Ep18 - Narrative Medicine: The Power of Storytelling in Healthcare: Part 2

Scalpel and Sword: Conflict and Negotiation in Modern Medicine

How can storytelling transform clinical practice and medical education?

In part two of this two-part interview, host Dr. Lee Sharma continues her conversation with Dr. Allan Detsky about the role of storytelling in medicine. Dr. Detsky explains how moving from positional debates to shared stories builds trust and commonality with patients, using examples like resolving conflicts over mammography screening guidelines. He shares his approach to teaching medical students and residents, encouraging them to embrace creative listening and observation—skills he honed through music videos and theater—to find resonance with patients. Drawing from his career since 1976, Dr. Detsky highlights the importance of humility and comfort with uncertainty, recounting how he guides learners to make decisions despite ambiguous clinical scenarios. He also reflects on his own journey, noting how producing art enhanced his reflective skills as a clinician.

The episode touches on a surprising generational shift, where some students resist traditional learning methods like shadowing, and offers practical tips for crafting authentic, engaging stories. A must-listen for clinicians and educators seeking to deepen patient connections and teach the next generation of physicians.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Use Storytelling to Build Trust – Shift from defending positions to sharing stories that highlight shared interests with patients or colleagues. Practice observing details in clinical settings to find points of connection, fostering trust and collaboration.
2. Embrace Uncertainty with Humility – Accept that medicine often lacks clear right-or-wrong answers. Encourage learners to make decisions in ambiguous situations, as long as they’re safe, to build confidence and independence.
3. Hone Your Narrative Skills – Tell stories in your authentic voice, using simple, relatable language. Record and review your oral presentations to improve storytelling, just as athletes or musicians review their performances.

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: [email protected]

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.