Who Are You Outside Medicine? | Ryan Montoya on Travel, Art & Reinvention

Medicine teaches us who we're supposed to be. But what happens when we step outside of that identity?

In this episode of Surgeon, Interrupted, Dr. Frances Mei sits down with physician, graphic medicine artist, and longtime friend Dr. Ryan Montoya to talk about the unexpected lessons that come from traveling alone, exhibiting artwork around the world, and building a life beyond traditional medicine.

Ryan shares his journey from family physician and commercial illustrator to exhibiting graphic medicine in galleries across Tokyo, New York, Athens, and Naples, what it's like entering the fine art world for the first time, and why travel has become one of the greatest tools for personal growth.

Together, Frances Mei and Ryan explore:

• Why travel changes your identity

• Making meaningful friendships as an adult

• Leaving medicine without leaving yourself

• The difference between commercial art and fine art

• Reinvention after a medical career

• Why physicians need interests beyond medicine

• How new environments help you become the person you want to be

If you've ever wondered who you are outside your white coat, or felt like medicine became your entire identity, this conversation is for you.

Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MD

Guest: Ryan Montoya, MD

Connect with Ryan: https://www.hippocratic-collective.com/members/ryan-montoya-md

Presented by: The Hippocratic Collective

Follow Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimd

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