What if the real reason negotiation feels heavy for physicians isn’t the topic itself, but that we were never trained for it, and we’ve been taught to villainize instead of understand? In this episode of Better Physician Life, Dr. Michael Hersh sits down with Dr. Lee Sharma, a practicing OB/GYN with nearly 30 years in private practice and a Master’s in Conflict Resolution. Together, they unpack why doctors are comfortable with life-and-death decisions but freeze when negotiating contracts, protected time, or boundaries. Dr. Sharma explains the destructive role of villainization, how we create stories with heroes and villains that shut down curiosity, damage relationships, and block real solutions. They discuss practical mindset shifts: moving from “winning versus losing” to alignment, replacing compromise with shared goals, and getting crystal clear on what you actually want in your professional and personal life beyond just money and call. This conversation is essential for any physician who has ever felt uncomfortable asking for what they need or who has walked away from a negotiation feeling drained rather than empowered. Top 3 Takeaways: Villainization Kills Curiosity and Collaboration: When we turn people or systems into villains, we stop asking questions and start confirming our own story. This creates shame, blame, and broken relationships. Instead, look for common ground, even if it's just one small thing you share, to shift from enemy to collaborator. Negotiation is a Skill, Not a Personality Trait: Physicians are trained to advocate fiercely for patients but often feel guilty or uncomfortable advocating for themselves. Clarify exactly what you want. Not just “more money” or “better call”, including schedule details, support staff, technology, and daily workflow so you can negotiate with confidence and alignment. Move from Compromise to Alignment: Compromise often feels like a loss for everyone. Start negotiations from shared goals and alignment instead. This builds trust, fosters better long-term relationships, and helps create a practice and life that actually feel good at the end of the day. About the Show: Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention. About the Guest: Dr. Lee Sharma is a practicing gynecologist with nearly 30 years of experience in private practice in Alabama. She completed her OB/GYN training at UT Southwestern and holds a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution. Dr. Sharma specializes in conflict analysis, negotiation, and the development of healthier healthcare systems. She works with individual physicians, physician groups, hospitals, and healthcare organizations to improve how they navigate difficult conversations, contracts, peer review, and workplace conflict. She is also the host of the Scalpel and Sword Podcast, where she explores conflict and negotiation in modern medicine. Dr. Sharma is passionate about teaching physicians practical skills to advocate for themselves and their boundaries with confidence. 🔗 Connect with Dr. R. Lee Sharma: 🌐 Website: https://rleesharma.com 🎙️ Podcast: Scalpel and Sword: Conflict and Negotiation in Modern Medicine About the Host: Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work. His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love. Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh: 🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md 📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife 📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching 📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife If you find yourself walking through the door still stuck in work mode, check out the 5-Minute Commute Reset for Physicians. Work doesn’t end on its own. This is a short, structured reset you can use on the drive home to shut down work-mode, clear your head, and show up more present for whatever comes next. You can download it for free at: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/commute-reset The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
