Scalpel and Sword: Conflict and Negotiation in Modern Medicine

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.

Scalpel and Sword: Conflict and Negotiation in Modern Medicine is a education podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 0 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Scalpel and Sword: Conflict and Negotiation in Modern Medicine, a education show with 0 episodes published.

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  Episode #66

  Ep66 | Holding the Calm with Hesha Abrams

  Aug 17, 202649 min

  What if the key to resolving conflict wasn’t winning, but learning how to hold the calm? In this engaging conversation, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Hesha Abrams, a master mediator who has resolved thousands of high-stakes disputes, from corporate battles involving Google, Amazon, and Apple to the secret recipe for Pepsi. Drawing on decades of experience and her book Holding the Calm , Hesha shares why most of us in healthcare tend to avoid or accommodate conflict, how the amygdala hijacks even the smartest professionals, and why so many conflicts boil down to a simple dynamic: people trying not to lose rather than trying to win. Together they unpack practical, immediately usable tools: the power of asking questions instead of making statements, the four-step VUCS method (Validate, Understand, Clarify, Summarize), the surprisingly effective technique of simply naming an emotion, and the disarming sentence stems that can shift even the most difficult people. Hesha also explores how holding the calm is contagious, why a few seconds of genuine curiosity can prevent years of fallout, and how laughter, awe, and a little “bacitracin on the railroad tracks of life” make the whole process sustainable. This episode offers clinicians concrete skills they can use on their next shift, whether with a frustrated patient, a stressed colleague, or a high-ego administrator, and a powerful reminder that becoming better at conflict is one of the most practical acts of self-preservation and leadership available. Three Actionable Takeaways: Shift from “winning” to “not losing”: Most conflict is driven by fear of looking bad, making a mistake, or being forced into something. Recognizing that the other person is primarily trying not to lose lowers the temperature and opens new options for resolution. Ask questions and name the emotion: When the amygdala is triggered, statements escalate; questions and simple emotion-naming (“You seem really frustrated”) calm it. These two moves take seconds and often change the entire dynamic. Practice holding the calm as a skill, not a personality trait: Like flossing or putting bacitracin on a wound, small consistent practices like curiosity, validation, looking for the miraculous, compound. The result is fewer conflicts, stronger relationships, and less emotional residue at the end of the day. 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: Hesha Abrams is a master mediator renowned for turning high-conflict situations into amicable resolutions. She has mediated thousands of complex matters for major corporations and high-stakes parties, including the dispute over the secret recipe for Pepsi. She is the principal of Hesha Abrams Mediation and the author of Holding the Calm . Learn more at holdingthecalm.com and heshaabramsmediation.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.

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  Episode #65

  Ep65 | The "Invisible Hand" Series - The Effect of Medical Malpractice on Health Care with Dr. Stephen Cohen | Part 2

  Aug 10, 202632 min

  This episode is sponsored by Gelt: The tech enabled tax firm for independent physicians. Independent physicians face unique tax challenges that employed doctors don't. Multiple income streams, practice ownership, contract work, traditional CPAs aren't built for this complexity. Gelt is. Year-round strategy, optimization and compliance for physicians who chose independence over institution. Let Gelt handle your tax strategy, so you can focus more on your practice. Take control of your tax strategy: www.joingelt.com/collaboration/scalpel-and-sword -------------------------------- Medical malpractice doesn't simply influence what happens after a lawsuit. It quietly shapes countless clinical decisions long before patients ever enter a courtroom. In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes back Dr. Stephen Cohen to examine how physicians can practice confidently while navigating an increasingly complex legal environment. Building on Part 1, Dr. Cohen explains why accountability ultimately rests with the treating physician, even when clinical decisions rely on imaging, consultations, or specialist recommendations. He emphasizes the importance of verifying information, integrating clinical judgment with diagnostic findings, and teaching future physicians to think critically rather than relying solely on reports. The discussion expands into the changing landscape of medical education, including resident work-hour restrictions, reduced clinical exposure, and the growing importance of mentorship. Dr. Cohen shares why preparing safe, independent physicians requires more than technical excellence; it demands strong communication, careful documentation, thoughtful clinical reasoning, and the willingness to ask for help when needed. The conversation also explores one of medicine's greatest challenges: preserving trust between physicians and patients. Dr. Cohen explains why poor communication, not poor medicine, is often what drives litigation, and how empathy, transparency, and family engagement can dramatically strengthen the physician-patient relationship even when outcomes are unfavorable. This concluding episode offers an optimistic vision for the future—one where education, communication, accountability, and compassion become the strongest tools physicians possess. Episode Mentioned: Episode 51 - The Invisible Hands on the Scalpel Episode 64 - The "Invisible Hand" Series - The Effect of Medical Malpractice on Health Care with Dr. Stephen Cohen | Part 1 Three Actionable Takeaways Trust your team, but always verify critical information: Radiology reports, consultant recommendations, and diagnostic tests are valuable tools, but physicians remain responsible for the final clinical decision. Combining objective data with clinical judgment leads to safer patient care. Communication is one of medicine's strongest forms of risk prevention: Keeping patients and families informed, documenting clinical reasoning, and maintaining open dialogue during difficult situations builds trust that often outlasts unexpected outcomes. Great physicians never stop teaching, or learning: Mentorship, thoughtful education, and continuous reflection help create safer clinicians while strengthening the future of healthcare. Every interaction with students, residents, and colleagues is an opportunity to improve medicine. 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. Steven M. Cohen, MD, MBA, is Chief of General Surgery at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, and serves on the faculty of Virginia Commonwealth University. A nationally recognized colorectal surgeon, educator, and expert witness, Dr. Cohen has spent more than 30 years practicing surgery while also consulting on both plaintiff and defense medical malpractice cases. Through his educational work and public speaking, he advocates for better physician education, improved documentation, patient safety, and open conversations about the realities of medical litigation. LinkedIn: Dr. Steven M. Cohen, MD, MBA 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.

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  Episode #64

  Ep64 | The "Invisible Hand" Series - The Effect of Medical Malpractice on Health Care with Dr. Stephen Cohen | Part 1

  Aug 3, 202635 min

  This episode is sponsored by Gelt: The tech enabled tax firm for independent physicians. Independent physicians face unique tax challenges that employed doctors don't. Multiple income streams, practice ownership, contract work, traditional CPAs aren't built for this complexity. Gelt is. Year-round strategy, optimization and compliance for physicians who chose independence over institution. Let Gelt handle your tax strategy, so you can focus more on your practice. Take control of your tax strategy: joingelt.com . ------------------------------------------------------------------- Medical malpractice is often viewed as something that happens only inside a courtroom. But for physicians, its influence begins long before a lawsuit is ever filed. In Part 1 of this conversation, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes back Dr. Stephen Cohen to explore how the fear and reality of litigation quietly shape the practice of medicine. Drawing from more than three decades of surgical experience, including serving as both plaintiff and defense expert witness and personally navigating multiple malpractice lawsuits. Dr. Cohen offers an honest look at the emotional, professional, and systemic consequences physicians rarely discuss. Together, they unpack how malpractice changes clinical decision-making, encourages defensive medicine, influences documentation, and affects physician confidence. Dr. Cohen explains why bad outcomes do not necessarily mean negligence, why hindsight bias distorts malpractice cases, and how litigation often leaves physicians carrying unnecessary shame despite practicing within the standard of care. The conversation also explores how the legal environment has improved certain aspects of healthcare. From stronger documentation practices and shared decision-making to informed consent and surgical safety checklists, Dr. Cohen explains how many of today's patient safety standards were accelerated by lessons learned through litigation. This episode is an insightful examination of one of medicine's most influential, but least understood, forces, offering practical wisdom for physicians at every stage of their careers. Episode Mentioned: Episode 51 - The Invisible Hands on the Scalpel Three Actionable Takeaways: Bad outcomes are not the same as malpractice: Complications and unexpected outcomes occur even when physicians meet the highest standard of care. Understanding this distinction helps reduce unnecessary shame while promoting objective clinical reflection and continuous improvement. Excellent documentation is one of a physician's greatest protections: Thoughtful documentation demonstrates clinical reasoning, informed consent, differential diagnosis, and shared decision-making. Good records protect both patients and physicians while improving continuity of care. Education creates safer physicians:Teaching residents and medical students how to think critically, communicate clearly, document thoroughly, and embrace surgical safety practices prepares them to become confident, independent clinicians capable of delivering better patient care. 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. Stephen M. Cohen, MD, MBA, is Chief of General Surgery at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, and serves on the faculty of Virginia Commonwealth University. A nationally recognized colorectal surgeon, educator, and expert witness, Dr. Cohen has spent more than 30 years practicing surgery while also consulting on both plaintiff and defense medical malpractice cases. Through his educational work and public speaking, he advocates for better physician education, improved documentation, patient safety, and open conversations about the realities of medical litigation. LinkedIn: Dr. Stephen M. Cohen, MD, MBA 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.

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  Episode #63

  Ep63 | Beyond 'Suck It Up, Buttercup': Reclaiming the Soul of Medicine with Dr. Todd Otten

  Jul 27, 202643 min

  This episode is sponsored by Gelt: The tech enabled tax firm for independent physicians. Independent physicians face unique tax challenges that employed doctors don't. Multiple income streams, practice ownership, contract work, traditional CPAs aren't built for this complexity. Gelt is. Year-round strategy, optimization and compliance for physicians who chose independence over institution. Let Gelt handle your tax strategy, so you can focus more on your practice. Take control of your tax strategy: joingelt.com . Physicians are burning out. Patients are frustrated. The system feels broken. But what if storytelling could bridge the divide? In this heartfelt episode of the Scalpel and Sword Podcast, Dr. Lee Sharma speaks with Dr. Todd Otten. Todd shares how personal experiences with burnout, colleague suicides, and daily frustrations in fee-for-service medicine led him to create a film that humanizes physicians while shining a light on systemic failures. They explore the importance of patient-physician connection, the courage required to be vulnerable, the ripple effect of small actions, and how creativity and advocacy can drive meaningful healthcare change. They talked about a teenage boy who spearheaded an effort to honor USS Indianapolis survivors. Hunter Scott, a 6th-grader, led a project to exonerate Captain Charles McVay III, who was court-martialed after the ship's tragic sinking in 1945. His efforts led to a Congressional resolution clearing McVay's name. Full details in the link below: https://www.google.com/search?q=teenage+boy+who+spearheaded+effort+to+Honor+uss+Indianapolis+survivors&oq=teenage+boy+who+spearheaded+effort+to+Honor+uss+Indianapolis+survivors+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCTMzNzkyajBqOagCDrACAfEFtnOMY8RxS0E&client=ms-android-verizon-us-rvc3&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#lfId=ChxjMe Three Actionable Takeaways: Humanize the Experience: Share your real struggles as a clinician; not to complain, but to build connection. Patients want to see physicians as humans, not superheroes. That vulnerability strengthens relationships and encourages patients to become allies in reform. Use Creativity as a Tool for Change: Whether through film, writing, art, or other outlets, expressing your experiences creatively can process trauma, inspire others, and open doors for advocacy. Todd turned pain into a documentary that is already moving people to action. Focus on Time, Talent, and Treasure: Everyone can contribute to healthcare improvement. Donate time (volunteer), talent (create or advocate), or treasure (support organizations). Small, consistent actions from millions of people create a tsunami of change. 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. Todd Otten is a family physician who trained at Wayne State University and completed residency in St. John. A Navy veteran, he serves as the lead catalyst and chair of Medicine Forward. He is the executive producer of the documentary Suck It Up Buttercup: Trust and Betrayal, Healthcare in America , using film to humanize physicians and advocate for systemic change. He is also the author of Ripple of Change . Learn more and watch the film: suckitupbuttercupfilm.com Connect via LinkedIn: Dr. Todd R. Otten 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.

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  Episode #62

  Ep62 | True Crime Crossover: Rachel Nickell and Anchoring Bias with Heather Packer

  Jul 20, 202640 min

  This episode is sponsored by Gelt: The tech enabled tax firm for independent physicians. Independent physicians face unique tax challenges that employed doctors don't. Multiple income streams, practice ownership, contract work, traditional CPAs aren't built for this complexity. Gelt is. Year-round strategy, optimization and compliance for physicians who chose independence over institution. Let Gelt handle your tax strategy, so you can focus more on your practice. Take control of your tax strategy: joingelt.com . Anchoring bias, latching onto the first story and ignoring everything that doesn’t fit, doesn’t just cause diagnostic errors. It can destroy lives. In this gripping bonus/true crime crossover episode of the Scalpel and Sword Podcast, Dr. Lee Sharma and Heather Packer revisit the tragic 1992 murder of Rachel Nickell on Wimbledon Common. What began as a high-pressure investigation quickly became a textbook case of anchoring: police fixated on Colin Stagg, used questionable tactics to “prove” his guilt, and ignored clear evidence pointing to the real killer, Robert Napper. They explore how the same cognitive trap operates in clinical reasoning, workplace conflict, and everyday assumptions — and how curiosity, humility, and the SPARK framework can help us break free. Three Actionable Takeaways: Recognize When You’re Anchoring: The moment you think “This is obviously the diagnosis / this person is the problem,” pause. Ask: “What evidence supports this? What contradicts it? What else could explain this?” Actively Seek Disconfirming Evidence: Force yourself (or your team) to look for information that challenges your initial theory. In medicine, always consider the “can’t-miss” diagnosis. In conflict or investigations, ask “What if we’re wrong?” Cultivate Curiosity and Humility: Stay open to being surprised. The best diagnosticians, investigators, and conflict navigators hold their first story lightly and remain willing to revise it when new evidence emerges. 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: Heather Packer is a longtime nurse, graduate of Auburn University with a degree in criminal justice, and beloved team member at Gynecology and Wellness. She is Dr. Sharma’s favorite true crime discussion partner and brings both clinical insight and a passion for justice to these conversations. 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.

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