Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode is one that speaks directly to the heart of reinvention and the pursuit of passion long after the first chapter of your career has closed. I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Vasu Tolia as my guest—a remarkable individual whose journey from a tenured professor of pediatrics at Wayne State University to a celebrated visual artist in Michigan encapsulates the very essence of what it means to “graduate” into your next act with purpose and joy.
Vasu’s story is extraordinary. After reaching the apex of her medical career as a physician, educator, and researcher, she faced pivotal crossroads that led her to reevaluate what truly brought fulfillment and happiness into her life. Rather than simply settling or succumbing to burnout, she took the courageous step of exploring entirely new creative avenues. From private practice to art lessons at a local center, what began as tentative experimentation evolved into a full-fledged artistic pursuit that now includes exhibitions, national accolades, and a focus on art’s potential to heal—both herself and others.
In this episode, Vasu and I discuss what it really takes to make a major life and career pivot—especially after achieving success in a field that most would find hard to walk away from. We delve into the role of family support, rediscovering latent passions, and how her medical background continues to inform and inspire her works of art. Vasu shares how art became a therapeutic outlet during trying times, including the onset of the COVID pandemic, and how her pieces have even been recognized by national publications and the CDC. We touch upon the evolving fields of art therapy and neuroarts, and how creativity—in all its forms—can serve as an indispensable tool for emotional well-being and personal reinvention at any stage of life.
5 Key Takeaways:
- Reinvention is Possible at Any Age or Career Stage: Vasu’s journey from medicine to art illustrates that it is never too late to follow your creative instincts, pursue new passions, or find fulfillment in unexpected places.
- The Importance of Family and Community Support: Family played a crucial role in supporting Vasu’s pivot, reminding her that success is not always measured financially but through personal fulfillment and impact.
- Art as Therapy and Healing: Creating and viewing art can serve as powerful emotional outlets—helping to process change, relieve stress, and provide solace during challenging times, as evidenced by Vasu’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Your Identity is More Than a Job Title: We discussed the tendency to conflate who we are with what we do, and how embracing all facets of ourselves—including new talents and interests—can lead to a more authentic and rewarding sense of self.
- Bringing Purpose to the Next Chapter: Rather than simply retiring, Vasu is committed to spreading a message of healing and empowering others through art and creativity, seeing this as her next legacy.
Join us as we explore how embracing change, creativity, and self-discovery can lead to a vibrant, impactful life—no matter when you start. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone who might need a little encouragement to chase a new dream or reinvent themselves with purpose and passion!
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About Dr. Vasu Tolia
Vasundhara (Vasu) Tolia exemplifies the art of thriving through reinvention. A former tenured Professor of Pediatrics at Wayne State University, Vasu successfully transitioned to a full-time artistic career, becoming a celebrated Michigan-based visual artist known for her vibrant acrylic and mixed media works. Embracing a significant mid-life career change, Vasu channeled her scientific background into a new passion, creating art that bridges emotion and intellect. Her journey from medicine to art demonstrates