"Achieving a medical degree in my 40s encourages life-change pursuits: if you're considering a career shift, take the plunge"
Joanna Cannon, a renowned author and psychiatrist, has a remarkable and unconventional life story that has captured the attention of many. Born in the Peak District, Cannon's journey began when she left school at the age of 15 with just one O-level in French[1].
For many years, she worked a variety of jobs, including delivering pizzas and working as a kennel maid and waitress. It wasn't until she was 35 that a paramedic on a first-aid course inspired her to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor[5].
Despite being older than most students, Cannon was accepted into medical school at Leicester University and financed her education through her own means, as well as student loans[4]. Medical school was no easy feat for Cannon, as it required a five-hour round trip from her home in the Peak District every day[3].
Her determination paid off, and she eventually graduated from medical school at the age of 42 and had her name added to the first shift rota as "Dr Cannon"[2]. Cannon went on to specialize in psychiatry, a field that deeply reflects her professional and personal interests[1].
Cannon's work as a psychiatrist and her interest in people living on the fringes of society have been a source of inspiration for her writing. Her first novel, "The Trouble with Goats and Sheep", was published in 2014[6]. She continues to work as an author and currently lives with her German shepherd, Lewis[7].
Cannon's career path is a testament to persistence, late blooming, and the pursuit of passion despite unconventional beginnings. She currently works with the Staffordshire NHS Trust, combining psychiatry and storytelling in a creative development program[4].
This story exemplifies a remarkable transformation from an early school dropout to a respected medical professional and writer. It serves as a source of inspiration to many, encouraging others to pursue changes in life, regardless of societal expectations[1]. The full story of Joanna Cannon's journey was first featured in the July 2025 issue of woman&home magazine[8].
Footnotes:
- woman&home magazine
- The Guardian
- BBC News
- Staffordshire NHS Trust
- The Independent
- The Bookseller
- The Telegraph
- woman&home magazine
- Joanna Cannon's journey, initially marked by an early school departure, culminated in a remarkable career as a respected psychiatrist, author, and dog owner, showcasing the transformative power of personal growth and self-development.
- Cannon's unique path to success, which included jobs in unlikely settings like a kennel and a pizza parlor, emphasizes the significance of wellness, health, and beauty in one's personal and professional life.
- Discovering her passion for psychiatry and storytelling, Cannon has integrated her expertise into a home-based creative development program in concert with the Staffordshire NHS Trust, emphasizing the importance of education and self-development in nurturing individual potential.
