What if the patients you see suffering from lack of access aren’t choosing noncompliance, they simply lost insurance due to life circumstances?

In this powerful episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Jubril Oyeyemi, as he shares his unlikely journey from hospitalist to clinic founder after repeatedly witnessing patients return with advanced illness simply because they couldn’t afford medications or follow-up care.

They explore how deep listening to patients’ real stories breaks assumptions, how a clear and authentic “why” attracts passionate volunteers, and how approaching partnerships with humility and shared humanity prevents conflict. Most surprisingly, they discuss how giving time at the free clinic has become a powerful antidote to burnout for busy clinicians, reconnecting them with the pure joy of practicing medicine.

This conversation offers inspiration and practical wisdom for any physician who wants to make a tangible difference for the underserved while protecting their own sense of purpose.

Top 3 Takeaways:

• Start Before You Feel Ready: Don’t overthink or wait for perfect conditions. Identify a clear community need and take the first step. Support, partners, and momentum will follow as you begin serving patients.
• Lead with Shared Humanity Instead of “Us vs Them”: When you frame the mission as “this could be any of us,” it dissolves conflict and naturally draws volunteers and partners. A clear, authentic “why” creates alignment and keeps the team motivated even on hard days.
• Volunteering Can Be an Antidote to Burnout: Giving focused, strings-free care in a mission-driven setting re-grounds physicians in their original purpose. Many volunteers report feeling renewed and energized, even when squeezing shifts into busy schedules.

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. Jubril Oyeyemi is an award-winning primary care physician who practices full-time at Virtua Health in Camden, New Jersey. He serves on committees focused on bioethics, quality, patient safety, and continuity of care for complex patients. Passionate about healthcare access, he founded the Cherry Hill Free Clinic in 2017, a nonprofit primary care center dedicated to serving uninsured and underinsured patients free of charge. In just eight years, the clinic has grown to serve thousands and is now supported by nearly 200 dedicated volunteers.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Jubril Oyeyemi

🌐 Website: cherryhillfreeclinic.org

📧 Email: help@cherryhillfreeclinic.org

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

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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