Scalpel and Sword: Conflict and Negotiation in Modern Medicine

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

💰  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 [https://www.joingelt.com/collaboration/scalpel-and-sword].     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 [scalpelandsword@gmail.com] 🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma [https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/provider/lee-sharma-md-obstetrics] 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 [https://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

💰  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 [https://www.joingelt.com/collaboration/scalpel-and-sword]. ---------------------------------------------------- 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 [scalpelandsword@gmail.com] 🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma [https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/provider/lee-sharma-md-obstetrics] 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 [https://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

💰  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 [https://www.joingelt.com/collaboration/scalpel-and-sword]. ------------------------------------------------- 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 [http://virtualteammate.com] 🔗 LinkedIn:  Chris McShanag [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-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 [scalpelandsword@gmail.com] 🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma [https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/provider/lee-sharma-md-obstetrics] 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 [https://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

💰  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 [https://www.joingelt.com/collaboration/scalpel-and-sword]. ------------------------------ 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-hutton-572355b1] 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 [scalpelandsword@gmail.com] 🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma [https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/provider/lee-sharma-md-obstetrics] 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 [https://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

💰  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 [https://www.joingelt.com/collaboration/scalpel-and-sword].   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 [https://www.joingelt.com/collaboration/scalpel-and-sword]. 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 [scalpelandsword@gmail.com] 🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma [https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/provider/lee-sharma-md-obstetrics] 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 [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.