Ep68 | Advocacy as a Bridge from Frustration to Hope with Dr. Damian McHugh

What if the most powerful form of advocacy for physicians wasn’t on Capitol Hill, but in the doctor’s lounge, the county medical society, and a quiet self-referral to a Physician Health Program?

In this deeply personal and practical conversation, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Dr. Damian McHugh to unpack what advocacy really means. Damian shares how a career spanning two countries and two specialties taught him that advocating for healthy doctors is inseparable from advocating for healthy patients. He reflects on mentors who lifted him up, the often-misunderstood role of state medical boards, the quiet sacrifices of physicians who serve on them, and the growing problem of boundary violations under extreme stress.

Together they examine how relentless productivity pressure and the electronic medical record have siloed physicians, eroded face-to-face relationships, and drained the joy and teamwork that once defined excellent care. Damian offers a clear path forward: start local with county and state medical societies, intentionally rebuild collegial relationships, come to problems with solutions, and when burnout hits, have the courage to reach out to a Physician Health Program. He closes with a powerful reminder that these programs exist to restore careers, protect patients, and help physicians reclaim joy in medicine.

This episode is both a call to action and a hand extended to every physician who has ever felt helpless in a system that seems to be crumbling around them.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Advocacy for physicians and patients is not either/or, it is the same work: Healthy doctors deliver better care. Supporting colleagues through organized medicine, medical boards, and peer networks ultimately protects patients and strengthens the entire system.

• Relationships are the soil in which both good care and effective advocacy grow: The EMR and relentless busyness have siloed physicians. Intentionally rebuilding face-to-face connections, whether in the doctor’s lounge, at a county medical society, or through a simple phone call, restores teamwork, reduces isolation, and creates the unified voice needed for change.

• When you feel burned out, reach out early and privately: Physician Health Programs in most states offer confidential, supportive pathways for physicians who are struggling. Self-referral can protect your career, your license, your relationships, and your patients, long before a crisis reaches the medical board.

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. Damian McHugh is a retired emergency physician based in Raleigh, North Carolina. He completed his medical education at the University of Manchester in the UK and built a clinical and administrative career in the United States. A former member of the North Carolina Medical Board, he is an active advocate through the Clinician Burnout Foundation and a strong voice for organized medicine, peer support, and Physician Health Programs.

Connect with Dr. Damian: 

Visit the Clinician Burnout Foundation website and use the contact form:

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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 (mailto: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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