Like What You Do
The Memoirs of Dr. Walt Menninger
Memoir
By:
Dr. W. Walter Menninger
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 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 third world villages as well as Washington, D.C. and New York City. He worked with significant figures of his era to shape policy and share the lessons learned at the Menninger Clinic.
As the Menninger Foundation celebrated 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.
“Like What You Do,The Memoirs of Dr. Walt Menninger 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
“I guarantee you will like what you read, if you read Like What You Do, The Memoirs of Dr. Walt Menninger. What a privilege to be invited to take a journey at Walt’s side, as he paints a vivid picture of his amazing life and career. Most interested readers will already know a lot about the remarkable Menninger dynasty and the truly international impact of the Menninger Clinic. But there’s a lot you won’t know, unless you read the book—from his very personal family tales, to his heady and influential leadership roles, serving as a rudder in the mental health and political winds of the world. Read it! You’ll like it and you’ll learn a lot!”
-- John M. Oldham, M.D. Distinguished Emeritus Professor Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine
“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