7 - From Combat Medic to Courtroom: Zej Moczydlowski’s Mission for Justice

Scalpel and Sword: Conflict and Negotiation in Modern Medicine

What happens when a combat medic turns to the law to continue his mission of service? In this deeply inspiring episode, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Zej Moczydlowski, who shares how his years providing care in austere environments from Sub-Saharan Africa to the ER taught him to lead through crisis, work across hierarchies, and find humanity in hardship.

Zej discusses the unique dynamics of medical teams in the military, where saving lives sometimes meant pushing past traditional roles and stepping into leadership with humility and resolve. He also reflects on his pivot to law school, his passion for international justice, and how medicine taught him to manage pressure, handle trauma, and stay focused on outcomes, not ego.

From delivering babies in Tampa to debriding wounds in South Sudan, Zej’s stories reveal a powerful truth: the skills we carry into conflict—professional, emotional, and ethical—can shape the justice we pursue. His dream? To prosecute war crimes and protect the most vulnerable through global legal systems. This episode is a masterclass in courage, compassion, and conviction.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Lead with Team, Not Title – Zej’s experience shows how military medical teams succeed by flattening hierarchies and focusing on outcomes, not credentials.
2. Bridge Conflict with Care – Even in combat zones, medicine can become a tool for diplomacy and healing. From OB care to trauma response, Zej shares how care builds connection.
3. Turn Off, Turn On – Learning when to emotionally detach and when to re-engage is a skill both in war and in law. Resilience is about regulation—not just endurance.

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:
Zej Moczydlowski is a U.S. Army Special Operations Combat Medic and recent graduate of Washington University School of Law. He is pursuing an LL.M. in International Legal Studies at NYU, focusing on international criminal law, armed conflict, and atrocity prevention. Zej has worked in some of the world’s most austere environments—including South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Uganda—where he led trauma care in combat zones and humanitarian crises.

In law, he’s interned with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the U.S. District Court in California. Zej is also a published author in the Harvard International Law Journal and has contributed to the Crimes Against Humanity Initiative under Professor Leila Sadat. His mission-driven path continues as he prepares to advocate for human rights and prosecute international war crimes on the global stage.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zejmski/

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]
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.