Photo: Dr Richard P. Wenzel, renowned infectious disease expert and novelist, bridges science and storytelling to illuminate medicine’s complexities and humanity.
A Renaissance Writer in Medicine and Literature
Richard P. Wenzel reflects on his transformative journey from infectious disease expert to novelist, blending medicine, arts, and storytelling to explore deeper human narratives and challenges in modern healthcare.
Renowned for his groundbreaking work in infectious diseases, Richard P. Wenzel MD, MSc is much more than a scientist and physician. He is a prolific author of over 550 publications, an Emeritus Professor and former Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as the Editor-at-Large for The New England Journal of Medicine. Yet, his talents extend far beyond hospital corridors and research papers. Wenzel has transitioned seamlessly into the realm of fiction, penning novels that intertwine medical mysteries, ethical dilemmas, and human narratives.
Having trained more than 50 hospital epidemiologists worldwide and held leadership roles in prestigious organisations such as The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) and the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID), Wenzel’s contributions to science are nothing short of monumental. He has also written extensively for general audiences, drafting Op-eds for major publications, including The New York Times and LA Times. Recently, his focus has shifted to storytelling, using fiction as a lens to explore deeper themes of humanity and the complexities within the medical field.
In an interview originally featured in Mosaic Digest, Wenzel spoke candidly about his journey from academic writing to fiction and how storytelling gave him new perspectives on medicine and life.
Richard P. Wenzel masterfully combines scientific expertise and literary artistry, exploring the intersection of medicine, ethics, and human stories.
Medicine Meets Literature: A Shift Toward Humanity
Wenzel’s leap from academic writing to fiction stemmed from a desire to delve deeper into individual narratives. “In medicine, we often view patients through the lens of their illnesses: ‘the 80-year-old woman with coronary bypass surgery,’ or ‘the 70-year-old man with a pacemaker,’” he explained. “But who is the unique person behind the medical problem?” Fiction, poetry, and even visual arts, Wenzel argued, allow physicians to humanise their patients and see them as whole individuals.
He recounted a powerful example of a patient—a fireman battling an unusual muscle disorder. “He confided in me that his colleagues thought he was failing professionally, maybe even cowardly, because he couldn’t climb ladders with the same vigour. That vulnerability—his fear and pride—was just as important as his diagnosis.” For this reason, Wenzel contends that all doctors should immerse themselves in novels and poetry, as these art forms cultivate empathy and emotional insight critical to understanding patients.
“Fiction and poetry help us know the individual with her specific narrative and unique responses to illness.” – Dr Richard P. Wenzel
Exposing Healthcare’s Ethical Quandaries
Much of Wenzel’s fiction highlights the tensions within modern healthcare systems. In his debut novel, Labyrinth of Terror, he navigates the ethical dilemmas embedded within the business-driven side of medicine. The increasingly transactional nature of healthcare—prioritising productivity over patient care—troubled him deeply. “Administrators focus on volumes and profits,” Wenzel noted, “but what of the quality of care? The face-to-face connection with patients? The physical touch during exams?”
These questions form the backbone of his storytelling. His novels reveal not only the scientific intricacies of medicine but also the broader societal issues, such as the erosion of trust between patients and clinicians and the disenchantment of healthcare workers.
A Tribute to Tuscany: Exploring New Territory
Wenzel’s most recent novel, The Writer in Tuscany, is a departure from medical mysteries, offering readers a suspenseful journey through Italy’s rich cultural tapestry. “Tuscany isn’t just about food and wine—it’s alive with visual arts, theatre, music, politics. I wanted to explore how existential threats—like mysterious deaths—disrupt the tranquillity of these historic landscapes,” he explained.
This novel unfolds against a backdrop of international intrigue, where sudden deaths of vineyard owners and olive grove curators shatter the serene rhythm of Tuscan life. Within this chaos, Wenzel’s protagonist—a crime reporter turned novelist—must decide whether to stay immersed in the mystery or avoid it altogether. This foray into Tuscany paints a vibrant picture of how tightly intertwined identity and heritage are with resilience, fear, and survival.
“The goal of science is not to open the doors to everlasting wisdom but to close the doors to everlasting ignorance.” – Dr Richard P. Wenzel
Communicating Science Through Art
Having authored six medical textbooks and hundreds of scientific papers, Wenzel approaches fiction writing with a distinct sense of purpose. When addressing medical professionals, he relies on precision, ensuring the scientific method remains paramount. In contrast, communicating to the public requires blending hard facts with emotional truths. “Sometimes the truest insights come from poets and playwrights,” Wenzel remarked. “Take Bertolt Brecht’s words: ‘The goal of science is not to open the doors to everlasting wisdom but to close the doors to everlasting ignorance.’”
He applied this principle during the COVID-19 pandemic, urging communicators to adopt a sensitive yet rigorous framework: “Explain what we know, what we don’t know, and what assumptions guide policy decisions. This clarity builds trust and diminishes fear.”
Reflections on a Legacy of Teaching
When asked about his proudest accomplishments, Wenzel didn’t cite his awards or accolades—of which there are many. Instead, he reflected on his influence in shaping future generations of physicians. “It’s an extraordinary honour to interact with trainees, to teach them reverence for our profession and its purpose at the bedside, where medicine truly lives,” he said. Many of his students have remained lifelong friends, a testament to the lasting impact of his mentorship.
A Call for Awareness Amidst Chaos
Whether through medical fiction or scientific papers, Wenzel’s work magnifies high-stakes scenarios—be it pandemics, bioterrorism, or political interference in medicine. He hopes his readers take away a sense of urgency but also clarity: pandemics are not rare, mysterious events; they are predictable and require robust infrastructure. And while terror may disrupt systems and societies, resilience and effective leadership ultimately determine long-term survival.
From hospitals in the Philippines during cholera epidemics to the labyrinthine plots of his novels, Wenzel’s work transcends disciplines, addressing not only the science of healthcare but also the humanity within it. His unique blend of wisdom, empathy, and artistry offers readers much to reflect upon—and to learn from.
