EP55 | The Inner Game of Conflict: Informed Amnesia, the French Open, and the Matches We Play Ins…

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What do elite tennis players, surgeons, leaders, and negotiators all have in common?

They all perform under pressure, and their greatest challenge is often not the external opponent, but the internal narrative running beneath the surface.

In this thought-provoking solo episode, Dr. Lee Sharma connects three powerful ideas: The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey, the emotional demands of the French Open, and the psychology of conflict in high-stakes environments.

Dr. Sharma explores how “Self One”,  the critical, fearful inner voice  hijacks presence and escalates conflict, while “Self Two” represents instinct, flow, and natural performance. Through examples from tennis and medicine, he explains why emotional residue from previous interactions can destabilize teams, damage leadership, and impair decision-making.

The episode introduces the concept of informed amnesia: retaining the lesson from past conflict without reliving the emotional injury. Rather than suppressing memory, informed amnesia allows people to reset psychologically, stay present relationally, and perform with clarity under pressure.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Treat the last interaction as informational, not existential: When conflict happens, extract the lesson without attaching it to your identity or self-worth. Emotional overidentification clouds judgment and escalates future interactions.

• Build intentional reset rituals: Just as elite athletes use breathing patterns and routines to regain focus, create small practices that help you return to the present after stressful encounters.

• Stop archiving emotional grievances: Healthy teams are not conflict-free — they simply recover faster. Practice repair, emotional processing, and selective release to prevent resentment from contaminating future conversations.

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 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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