8 - Unionizing in White Coats: A Doctor’s Role in Collective Action

 What happens when a future physician confronts the past, present, and future of medical labor rights? In this thoughtful and timely conversation, Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Tarun Ramesh, soon to begin his residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, to unpack his NEJM article, “Striking a Balance,” which examines the ethics, history, and global impact of physician strikes.

Together, they explore why doctors are increasingly turning to unions—from South Korea’s historic 2024 resident strike to post-pandemic organizing in Boston. Dr. Ramesh offers compelling insights on how burnout, corporatization, and lack of clinician voice are fueling a new era of collective action. With historical context and global comparisons, he helps frame a vision for balanced policies that prioritize both physician wellbeing and patient safety.

From the risks of punitive backlash to the policy promise of minimum staffing laws and advanced notice provisions, this episode is a masterclass in labor advocacy, ethics, and modern medical leadership.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Protect Without Punishing: Punitive government responses to physician strikes (e.g., South Korea) can erode trust. Constructive frameworks with legal safeguards can maintain continuity of care.
2. Multiple Paths to Voice: Unionization is one tool, but organized medicine, hospital committees, and leadership roles are equally vital avenues for clinician advocacy.
3. Physicians as Policy Partners: Excluding doctors from healthcare policy—whether in strike negotiations or hospital ownership—means ignoring frontline wisdom that drives better patient outcomes.
    

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. Tarun Ramesh is a medical student at Harvard and incoming internal medicine resident at Massachusetts General Hospital. His article “Striking a Balance” was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, exploring physician collective bargaining through a global lens. His academic work centers on health economics, workforce policy, and the evolving dynamics of clinician labor. He has deep research experience in hospital financial models, and his advocacy work reflects a deep commitment to clinician wellbeing and health system transformation.

Twitter: @TarunR99

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarun-ramesh/

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: [e-mail]
 

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.