Have you ever felt the soul of your workplace—the sense of connection, purpose, and community—start to fade? That's exactly what happened to Dr. Sonia Millan, a board-certified family medicine physician with additional certifications in sports and lifestyle medicine. When her autonomy dwindled and joy disappeared, she knew it was time to make a change.
Instead of leaping into the unknown with one perfect plan, Sonia earned what she calls her "honorary master's in pivotry." She experimented, explored, and stayed curious—trying everything from chart review and patient advocacy to IRB work and prison-system audits. Some paths fit, others didn't, but each step brought her closer to a career she truly loves. And here's the twist: the job she once thought she'd never enjoy is now her 10-out-of-10 dream role.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that clarity doesn't come from waiting for the perfect plan—it comes from moving, experimenting, and letting go of what's not for you.
In this episode we're talking about:
- How losing autonomy in clinical practice led Sonia to explore new possibilities
- The mindset shift that helped her turn uncertainty into opportunity
- Unexpected lessons she learned from eight years as a white-water rafting guide
- How she tested different nonclinical paths (and what she learned from each one)
- What changed her mind about her current role and why she now loves it
- How curiosity, intuition, and her "lunch litmus test" helped her find her ideal fit
- The spiritual practice that keeps her grounded.
Links for this episode:
🌟 Private 1:1 Consultations - If you would like some confidential help with your career situation, I offer an hour-long paid consultation via Zoom. This session may be all that you need to gain clarity and have some steps for moving forward. If after this consultation you prefer additional support, there is the option of doing one of my coaching programs (subject to availability). For more information including pricing please reach out to Kati at team@doctorscrossing.com.
