Doctors wield the pen

Many years ago, as a young physician

I read something that created an indelible impression

The author had put forth strong arguments

For all doctors to consider writing, this intensified my intent

To start writing one day, once enough experiences I had accumulated

I wanted my word to have value, in retrospect I should not have waited

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I write these days, and though I do not

Write much about doctoring, the thought

Of being able to put words on paper seems to be

A way to crystallize everything I see

In my daily life as a physician

The entire spectrum of human condition

I am, as part of work, able to witness

Writing has helped me process

Some of the most complex conundrums I face

Now I understand why a doctor should carve out some space

To write- many doctors have contributed significantly

To the world through their writing, and while I do not see

Myself in that category, writing for myself hopefully let me become

The best version of myself as a person and a physician