What if conflict in healthcare wasn't a sign of failure, but an opportunity for innovation, better teamwork, and superior patient outcomes?

In this episode, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Dr. Jeff Stuart, as he shares his journey from anesthesiology and CMO roles to specializing in conflict resolution, including mediation training and insights from the High Conflict Institute. They discuss the inevitability of conflict in high-stakes environments like hospitals, the impact of the pandemic on exposing underlying tensions, and strategies for informal and formal mediation. Jeff highlights the link between effective conflict management and patient safety, drawing from real-world examples like collaborative COVID testing programs. He also touches on working with high-conflict personalities, the value of self-awareness, and passing these skills to the next generation, including his medical student daughter.

If you're a physician dealing with team dynamics, leadership challenges, or burnout, this episode offers practical wisdom to turn conflict into productive dialogue and lasting change.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Embrace conflict as inevitable: Recognize that conflict in healthcare is normal and can lead to better outcomes when managed proactively. Start by building awareness of your own style using Thomas-Kilmann assessments, and focus on patient-centered goals to foster collaboration.
• Build trust through process: Use structured approaches like mining for conflict in meetings with diverse stakeholders like ER docs and pharmacists, to encourage open dialogue, listen actively, and achieve buy-in. Aim to respond rather than react for more efficient resolutions.
• Invest in self-awareness and training: For high-conflict situations, prioritize future behaviors over past blame; seek mediation or coaching using Vanderbilt's model and maintain composure with tips like not taking things personally and keeping 51% optimism to support long-term resilience.

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. Jeff Stuart is the co-founder of RX Solve Conflict, an experienced physician executive with leadership roles as a medical director, board member, and Chief Medical Officer during the pandemic. A board-certified anesthesiologist with an MBA from Wharton, he has mediation training from the Center for Understanding and Conflict and the High Conflict Institute. He focuses on transforming conflict into opportunities for better healthcare outcomes and is pursuing ICF coaching certification.

Website: https://rxsolveconflict.com

Email: jeff@rxsolveconflict.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.

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