinai Hospital, this episode is essential for healthcare providers seeking to deepen patient connections through storytelling.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Incorporate Narrative Competence – Use storytelling to build trust with patients. Find shared interests, like Dr. Detsky’s hockey story, to create partnerships in care, and practice weaving personal or cultural narratives to enhance communication.
Enhance Observation Skills – Adopt Dr. Detsky’s “music video” technique by using art, like songs or theater clips, to train clinicians in noticing details about patients’ environments and emotions, improving diagnostic and empathetic skills.
Foster Vulnerability in Practice – Encourage transparency by sharing appropriate personal stories or vulnerabilities with patients and trainees, creating a safe space for emotional connection, as seen in Dr. Detsky’s narrative medicine course.

About the Show:

About the Guest

Email: Allan.Detsky@sinaihealthsystem.ca

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

EP16 - Mastering Physician Contracts: Fair Pay & Work-Life Balance

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Kyle Claussen, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 1 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, host Dr. Lee Sharma interviews Kyle Claussen, to discuss the evolution of Resolve since its founding 15 years ago by a physician addressing gaps in residency training on compensation and contracts. He highlights the unique aspects of medical contracts, the shift toward employment models, and the increasing complexity of language post-COVID. Key topics include aligning contracts with personal priorities, capping call duties, ensuring extra pay for additional work, and leveraging market data for fair reimbursement. Kyle emphasizes negotiating in good faith, overcoming conflict avoidance, and empowering physicians—especially women and minorities—to recognize their value. He advocates for data-driven approaches, understanding financials for private practice, and preparing for renegotiations. This episode equips healthcare professionals with tools to level the playing field and achieve resilient, fulfilling careers.

Three Actionable Takeaways

Align Contracts with Priorities – Before negotiating, clarify your non-negotiables like call frequency, locations, and tail coverage. Use market data to ensure the document reflects verbal promises and protects against workforce changes.
Leverage Data for Fair Compensation – Access benchmarks like MGMA to negotiate salary, bonuses, and extra pay for additional duties. Recognize your value as a revenue generator and don't hesitate to ask for scribes or support staff to improve work-life balance.

Prepare for Private Practice Options – Explore both employed and independent paths; understand financials like profit/loss statements for ownership tracks. Negotiate with future partners in mind, balancing autonomy with risk tolerance.

About the Show:
Behind every procedure, every patient encounter, lies an untold story of conflict and negotiation. Scalpel and Sword, hosted by Dr. Lee Sharma—physician, mediator, and guide—invites listeners into the unseen battles and breakthroughs of modern medicine. With real conversations, human stories, and practical tools, this podcast empowers physicians to reclaim their voices, sharpen their skills, and wield their healing power with both precision and purpose.

About the Guest

Kyle Claussen is the CEO of Resolve, a company dedicated to empowering physicians through expert contract negotiation and compensation advocacy. With over 15 years of experience, Resolve, under Kyle’s leadership, has become a trusted resource, endorsed by more than 50 state medical societies and recognized nationally. Kyle is a frequent speaker across the U.S., sharing insights on physician contract strategies, salary benchmarks, and navigating employment challenges. As the spouse of a physician, he brings a personal understanding of the medical profession’s demands. Kyle is also a proud owner of a Bernedoodle named Murphy, who holds the title of “star of the house.” His mission is to level the playing field for physicians by providing data-driven tools and transparency to secure fair contracts and work-life balance.

Website: resolve.com

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP15 - Navigating Medical Malpractice: Dr. Gita Pensa on Litigation Stress and Resilience

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Dr. Gita Pensa) — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, host Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Dr. Gita Pensa, to share her personal journey through a 12-year medical malpractice case, highlighting the profound emotional impact of litigation on physicians. She explores the culture of silence and shame surrounding malpractice, the lack of preparation for navigating the legal system, and the fear-driven dynamics that lead to conflict, such as finger-pointing among colleagues. Dr. Pensa offers actionable tools for managing litigation stress, including understanding malpractice policies, practicing self-compassion, and fostering open communication with patients to prevent escalation. She also advocates for systemic changes, like the Michigan Model, to prioritize transparent resolution over adversarial litigation. This episode is essential for healthcare professionals seeking to navigate malpractice with resilience and restore joy in their practice.

Three Actionable Takeaways

Cultivate Self-Compassion – Acknowledge the emotional weight of litigation without judgment. Use resources like Dr. Kristin Neff’s work on self-compassion to process fear and shame, helping you stay grounded and resilient.
Learn Your Malpractice Policy – Understand your insurance policy and the financial stakes involved to reduce fear-driven decisions. Knowing who bears liability can help you avoid unnecessary conflict with colleagues.
Practice Compassionate Accountability – When addressing adverse events, communicate transparently with patients. Offer sincere apologies when appropriate to maintain trust and potentially de-escalate conflicts before they reach litigation.

About the Guest

Dr. Gita Pensa is an emergency medicine physician based in Rhode Island with over 20 years of experience. As adjunct faculty at Brown University, she specializes in associate internal medicine and emergency medicine. Dr. Pensa is the creator and host of Doctors and Litigation: The L Word podcast, where she explores the emotional and practical challenges of medical malpractice. A seasoned speaker and physician coach, she works with healthcare professionals, attorneys, and insurance companies to navigate litigation stress and foster resilience. Her work, informed by her own 12-year malpractice case, aims to break the silence around litigation and advocate for systemic change in healthcare.

Website: doctorsandlitigation.com
Podcast: Doctors and Litigation: The L Word

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP14 - Healing Healthcare: Trauma-Informed Care Revolution

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Stephanie Byerly, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, host Dr. Lee Sharma, welcomes Dr. Stephanie Byerly, to share her journey into trauma-informed coaching, inspired by personal and professional experiences, including EMDR therapy that transformed her life. She defines trauma as what happens inside you due to external events, emphasizing its impact on the nervous system and how it shapes conflict and workplace dynamics. Discussing both individual and organizational trauma, she highlights how chronic stress and distrust in healthcare systems exacerbate burnout and moral injury. Dr. Byerly offers practical tools, like fostering psychological safety and self-compassion, to help clinicians and leaders navigate trauma. This episode is a must-listen for healthcare professionals seeking to heal and create change from within.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Practice Self-Compassion – Reflect on personal trauma with kindness, recognizing it shapes your conflict responses, and use resources like What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry to understand its impact.
Create Psychological Safety – As a leader or colleague, foster trust by pausing, listening, and offering resources without judgment, helping others feel safe to address their trauma.
Start Where You Are – Begin trauma-informed practices individually to shift how you show up, creating a ripple effect of safety and resilience in your team, even if you’re not in leadership.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Dr. Stephanie Byerly is a board-certified obstetric anesthesiologist with over 25 years of experience at Baylor Grapevine, part of USAP Anesthesia. A certified trauma-informed coach through Lodestar Consulting’s Trauma Mitigation Masterclass, she integrates trauma-informed principles into women’s empowerment and leadership coaching. Inspired by her own trauma and EMDR therapy, Dr. Byerly helps healthcare professionals navigate burnout and conflict by fostering self-compassion and psychological safety. She works with Lodestar to drive cultural change in healthcare organizations and is passionate about helping clinicians heal from systemic and personal trauma.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniebyerlymd

Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/stephaniebyerlymd

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stephaniebyerlymd

Website: https://www.stephaniebyerly.com

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP13 - Turning Conflict into Catalyst: Physician Leadership Strategies with Dr. Andrea Austin

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Andrea Austin, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 05:00:00 +0000

How can physicians drive meaningful change in a dysfunctional healthcare system? In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, host Dr. Lee Sharma, welcomes Dr. Andrea Austin, to share findings from her qualitative research on 15 physician change makers, exploring how they navigate barriers to transform healthcare. From cultivating emotional resilience and listening to dissent to using storytelling and understanding organizational dynamics, Dr. Austin reveals the internal and systemic strategies that empower physicians to lead change. She emphasizes the power of reflection, or “metacognition,” and compassionate accountability as key tools for personal and professional growth. This episode offers practical advice for healthcare professionals eager to create a better system while managing conflict constructively.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Practice Intentional Reflection – Carve out time daily to reflect on patient and colleague interactions, asking why conflicts arose and what personal or systemic factors influenced your response to foster growth.
Embrace Dissent and Conflict – Actively listen to dissenting voices and view conflict as a catalyst for change, using emotional agility to stay calm and productive in challenging situations.
Learn the System – Understand your organization’s policies, procedures, and key influencers to navigate change effectively, seeking historical context from past leaders to avoid repeating failed efforts.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Dr. Andrea Austin is a board-certified emergency physician, Navy veteran, and simulation educator with over 12 years of experience. She served in Iraq, trained military personnel at a top U.S. trauma center, and holds a Certificate in Health Professions Education from Uniformed Services University. As Simulation Director for Southwest Healthcare and host of Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare, she advocates for physician well-being. Her book, Revitalized, details her journey through burnout. Dr. Austin chairs the American Association of Women Emergency Physicians and is transitioning to Program Director at Sacred Heart, Pensacola.

Website: http://www.andreaaustinmd.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaaustinmd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreaaustinmd

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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EP12 - Inside the Strike Zone: Prof. Johnnie Kallas Breaks Down Healthcare Labor Movements

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Professor Johnnie Kallas, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 4 Aug 2025 05:00:00 +0000

How are healthcare workers using strikes to improve patient care and working conditions? In this episode, Dr. Lee Sharma, hosts Professor Johnnie Kallas to share insights from his work tracking union and non-union strikes across the U.S., with a focus on the growing trend of fixed-duration strikes in healthcare. These short-term walkouts, often lasting one to five days, allow nurses and physicians to protest unsafe staffing ratios and working conditions while minimizing patient care disruptions. Drawing from his experience with the Service Employees International Union and California Nurses Association, Kallas discusses the economic and reputational leverage of these strikes, the unique regulatory environment under the National Labor Relations Act, and how post-COVID challenges have fueled labor activism. This episode is a must-listen for healthcare professionals navigating the evolving landscape of unionization and collective action.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Explore Fixed-Duration Strikes – Consider short-term strikes (1-5 days) as a strategic tool to advocate for better staffing, pay, and patient safety, ensuring compliance with the National Labor Relations Act’s 10-day notice requirement to maintain legal protections.
Leverage Public Support – Highlight patient care advocacy in strike messaging to counter hospital narratives of “greed” or “patient abandonment,” capitalizing on the public’s trust in nurses and physicians as frontline heroes.
Learn from Labor Action Tracker Data – Use the publicly accessible Labor Action Tracker to analyze strike trends, demands, and outcomes in healthcare to inform organizing strategies and negotiations in your workplace.

About the Show:
Behind every procedure, every patient encounter, lies an untold story of conflict and negotiation. Scalpel and Sword, hosted by Dr. Lee Sharma—physician, mediator, and guide—invites listeners into the unseen battles and breakthroughs of modern medicine. With real conversations, human stories, and practical tools, this podcast empowers physicians to reclaim their voices, sharpen their skills, and wield their healing power with both precision and purpose.

About the Guest:

Professor Johnnie Kallas is a labor relations scholar and director of the Labor Action Tracker at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. With a PhD from Cornell University, he has extensive experience as a labor organizer with the Service Employees International Union and California Nurses Association. His research focuses on healthcare strikes, union strategies, and the impact of collective action on patient care and working conditions.

Email: jkallas@illinois.edu

Website: https://www.ilr.cornell.edu/faculty-and-research/labor-action-tracker

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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11 - Surgical Synergy: Why Surgeon-Anesthesiologist Relationships Matter

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Julie Hallet, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Can the familiarity between a surgeon and anesthesiologist impact patient outcomes? In this episode, Dr. Lee Sharma, welcomes Dr. Julie Hallet, to share insights from her recent JAMA Surgery study, which found that increased familiarity between surgeon-anesthesiologist teams leads to reduced 90-day morbidity in high-risk GI, GYN oncology, and spine surgeries. Sparked by her frustrations with inconsistent anesthesiology teams in Ontario’s regionalized system, Dr. Hallet’s research highlights the power of non-technical skills, trust, and shared worldviews in improving OR outcomes. She discusses why there’s no “magic number” for team familiarity, the challenges of scheduling stable teams, and her ongoing work to address anesthesiologists’ concerns and develop cost-neutral care models. This episode offers actionable insights for clinicians, administrators, and policymakers aiming to enhance patient care through team-based approaches.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Prioritize Surgeon-Anesthesiologist Familiarity – Schedule consistent surgeon-anesthesiologist teams for high-risk elective surgeries to reduce 90-day morbidity, leveraging the trust and communication built through repeated collaboration.
Advocate for Cost-Neutral Change – Use Dr. Hallet’s data to push for scheduling reforms that stabilize OR teams without requiring additional resources, emphasizing improved patient outcomes to hospital leadership.
Address Implementation Challenges – Engage anesthesiologists early to understand concerns about specialization and ensure care models balance familiarity with maintaining broad expertise, especially in smaller hospitals.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Dr. Julie Hallet is an associate professor of surgery at the University of Toronto and a hepatobiliary, pancreatic, and GI surgical oncologist at the Odette Cancer Center at Sunnybrook Health Sciences. With a medical degree from Université Laval and fellowships in complex surgical oncology (University of Toronto) and advanced hepatobiliary surgery (Strasbourg, France), she is also an associate scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute. Her research focuses on improving surgical outcomes through team dynamics and system-level changes.

Email: Julie.hallet@sunnybrook.ca

Twitter: @HalletJulie

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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10 - Physician, Parent, Partner: How Dr. Ruby Powar Balances It All with Boundaries

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Dr. Ruby Powar) — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Can setting boundaries transform your medical practice and personal life? Host Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Ruby Powar, to explore her inspiring journey from Vancouver, Canada, to building a private practice alongside her husband. Drawing from her diverse experiences in urgent care, hospice, and outpatient medicine, Dr. Power shares how she prioritized family while navigating the challenges of establishing a practice. She discusses the power of internal and external boundaries to create harmony in both professional and personal spheres, offering practical strategies for conflict resolution and team-building in a small practice. From choosing not to admit patients to preserve work-life balance to learning the business side of medicine, Dr. Powar’s story weaves together themes of curiosity, resilience, and gratitude. This episode provides actionable insights for physicians aiming to align their practice with their personal values and sustain their passion for medicine.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Define Internal Boundaries First – Reflect on your personal priorities and set internal boundaries to guide career decisions, ensuring alignment with your values, such as family or work-life balance.
Establish Conflict Resolution Processes – Create structured processes for addressing workplace conflicts, including designated times for discussion and built-in pauses to reduce emotional reactivity.
Embrace Curiosity in Career Choices – Explore diverse practice opportunities early in your career to discover what aligns with your strengths and passions, avoiding the trap of comparing yourself to others.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Dr. Ruby Powar is a family physician in private practice in Auburn, Alabama, alongside her husband. A graduate of the University of West Indies and a former resident at North Shore-LIJ, she also serves as a physician for the city of Opelika. With a background in urgent care, hospice, and outpatient medicine, Dr. Powar brings a unique perspective on balancing family, professional growth, and practice management. Her journey reflects a commitment to curiosity, resilience, and fostering harmony in both her personal and professional life.

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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9 - Surgical Accountability: Leading Through Complications with Dr. Steven Cohen

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Steven Cohen, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0000

How can surgeons navigate the inevitable complications and conflicts that arise in their practice? Host Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Dr. Steven Cohen, a seasoned colorectal surgeon based in Richmond, Virginia, to the Scalpel and Sword Podcast. Dr. Cohen's wealth of knowledge and experience makes him the perfect guest to explore the human side of medicine and the importance of professionalism in surgery. He delves into the medical-legal arena, highlighting trends like finger-pointing among healthcare teams and the importance of pausing to respond rather than react to bad outcomes.

Drawing from a case where a patient died despite exceeding standard care with a Greenfield filter, he emphasizes transparency, documentation, and team collaboration. Dr. Cohen also shares practical advice on ownership, power dynamics, and the “trust but verify” approach, equipping surgeons with tools to enhance patient care and professional resilience.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Pause and Respond – Take a moment to involve all stakeholders, including family and team, to manage complications effectively.
Document Thoroughly – Record all steps and decisions to preempt conflict and ensure accountability in patient care.
Trust but Verify – As the surgeon, confirm all preoperative optimizations and maintain control over patient outcomes.

About the Guest:
Dr. Steven Cohen is a board-certified colorectal surgeon with over 30 years of experience, holding an MD from UCLA, residency from Boston University, and a fellowship in colorectal surgery from Cleveland Clinic Florida. He earned an MBA from Walden University and serves as associate faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University and staff surgeon at the VA hospital in Richmond, Virginia. A prolific publisher and expert witness, Dr. Cohen reviews medical-legal cases to enhance his practice, teaching residents about accountability and conflict management. Known for his mentorship, he advocates for transparency and team-based care, drawing from his extensive surgical and educational background.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephencohenmd

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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8 - Unionizing in White Coats: A Doctor’s Role in Collective Action

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Tarun Ramesh, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 7 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0000

What happens when a future physician confronts the past, present, and future of medical labor rights? In this thoughtful and timely conversation, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Tarun Ramesh, soon to begin his residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, to unpack his NEJM article, “Striking a Balance,” which examines the ethics, history, and global impact of physician strikes.

Together, they explore why doctors are increasingly turning to unions—from South Korea’s historic 2024 resident strike to post-pandemic organizing in Boston. Dr. Ramesh offers compelling insights on how burnout, corporatization, and lack of clinician voice are fueling a new era of collective action. With historical context and global comparisons, he helps frame a vision for balanced policies that prioritize both physician wellbeing and patient safety.

From the risks of punitive backlash to the policy promise of minimum staffing laws and advanced notice provisions, this episode is a masterclass in labor advocacy, ethics, and modern medical leadership.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Protect Without Punishing: Punitive government responses to physician strikes (e.g., South Korea) can erode trust. Constructive frameworks with legal safeguards can maintain continuity of care.
Multiple Paths to Voice: Unionization is one tool, but organized medicine, hospital committees, and leadership roles are equally vital avenues for clinician advocacy.
Physicians as Policy Partners: Excluding doctors from healthcare policy—whether in strike negotiations or hospital ownership—means ignoring frontline wisdom that drives better patient outcomes.

About the Guest:
Dr. Tarun Ramesh is a medical student at Harvard and incoming internal medicine resident at Massachusetts General Hospital. His article “Striking a Balance” was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, exploring physician collective bargaining through a global lens. His academic work centers on health economics, workforce policy, and the evolving dynamics of clinician labor. He has deep research experience in hospital financial models, and his advocacy work reflects a deep commitment to clinician wellbeing and health system transformation.

Twitter: @TarunR99

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarun-ramesh/

Connect: scalpelandsword@gmail.com

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7 - From Combat Medic to Courtroom: Zej Moczydlowski’s Mission for Justice

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Zej Moczydlowski, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:00:00 +0000

What happens when a combat medic turns to the law to continue his mission of service? In this deeply inspiring episode, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Zej Moczydlowski, who shares how his years providing care in austere environments from Sub-Saharan Africa to the ER taught him to lead through crisis, work across hierarchies, and find humanity in hardship.

Zej discusses the unique dynamics of medical teams in the military, where saving lives sometimes meant pushing past traditional roles and stepping into leadership with humility and resolve. He also reflects on his pivot to law school, his passion for international justice, and how medicine taught him to manage pressure, handle trauma, and stay focused on outcomes, not ego.

From delivering babies in Tampa to debriding wounds in South Sudan, Zej’s stories reveal a powerful truth: the skills we carry into conflict—professional, emotional, and ethical—can shape the justice we pursue. His dream? To prosecute war crimes and protect the most vulnerable through global legal systems. This episode is a masterclass in courage, compassion, and conviction.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Lead with Team, Not Title – Zej’s experience shows how military medical teams succeed by flattening hierarchies and focusing on outcomes, not credentials.
Bridge Conflict with Care – Even in combat zones, medicine can become a tool for diplomacy and healing. From OB care to trauma response, Zej shares how care builds connection.
Turn Off, Turn On – Learning when to emotionally detach and when to re-engage is a skill both in war and in law. Resilience is about regulation—not just endurance.

About the Guest:
Zej Moczydlowski is a U.S. Army Special Operations Combat Medic and recent graduate of Washington University School of Law. He is pursuing an LL.M. in International Legal Studies at NYU, focusing on international criminal law, armed conflict, and atrocity prevention. Zej has worked in some of the world’s most austere environments—including South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Uganda—where he led trauma care in combat zones and humanitarian crises.

In law, he’s interned with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the U.S. District Court in California. Zej is also a published author in the Harvard International Law Journal and has contributed to the Crimes Against Humanity Initiative under Professor Leila Sadat. His mission-driven path continues as he prepares to advocate for human rights and prosecute international war crimes on the global stage.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zejmski/

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com

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6 - Microskills for Conflict Management with Dr. Resa Lewiss

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Resa Lewiss, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 05:00:00 +0000

What does it take to thrive in medicine beyond clinical excellence? In this episode, Dr. Lee Sharma speaks with Dr. Resa Lewiss about the small, everyday actions that can make a big impact on your career. Dr. Lewiss shares how she turned feelings of being left out of the "professional playbook" into a guide for others, offering practical tools like pausing before reacting, scheduling emails thoughtfully, and recognizing conflict early.

They also explore the deeper cost of unresolved conflict in the workplace, from burnout to poor patient care. Dr. Lewiss explains how to spot gaslighting using the D.A.R.V.O. framework and why having a trusted support circle—your personal board of directors—can make all the difference.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Recognize Conflict Early – Learn the signs of subtle and systemic conflict (like gaslighting) and begin documenting patterns to better respond and protect yourself.
Schedule with Intent – Respect your team’s boundaries by drafting emails when inspiration strikes—but scheduling them to send during working hours.
Build Your Board – Create a personal board of directors: people you trust who offer honest, thoughtful guidance during professional challenges.

About the Guest:
Dr. Resa Lewiss is a board-certified emergency physician, professor of emergency medicine, and a pioneer in point-of-care ultrasound. A graduate of Brown University and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, she has trained and taught at top institutions including Harvard and Mount Sinai. She is the co-author of MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact, a guide to practical workplace strategies that address conflict, leadership, and psychological safety. A frequent keynote speaker and advocate for equity in medicine, Dr. Lewiss uses storytelling and strategy to empower healthcare professionals at every level.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resaelewissmd/

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

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5 - How to Handle Conflict in Advocacy with Dr. Nicole Carter

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Nicole Carter, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Dr. Lee Sharma interviews Dr. Nicole Carter who has made advocacy a core part of her medical career. Dr. Carter reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic pushed her to fill an information void in her community, offering clear, compassionate, and science-based updates that blended her expertise as a physician with her roles as a mother and daughter.

Beyond the pandemic, Dr. Carter discusses her continued advocacy through organizations such as the Georgia Chapter of the AAP Legislative Committee, gun control advocacy groups, and her local Indivisible chapter. She shares her experiences speaking at town halls, engaging in public health discussions, and mobilizing community efforts ranging from legislative town halls to food drives. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Carter emphasizes the importance of inner support circles, the value of humility in medical practice, and the need for physicians to step out of their comfort zones to protect patients and democracy.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Build Your Support Network – Develop an inner circle or personal board of directors to provide emotional support, honest feedback, and encouragement as you engage in advocacy.
Start Where You Are – Join local or state advocacy organizations that align with your professional values, allowing you to amplify your voice while connecting with like-minded peers.
Embrace Humility – Approach patient conversations and advocacy with openness and willingness to say, "I don’t know, but I will find out," which builds trust and fosters productive dialogue.

About the Show:

Behind every procedure, every patient encounter, lies an untold story of conflict and negotiation. Scalpel and Sword, hosted by Dr. Lee Sharma—physician, mediator, and guide—invites listeners into the unseen battles and breakthroughs of modern medicine. With real conversations, human stories, and practical tools, this podcast empowers physicians to reclaim their voices, sharpen their skills, and wield their healing power with both precision and purpose.

About the Guest:

Dr. Nicole Carter is a board-certified pediatrician practicing in LaGrange, Georgia with WellStar Medical Group. Originally from Michigan, she completed her undergraduate studies at Albion College, attended medical school at Northwestern University, and completed her pediatrics residency at Duke University. Over the past 20 years, she has built her career while also raising her family in the Auburn, Alabama area.

In addition to providing compassionate care to her young patients, Dr. Carter has become a passionate advocate on public health, pediatric safety, women's health, gun control legislation, and voting rights. She actively participates in advocacy organizations including the Georgia AAP Legislative Committee, gun control initiatives, and her local Indivisible chapter. Dr. Carter blends her medical expertise with personal experience, community leadership, and an unwavering commitment to advocate for policies that safeguard children and families.

About the Host:

Dr. Lee Sharma – A gynecologist in Auburn, AL, with a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution and over 30 years of experience in the medical field.. She graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1993. A physician passionate about helping colleagues address conflicts and thrive in medicine through practical strategies and open conversations.

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma: Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com Website: https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/provider/lee-sharma-md-obstetrics

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4 - First Job, First Negotiation: Lessons from a Rural Family Doc

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Anesia Allen, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 9 Jun 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Stepping into practice as a young physician can be daunting, especially when it comes to negotiating contracts and building a team in a rural setting. In this episode, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Dr. Anesia Allen, to discuss how she navigated these challenges with confidence and clarity. Dr. Allen shares her journey of negotiating her first contract, securing key terms like protected time off, and ensuring her team aligned with the community’s needs.
From working with a medical contract attorney to drawing on mentorship and her experiences as an Auburn cheerleader, she offers practical strategies for young physicians to advocate for themselves and their patients. This episode is essential listening for medical students, residents, and early-career physicians looking to establish their practice with purpose.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Seek Expert Guidance – Hire a medical contract attorney to review your contract and learn what to look for, ensuring terms like salary and hours align with market standards.
Define Your Non-Negotiables – Clearly outline must-haves, like protected days off or team composition, before entering negotiations to maintain work-life balance and patient care quality.
Take Time to Reflect – If possible, take a break after residency to research opportunities and clarify your goals, allowing you to negotiate from a place of confidence and clarity.

About the Show:
Behind every procedure, every patient encounter, lies an untold story of conflict and negotiation. Scalpel and Sword, hosted by Dr. Lee Sharma—physician, mediator, and guide—invites listeners into the unseen battles and breakthroughs of modern medicine. With real conversations, human stories, and practical tools, this podcast empowers physicians to reclaim their voices, sharpen their skills, and wield their healing power with both precision and purpose.

About the Guest:
Dr. Anesia Allen is a family medicine physician practicing at a medical and dental clinic in Lynette, Alabama, a rural community where she serves as a primary care provider. A graduate of Auburn University, where she was a cheerleader, and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, she completed her family medicine residency at Cahaba Heights in Birmingham, Alabama. During her internship, she received a scholarship from the Board of Medical Examiners for a rural health program, reflecting her commitment to underserved areas. Dr. Allen’s early career has been marked by her ability to negotiate confidently, drawing on mentorship from Dr. Lee Sharma and lessons from her cheerleading experience, where she learned perseverance and teamwork after not making the team on her first try. Passionate about community-focused care, she actively builds teams that connect with local patients and mentors peers navigating contract negotiations.

Website: https://www.medifind.com/doctors/anesia-g-allen/257401986
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/anesia-allen-b25096287

About the Host:
Dr. Lee Sharma – A gynecologist in Auburn, AL, with a master’s degree in conflict resolution and over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1993. A physician passionate about helping colleagues address conflicts and thrive in medicine through practical strategies and open conversations.
Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:

Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com

Website: https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/provider/lee-sharma-md-obstetrics

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3 - Navigating the Wards: A Med Student’s View

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Natalie Simpkins, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 2 Jun 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Starting third-year medical school is like stepping into a firestorm—new challenges, high stakes, and constant conflict. In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma talks with Dr. Natalie Simpkins about her journey through medical school and the conflicts she faced on the wards. Natalie shares candid insights on navigating patient care, collaborating with peers, and managing the hierarchy of specialties like surgery and OB-GYN. From dealing with “gunners” to learning not to take rapid-fire interactions personally, Natalie’s story is a must-listen for aspiring physicians and anyone curious about the human side of medical training.

Three Actionable Takeaways

Embrace the Sandbox Mindset – Approach third-year challenges as a chance to explore and learn. Ask, “What am I missing?” to avoid anchoring to a single diagnosis and keep the big picture in focus.
Don’t Take It Personally – In high-pressure specialties like surgery or OB-GYN, rapid communication isn’t about you—it’s about getting the job done. Focus on the patient to stay grounded.
Build Your Tribe – Seek mentors, especially those who share your identity (e.g., women in medicine), to create a supportive community that fuels resilience and growth.

About the Show:

About the Guest:

Natalie Simpkins : A senior medical student at the University of South Alabama School of Medicine, set to begin her primary care residency at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. A graduate of the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Natalie has a diverse background as a patient care tech, athletic trainer, and marching band trumpeter. Mentored by strong female physicians, she’s a trailblazer for women in medicine, building a career rooted in patient-first care and community support.
Website: http://medschoolwatercooler.blogspot.com/2022/11/meet-med-student-natalie-simpkins.html?m=1
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/natalie-simpkins-5b637914a

About the Host:
Dr. Lee Sharma – A gynecologist in Auburn, AL with a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution, and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1993. A physician passionate about helping colleagues address conflicts and thrive in medicine through practical strategies and open conversations.
Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:

Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com

Website: https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/provider/lee-sharma-md-obstetrics

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2 - Know Your Numbers in a Contract Negotiation with Dr. Mona Bakshi-Kamath

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Mona Kamath, Dr. Lee Sharma) — Mon, 26 May 2025 04:18:39 +0000

Navigating the business side of medicine can be daunting, especially for women physicians who often face unique challenges in negotiation. In this episode, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Mona Bakshi-Kamath, to discuss how she mastered the art of negotiation to secure fair reimbursement and create a patient-centered practice.

Dr. Kamath shares her journey of diving deep into billing and reimbursement, advocating for equitable pay, and restructuring her schedule to prioritize both patient care and personal well-being. From leveraging data to negotiate with hospital administrators to setting boundaries that enhance quality of life, her insights are a roadmap for physicians looking to thrive in today’s healthcare landscape. This episode is a must-listen for medical students, residents, and practicing physicians seeking to advocate for themselves and their patients.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Do Your Homework – Research reimbursement rates and RVU calculations for your state and specialty before negotiating contracts to ensure fair pay. Compare with colleagues in similar roles to strengthen your case.
Prioritize Patient Care in Negotiations – Frame your requests around improving patient outcomes, like reducing hospital readmissions, to align with hospital goals and make your case compelling.
Set Clear Boundaries – Define your minimum and maximum workload to achieve work-life balance. Visualize your ideal day to ensure contracts support both professional and personal goals.

About the Guest:

Dr. Mona Kamath is a family medicine physician at East Alabama Medical Center in Valley, Alabama. With a background in Locum Tenens and experience at West Point Military Academy, she brings a wealth of knowledge in primary care and reimbursement strategies. Inspired by her father’s lessons in negotiation, Dr. Kamath is passionate about mentoring women physicians to advocate for fair pay and balanced lives.

Website: https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/provider/mona-bakshi-kamath-m-d-internal-medicine

About the Host:
Dr. Lee Sharma – An obstetrician in Auburn, AL with a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution, and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1993. A physician passionate about helping colleagues address conflicts and thrive in medicine through practical strategies and open conversations.
Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:

Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com

Website: https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/provider/lee-sharma-md-obstetrics

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1 - Balancing Professional Demands and Personal Well-Being

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Dr. Lee Sharma, Dr. Meshia Wallace) — Mon, 19 May 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma, sits down with Dr. Meshia Wallace, to share her journey from nursing to pulmonary and critical care, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries to protect both her professional calling and personal passions, like fashion. From navigating the intense demands of 2020 to mentoring female residents to find their voice, Dr. Wallace offers practical advice for physicians—especially women—on prioritizing self-care and establishing boundaries to sustain a fulfilling career. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to balance medicine’s demands with personal growth.

Biggest Takeaways:

Prioritize Your Calling – Identify your top priority (e.g., medicine) and structure boundaries around it to ensure other pursuits, like content creation, complement rather than compete with it.
Practice Setting Boundaries – Start with small boundaries in low-stakes situations, like saying no to extra hours, and build confidence to enforce them in bigger contexts, drawing inspiration from mentors or peers.
Schedule Self-Reflection – Reassess priorities and boundaries annually (e.g., every January) to align your professional and personal life with your evolving goals, ensuring time for rest and rejuvenation.

About the Guest:
Dr. Meshia Wallace is a pulmonary and critical care physician at East Alabama Health in Opelika, Alabama, where she serves as director of pulmonary medicine and mentors residents—earning the title of favorite instructor.

An international medical graduate from Ross University, Dr. Wallace also has a background in nursing and deep cultural roots in Jamaica and Brooklyn. Known online as The Style MD, she blends her love for fashion and medicine, creating content that inspires and empowers since 2020.

Connect with Dr. Wallace:
📺 YouTube: @the_stylemd
🎵 TikTok: @the_stylemd
📸 Instagram: @the_stylemd

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:

Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com

Website: www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/scalpelandsword

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0 - Before the First Cut— An Invitation

scalpelandsword@gmail.com (Doctor Podcast Network, Lee Sharma MD) — Wed, 7 May 2025 17:54:03 +0000

Behind every white coat is a battlefield of values, emotions, and unspoken tension. In this special teaser episode, Dr. Lee Sharma shares a glimpse of what’s to come: real conversations about conflict, burnout, boundary-setting, and negotiating a better life inside modern medicine.
On Scalpel and Sword, we’ll walk together into the places we were taught to ignore—the silent struggles, the private battles—and find new tools to face them.

The journey begins May 19th. Subscribe today and be part of the first wave of voices rewriting what it means to practice—and to live—as a physician.

Host Bio:

Dr. Lee Sharma is a gynecologist in private practice in Auburn, Alabama. She holds a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution. Dr. Sharma has worked for over thirty years as an advocate for patients and clinicians through local, state, and national medical organizations. Her husband, also a physician, and children, chemical engineer/bartender and third-year law student, have been her greatest sources of support. Dr. Sharma continues her work in health policy, health equity, advocacy and conflict management and is passionate in her pursuit of peace, equity, and quality for her patients, colleagues, and the entire house of medicine.

Let’s Connect:

🌎 Connect With Me on LinkedIn

Want to Share Your Story?

Your experience matters. We’d love to hear how you’ve navigated the conflicts of medicine. Reach out to join a future episode: scalpelandsword@gmail.com

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