Scalpel and Sword: Conflict and Negotiation in Modern Medicine
Doctor Podcast Network, Lee Sharma MD
34 episodes
19 hours ago
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.
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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.
Host Dr. Lee Sharma sits with Dr. Jillian Ploof to discuss the devastating impact of gun violence on children. From her experiences as a pediatric neurosurgeon treating gunshot victims to advocating for policy changes in Louisiana, Dr. Ploof shares why secure storage laws are crucial, the emotional toll on families and providers, and how physicians can drive change without infringing on rights.
In this heartfelt episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma talks with Jodie Green, as she shares her personal journey as a lifelong caregiver, why burnout is a four-legged stool (mental, emotional, physical, financial), the difference between burnout and moral injury, and how her foundation provides frictionless, free support like Uber rides, meals, and peer connections to lift clinicians before they sink.
In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma chats with Jonathan Spitz, about demystifying private real estate investing for busy physicians. Learn why long-term clarity creates power, how to spot red flags in managers, and why alignment like putting 20% of their own capital in every deal, makes Lightstone a game-changer for tax-efficient growth and passive income.
In this episode of Scalpel and Sword Podcast, Dr. Lee Sharma, welcomes Tevor Allen as he reveals how his EMS boots-on-the-ground experience became his superpower in law, why “if it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen” still haunts cases, and how the same micro-mediations he ran in nursing homes now help him read judges in appellate arguments. A must-listen for any physician who’s ever worried about a chart note could end up on a projector in court.
In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Asha Padmanabhan, a soft-spoken anesthesiologist, private-practice chief, past president of the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists as she shares how she never planned to lead until she had to. Now she coaches women physicians on how to drop conflict avoidance, silence imposter thoughts, and lead authentically without becoming someone they’re not.
In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma interviews Dr. Joseph Losee, a leader in academic medicine who wears many hats: pediatric plastic surgeon, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, co-chair of UPMC’s Physician Wellness Initiative, and founder of Clarity Med Strategies. Dr. Joseph Losee reveals how coaching, mediation, and self-awareness save careers, prevent burnout, and transform healthcare culture.
Join Dr. Lee Sharma on Scalpel and Sword Podcast as she speaks with Dr. Tracy MacIntosh, emergency medicine leader and advocate for belonging. Learn practical, non-confrontational ways to address bias from patients and colleagues, protect learner well-being, and build psychologically safe teams that keep physicians in medicine.
Host Dr. Lee Sharma uses one apple to unpack interest, identity, and worldview conflicts. In this solo episode, learn to spot cues, stay on-topic, and resolve disputes—whether it’s call schedules, patient refusals, or partnership equity—before relationships crack.
Join host Dr. Lee Sharma and physician coach Dr. Anne Hirsch on The Scalpel and Sword Podcast as they explore how communication breakdowns fuel burnout and conflict in medicine. Learn practical tools to recognize triggers, pause before reacting, and transform interactions with colleagues, patients, and family for a more balanced life.
Join Dr. Lee Sharma on Scalpel and Sword Podcast as she chats with Pooie Cantrell, RN about bringing joy to high-stakes medical settings. Discover how Pooie’s positivity, teamwork, and fearless approach to conflict resolution transformed patient care and why younger physicians are embracing a collaborative mindset.
In this powerful episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Kim Downey, founder of Stand Up for Doctors, physical therapist, three-time cancer survivor, and advocate for physician well-being. Kim shares her personal story of loss, resilience, and purpose after the tragic death of her radiologist—transforming her grief into a global movement to support doctors. Together, they explore how compassion, trauma awareness, and community can heal both physicians and patients.
In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma interviews Dr. Michael Hersh, a gastroenterologist and physician coach. Michael shares his journey from burnout and a medical malpractice lawsuit to finding purpose through coaching, helping physicians break free from feeling trapped in medicine while fostering systemic change through vulnerability and teamwork.
Join host Dr. Lee Sharma and guest Kimberly Best, RN, MA, on Scalpel and Sword as they explore how conflict can transform healthcare. Kimberly, a seasoned mediator and founder of Best Conflict Solutions, shares how embracing conflict as a normal part of human interaction can improve patient care, reduce burnout, and foster healthier workplace cultures.
Join host Dr. Lee Sharma and guest Kenny Cox, as they explore parallels between managing a bar and navigating conflicts in medicine. Learn how empathy, creativity, and understanding hierarchies can improve workplace dynamics and relationships in high-pressure environments.
Join host Dr. Lee Sharma and guest Dr. William Cooper as they discuss healthcare incivility, professionalism's impact on patient safety, and effective intervention strategies. Learn how a small percentage of clinicians drive major issues and how peer feedback can foster positive change.
Join host Dr. Lee Sharma as she continues her two-part interview with Dr. Allan Detsky, to explore the power of storytelling in medicine. They discuss how narratives foster trust, shift focus from rigid positions to shared interests, and help clinicians navigate uncertainty. Dr. Detsky shares insights from teaching medical students and residents to use observation and creative listening, drawing from his unique experiences in both medicine and the arts.
Host Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Dr. Allan Detsky, to explore how storytelling transforms medical practice. From his journey as a clinician-scientist to teaching narrative medicine at the University of Toronto, Dr. Detsky shares powerful stories, including connecting with a dying patient through hockey, and discusses fostering vulnerability and observation in clinicians.
Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Kyle Claussen, to unpack the art and science of physician contract negotiation. With 15 years of expertise and endorsements from over 50 state medical societies, Kyle shares actionable strategies for securing fair compensation, capping call duties, and aligning contracts with personal priorities. Learn how to navigate complex employment agreements, overcome conflict avoidance, and leverage market data to build a fulfilling, balanced medical career.
Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Dr. Gita Pensa to discuss the emotional toll of medical malpractice litigation on physicians. Drawing from her own 12-year legal battle, Dr. Pensa shares insights on managing fear, shame, and uncertainty. Learn practical strategies for navigating litigation stress, fostering self-compassion, and advocating for systemic change to support healthcare professionals.
Dr. Stephanie Byerly, joins Dr. Lee Sharma to explore how trauma shapes healthcare professionals and systems. Learn how trauma-informed coaching fosters self-compassion and psychological safety, empowering clinicians to navigate burnout and conflict. Discover practical tools to drive cultural change in healthcare organizations, transforming trauma into healing and resilience from within.
Scalpel and Sword: Conflict and Negotiation in Modern Medicine
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.