EP43 | The Daily Practice of Leadership with Dr. Jessica Bunin - Part 1

What if the most powerful leadership tool in medicine isn’t a new protocol or policy, but the courage to say “I don’t know… but I’ll find out”? In this rich, practical conversation, retired Colonel Dr. Jessica Bunin, shares how a single residency remediation crisis became her leadership wake-up call. After 23 years in the Army, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and years as program director, assistant dean for faculty development, and associate dean for DEI and educational culture at the Uniformed Services University, she now teaches physicians the human skills that medical school never covered. Key insights include: Why military and civilian residents are far more alike than different : the hierarchy of medicine already does a lot of the heavy lifting. How to build a true “scaffolding of support” around struggling learners, separating mentoring or coaching from evaluation so people feel safe to grow. Why psychological safety is never “comfortable”, it’s the discomfort that creates real growth, innovation, and retention The CLEAR framework for civil discourse (Create safety, Listen actively, Establish common ground, Adjust thinking, Respond skillfully) that turns disagreement into deeper understanding instead of debate or defensiveness The power of role-modeling humility and follow-through, especially during uncertainty like the COVID-19 pandemic Dr. Bunin weaves in powerful stories from residency remediation, leading an ICU through daily-changing science, and even martial-arts belt exams to show exactly how leaders who admit vulnerability and act on feedback build trust that lasts. Three Actionable Takeaways Most leadership struggles in medicine are actually remediation and communication problems. Build a clear support scaffold first, keep mentoring completely separate from grading, and watch learners thrive. Psychological safety starts with you: Publicly admit “I don’t know,” invite uncomfortable feedback, respond without defensiveness, and visibly act on it so everyone else feels safe to do the same. Use the CLEAR framework (Create safety, Listen actively, Establish common ground, Adjust thinking, Respond skillfully) in every difficult conversation, especially across differences, to replace winning arguments with real understanding and stronger teams. 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: Jessica Bunin, MD, MHPE, FACP, FCCM, CEC, is retired Colonel, co-founder and chief architect of All Levels Leadership, and a critical care physician and professor of medicine and health professions education at the Uniformed Services University. A West Point graduate with an MD from Tulane and 23 years of Army service (including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan), she has served as critical care program director, assistant dean for faculty development, associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion, and associate dean for community and educational culture. She is a certified executive coach passionate about teaching healthcare leaders the practical skills of psychological safety, civil discourse, and high-stakes communication that turn conflict into collaboration. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Jessica Bunin 🌐 Website: alllevelsleadership.com 📘 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessica-bunin  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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.