April 23, 2025

ep 20: Why I Left a Successful Career in Dentistry with Dr Zeller and Dr Wahan

34 minutes

Dr Stephanie Zeller

https://www.thetransformationschool.com/

keywords

dentistry, prosthodontics, mental health, career fulfillment, coaching, personal growth, happiness, dental education, professional development, inner work, career fulfillment, burnout, personal transformation, happiness, coaching, professional development, work-life balance, mental health, self-discovery, life coaching, Dr Zeller, Dr Wahan, Dental Podcast, Austin Texas, Seattle

summary

In this conversation, Dr. Stephanie Zeller shares her journey through dentistry, exploring her initial motivations, the challenges she faced in dental school, and her eventual specialization in prosthodontics. She discusses the pursuit of success in her career and the realization that external achievements did not equate to internal happiness. Dr. Zeller emphasizes the importance of inner work and personal growth, leading her to become a coach for others seeking fulfillment in their careers. The conversation highlights the complexities of mental health in the dental profession and the need for a holistic approach to happiness. In this conversation, Stephanie Zeller discusses her journey from being a prosthodontist to a personal transformation expert, focusing on helping professionals find fulfillment in their careers. She emphasizes the importance of understanding burnout, the need for personal transformation, and the belief that happiness can be cultivated from within. The discussion also highlights the resources available for individuals seeking to make significant changes in their professional lives.

takeaways

Dr. Zeller grew up in a dental family, influencing her career choice.

She initially considered psychology before pursuing dentistry.

Dental school was challenging and not as expected for both Dr. Zeller and Serv.

Success in dentistry does not always lead to personal happiness.

Dr. Zeller found passion in prosthodontics after years of general practice.

She emphasizes the importance of continuing education to reignite passion.

Mental health discussions in dentistry have become more prevalent post-COVID.

Inner work is essential for true happiness and career fulfillment.

Coaching others became a natural extension of her journey.

Therapy alone may not be sufficient for career-related dissatisfaction. The goal of the course is to help people experience career fulfillment.

Many professionals, especially dentists, struggle with burnout.

Burnout often stems from doing things one doesn't want to do.

Taking a vacation doesn't necessarily fix burnout.

Happiness is an inside job and can be cultivated.

Most people don't know the specific causes of their burnout.

Transitioning to a new career path can be fulfilling.

Personal transformation can lead to greater success and happiness.

Changing subconscious beliefs can alter one's experience of work.

Resources like courses can help individuals find their path to happiness.

titles

From Dentistry to Coaching: Dr. Zeller's Journey

Finding Fulfillment Beyond the Dental Chair

The Inner Work of Happiness in Dentistry

Sound Bites

"I had a lot of loans."

"I didn't know what to do."

"Happiness was kind of an inside job."

"I started feeling happy internally."

"Happiness really is an inside job."

"I love it. Yeah."

"You need to do work."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Zeller's Journey

02:57 The Path to Dentistry: Family Influence and Personal Choices

05:55 Finding Passion in Prosthodontics

09:01 The Pursuit of Success and Its Discontents

11:46 The Turning Point: Realizations and Mental Health

15:00 The Inner Journey: Discovering True Happiness

17:54 Coaching Others: Sharing the Journey to Fulfillment

21:37 The Journey to Career Fulfillment

24:26 Understanding Burnout and Its Causes

29:45 Transitioning to a New Path

33:01 The Power of Personal Transformation

37:40 Resources for Change and Growth

...more

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By Serv Wahan MD DMD drwahan.com

4.9

1717 ratings