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How can physicians move from burnout to a fulfilling career while improving the healthcare system?

In this Episode of Scalpel and Sword, host Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Michael  Hersh, to recount his traditional path through medicine—college, medical school, residency, fellowship, and a busy clinical practice—only to face burnout from the start, compounded by a medical malpractice lawsuit that eroded his trust in healthcare. His pursuit of financial independence as an escape plan shifted when he discovered physician coaching in 2020, a field then dominated by programs for women physicians. Encouraged by his wife, Michael joined a co-ed coaching program, which transformed his perspective on medicine and life. 

He now helps physicians get "unstuck" by embracing vulnerability, addressing shame from workplace conflicts, and recognizing their role within the healthcare system. Through a powerful story of apologizing to a nurse after raising his voice in an emergent case, Michael illustrates how owning mistakes strengthens teams and reduces personal shame, benefiting patients and colleagues alike.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Address Burnout Through Coaching: Physician coaching, like Michael’s program, helps doctors reframe their careers by aligning work with personal values, addressing burnout signs early, and creating sustainable paths forward, even amidst systemic challenges like malpractice lawsuits.
• Embrace Vulnerability to Heal Teams: Owning mistakes, such as apologizing after raising your voice in a high-stress situation, reduces personal shame and strengthens team dynamics, fostering a collaborative healthcare environment that benefits patients and staff.
• Act Within the System for Change: Recognize your role in the healthcare system—rather than seeing yourself above it—to take agency in improving team morale and patient care, using small actions like apologies or process tweaks to create ripple effects.

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. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.

His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.

Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:
🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md
📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife
📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching

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: [email protected]
  🌐 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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