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 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:

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:

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

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.

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

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 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:

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:

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

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.

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

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 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:

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. 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

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.

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

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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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:

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 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.

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

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.

____________________________________________________________________

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:

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

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

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.

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