From Medical Student to Empathetic Doctor
In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I have an engaging conversation with Dr. Ronald Dwinnells, founder and CEO of Ohio Northeast Medical System, and author extraordinaire. His journey from medical school to novelist reveals the unique interplay between medicine, writing, and the enriching lessons derived from human encounters.
This episode centers around Dr. Dwinnells’ insightful novel, which narrates the relationship between an elderly dying woman and an arrogant medical student and juxtaposes it with his personal and professional experiences.
Writing the Medical Novel: Honest and Accessible
I open the discussion by commending Ronald for his ability to craft an honest depiction of the medical system without overwhelming readers with medical jargon. Dr. Dwinnells explains that his novel’s premise originated from his real-life encounter as a medical student, where he learned profound life lessons from a cancer patient. By beginning with the end of the story, Ronald constructs a narrative that retrospectively fleshes out the backstory of the medical student’s behavior, emphasizing the pivotal moments of transformation.
Dr. Dwinnells’ meticulous attention to “show, not tell” in his storytelling is evident. He explains that the practice of showcasing action and suspense enhances the reader’s engagement, creating a lifelike narrative that unfolds naturally. This approach reflects his belief in balancing creative storytelling with granular details, an aspect that I praise for its potency in fiction writing.
Characters and Creative Processes
A significant portion of the conversation delves into character development. Ronald and I discuss the importance of creating well-rounded characters with specific goals, conflicts, and resolutions. Ronald emphasizes that some of his characters take on a lifelike quality, making autonomous choices that often surprise even him, leading to emotionally rich moments within his stories. These autonomous characters not only serve the narrative but also resonate deeply with readers.
Dr. Dwinnells identifies that his ability to switch between the creative and analytical sides of his brain adds a unique dimension to his writing process. Initially, he allows pure creativity to guide his writing sessions, followed by thorough editing and refinement. I note that this duality likely contributes to Ronald’s effectiveness both as a doctor and a writer, highlighting the interlinked nature of creativity and empathetic care.
The Power of Storytelling: Healing and Transformation
Central to the episode is the transformative power of storytelling. Writing fiction, Dr. Dwinnells believes, provides an opportunity to revisit and address past experiences, offering both the author and readers a healing journey. This sentiment is echoed in his experiences growing up as a half-American, half-Japanese child facing prejudice and bias, and using writing as a medium to rethink his adversities and find positivity.
Dr. Dwinnells’ novel delves into the profound impacts of non-traditional teacher-student dynamics within medicine. The elderly woman helps the medical student grow more compassionate, serving as a metaphor for real-life mentorship that shapes empathetic healthcare providers. The novel’s African character, Agri, draws inspiration from a real individual Ronald met during his climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, further showcasing how personal experiences breathe life into fictional worlds.
Passion and Compassion in Medicine
Ronald’s medical career colors his writing with rich, authentic insights into the compassionate, and at times, bureaucratic nature of healthcare. I mention a doctor’s effort to challenge the stigma of illness through fiction, aligning with Ronald’s drive to depict the struggles and humane aspects of the medical profession realistically. Dr. Winnells shares a personal anecdote about learning empathy and emotional intelligence from a patient who passed away from cancer, underscoring how such encounters have shaped his approach to both medicine and writing.
Advice for Aspiring Authors
The episode concludes with Dr. Ronald Dwinnells offering simple yet profound advice for aspiring writers: “Just be yourself and do what you feel is right.” I acknowledge the valuable lessons learned from the conversation and express enthusiasm for future collaborations. As Ronald hints at attending my workshops and classes, a mutual appreciation for the synergy between storytelling and compassionate practice is evident.
In essence, this episode encapsulates the symbiotic relationship between medicine and literature, with Dr. Dwinnells’ storytelling serving as a bridge to compassionate care. His journey reminds us that at the heart of every great story lies a deep understanding of human experiences, an understanding that transcends professions and touches the core of our shared humanity.
Join us again next week for more captivating insights from influential authors and publishing experts. Remember to subscribe to Authors Who Lead and visit our website for more show notes and past interviews.
That’s all for this week. If you have a message inside of you that needs to be written, today is the day to start. Don’t delay—take action.
Episode Resources
Connect with Dr. Ronald here:
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Grab a copy of Dr. Ronald here:
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