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

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:

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: [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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