How can storytelling bridge the gap between clinicians and patients in modern medicine?

In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, host Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Allan Detsky, as he shares his journey from economics and clinical practice to teaching narrative medicine. He discusses the inspiration behind his narrative medicine course, sparked by his JAMA op-eds and stories like “The Hockey Stick,” where he connected with a terminally ill patient by arranging a special hockey experience. Dr. Detsky explains how narrative competence—using techniques like weaving stories or shocking patients with unexpected gestures—enhances patient care and clinician empathy. He also highlights his innovative “music video” teaching method, using songs like Hotel California to sharpen observation skills and foster mindfulness among residents. With insights from his career, including his time as physician-in-chief at Mount Sinai Hospital, this episode is essential for healthcare providers seeking to deepen patient connections through storytelling.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Incorporate Narrative Competence – Use storytelling to build trust with patients. Find shared interests, like Dr. Detsky’s hockey story, to create partnerships in care, and practice weaving personal or cultural narratives to enhance communication.
2. Enhance Observation Skills – Adopt Dr. Detsky’s “music video” technique by using art, like songs or theater clips, to train clinicians in noticing details about patients’ environments and emotions, improving diagnostic and empathetic skills.
3. Foster Vulnerability in Practice – Encourage transparency by sharing appropriate personal stories or vulnerabilities with patients and trainees, creating a safe space for emotional connection, as seen in Dr. Detsky’s narrative medicine course.

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. Allan Detsky is a professor and clinical investigator at the University of Toronto's Department of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, with cross-appointments in General Internal Medicine. Trained in economics (PhD from Harvard-MIT) and medicine (Harvard Medical School), he served as Physician-in-Chief at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto and has published extensively on health policy and economics. A prolific writer for JAMA, he teaches narrative medicine, drawing from personal stories like "The Hockey Stick" and "My Father's Voice." Twice nominated as a Tony Award producer for musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar and Come From Away, Dr. Detsky emphasizes storytelling's role in medicine, humility, and conflict resolution.

Email: Allan.Detsky@sinaihealthsystem.ca

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.

In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, host Dr. Lee Sharma interviews Kyle Claussen, to discuss the evolution of Resolve since its founding 15 years ago by a physician addressing gaps in residency training on compensation and contracts. He highlights the unique aspects of medical contracts, the shift toward employment models, and the increasing complexity of language post-COVID. Key topics include aligning contracts with personal priorities, capping call duties, ensuring extra pay for additional work, and leveraging market data for fair reimbursement. Kyle emphasizes negotiating in good faith, overcoming conflict avoidance, and empowering physicians—especially women and minorities—to recognize their value. He advocates for data-driven approaches, understanding financials for private practice, and preparing for renegotiations. This episode equips healthcare professionals with tools to level the playing field and achieve resilient, fulfilling careers.

Three Actionable Takeaways

1. Align Contracts with Priorities – Before negotiating, clarify your non-negotiables like call frequency, locations, and tail coverage. Use market data to ensure the document reflects verbal promises and protects against workforce changes.
2. Leverage Data for Fair Compensation – Access benchmarks like MGMA to negotiate salary, bonuses, and extra pay for additional duties. Recognize your value as a revenue generator and don't hesitate to ask for scribes or support staff to improve work-life balance.

Prepare for Private Practice Options – Explore both employed and independent paths; understand financials like profit/loss statements for ownership tracks. Negotiate with future partners in mind, balancing autonomy with risk tolerance.

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

Kyle Claussen is the CEO of Resolve, a company dedicated to empowering physicians through expert contract negotiation and compensation advocacy. With over 15 years of experience, Resolve, under Kyle’s leadership, has become a trusted resource, endorsed by more than 50 state medical societies and recognized nationally. Kyle is a frequent speaker across the U.S., sharing insights on physician contract strategies, salary benchmarks, and navigating employment challenges. As the spouse of a physician, he brings a personal understanding of the medical profession’s demands. Kyle is also a proud owner of a Bernedoodle named Murphy, who holds the title of “star of the house.” His mission is to level the playing field for physicians by providing data-driven tools and transparency to secure fair contracts and work-life balance.

Website: resolve.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.

In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, host Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Dr. Gita Pensa, to share her personal journey through a 12-year medical malpractice case, highlighting the profound emotional impact of litigation on physicians. She explores the culture of silence and shame surrounding malpractice, the lack of preparation for navigating the legal system, and the fear-driven dynamics that lead to conflict, such as finger-pointing among colleagues. Dr. Pensa offers actionable tools for managing litigation stress, including understanding malpractice policies, practicing self-compassion, and fostering open communication with patients to prevent escalation. She also advocates for systemic changes, like the Michigan Model, to prioritize transparent resolution over adversarial litigation. This episode is essential for healthcare professionals seeking to navigate malpractice with resilience and restore joy in their practice.

Three Actionable Takeaways

1. Cultivate Self-Compassion – Acknowledge the emotional weight of litigation without judgment. Use resources like Dr. Kristin Neff’s work on self-compassion to process fear and shame, helping you stay grounded and resilient.
2. Learn Your Malpractice Policy – Understand your insurance policy and the financial stakes involved to reduce fear-driven decisions. Knowing who bears liability can help you avoid unnecessary conflict with colleagues.
3. Practice Compassionate Accountability – When addressing adverse events, communicate transparently with patients. Offer sincere apologies when appropriate to maintain trust and potentially de-escalate conflicts before they reach litigation.

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. Gita Pensa is an emergency medicine physician based in Rhode Island with over 20 years of experience. As adjunct faculty at Brown University, she specializes in associate internal medicine and emergency medicine. Dr. Pensa is the creator and host of Doctors and Litigation: The L Word podcast, where she explores the emotional and practical challenges of medical malpractice. A seasoned speaker and physician coach, she works with healthcare professionals, attorneys, and insurance companies to navigate litigation stress and foster resilience. Her work, informed by her own 12-year malpractice case, aims to break the silence around litigation and advocate for systemic change in healthcare.

• Website: doctorsandlitigation.com
• Podcast: Doctors and Litigation: The L Word

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.