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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.

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:

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.

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)

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.

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

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

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

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

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

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. 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

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

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. 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

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

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. 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

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.

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

1. 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.
2. 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

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.