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

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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:

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. 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

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: [e-mail]
  🌐 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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