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

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:

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

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

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

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

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

• 📚 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.

• 💫 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

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

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

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

• 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:

• Free to Heal

• 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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