Meet Susie Sharpe, MD | Artist, Physician & TEDx speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Susie Sharpe, MD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susie, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in Korea, and my dream was to become an artist. Unexpected circumstances led me to move to the U.S. at age 16. Without speaking any English and with no one to rely on, I felt I needed to find a different career that offered security to support myself. I decided to become a physician, although it felt like an impossible dream.

After many grueling years, while learning English and supporting myself, I received my M.D. and residency training from Yale. I have had a very successful and fulfilling career as a physician. But I never gave up on my passion for art, so I studied it whenever I could while practicing medicine and raising a family.

For the past 10 years, I’ve had an amazing career as a physician-artist. I’ve shown my artwork in international exhibits in New York, Miami, Madrid, Brussels, etc. I ship my art worldwide as I continue to care for patients, and pursue my passion for art and medicine.
I am who I am today because I relentlessly pursued what seemed like impossible dreams.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After I finished my medical training, I became a successful physician with a busy practice. But there was one thing missing from my life! My passion for art had been buried for decades and could barely be suppressed anymore. Then, about 10 years ago, I had a near-miss car accident that made me realize that if I had died then, I would’ve never got to live my original dream as an artist. That pivotal moment gave me the clarity I needed to revive my lost dream.

So, I studied art whenever I could while maintaining a busy medical practice and raising children. I started taking art classes in the evening, doing group shows, then solo shows. Eventually, I celebrated my new identity as a physician-artist, and I have shown my art around the world, from New York to Paris, from Miami to Madrid, even as I continue to care for my patients.

My goal as a physician is to lessen physical suffering and healing. My mission as an artist to bring Beauty, Joy, and Healing amidst the darkness in the world. My colors are bright and vibrant. I strive to highlight the beautiful side of life with my art.

The underlying theme of my artwork is the love of life, passion, a beautiful journey. I have a series For Ocean Lovers, For Music Lovers, and some portraits.

As a physician, I am highly analytical and precise. But when I enter my art studio, I must completely switch my mindset. I let go of control and allow myself to become an instrument of the creative Muse. Letting go of fear, I get to create magical and spontaneous pieces that convey freedom to the viewers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my best friend to Venice Beach during the sunset. The beauty of the ocean is out of this world. Strolling along the boardwalk and watching the skaters at the skate park near the beach are fun and exciting. I would take my friend to the original LA Flower Market, which is absolutely lovely. Doing a LA gallery tour would be an amazing treat.
The Korea Town has so many wonderful places to eat, and is a must. Catching the LA Philhamonic performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall would be a perfect finish for the day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dr. Jules Schwaber has been my stable mentor since I graduated from Wesleyan University decades ago. His kindness and belief in me have helped me overcome some enormous obstacles in my life.

Tony Robbins and his coaches, Boni LaValley, Leonaura Rhodes and Angie Ferguson have provided me with the support and insights I needed to pursue my dreams.

My two children, Peter and Julie Sharpe have been the reasons to Live and Love beyond what I ever thought was possible.

Website: https://www.susiesharpe.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susie.sharpe/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susie-sharpe-md-69672442/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusieSharpeArt