The healing canvas: a doctor’s journey of reinvention through art
Can the unsettling experience of retirement lead to fresh discoveries, a more expansive identity and a deepened contribution? Dr Vasu Tolia outlines her transition from medicine and academic work to visual art, starting as a complete beginner in a new field and evolving into a different person by maintaining her healing focus. She discusses the neuroscience behind beauty as biological nourishment and the advantages of art rotation.
If you are new to podcasts, simply click on the arrow to listen to Vasu and Mariette, or on the download button to download the conversation onto your device.
In episode 234 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful, Dr Vasu Tolia - physician, visual artist, and advocate for healing through creativity - touches on
her role as a pioneer in the field of pediatric gastroenterology
finding retirement daunting: loss of purpose, structure and identity
picking up a paintbrush as a complete beginner
healing by art: the principles of neuroart
comparing practising medicine to practising art – and looking at the human soul with tenderness
wanting her art to be a resting place
the science behind art as medicine: how art can reduce stress - and decrease pain
habituation and art rotation (scroll down for the free downloadable guide)
one thing you can do this week to keep the art on your walls working for you
if you’d like to start creating art yourself, but fear you have no talent
creativity as a way of being
creating a vibrant life after retirement
the difference between “retirement FROM something and recruitment INTO something.”
Scroll down for more about Dr Vasu and her art.
Find Dr Vasu’s free downloadable guide called 'The Art Rotation Prescription’ here.
The World United, mixed media on canvas - on the cover of Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal, Dec. 2022
Up Close & Personal: Dr Vasu answers 8 personal questions - with photographs.
Leading the way, mixed media on canvas - on the cover of ArtAscent Magazine, April 2025
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More about Dr Vasu
Dr. Vasu Tolia is a physician-artist whose work bridges medicine, creativity, and healing. After a distinguished career in Pediatric Gastroenterology, she transitioned into full‑time visual art, exploring themes of resilience, empowerment, identity, and neurodiversity. Her artwork has appeared in The Washington Post, CDC journal covers, WHO exhibitions, and international showcases.
Through painting, poetry and philanthropy, Dr Vasu continues to uplift individuals and communities guided by a deeply human mission to bring more beauty, peace and visibility into the world. She is based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Website: www.vasutolia.art
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vasutolia
Instagram @toliavasu
Linked in - Dr. Vasundhara(Vasu) Tolia
The free podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Player FM and Iono.fm – I hope you’ll subscribe!
Original music by Mart-Marie Snyman
Thumbnail image: Pexels
Photographs of Dr Vasu Tolia and her artworks: supplied