In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, host Dr. Lee Sharma, welcomes Dr. Stephanie Byerly, to share her journey into trauma-informed coaching, inspired by personal and professional experiences, including EMDR therapy that transformed her life. She defines trauma as what happens inside you due to external events, emphasizing its impact on the nervous system and how it shapes conflict and workplace dynamics. Discussing both individual and organizational trauma, she highlights how chronic stress and distrust in healthcare systems exacerbate burnout and moral injury. Dr. Byerly offers practical tools, like fostering psychological safety and self-compassion, to help clinicians and leaders navigate trauma. This episode is a must-listen for healthcare professionals seeking to heal and create change from within.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Practice Self-Compassion – Reflect on personal trauma with kindness, recognizing it shapes your conflict responses, and use resources like What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry to understand its impact.
2. Create Psychological Safety – As a leader or colleague, foster trust by pausing, listening, and offering resources without judgment, helping others feel safe to address their trauma.
3. Start Where You Are – Begin trauma-informed practices individually to shift how you show up, creating a ripple effect of safety and resilience in your team, even if you’re not in leadership.

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. Stephanie Byerly is a board-certified obstetric anesthesiologist with over 25 years of experience at Baylor Grapevine, part of USAP Anesthesia. A certified trauma-informed coach through Lodestar Consulting’s Trauma Mitigation Masterclass, she integrates trauma-informed principles into women’s empowerment and leadership coaching. Inspired by her own trauma and EMDR therapy, Dr. Byerly helps healthcare professionals navigate burnout and conflict by fostering self-compassion and psychological safety. She works with Lodestar to drive cultural change in healthcare organizations and is passionate about helping clinicians heal from systemic and personal trauma.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniebyerlymd

Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/stephaniebyerlymd

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stephaniebyerlymd

Website: https://www.stephaniebyerly.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.