Embraced a medical career in my 40s - consider branching out in life, pursue your aspirations wholeheartedly
In the July 2025 issue of woman&home magazine, we delve into the inspiring life story of Joanna Cannon, a woman who defied expectations and reinvented herself from a school dropout at 15 to a successful author and psychiatrist.
Born and raised in the picturesque Peak District, Cannon left school with only one O-level in French. However, her dreams of becoming a doctor, a path she would embark on in her mid-30s, were far from over.
Her journey began with a series of odd jobs, including working as a kennel maid and waitress. It was during a first-aid course that she was inspired to apply for three science A levels at college in Derby. This decision would set her on a path towards medical school at Leicester University.
Financing her education through delivering pizzas and taking out student loans, Cannon's medical studies were no easy feat. A five-hour round trip from her home in the Peak District to Leicester every day made for challenging circumstances. Yet, her determination remained unwavering.
At 42, Cannon started her first shift as a doctor, often assumed to be more senior due to her age. Her age was initially a concern for the professor at Leicester University, but she was still offered a spot in the medical program.
After completing her medical degree, Cannon specialized in psychiatry, a field she found both fascinating and rewarding. She took a few years off from medicine to volunteer for local mental health services before returning to work with the Staffordshire NHS Trust.
In the Trust, Cannon brings psychiatry and storytelling together in a creative development program. Her work aims to help those with mental illness, a cause close to her heart.
Cannon's literary debut, "The Trouble with Goats and Sheep," was published in 2014, garnering recognition for her writing. Her work often draws upon her medical experiences, reflecting themes connected to health and human vulnerability.
Cannon, now 57, lives in the Peak District with her German shepherd, Lewis. She encourages others to change course in life if it makes them happy, a message that resonates with many.
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- Joanna Cannon, the subject of our July 2025 woman&home magazine feature, grew up in the picturesque Peak District, showcasing the beauty and tranquility of her home surroundings.
- Alongside her journey from school dropout to successful author and psychiatrist, career development and personal growth were significant pillars in Joanna Cannon's life, as demonstrated by her pursuit of education and self-development.
- Skills training played a crucial role in Joanna Cannon's transformation, as evidenced by her enrollment in science A levels at college in Derby and first-aid course that eventually led her to medical school.
- In addition to her contributions to health and wellness as a psychiatrist, Joanna Cannon remains committed to promoting self-development and personal growth by offering career development opportunities through creative programs in her work with the Staffordshire NHS Trust.
