Scalpel and Sword: Conflict and Negotiation in Modern Medicine

Doctor Podcast Network, Lee Sharma MD
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 4d ago

    Ep61 | The First Story Wins: Anchoring Bias in Diagnosis, Conflict and Clinical Leadership

    💰  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. ---------------------------------------------------- We all do it! form a quick impression and then see only what confirms it. In medicine, that first story can close off life-saving alternatives. In conflict, it can turn a colleague into “the problem.” In this thoughtful solo episode of the Scalpel and Sword Podcast, Dr. Lee Sharma unpacks Anchoring Bias:  one of the most powerful and dangerous cognitive traps in healthcare. Drawing from Kahneman and Tversky’s work, real clinical examples, and everyday workplace dynamics, she shows how anchoring leads to premature closure in diagnosis, fuels misunderstandings between team members, and keeps us stuck in unhelpful stories. She also shares how the SPARK framework (Stop, Pause, Ask, Reflect & Respond, Create) helps interrupt anchoring and opens the door to better outcomes, for patients and for teams. Three Actionable Takeaways: Recognize the Anchor Early: The moment you think “This is obviously anxiety, reflux, or this nurse is difficult,” pause. Ask yourself: “What evidence supports this? What evidence contradicts it? What else could explain this?” Use the “What Else Could This Be?” Question: In clinical reasoning, always consider the can’t-miss diagnosis. In conflict, ask “What other explanation might exist for this behavior?” This simple question broadens your differential and reduces premature closure. Apply SPARK to Interrupt Bias: Stop and create cognitive distance. Pause to notice your certainty. Ask without assuming. Reflect on alternative stories. Create space for a new, more accurate narrative. Curiosity is the antidote to anchoring. 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.

    Ep61 | The First Story Wins: Anchoring Bias in Diagnosis, Conflict and Clinical Leadership

  2. Jul 6

    Ep60 | The Distance Between Us: Conflict, Culture, and the Rise of the Remote Healthcare Team | Chris McShanag

    💰  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. ------------------------------------------------- What if you could reclaim hours every week, reduce administrative burden, and focus more on patients, without the long hiring cycles and high costs of traditional staffing? In this practical and inspiring episode of the Scalpel and Sword Podcast, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Chris McShanag, as they explore how global remote teams (many with nursing backgrounds) are transforming healthcare practices by handling insurance verification, billing, scheduling, scribing, and patient communication. Chris shares real-world strategies for overcoming physician resistance to virtual support, aligning remote teammates with practice goals, reducing conflict through clear expectations, and using technology as a productivity tool rather than a replacement for human connection. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for independent practices, small-to-medium clinics, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by the administrative load in modern healthcare. Three Actionable Takeaways: Identify Your Highest-Impact Pain Point First: Before adding virtual support, clearly define the one outcome you want most (e.g., reduce no-shows by 10%, cut denial rates, free up charting time). Laser-focus the remote teammate on that specific goal rather than giving them scattered tasks. Build Alignment and Clear Expectations Early: Use structured onboarding, shared KPIs, daily or weekly reports, and a dedicated client success manager. Treat remote teammates as true team members, not “just virtual help”,  to minimize conflict and maximize integration. Leverage Technology as a Productivity Tool, Not a Replacement: Combine AI for efficiency with human oversight and escalation. Remote nurses and professionals bring empathy, clinical understanding, and dedication that patients notice, while freeing in-office staff for higher-value patient interaction. 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: Chris McShanag is the founder and CEO of Virtual Teammate, a premier global remote staffing firm based in Glendale, Arizona. With deep experience in operations and entrepreneurship, he specializes in helping healthcare practices, businesses, and nonprofits scale efficiently by integrating trained, high-performing virtual professionals (many with nursing backgrounds) into their core teams. He is passionate about reducing physician burnout and helping independent practices thrive. 🌐 Website: virtualteammate.com 🔗 LinkedIn:  Chris McShanag 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.

    Ep60 | The Distance Between Us: Conflict, Culture, and the Rise of the Remote Healthcare Team | Chris McShanag

  3. Jun 29

    Ep59 | When Healing Hurts: Workplace Violence, Conflict, and the Future of Healthcare Safety with Scott Hutton

    💰  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. ------------------------------ We hear the stories: a surgeon shot over opioids, a nurse attacked by a patient, staff assaulted over wait times. Workplace violence in healthcare is far too common, and far too costly in human and financial terms. In this powerful episode of the Scalpel and Sword Podcast, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Scott Hutton, as they explore the root causes of affective violence from pain, fear, dementia, and loss of control, why it’s underreported, how it affects physicians and nurses differently, and why blaming patients or staff isn’t the answer. Dr. Hutton shares evidence-based insights on policy gaps, the power of positive signage and psychological safety, how leaders should respond after incidents, and why patient and staff safety are not a zero-sum game. This conversation offers hope, practical tools, and a call for real systemic change. Three Actionable Takeaways: Check for Cognitive Connection Before Entering Interactions: When approaching a patient, introduce yourself clearly and ensure they are oriented and with you. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of affective violence by confirming they are present and reducing startle responses. Leaders: Support Staff and Address Root Causes Without Blame: After an incident, ensure physical and psychological safety for staff first. Then investigate systemic factors like staffing, communication, patient needs, rather than defaulting to blame. Use trauma-informed approaches and just culture principles to rebuild trust and prevent recurrence. Shift from Negative Rules to Positive Expectations: Replace “We will not tolerate…” signs with positive messaging like “Thank you for being kind to our staff , we’re working hard for you.” This sets a higher behavioral standard and reduces stigma while maintaining safety. 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. Scott Hutton, PhD, RN, is a nurse by calling with advanced degrees in nursing and business. He earned his PhD focused on workplace violence and occupational health. He has dedicated his career to studying and preventing violence in healthcare settings, helping organizations reduce harm to staff and improve patient outcomes. LinkedIn: Scott Hutton PhD RN 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.

    Ep59 | When Healing Hurts: Workplace Violence, Conflict, and the Future of Healthcare Safety with Scott Hutton

  4. Jun 22

    Ep58 | Reclaiming Control of Financial Strategy with Rachel Richards, CPA of Gelt

    💰  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.   What if taxes didn’t have to feel like an inevitable burden, and filing season could actually be the least stressful part of your financial year?   Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Rachel Richards, to examine how high-earning physicians can fundamentally shift their worldview on taxes. Rachel shares why traditional once-a-year CPA meetings limit opportunities, how the tax code rewards structured income and smart deductions, and how Gelt combines human expertise with AI to deliver proactive, personalized tax strategies at scale. From overcoming tax anxiety and building consistent communication with your tax team to understanding W-2 versus, business versus investment income, documentation best practices, and setting clear financial goals, this conversation equips physicians with the mindset and tools to keep more of what they earn, legally and confidently. Listeners will understand the power of documentation, goal-driven tax planning, and practical ways to build an ongoing relationship with their tax team that reduces anxiety and maximizes savings, all while staying fully compliant. Three Actionable Takeaways: Make taxes a year-round conversation: Move beyond the annual filing meeting. Engage proactively with your tax professional in Q3 and Q4 to identify opportunities and implement changes before the year ends. Share your goals, not just your numbers: Clearly communicate your financial goals (retirement timeline, real estate interest, family plans, etc.) so your CPA can tailor strategies that align with what matters most to you. Document everything and take legitimate deductions: Don’t leave money on the table out of fear. If a deduction is available and properly documented with real business use, claim it. Compliance and optimization go hand in hand. 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: Rachel Richards is the Head of Product at Gelt and a CPA who leads team building and personalized, fully compliant tax strategies for high earners and business owners. A member of Kiplinger’s Advice Intel program and Gelt’s subject matter expert on tax strategy and optimization, Rachel is passionate about productizing proactive tax planning so more professionals can benefit from scalable, high-touch service. Website: joingelt.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.

    Ep58 | Reclaiming Control of Financial Strategy with Rachel Richards, CPA of Gelt

  5. Jun 15

    EP57 | The Curriculum We Never Had - Teaching Conflict Management in Medical School

    💰  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.   What if conflict resolution was taught with the same intentionality as clinical medicine? In this thoughtful conversation, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes medical students Rachel Cotter and Caroline Hawkins to discuss the often-overlooked aspects of medical training: professional identity, conflict management, feedback, emotional intelligence, and leadership. The discussion explores how modern medical education is intentionally teaching students to reflect on their values, communicate effectively, navigate difficult conversations, and build supportive professional relationships. Rachel and Caroline share their experiences learning within an environment that prioritizes feedback, psychological safety, and personal growth alongside academic excellence. Together, they examine how conflict resolution skills can improve patient care, strengthen healthcare teams, and help physicians become better leaders, colleagues, and human beings. They also reflect on the importance of emotional regulation, mentorship, and building a personal support network throughout medical training. This episode offers a refreshing glimpse into the future of medicine and the physicians who will help shape it. Three Actionable Takeaways: Professional identity is built intentionally, not accidentally: The physicians we become are shaped by the behaviors we observe, the values we choose to embrace, and the examples we decide to follow. Medical students who actively reflect on leadership, communication, and professionalism develop a stronger sense of purpose and are better equipped to navigate the challenges of healthcare.  Feedback is most powerful when it becomes part of everyday learning: A culture that normalizes constructive feedback creates safer learning environments and stronger healthcare teams. When feedback is viewed as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism, learners become more resilient, self-aware, and capable of continuous improvement throughout their careers. Emotional regulation is one of the most valuable skills in medicine: Healthcare professionals routinely work in high-stress environments where emotions can run high. Learning to pause, regulate reactions, and respond thoughtfully instead of impulsively improves teamwork, strengthens relationships, reduces conflict, and ultimately benefits both patients and providers. 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 Guests: Rachel Cotter is a medical student whose interests include leadership development, professional identity formation, and creating healthier learning environments within medicine. Caroline Hawkins is a medical student passionate about communication, emotional intelligence, and improving the educational experiences of future healthcare professionals. 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.

    EP57 | The Curriculum We Never Had - Teaching Conflict Management in Medical School

  6. Jun 8

    EP56 | The Power of Narrative with Dr. Peter Crane

    💰  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.   What if one of the most powerful tools in medicine isn't a treatment, diagnosis, or technology, but a story? In this inspiring episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Dr. Peter Crane, family physician, medical director, cancer survivor, and host of the Doctors Making a Difference podcast. After facing a life-altering diagnosis and experiencing medicine from the patient’s perspective, Dr. Crane gained a renewed appreciation for the physicians who cared for him and a deeper understanding of the impact doctors have on the lives of others. Together, they discuss how storytelling helps physicians reconnect with their purpose, process difficult experiences, and rediscover joy in practice. They explore the role of narrative medicine in reducing burnout, strengthening physician-patient relationships, improving advocacy efforts, and creating meaningful connections within healthcare. Through personal stories and practical insights, Dr. Crane demonstrates how authentic storytelling can remind physicians why they chose medicine in the first place and help leave the profession stronger for future generations. This conversation is a powerful reminder that every physician has a story worth telling, and that story may inspire healing for both the storyteller and those who listen. Three Actionable Takeaways: Your Story Matters: Physicians often underestimate the impact of their personal experiences. Sharing authentic stories helps build trust, foster connection, and inspire both colleagues and patients. Reconnect with Your Why: Burnout often grows when purpose gets buried beneath daily demands. Reflecting on why you chose medicine can restore meaning, resilience, and joy in practice. Reflection Creates Growth: Whether through journaling, audio notes, conversations, or podcasting, regularly reflecting on meaningful patient encounters helps physicians process experiences and stay grounded in their mission. 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. Peter Crane is a board-certified family physician, Medical Director of Bear Lake Family Care and OBGYN, and practicing physician at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital in Idaho. After surviving a rare solitary fibrous tumor, he developed an even deeper appreciation for the healing profession and launched the Doctors Making a Difference podcast. Through conversations with physicians across specialties, he highlights inspiring stories, practical wisdom, and the profound impact doctors have on their patients and communities. Connect with Dr. Peter Crane 🌐 Website: doctorsmakingadifference.org 🎙️ Podcast: Doctors Making a Difference 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 Tags: Narrative Medicine, Physician Storytelling, Doctor Burnout, Physician Wellness, Purpose in Medicine, Conflict Resolution, Doctors Making a Difference, Medical Leadership, Physician Resilience, Healthcare Communication Social Media Hashtags: #ScalpelAndSword #DoctorsMakingADifference #NarrativeMedicine #PhysicianWellness #DoctorBurnout #HealthcareLeadership #PhysicianResilience #MedicalStorytelling #ConflictResolution #PurposeInMedicine 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.

    EP56 | The Power of Narrative with Dr. Peter Crane

  7. Jun 1

    EP55 | The Inner Game of Conflict: Informed Amnesia, the French Open, and the Matches We Play Inside Ourselves

    💰  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.     What do elite tennis players, surgeons, leaders, and negotiators all have in common? They all perform under pressure, and their greatest challenge is often not the external opponent, but the internal narrative running beneath the surface. In this thought-provoking solo episode, Dr. Lee Sharma connects three powerful ideas: The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey, the emotional demands of the French Open, and the psychology of conflict in high-stakes environments. Dr. Sharma explores how “Self One”,  the critical, fearful inner voice  hijacks presence and escalates conflict, while “Self Two” represents instinct, flow, and natural performance. Through examples from tennis and medicine, he explains why emotional residue from previous interactions can destabilize teams, damage leadership, and impair decision-making. The episode introduces the concept of informed amnesia: retaining the lesson from past conflict without reliving the emotional injury. Rather than suppressing memory, informed amnesia allows people to reset psychologically, stay present relationally, and perform with clarity under pressure. Three Actionable Takeaways: Treat the last interaction as informational, not existential: When conflict happens, extract the lesson without attaching it to your identity or self-worth. Emotional overidentification clouds judgment and escalates future interactions. Build intentional reset rituals: Just as elite athletes use breathing patterns and routines to regain focus, create small practices that help you return to the present after stressful encounters. Stop archiving emotional grievances: Healthy teams are not conflict-free — they simply recover faster. Practice repair, emotional processing, and selective release to prevent resentment from contaminating future conversations. 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.

    EP55 | The Inner Game of Conflict: Informed Amnesia, the French Open, and the Matches We Play Inside Ourselves

  8. May 25

    EP54 | "The Invisible Hand" Series - Behind the Curtain of Utilization Management

    💰  This episode is sponsored by Gelt: The tech enabled tax firm for independent physicians. Independent physicians face unique tax challenges that employed docs 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.     What if utilization management isn’t just an administrative burden, but also an opportunity for physicians to reclaim influence within the healthcare system? In this fascinating episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes an anonymous practicing surgeon who also works in utilization management (UM) and utilization review. Together, they pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood areas of modern medicine and explore how physicians can work within the system to improve patient outcomes instead of simply fighting against it. The conversation breaks down how utilization management actually functions, what peer-to-peer reviews look like behind the scenes, and why many denials are caused by documentation gaps rather than inappropriate care. They also discuss the growing frustration physicians feel toward prior authorizations, the misconceptions surrounding UM reviewers, and how physicians can use their expertise to advocate for patients from inside the system itself. They explore the realities of insurance appeals, the role of evidence-based medicine in approvals and denials, and the emotional complexity of balancing patient advocacy with policy limitations. This episode offers an honest, nuanced look at healthcare systems, physician leadership, administrative burden, and how doctors can create meaningful change while still delivering compassionate, high-quality care. Top 3 Takeaways: Understanding the System Makes Physicians More Effective: Working within utilization management gave the guest physician a deeper understanding of insurance policies, medical necessity standards, and documentation requirements. That knowledge directly improved their own clinical practice by reducing denials, streamlining approvals, and helping patients access care more efficiently.  Many Denials Are Caused by Documentation Gaps, Not Bad Medicine: One of the biggest misconceptions about utilization management is that reviewers are simply trying to deny care. In reality, many denials occur because required documentation, prior therapies, or policy-specific language are missing from clinical notes. Better documentation and familiarity with payer expectations can dramatically improve approval rates and reduce administrative burden. Physicians Can Create Change From Inside the System: Rather than viewing utilization management as the enemy of patient care, this episode explores how physicians participating in the process can advocate for patients and uphold evidence-based standards from within the system itself. While not every appeal can be won, physician reviewers can still improve outcomes, overturn inappropriate denials, and help shape healthcare delivery in meaningful ways. 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: This episode features an anonymous practicing surgeon who also works in utilization management and utilization review. Drawing from firsthand experience reviewing insurance appeals and peer-to-peer cases across multiple organizations, the guest offers a unique inside perspective on how utilization management works, how physicians can better navigate the system, and why this work can ultimately improve patient care and physician effectiveness. 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.

    EP54 | "The Invisible Hand" Series - Behind the Curtain of Utilization Management
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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.

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