A Retired Cardiologist and Writer on Medium and Substack
After retiring from a fulfilling medical career in 2015, Dr. Mokotoff turned to writing with an invigorated zeal, blending his sharp observations with a creative touch that has drawn readers in from across the globe.
His stories go beyond reflections of daily life and open unique windows into the thoughts we ponder but rarely articulate. Dr. Mokotoff has an engaging way of bringing the ordinary to life, infusing humor and insights in equal measure.
Beyond his love for writing, Dr. Mokotoff enjoys fishing, cooking, traveling, and gardening — passions that add color and authenticity to his stories.
His writing is notably influenced by profound works such as The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl, and On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King. These books shaped his worldview and encouraged him to pursue truth and passion in his storytelling.
Dr. Mokotoff’s published works include the memoir The Moose’s Children: A Memoir of Betrayal, Death, and Survival, which delves into deeply personal themes of love, loss, and survival through his perspective and that of those around him. His short story collection, Light & Dark, explores the complexities of human nature, revealing the shadows and light that coexist within us all.
His articles have been featured in medical journals like JAMA and Medical Economics as well as in lifestyle magazines, where he often bridges the gap between medicine, science, and everyday life in an accessible and enjoyable way.
Dr. Mokotoff now writes on Medium and Substack, drawn by these platforms’ community of readers and writers. For him, writing is less about income and more about making meaningful connections and creating a space where science meets storytelling.
His guiding principles are truth and passion, believing that without excitement, the effort is not worth it. Whether it is informing readers or making them laugh, Dr. Mokotoff’s goal remains the same: to touch lives through his insightful words.
His advice to new writers reflects his journey : focus on quality, edit tirelessly, and respect the editorial process. Dr. Mokotoff reminds us that, as he discovered in his own writing journey, “Good things happen to those who write consistently with readers in mind.”
Apart from his Medium profile, you can also subscribe to his newsletter Cardiology Made Easy on Substack.
Here are some sample stories that I enjoyed from Dr Mokotoff’s great collection, which you might enjoy as well:
