Silence in medicine isn't protection — it's the source of burnout. Host Dr. Lillian Liang Emlet sits down with Dr. R. Lee Sharma, OBGYN, trained mediator, and conflict analyst, to reframe how healthcare professionals think about conflict. Learn why conflict is a vital sign, not a failure — and what to do about it.   Episode Chapters 00:00 Silence Fuels Burnout  01:22 Meet Dr. Lee Sharma 02:05 Why Conflict Matters 04:35 The Hidden Cost of Silence 09:07 Conflict as a Vital Sign 10:20 Why She Got Trained 14:47 SPARC Rapid Framework 20:33 Designing Safer Systems 30:10 Alignment Over Compromise 31:20 Starting Hard Conversations 34:51 Where to Find Dr. Sharma 36:46 Final Takeaways & Outro   Guest: Dr. R. Lee Sharma 🔬 OBGYN | Mediator | Conflict Analyst | Speaker | Podcast Host 🎙️ Scalpel and Sword Podcast 🌐 rleesharma.com | 💼 LinkedIn: Dr. R. Lee Sharma 📩 Residency workshops, faculty & organizational consulting   References Mentioned Dr. Jessica Bunin — All Levels Leadership; Civil Discourse framework Haavi Moreim - JD, PhD Professor at University of Tennessee Health Science Center ;  "Guardian of the Process" Atul Gawande — surgical peer observation & debriefing VitalTalk — end-of-life communication training   #HealthcareLeadership #PhysicianBurnout #ConflictResolution #MedicalPodcast   Learn more about Giving & Receiving Feedback in Healthcare Subscribe and Listen on: Website Youtube Spotify  Apple Follow us on: Newsletter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn For personalized support in your life and work as a healthcare professional and leader, book a free call. Disclaimer: Although we are trained medical professionals, we are not acting in a clinical capacity on this podcast. We do not use our medical licenses or provide medical, mental health, or therapeutic services in this setting. The content shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences, opinions, and coaching backgrounds, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, therapy, or professional counseling, nor used as a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of our employers or affiliated organizations.