Like What You Do: The Memoirs of Dr. Walt Menninger

$40.00
by Walt Menninger

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Dr. Walt Menninger's grandfather had a vision for a family practice that would bring healing to people in need. From the humble beginnings of the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas, grew to a nationally preeminent mental health authority, treating patients, training new psychiatrists, and bringing groundbreaking ideas into the common culture. A third generation Menninger psychiatrist, Dr. Walt led an interesting and varied career that took him to the wilds of the third world as well as the halls of power. He worked with significant figures of his era to shape policy and share the lessons learned at the Menninger Clinic. Dr. Walt felt his first responsibility was to not tarnish his family's legacy. But it was under his leadership as CEO that the monumental decision was made to move the Menninger programs from Topeka to Houston. That decision affected thousands of lives and brought an end to more than 75 years of having a Menninger at the head of the organization. As the Menninger Foundation celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, no one knows its history better than Dr. Walt. In this memoir, he relays stories of the institution that have never been revealed while also sharing his personal experiences of triumph and defeat, legacy and loss. Now in his ninth decade, Dr. Walt believes he has wisdom to share. Like What You Do preserves timeless lessons about mental health, morality, religion, violence, and death. "Dr. Walt is truly 'a man for all seasons.' This memoir is an intimate look into the life and work of a Menninger man who, together with his family, forever altered the way we approach mental health all over the world." Laura Kelly, 48th Governor of Kansas "Explore the extraordinary life of Dr. Walter Menninger in this captivating book. From his formative years in a renowned family of psychiatrists to his groundbreaking contributions in mental health, Dr. Menninger shares his journey navigating the complexities of the human mind. With honesty and insight, he reflects on pivotal moments, professional triumphs, and the evolution of psychiatric care. A compelling narrative of resilience, innovation, and compassion, this memoir offers a profound look into the life of a pioneer in psychiatry." Yvonne Maldonado, MD, Taube Endowed Professor of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine "Like What You Do is a compelling review of an amazing life and life's work. From Dr. Walt's marriage to his college sweetheart and parenting six children to his leadership of both the Topeka State Hospital and the Menninger Foundation at a time when mental health was often overlooked as an essential component of a healthy life, Dr. Walt had a profound impact on peers and patients. His new book is a great read." Kathleen Sebelius, 44th Governor of Kansas, 21st U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services "Dr. Walt's memoir, Like What You Do , reads like a history of psychiatry and the mental health professions in the USA during his 90-plus years; it is written from the unique view of a remarkable man standing on the shoulders of brilliant others in this preeminent family of the period who birthed a vision of alleviating human suffering. Yet his style is candid, humble, filled with wisdom, relatable, and infused with that amazing ability to distill complex concepts, both psychological and environmental, into common sense discourse that was Menninger. An uplifting volume conveying the deeply-held Menninger spirit of community and collaboration that provides hope in these difficult times and this troubled world." Bonnie J. Buchele, Ph.D., President-Elect, American Psychoanalytic Association

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