Stanford Pegasus Physician Writers

11/19/2025

The Pegasus Community is invited to attend “Why Doctors Write: Finding Humanity in Medicine,” an event hosted by The College of Physicians of Philadelphia on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

This program explores the role of writing and the humanities in restoring connection, compassion, and reflective practice within the medical profession. The evening will feature a screening of the film followed by a panel discussion with distinguished physician-writers, including Dr. John Coulehan, Dr. Rosalind Kaplan, and Dr. Mara Gordon, moderated by Dr. Douglas Reifler.

A reception with light refreshments will follow the discussion. Admission is $20 for general attendees and $10 for students, with tickets transferable but non-refundable. Members of the community who are able to attend in Philadelphia are encouraged to join this thoughtful examination of narrative, medicine, and the human experience.

You may direct your questions and queries to events@collegeofphysicians.org

Event website:

Our Section on Medicine and the Arts invites you to a film screening of Why Doctors Write: Finding Humanity in Medicine, followed by a panel discussion.

06/06/2025

Join us for an engaging evening at the Stanford Bookstore on June 12th at 5:30 PM for a special Book Reading and Author Interview event!

Dr. Tayyeba Ali will be in conversation with Dr. Christine Henneberg, an acclaimed Bay Area women's health physician and award-winning author. This event is proudly sponsored by Pegasus Physician Writers at Stanford.

Christine Henneberg's writing has been featured in renowned publications such as The New York Times, The New York Review of Books, The Atlantic, and Boston Review. Her memoir, Boundless: An Abortion Doctor Becomes a Mother, won the Publisher's Weekly BookLife Prize in Nonfiction. She will be discussing her debut novel, I Trust Her Completely, which explores themes of trust, motherhood, and the complexities of women's lives.

Event Details:

Date: June 12th

Time: 5:30 PM

Location: Stanford Bookstore, 519 Lasuen Mall, Stanford, CA 94305

RSVP: https://forms.gle/uTZPCK9wnHLwvd7g8

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a compelling voice and to participate in a thoughtful conversation about women’s health, literature, and storytelling.

Tayyeba Ali

03/07/2025

Calling all artists, poets, writers and creatives! 🖌️🎨

We’re thrilled to invite you to contribute to the Winter 2025 issue of Anastomosis, Stanford School of Medicine’s very own medical humanities magazine. Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or a budding artist, this is your opportunity to share your work with the world. This issue of the magazine is open to both students and non-students!

Aside from the notable accomplishment of being published by Stanford School of Medicine, the best poem, fiction piece, nonfiction piece, and visual art piece will each receive a $50 gift card! Moreover, your work will be shared with a vibrant community of readers and artists across the globe, allowing you to forge strong connections with inspiring folks.

All submissions for the Winter 2025 issue must relate to the theme of “Esthesia": At the surface, this is simply the ability to feel and sense. Delving deeper, it encapsulates the way we process those sensations whether they be physical, emotional, psychological or imagined. Esthesia is the catalyst to the way we react and how our world view is built, shaken and re-built. For this issue, we encourage artists to submit pieces that center the power to perceive or sometimes limitations in perception and its role in shaping the human experience.

Submissions are open to all, and we accept any artwork suitable for print media. Here's the submission form link: https://forms.gle/rCaB6813ocfSsG7F7. Deadline for submissions is Sunday, March 21st at 11:59PM. Please reach out if you have any questions!

Submit your work today and take your place in the storied tradition of Anastomosis. We can’t wait to experience the incredible art you have to share!

02/14/2025

We are delighted to invite you to a special event Sponsored by the Pegasus Physician Writers Group in collaboration with Stanford’s Office for Religious and Spiritual Life, the Institute for Diversity in the Arts, the Stanford Zen Society, and the Buddhist Community at Stanford.

Event Details:
Speaker: Dr. Paula Arai
Topic: Painting Enlightenment: Healing Visions
Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2025
Time: 4:30–6:30 PM
Location: EVGR C 134 Theater, Stanford University (Map Location)

Dr. Arai will explore the visionary work of Japanese biologist and artist Iwasaki Tsuneo (1917–2002), who masterfully blended scientific and Buddhist perspectives to create art inspired by the Heart Sutra. His works highlight themes of interdependence, impermanence, and the beauty of nature through intricate imagery that bridges the microscopic and cosmic worlds.

Dr. Arai, a distinguished scholar in Buddhist Studies and author of Painting Enlightenment: Healing Visions of the Heart Sutra, will share her insights on Iwasaki’s art and its profound healing potential. Her expertise in ethnographic research and storytelling promises an engaging and transformative discussion.

12/17/2024

We’re delighted to share that long time Pegasus member, award-winning poet and author Dr. Diana Farid, has two new books out this fall.

1. ALREADY ALL THE LOVE
(Little Bee/Simon & Schuster) released on December 3rd
Diana Farid
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Already-All-the-Love/Diana-Farid/9781499815658

In this gorgeous board book, when thoughts of a baby's future start to pull at a parent's attention, they pause to reflect on the joy, wonder, and love already overflowing in their lives. This gentle, calming text will help any caregiver slow down and marvel at the remarkable baby in front of them.

Celebrate everything a new baby is in this moment-already able, strong, and brave-and what they could grow to be-a friend, a helper, a teacher. This gorgeous, giftable book includes stunning illustrations by celebrated Polynesian artist Shar Tuiasoa.

“An excellent choice for early readers."

2. THE LIGHT OF HOME
(Scholastic) is out now
Diana Farid
https://dianafarid.com/light

A Universal story about displacement, migration, and the many ways we find home. Celebrating the roll art making can play in healing and in building of a sense of belonging.

“Farid’s story of a family fleeing one home and moving to another is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking. Her exquisite verse finds the beauty in pain…Hadadi’s paper collage brings texture that make the memories tangible to readers, using vibrant colors and evocative images.…Don’t miss this one.“
— Mom Read It
--Foreword Reviews

11/06/2024

We are thrilled to announce two new books by one of our members, Dr. Seema Yasmin. These works not only showcase Dr. Yasmin's literary prowess but also highlight her commitment to important social issues and cultural heritage.

About the Author:
Dr. Seema Yasmin is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and the author of eight books. She serves as a clinical assistant professor of medicine at Stanford University, blending her expertise in health with her passion for storytelling.

Unbecoming
"Unbecoming" is a near-future speculative novel that tells the poignant story of two Muslim teens in Texas who courageously fight for access to abortion in a world where such rights are increasingly threatened. Best friends Laylah and Noor aspire to become an OBGYN and a journalist, respectively, and they embark on a daring mission to create an illegal guide to abortion in Texas amidst a backdrop of societal turmoil and political challenges. As they navigate their friendship and the complexities of their project, they uncover deeper secrets that test their resolve. This novel, described as having "sparkling humor and warmth" by Booklist, explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the quest for justice.

Djinnology
In "Djinnology" Dr. Seema Yasmin teams up with Pulitzer Prize-winning illustrator Fahmida Azim to delve into the fascinating world of djinn—mysterious beings that inhabit various stories across the Muslim world. This beautifully illustrated guide invites readers to explore the lore of djinn, from their role as playful spirits to their depiction as fearsome creatures lurking in the shadows. The book combines cultural and religious contexts with poetic reflections and captivating tales, all framed around the narrative of Dr. N, a contemporary scientist navigating the djinn realm. With its rich illustrations and an inclusive vision of Islamic lore, Djinnology is a perfect treasure for mythology and folklore enthusiasts alike.

04/03/2024

Join us tomorrow at the Stanford Bookstore, 5:30PM, for a Book Reading Session with Dr. David Hellerstein featuring his book "The Couch, the Clinic, and the Scanner".

https://www.pegasusphysicians.org/events/2024/4/3/pegasus-stanford-bookstore-book-reading-with-dr-david-hellerstein

03/25/2024

Join the Pegasus Physician Writers for a book reading session at the Stanford Bookstore on Wednesday, April 3, 5:30PM featuring Dr. David Hellerstein and his compelling work "The Couch, The Clinic, and The Scanner," exploring the convergence of psychiatry, neuroscience, and personal stories.

https://www.pegasusphysicians.org/events/2024/4/3/pegasus-stanford-bookstore-book-reading-with-dr-david-hellerstein

03/12/2024

We are happy to announce the newest addition to our team, Dr. Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu, who will be joining us in the Department of Psychiatry and Pegasus faculty. Dr. Shigematsu brings with him a wealth of educational knowledge and experience. He received his doctorate in clinical and community psychology from Harvard University and served as a professor at the University of Tokyo before becoming a member of Stanford University.

Throughout his career, Dr. Shigematsu has demonstrated a profound commitment to interdisciplinary education. His teaching spans across various disciplines including Psychology, Anthropology, Human Biology, and Comparative Studies in Race & Ethnicity. His unique expertise in mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and narrative psychology has significantly influenced both American and Japanese organizations, fostering a harmonious blend of Eastern spirituality and Western science.

An author, Dr. Shigematsu has published numerous journal articles as well as 11 influential books in both Japanese and English. These include groundbreaking works such as "Multicultural Encounters: Case Narratives of a Counseling Practice," "When Half is Whole: Multiethnic Asian American Identities," "The Mindfulness Classroom,"; "From Mindfulness to Heartfulness: Transforming Self and Society with Compassion," and "Ultimate Leadership." His latest book is "The Course on Living and Dying."

Initiatives and Contributions:
Dr. Shigematsu's initiatives in the field of medical humanities align perfectly with Pegasus Physician Writers' mission. His deep understanding of mindfulness and narrative psychology will enrich our community's understanding of the human experience in medicine. Moreover, his dedication to fostering compassion and inclusivity resonates deeply with our shared values.

Dr. Shigematsu is a faculty recipient of the Burt McMurtry Arts Initiatives Fund and brings his educational interdisciplinary project to our Department and Pegasus along with his longstanding Japanese summer educational programming as well as his Heartfulness Lab.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Stephen Murphy Shigematsu as he begins this new chapter with us at Pegasus Physician Writers.

03/12/2024

This course is conducted in a workshop format where students will brainstorm, craft, and edit pitches & writing products related to the medical humanities. Finalized pieces including interviews, book reviews, or personal essays will be considered for publication in the Oxford Review of Books (ORB). This course is open to all undergraduate and graduate students and combines short lectures, group critiques, discussions, peer feedback, and ORB and Stanford guest editors and faculty. Students will gain writing and editorial skills toward publication in the medical humanities (intersection of medicine & the humanities). Readings will include ORB content and a select bibliography.

Terms: Spr | Units: 1 | Repeatable 2 times (up to 2 units total)
Instructors: Ali, T. (PI) ; Pien, J. (PI)
Schedule for PSYC 288

02/05/2024

We welcome you to submit creative work to The Pegasus Review. This spring, we are accepting submissions (nonfiction, fiction, poetry, visual art) that speak to the overarching theme of “Tending to an open wound.”

"Open wound is a cause of disease or complication from surgical treatment. Wounds serve as reminders for injuries that our bodies bear. We invite submissions that explore the concept of open wounds, those which we experience personally or inflict upon others, in both a physical and metaphorical sense. How do we choose to tend to our open wounds, why do they take time to heal, and what remains when the healing process comes to an end?"

We are currently accepting original, unpublished work of any genre (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, visual art) that engages with our issue's theme. The deadline for submission is March 1st, 2024 at 11:59pm. Follow this link (https://bit.ly/3SIRA1z) to submit.

02/05/2024

The Pegasus Review is currently recruiting editors to support this year's spring issue. We anticipate the majority of the selection and editing process to occur over the months of March and April, for a late April online release (expected time commitment is only a few hours a week during this time). Experience at any level and genre (non-fiction, fiction, poetry, visual arts) is welcomed. Please reach out to Nadia Kirmani (nkirmani@stanford.edu) if you would like to become involved on the editorial board!