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.

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.

“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.

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

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

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

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Do you want to pivot into a nonclinical career path?

In this inspiring continuation of her “Pivot Opportunities for Optometrists” series, Dr. Diane Van Staden explores the exciting new frontiers emerging for eye care professionals who are ready to evolve with the times.

As technology, artificial intelligence, and global healthcare systems transform at lightning speed, Dr Diane challenges optometrists to think beyond traditional practice.

She highlights where the world is heading - and how you can stay ahead by positioning yourself strategically in growing fields that align with your values, skills, and curiosity.

This episode is both a wake-up call and a roadmap for any optometrist feeling the pull toward something more impactful, meaningful, and future-ready.

• Why embracing innovation is essential to avoid being left behind

• How digital health and tele-optometry are reshaping access to care

• The expanding role of AI and data science in diagnostics and patient care

• The power of interdisciplinary and chronic care models in building fulfilling, community-focused careers

• How to make an impact in global health, nonprofits, and advocacy work

• Why corporate and industry leadership need clinicians’ voices now more than ever

• Actionable steps to begin your pivot journey with clarity and confidence

• Staying comfortable with “what’s working” can quietly hold you back from growth.

• Technology isn’t replacing clinicians - it’s creating new doors for them.

• Optometrists have transferable skills that are highly valuable in innovation, leadership, and health systems development.

• The path forward starts with self-awareness, exploration, and action.

• Take a self-assessment to identify your pivot personality type (as discussed in Part 1 - Episode 116) https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/116-beyond-the-clinic-unlocking-new-career/id1713086617?i=1000732614423

• Explore organizations and conferences in digital health, AI, and global eye care.

• Interested in mapping your next steps? 👉 Book a Strategy Call with Dr. Diane https://calendly.com/lbcp/strategy-call

“Optometry is evolving — and so can you. Choose curiosity over fear, and let your skills open new doors for you.” – Dr. Diane Van Staden

• Website: @lifebeyondclinicalpractice

• LinkedIn: Dr. Diane Van Staden

In this episode, Diane pays homage to her roots in optometry - a profession that shaped her journey and now serves as a mirror for many clinicians feeling stuck or unfulfilled. She opens up about her own moment of realization in practice - when the daily routine of eye exams began to feel like a box rather than a calling - and shares how she found purpose beyond the consulting room.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this all I’ll be doing for the rest of my career?” - this episode is for you.

• The Feeling of Stagnation: Many optometrists feel boxed in by the repetitive nature of clinical work. Dr Diane shares her experience of monotony and the yearning for growth and deeper impact.

• Breaking Free from Professional Identity: Attachment to clinical titles and roles can limit our sense of possibility. Know that your value extends far beyond your current job description.

• Facing the Fear of Instability: Leaving clinical practice can feel risky, but vulnerability is part of growth. Dr Diane reframes “starting over” as building from where you are.

• Lack of Visibility ≠ Lack of Options: The issue isn’t that there are no opportunities outside optometry - it’s that many don’t know where to look. This podcast exists to change that.

Dr Diane introduces the concept of personality-driven pivot paths, helping you identify roles aligned with who you are:

• The Innovator – drawn to startups, medtech, and product development

• The Educator – thrives in teaching, training, and curriculum design

• The Strategist – excels in policy, research, and consulting

• The Connector – loves relationship-building, business development, and partnerships

• The Builder – flourishes in entrepreneurship, consulting, or practice ownership

“Your optometry career is a foundation, not a box.”

There are fulfilling, purpose-driven career paths waiting beyond the exam room - and they start with understanding who you are and what you’re meant to contribute.

“We should pursue purpose beyond the paycheck.” – Dr Diane Van Staden

What part of your optometry career has felt most life-giving - and what part has felt limiting? What might that reveal about your next chapter?

If you’re ready to explore what’s next, book a strategy call with Dr Diane to get clear on your next right step so you can start mapping out your pivot plan.

👉 https://calendly.com/lbcp/strategy-call