An Engaging Conversation with Dr. David Mokotoff, Retired Cardiologist
Written on
Understanding Dr. Mokotoff's Journey
In this interview, we delve into the life of Dr. David Mokotoff, MD, who concluded his cardiology career after over 30 years. Now, he imparts his wealth of knowledge through writing on Medium.com.
This article serves as a platform to highlight influential writers and leaders in their respective fields, a mission I began in 2019. Upon becoming a Friend of Medium last year, I reached out to early adopters of the program to understand their expectations from this new subscription model. They expressed a desire for curated content and visibility that would showcase the works of impactful writers who can both inform and entertain.
Thus, I aim to introduce writers with leadership qualities who contribute meaningful narratives to my curated publications, enhancing their visibility and reach.
A Deep Dive with Dr. Mokotoff
I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Mokotoff, a dedicated member of the Medium community and a strong advocate for ILLUMINATION publications. His contributions stand out for their depth, authenticity, and engaging style.
Dr. Mokotoff, can you share a bit about your background?
Thank you for this opportunity, Dr. Yildiz. I am a board-certified cardiologist who retired in 2015. A key goal of mine during retirement has been to refine my writing skills. Writing is a passion that fuels me every day. I draw inspiration from everyday observations and aim to present thoughts that resonate with readers in an entertaining manner. My other interests include reading, fishing, cooking, traveling, and gardening, all of which I weave into my stories for your publications.
What are three books that have significantly influenced your life?
Narrowing it down is challenging, but here are my top three:
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
- On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
I noticed you've authored popular books and scientific papers. Could you mention a few?
Certainly! One notable work is The Moose's Children: A Memoir of Betrayal, Death, and Survival, published on January 20, 2012. The book reflects on two decades of love and loss intertwined with the story of a family impacted by alcoholism and trauma.
In 2017, I released Light & Dark: A Short Story Collection, which explores the complexities of human nature, emphasizing that we all embody both good and evil. A reviewer described it as "an intriguing mixture of archetypal nuances," capturing the essence of everyday life in a thought-provoking way.
Additionally, I have contributed to esteemed medical journals, including JAMA, where my work has focused on personal reflections and the integration of spirituality into medical practice.
In this context, here’s a relevant video that illustrates the transformative power of storytelling in medicine:
Why do you choose to write on Medium?
Medium provides an ideal platform for storytelling. I prefer not to engage in dense scientific writing. Instead, I aim to make complex medical and scientific concepts accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience. The encouragement I receive through reader engagement is incredibly rewarding.
What principles guide you as a writer?
I hold two fundamental values: honesty in my writing and a genuine passion for the topics I explore. If I’m not excited about a subject, it shows, and readers can sense that. My goal is to inform while also entertaining.
Connecting with Readers
I strive to engage with my readers by responding to their comments. I follow writers whose work I enjoy, avoiding the mindless following typical of social media platforms.
What attracted you to ILLUMINATION?
I appreciate the diverse perspectives and stories within ILLUMINATION. The support I received early in my writing journey has been invaluable, and I commend the efforts of the administrators who facilitate this vibrant community.
Can you highlight five impactful stories you've written?
Selecting just five is a challenge, but here are those that resonated most with my audience:
- The Cruel But Inevitable Body Changes That Come With Aging
- If You Eat a Healthy Diet, Save Your Money Because You Don't Need Probiotics and Prebiotics
- If You're an Ace Wordsmith, See How Many of These Ten Words You Know
- Maybe You Heard That the Supply Chain is Broken
- Why I Walked Out of a Doctor Appointment and When You Should Too
What contributes to your success on Medium?
Regular writing is key, along with careful editing and attention to detail. I utilize grammar-checking tools to refine my work. Moreover, I often spend equal time crafting an engaging title and selecting a fitting image as I do writing the content.
What advice would you give to new writers on ILLUMINATION?
It's crucial to familiarize yourself with submission guidelines and to edit your work thoroughly before submission. Engage your audience with well-crafted stories and avoid wasting editors' time with basic errors.
Future Aspirations
I don’t aspire to pen "The Great American Novel," but I aim to continue writing and expanding my audience on Medium. While I once considered starting my own publication, I recognize the divisive nature of political topics and prefer to focus on medicine and science intertwined with humor.
Thank you, Dr. Mokotoff, for sharing your insights. I've enjoyed many of your stories, particularly the three I have linked here for readers to explore.
For those interested in more conversations with influential writers, consider checking out these recent interviews:
- Interview with Martin D. Hirsch
- Interview with Gill McCulloch
- Interview with Dr. Adelia Ritchie, PhD
Explore further interviews and articles that delve into health insights and life lessons drawn from personal experiences.
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