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.

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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.

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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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.