536. Revolutionizing Travel: How Healthcare Professionals are Transforming Accessible Vacations

The Healthcare Education Transformation Podcast

What happens when you combine healthcare expertise with a passion for travel? I had the privilege of talking with Dr. Karen Dwire, an experienced occupational therapist, and Sarah Molnar, a business coach turned travel entrepreneur, about their groundbreaking approach to accessible travel. Karen and Sarah share how they’ve built a thriving business helping individuals with disabilities or special needs experience the joy of travel. From adaptive equipment to customized itineraries, they explain how healthcare professionals can leverage their skills to make travel more inclusive—all while creating flexible, purpose-driven careers for themselves. If you’ve ever wondered how to combine your healthcare knowledge with entrepreneurship, or how to help clients achieve life-changing travel experiences, this conversation is for you.
Dr. Karen Dwire is an esteemed Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience in the field of rehabilitation. Combining her extensive expertise as an OT with a passion for travel, Karen has revolutionized the way individuals travel by focusing on accessibility for all, regardless of age or ability.
As a pioneer in the field of accessible travel planning, Dr. Dwire is dedicated to training and empowering travel agents to effectively plan and book trips for clients with differing abilities, special needs, and medical complexities. Her mission is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to explore the world without barriers. Her goal is to impact the way one million people travel, of all abilities because her company, Accessible Travel Planners exists.
Sarah Molnar is a former ER healthcare worker who left the industry at just 24 after losing her mom to cancer. When the job expected her to work after 3 days bereavement leave, she knew it was not the right path for her.
11 days after marrying her husband she fell down the stairs of their new home and broke her leg unable to walk for 6 months. This unexpected event became the catalyst for her entry into the travel industry, where she discovered her passion for building a business that aligned with her values and lifestyle goals.
Learn more about our guests at:
https://www.facebook.com/@karencdwire
https://www.facebook.com/sarah.molnar.9
www.networkwithsarah.com/myfbprofile
www.networkwithsarah.com/travelbiz
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