Sponsored by: Set For Life

Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife

______________

Starting third-year medical school is like stepping into a firestorm—new challenges, high stakes, and constant conflict. In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma talks with Dr. Natalie Simpkins about her journey through medical school and the conflicts she faced on the wards. Natalie shares candid insights on navigating patient care, collaborating with peers, and managing the hierarchy of specialties like surgery and OB-GYN. From dealing with “gunners” to learning not to take rapid-fire interactions personally, Natalie’s story is a must-listen for aspiring physicians and anyone curious about the human side of medical training.

Three Actionable Takeaways

1. Embrace the Sandbox Mindset – Approach third-year challenges as a chance to explore and learn. Ask, “What am I missing?” to avoid anchoring to a single diagnosis and keep the big picture in focus.
2. Don’t Take It Personally – In high-pressure specialties like surgery or OB-GYN, rapid communication isn’t about you—it’s about getting the job done. Focus on the patient to stay grounded.
3. Build Your Tribe – Seek mentors, especially those who share your identity (e.g., women in medicine), to create a supportive community that fuels resilience and growth.

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:

Natalie Simpkins : A senior medical student at the University of South Alabama School of Medicine, set to begin her primary care residency at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. A graduate of the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Natalie has a diverse background as a patient care tech, athletic trainer, and marching band trumpeter. Mentored by strong female physicians, she’s a trailblazer for women in medicine, building a career rooted in patient-first care and community support.
Website: http://medschoolwatercooler.blogspot.com/2022/11/meet-med-student-natalie-simpkins.html?m=1
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/natalie-simpkins-5b637914a

About the Host:
Dr. Lee Sharma – A gynecologist in Auburn, AL with a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution, and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1993. A physician passionate about helping colleagues address conflicts and thrive in medicine through practical strategies and open conversations.
Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:

Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com

Website: https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/provider/lee-sharma-md-obstetrics

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.

Navigating the business side of medicine can be daunting, especially for women physicians who often face unique challenges in negotiation. In this episode, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Mona Bakshi-Kamath, to discuss how she mastered the art of negotiation to secure fair reimbursement and create a patient-centered practice.

Dr. Kamath shares her journey of diving deep into billing and reimbursement, advocating for equitable pay, and restructuring her schedule to prioritize both patient care and personal well-being. From leveraging data to negotiate with hospital administrators to setting boundaries that enhance quality of life, her insights are a roadmap for physicians looking to thrive in today’s healthcare landscape. This episode is a must-listen for medical students, residents, and practicing physicians seeking to advocate for themselves and their patients.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Do Your Homework – Research reimbursement rates and RVU calculations for your state and specialty before negotiating contracts to ensure fair pay. Compare with colleagues in similar roles to strengthen your case.
2. Prioritize Patient Care in Negotiations – Frame your requests around improving patient outcomes, like reducing hospital readmissions, to align with hospital goals and make your case compelling.
3. Set Clear Boundaries – Define your minimum and maximum workload to achieve work-life balance. Visualize your ideal day to ensure contracts support both professional and personal goals.

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. Mona Kamath is a family medicine physician at East Alabama Medical Center in Valley, Alabama. With a background in Locum Tenens and experience at West Point Military Academy, she brings a wealth of knowledge in primary care and reimbursement strategies. Inspired by her father’s lessons in negotiation, Dr. Kamath is passionate about mentoring women physicians to advocate for fair pay and balanced lives.

Website: https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/provider/mona-bakshi-kamath-m-d-internal-medicine

About the Host:
Dr. Lee Sharma – An obstetrician in Auburn, AL with a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution, and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1993. A physician passionate about helping colleagues address conflicts and thrive in medicine through practical strategies and open conversations.
Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:

Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com

Website: https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/provider/lee-sharma-md-obstetrics

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, Dr. Lee Sharma, sits down with Dr. Meshia Wallace, to share her journey from nursing to pulmonary and critical care, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries to protect both her professional calling and personal passions, like fashion. From navigating the intense demands of 2020 to mentoring female residents to find their voice, Dr. Wallace offers practical advice for physicians—especially women—on prioritizing self-care and establishing boundaries to sustain a fulfilling career. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to balance medicine’s demands with personal growth.

Biggest Takeaways:

1. Prioritize Your Calling – Identify your top priority (e.g., medicine) and structure boundaries around it to ensure other pursuits, like content creation, complement rather than compete with it.
2. Practice Setting Boundaries – Start with small boundaries in low-stakes situations, like saying no to extra hours, and build confidence to enforce them in bigger contexts, drawing inspiration from mentors or peers.
3. Schedule Self-Reflection – Reassess priorities and boundaries annually (e.g., every January) to align your professional and personal life with your evolving goals, ensuring time for rest and rejuvenation.

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. Meshia Wallace is a pulmonary and critical care physician at East Alabama Health in Opelika, Alabama, where she serves as director of pulmonary medicine and mentors residents—earning the title of favorite instructor.

An international medical graduate from Ross University, Dr. Wallace also has a background in nursing and deep cultural roots in Jamaica and Brooklyn. Known online as The Style MD, she blends her love for fashion and medicine, creating content that inspires and empowers since 2020.

Connect with Dr. Wallace:
📺 YouTube: @the_stylemd
🎵 TikTok: @the_stylemd
📸 Instagram: @the_stylemd

About the Host:
Dr. Lee Sharma – An obstetrician in Auburn, AL with a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution, and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1993. A physician passionate about helping colleagues address conflicts and thrive in medicine through practical strategies and open conversations.

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:

Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com

Website: www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/scalpelandsword

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.