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What if the biggest threat to healthcare isn’t conflict itself—but our inability to talk about it?

In this episode of The Scalpel and Sword Podcast, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Dr. Raed Albar, to explore how conflict arises not only from individual behavior, but from teams, leadership structures, and healthcare systems under extreme pressure. Dr. Albar introduces the concept of conflict intelligence, a framework that emphasizes self-awareness, emotional regulation, and constructive engagement in disagreement. He explains why clinicians frequently avoid conflict not because they don’t care, but because exhaustion, burnout, and fear of damaging professional relationships make speaking up feel unsafe. The conversation dives deep into how unresolved conflict impacts clinician wellbeing, team dynamics, and ultimately patient care

Dr. Albar shares a simple, structured, step-by-step approach to navigating professional conflict starting with listening, building shared understanding, and collaborating on solutions rather than “winning” arguments. This episode offers both reflection and practical guidance for clinicians who want to care for others without sacrificing themselves.

Three Actionable Takeaways :

• Conflict Is Systemic, Not Just Personal: Conflict in healthcare often stems from understaffing, workload pressure, burnout, and rigid hierarchies not individual incompetence. Understanding conflict as a system-wide issue reduces blame and opens the door to more effective, compassionate solutions that support both clinicians and teams.
• Listening Is the Most Powerful Conflict Tool: Active listening allowing the other person to speak first and reflecting back what you hear can immediately de-escalate tension. Feeling heard restores psychological safety and creates space for collaboration, even in high-stress healthcare environments.
• Use Structure When Emotions Run High: A simple framework, reach out, listen first, share your perspective, then co-create solutions, makes conflict feel less intimidating. Structure helps clinicians engage productively even when they are exhausted, stressed, or emotionally charged.

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. Raed Albar is a physician and healthcare educator based in Saudi Arabia. He recently completed his PhD in Healthcare Education and specializes in teaching communication, conflict intelligence, and human skills in medical training. Dr. Albar is also trained as a conflict coach and mediator, bringing evidence-based conflict resolution tools into academic medicine and healthcare systems.

LinkedIn: Dr. Raed Albar

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.

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