Zoanne Clack is one of the most influential writers and producers in the television industry, having written and produced more than 400 episodes across Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19. But Zoanne wasn’t always just writing about doctors—she was one. She began her career in emergency medicine, working grueling hours as a physician after training at Emory and serving at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At 32, completely burnt out and still thinking of her lifelong dream of working in television, Zoanne packed up her life in Atlanta and moved to Los Angeles, a move that changed the course of her life. On this episode of She Pivots, Zoanne shares her experience going through medical school knowing she didn’t love science and joining Grey’s Anatomy in its very early days. She also discusses how she became a leader in what she calls “entertainment education,” using television to tackle public health issues, expand representation, and in some cases, maybe even save lives.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to She Pivots

00:28 From ER Doctor to Grey's Anatomy

02:25 Childhood Dreams and Career Expectations

04:45 The Practical Choice: Medical School

08:33 Burnout and the Search for a New Path

16:47 The Turning Point: Moving to Los Angeles

21:31 Finding Her Footing in TV

29:04 Balancing Two Careers: Medicine and Writing

32:30 The Evolution of Grey's Anatomy

38:05 Zoanne's Mom

40:37 The Art of Medical Education Through Media

44:22 Low Point to Launch

47:43 Reflections on Zoanne's Pivot

48:36 Podcast Production Credits

Keep up with Zoanne @zclack on instagram, and learn more about her offerings here.

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She Pivots is a podcast created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight influential women voices, share stories of bold career moves, and inspire women with interviews about career reinvention and how personal pivots can redefine professional success.

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