Ep. 189 Trauma Surgery to Conflict Resolution: Dr. Shannon Foster’s Journey to Healing Healthcare Teams

🔎 Episode Highlights Career Evolution and Motivation Dr. Foster shares her journey from growing up in a working-class family in Ohio to becoming a trauma surgeon. Discusses how experiences in diverse healthcare settings—from academic to rural—revealed widespread communication issues. COVID-19 became a catalyst for shifting toward consulting, helping physicians navigate workplace conflicts. Identifying Workplace Problems and Seeking Help Common issues include HR conflicts, legal concerns, or interpersonal problems affecting clinical performance. Dr. Foster’s process involves deeply exploring the context, policies, and communications surrounding a conflict. Listeners can connect with her: 🌐 smffacilitation.com 📧 [email protected] Understanding Institutional Policies and Employee Rights Importance of knowing: Employment contracts Policy manuals Bylaws and HR reporting protocols Transparency in areas like workload distribution and salary is key to preventing misunderstandings. Communication and Healthy Relationships Communication is crucial for maintaining healthy workplace dynamics. Misalignments in team vision often escalate into conflict. Encourages proactive relationship-building to foster respect and mutual support. Elevating Issues and Defining Bullying and Harassment How to recognize when issues should go to HR or legal: Bullying = misuse of authority to undermine others Harassment = violation of personal autonomy (includes sexual harassment and interference with patient care) Positive conflict can drive growth; negative conflict damages morale and productivity. Strategies for Individuals and Departments Leadership skills and talent management are vital for a healthy team culture. Encourages leaders to: Improve meeting structures Ensure all voices are heard Align team visions to reduce conflict Business Information and Goal Dr. Foster offers a 30-minute free consultation for individuals or organizations seeking help with workplace conflict. Her mission: support surgeons’ well-being and retention in the workforce, ultimately improving patient care. ✅ Action Items Reach out to Dr. Foster: Website: smffacilitation.com Email: [email protected] Take advantage of the free 30-minute consultation if facing workplace challenges. Review your institutional policies and communication strategies to prevent conflict escalation.