Join Dr. Reid, psychiatrist, creator and host of “A Mind of Her Own,” and author of Guilt Free, for this conversation with Nancy Reddy, author of The Good Mother Myth and creator of Be Less Careful and Mara Gordon, family doctor and creator of the Your Doctor Friend by Mara Gordon newsletter.

We discuss:

* External validation (fellowships, book deals) helps but isn’t the whole story—self-actualization with age matters more

On Midlife Transformation

* The conversation centered on women making big changes in midlife when life seems “set”

* Mara just turned 40 and sees a shift toward self-actualization that comes with age

* There’s power in coming to realize what doesn’t work for you (as Jennifer noted from Parker Palmer) as much as what does

On Healthcare and Creativity

* Both physicians emphasized the need for creative outlets alongside science—whether theater, writing, or podcasting

* The medical system rewards quantitative efficiency over storytelling, yet healthcare contains rich narratives that deserve to be told

* Writing in healthcare comes with unique fears: professionalism concerns, employer reactions, HIPAA violations, plus universal impostor syndrome

Advice for Healthcare Writers

* Write beyond fear: Identify specific sources of fear (HIPAA, professional image, employer concerns) and name them

* Find your values: What matters to you? Build work that lets you grow and shine in alignment with those values

* Build community: Connect with other writers, mentors, and trusted friends who can help you navigate fears

* Try different formats: Podcasts, newsletters, books—find what feels authentic to your communication style

Notable Quote: “I think anyone in healthcare has really the potential to create some beautiful work. There’s so many stories there that really deserve to be told.”

The Takeaway: Writing is an act of courage, especially in fields like medicine where vulnerability feels risky. But midlife offers a gift—enough experience to know what matters, enough confidence to claim your voice, and enough wisdom to write beyond fear.

Find Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd, LinkedIn, and YouTube

You can also preorder Dr. Reid’s book, Guilt Free! (If you are in the UK, you can order here and here.)

Also check out Dr. Reid’s regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink

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Doctor, Writer, Woman: Navigating Guilt and Identity at Midlife