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.