Where physicians who write find their people—and their voice.

Our story

We are a group of physicians who have long searched for a community in which we could share and develop our passion for creative writing and storytelling. After failing to find exactly what we were looking for in other professional societies, we realized that we needed to create our own. After the overwhelming success and enthusiasm about the Midwest Physician Writers Retreats in 2025 and 2026, we decided to create a professional society that physician writers from around the world can find a place to belong.

The Society of Physician Writers is a 501c3 non-profit professional organization built on three pillars important to physician writers: creativity, craft, and community. We plan to build on these pillars via:

  • Providing community, networking, and mentorhip opportunities for physician writers

  • Hosting writing workshops for physician authors of all levels of experience

  • Providing a safe and constructive outlet for sharing work and feedback

The primary event of the Society of Physician Writers is the annual national physician writers retreat (formerly the Midwest Physician Writers Retreat). The next retreat will be April 16 - 18, 2027 in Iowa City, Iowa.

The Society of Physician Writers Board of Directors

Shanda McManus MD

Ben Trappey, MD: Board President

Maren Olson, MD, MPH, MEd: Board Vice-President

Elizabeth A. Fleming, MD: Board Secretary

Brittany Bettendorf, MD, MFA: Board Treasurer

Annie Breckenridge: Executive Director

Bruce Campbell, MD

Susan Hata, MD, MFA

Suzanne Koven, MD, MFA

Trisha Paul, MD, MFA

Anthony Williams, MD

(Bios and photos coming soon!)