5 Reasons Doctors Write Books

Why do doctors want to write books? Why do doctors want to become authors? (As I’m writing this, there’s a song running through my head – maybe you remember it – “Girls just want to have fun…” Doctors just want be authors… okay, doesn’t quite fit, but it’s close…)

In my experience, doctors are actually very good writers. They may not have majored in English, and maybe their handwriting leaves a lot to be desired… but in general, they can write. They are very good at storytelling. Maybe it’s because they listen to so many stories, you know? Day in and day out, when they’re treating patients, they ask questions like, “So what seems to be the trouble today?” or, “How have you been feeling?” or, “So tell me about what’s been going on in your life…” and we know they’re not the polite questions we get asked in society – the “Hi! How are you?” kind of questions that we know we’re supposed to respond with “Fine, thanks! How are you?” No, with these questions, we get to respond – to tell the truth – to tell our story… And they listen.

So maybe that has something to do with it. In any case, here are the top 5 reasons my clients have told me why they wanted to be authors… (And these are in no particular order…)

1. Because it’s fun. Okay, there’s the reason for the song… But seriously, writing is fun. (Well, maybe not all the time – like any other profession, there are always certain parts that certain people don’t like. Things that come to mind are: editing – well, re-editing, writer’s block, and trying to keep the flow going.) But it is a lot of fun, especially as you see the chapters coming together and the story taking shape. And you can add rewarding, enjoyable and maybe even therapeutic to write…

2. Because they want to share information, knowledge or experience. Most of the doctors I’ve been privileged to work with have a keen insight into the human condition. They have a gift for finding a clever way to express themselves, and blend humor, sarcasm, compassion, joy and sorry with equal ability, and they can help people with what they have to say.

3. Because they want (or need) an outlet for their creativity. Being a doctor is darn hard under the best of conditions.  And let’s face it, these days aren’t the best of conditions. There are so many regulations, rules and rigidity in medicine.  Writing offers that creative outlet that is so missing in their lives.

4. Because they want a little fame and notoriety. And really, who doesn’t?  I think most writers and authors dream of someday having their book on the New York Times Bestseller list, and being able to enjoy the perks of celebrityhood.  (Celebritiness?)  There’s nothing wrong with dreaming a little – and hey, it’s been known to happen!

5. To become known as an expert in their field.  Sometimes this is about fame and fortune, but in the case of my clients, many of them have dreams or a plan to branch out from what they’re currently doing.  Sometimes it means starting a practice in a complementary field, or to start something new.  Being the author of your own published book is a great way to get things off the ground quickly and successfully.

If you’re a doctor who wants to write a book and you’ve got questions about hiring a ghostwriter, you might want to check out my article “The 3 Biggest Reasons Doctors Hire Ghostwriters“.

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