118 | Leaving a successful medical career to pursue soul-satisfying work: Interview with Dr Shaun...

From Radiologist to Global Health Coach Mentor: Dr. Shaunna Menard on Reinventing Purpose Beyond Medicine



 



In this deeply inspiring episode of Life Beyond Clinical Practice, Dr. Diane Van Staden sits down with Dr. Shaunna Menard — a former radiologist turned international best-selling author, speaker, and founder of the Health Professional Academy.



After 25 years in medicine, Dr. Shaunna reached a breaking point — torn between her desire to help others and a system that left her exhausted and unfulfilled. What began as a late-night search for meaning led her on a journey of transformation from “the photographer of disease” to a mentor helping health professionals worldwide build soul-aligned, profitable practices as health coaches.



This conversation dives into the emotional, spiritual, and practical realities of leaving a successful medical career, rediscovering purpose, and building a new path with freedom and impact at its core.


💡 In This Episode


You’ll hear:




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🌱 The moment that changed everything — when Dr. Shaunna realized she could no longer stay in medicine “waiting for someone to save her.”




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🔍 Identity and mindset struggles that doctors face when their title and training become tied to their self-worth.




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💔 The hidden toll of burnout and loss — and how it can awaken a deeper calling.




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✨ How intention and clarity can unlock unexpected opportunities and guide your next chapter.




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🩺 The step-by-step evolution from radiologist to six-figure health coach and global mentor.




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📚 Behind her books Free to Heal and Six Figure Health Coach — and the inspiring story of Rachel, a mom of five who built a thriving coaching practice.




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💫 Her message to health professionals feeling “stuck but called to more” — and the powerful exercise that started her reinvention.





🧭 Key Takeaways



“There’s nobody coming to save you. The moment you set your intention and decide to change, the path begins to unfold.” — Dr. Shaunna Menard





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Your credentials are not your cage. Your experience can evolve into new ways of serving.




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Clarity before strategy. The ‘how’ appears after you decide what you want.




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Purpose and profit can coexist. It’s possible to create meaningful work that supports your wellbeing and your family.




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Your story is your gold. Within your lived experience lies the message and method you’re meant to share.





📘 About Dr. Shaunna Menard


Dr. Shaunna Menard is a Canadian and American board-certified radiologist turned transformational coach, international best-selling author, and founder of the Health Professional Academy. She helps health coaches — many of them former doctors — build six- and seven-figure businesses doing work that’s soul-satisfying and impactful.



Books:




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Free to Heal




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Six Figure Health Coach






Connect with Dr. Shaunna:

🌐 healthprofessionalacademy.com (#)

📸 @drshaunnamenard


💬 Quote of the Episode



“Focus on what you want, not on how you’ll get there. If it feels good, you’re heading in the right direction.”



🪞 Reflection Prompt


What would change if you stopped waiting for permission and started believing your next chapter is possible?



 



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