The Influence of Physician Writers on Society

by Dr Sam Girgis on September 12, 2011

Physicians are at a unique position because they bring the advancements made in medical science to the bedside of the patient.  Given this role by society, physicians are privileged to be witness to the details of the lives of their patients while trying to change those lives for the better.  Physicians are scientists of the human condition.  Physician writers are able to influence the lives of the patients that they treat but to also preserve their experiences for the education of future generations of people.  There have been a number of influential physician writers that have impacted my thinking and perspective on the field of medicine.  They have included Dr. Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, and Dr. Michael Crichton, the creator of Andromeda Strain and Jurassic Park.  In addition, the north Jersey native of Rutherford, poet Dr. William Carlos Williams had an influence.

Kristina Fiore, who is a staff writer for Medpage Today, has put together a good documentary about some key physician writers as well as the influence of the Bellevue Literary Review:

http://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/SpecialReports/28449

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