EP50 | From Curiosity to Communication with Dr. Lillian Liang Emlet
What if the biggest threat to physician wellbeing isn’t burnout, but the way we’ve been trained to communicate, lead, and respond under pressure?
In this insightful episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Lillian Emlet, to explore the powerful intersection of communication, coaching, and system-wide resilience. Drawing from her experience in critical care, medical education, and personal transformation during the pandemic, Dr. Emlet shares how unintentional communication habits can create workplace trauma, and how coaching can unlock deeper awareness, curiosity, and growth. Together, they unpack how healthcare professionals can move beyond siloed thinking to build collaborative, high-functioning teams.
They also dive into the role of cognitive flexibility in high-stakes environments, the importance of active listening and permission-based communication, and why proactive system coaching is essential to prevent catastrophic breakdowns. Most importantly, they highlight how developing people, not just processes, is the key to a stronger, more human-centered healthcare system.
This episode offers both practical tools and a mindset shift for clinicians who want to communicate with intention, lead with empathy, and create meaningful change within their organizations.
Top 3 Takeaways:
• Awareness Is the First Step to Transformation: You can’t change what you don’t recognize. Whether individually or as a team, honest self-assessment is the foundation for meaningful growth and improved communication.
• Communication Skills Require Practice, Not Perfection: Great communication isn’t innate, it’s trained. Through repetition, feedback, and reflection, clinicians can refine both verbal and nonverbal skills to build trust and alignment.
• Cognitive Flexibility Is a Superpower in Healthcare: The ability to pause, shift perspectives, and choose how to respond under pressure can turn conflict into collaboration and trauma into 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:
Dr. Lillian Emlet is a critical care physician, educator, and certified professional coach. She serves as Associate Program Director of a multidisciplinary critical care fellowship and is a VitalTalk-trained faculty member specializing in communication skills for high-stakes clinical environments.
She is the founder of Transforming Healthcare Coaching, where she helps healthcare professionals and organizations build resilience, improve communication, and develop high-performing teams through systemic coaching strategies.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Lillian Emlet:
• 📧 Email: hello@transforminghealthcarecoaching.com (mailto:hello@transforminghealthcarecoaching.com)
• 💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Lillian Emlet (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillian-liang-emlet-transforming-healthcare-coaching/)
• 🎙 Podcast: Transforming Healthcare Coaching (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transforming-healthcare-coaching/id1739876367) (Apple, Spotify, YouTube)
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 (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.
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