💰 This episode is sponsored by Gelt: The tech enabled tax firm for independent physicians.

Independent physicians face unique tax challenges that employed doctors don't. Multiple income streams, practice ownership, contract work, traditional CPAs aren't built for this complexity. Gelt is. Year-round strategy, optimization and compliance for physicians who chose independence over institution. Let Gelt handle your tax strategy, so you can focus more on your practice.

Take control of your tax strategy: joingelt.com.

What if taxes didn’t have to feel like an inevitable burden, and filing season could actually be the least stressful part of your financial year?

Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Rachel Richards, to examine how high-earning physicians can fundamentally shift their worldview on taxes. Rachel shares why traditional once-a-year CPA meetings limit opportunities, how the tax code rewards structured income and smart deductions, and how Gelt combines human expertise with AI to deliver proactive, personalized tax strategies at scale.

From overcoming tax anxiety and building consistent communication with your tax team to understanding W-2 versus, business versus investment income, documentation best practices, and setting clear financial goals, this conversation equips physicians with the mindset and tools to keep more of what they earn, legally and confidently.

Listeners will understand the power of documentation, goal-driven tax planning, and practical ways to build an ongoing relationship with their tax team that reduces anxiety and maximizes savings, all while staying fully compliant.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Make taxes a year-round conversation: Move beyond the annual filing meeting. Engage proactively with your tax professional in Q3 and Q4 to identify opportunities and implement changes before the year ends.
• Share your goals, not just your numbers: Clearly communicate your financial goals (retirement timeline, real estate interest, family plans, etc.) so your CPA can tailor strategies that align with what matters most to you.
• Document everything and take legitimate deductions: Don’t leave money on the table out of fear. If a deduction is available and properly documented with real business use, claim it. Compliance and optimization go hand in hand.

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:

Rachel Richards is the Head of Product at Gelt and a CPA who leads team building and personalized, fully compliant tax strategies for high earners and business owners. A member of Kiplinger’s Advice Intel program and Gelt’s subject matter expert on tax strategy and optimization, Rachel is passionate about productizing proactive tax planning so more professionals can benefit from scalable, high-touch service.

Website: joingelt.com.

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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