Sometimes Passion Prevails
When Dr. Dara Lifschutz is not working as a radiologist, she is an actor. Her creative streak started when she was a child, performing in school choirs and orchestras. But music took a back seat once she entered medical school and residency.
Dara didn’t know when giving up music she’d miss it so much. After being in practice for a few years, she realized that she needed creativity back in her life. She carved out some time and enrolled in a comedy improv class and was hooked on acting.
Dara enjoyed being an actor so much that she decided to get serious about it. She joined Theater Resources Unlimited, got professional photos, and developed a resume.
She was fortunate because one of her first directors was a great coach. Dara says she learned more about acting in a few weeks than she would have in an entire semester of acting school.
Now, Dara loves everything about the stage. It’s exciting, exhilarating, and scary at the same time.
Avoid These Mistakes
Dara made some mistakes along the way. She wants to help you avoid them, so feel free to contact her. Also, there are a few websites and articles that are great resources, including Backstage, Actors Access, and Casting Networks (see links below).
Her biggest mistake was thinking that she could easily handle doing both careers – radiologist and actor. You really need to have a flexible schedule to accommodate a second job. As an actor, Dara has to be able to go on an audition with little notice: “Can you be in the city at 1 p.m. today to audition for this commercial?”
You’ll need a “survival job” to pay the bills until you get your big break. But it can be difficult to find one to accommodate the schedule of a fledgling actor, because you can be called to audition with almost no warning.
But Dara is convinced it’s her calling. And she will continue to learn her craft and transition out of her clinical activities as her acting career takes off.
She believes that it is best to follow your heart and passion, as she is doing. Most physicians are not risk takers. And that’s a barrier for a lot of us. But sometimes, she says, you just have to go for it!
Links for today’s episode:
Dr. Dara Lifschutz on Facebook
Screenwriting for Physicians Course
How to Survive the 5 Stages of Career Transformation with Dr. Michelle Mudge-Riley – 055
Break Through the Mindset That’s Blocking You – Interview with Dr. Michelle Mudge-Riley – 010
Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU)
Thanks to our sponsor…
We appreciate the UT Physician Executive MBA program for sponsoring the show. It’s an outstanding, highly rated, MBA program designed for working physicians. It might be just what you need to prepare for that joyful, well-paying career. You can find out more at vitalpe.net/physicianmba.
Thanks again for listening. I hope to see you next time on Physician NonClinical Careers.
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