Entries for the 2016 MJA Dr Eric Dark Creative Writing Prize are now open

Eric Dark was a doctor who cared passionately about the natural world, an Australian pioneer of rock-climbing, bushwalking and conservation, and a writer concerned with politics, social justice,
civil liberties and reform of the medical profession.

He was also one of the first doctors to head to France at the outbreak of WWI, where he won the Military Cross for “great gallantry and disregard of danger”.

Eric retired at age 85 and died in 1987, aged 98.

He fell on a neighbourhood road early one morning. When asked what he had been doing, he said,

“The spirit of adventure came upon me”.

This prize is sponsored by Varuna, the Writers’ House and Doctors Who … , a Varuna initiative to nurture creativity, innovation and advocacy in the medical profession.

In partnership with Varuna, the Writers’ House, the Medical Journal of Australia’s creative writing competition is open to all practising and retired doctors, and medical students.

We’re looking for creative pieces of up to 1500 words, grounded in health or medicine and based loosely on the topic for 2016, “The spirit of adventure came upon me …”.

Practising and retired doctors

Prize: a 1-week residential writing retreat at Varuna, the Writers’ House, Katoomba, NSW.

Medical students

Prize: a $500 voucher for a face-to-face or online course at the Australian Writers’ Centre.

Closing date

Thursday, 31st March 2016

Submissions

Please submit via our online submissions system.

Email: creativewritingcompetition@mja.com.au with any queries

Winning entries and other outstanding pieces of writing will be published in the MJA.

In discussion with Dr Ben Bravery - 9 February 2023 in Sydney

You are invited to hear from Dr Ben Bravery, the author of 'The Patient Doctor', on Thursday 9 February 2023 from 6pm - 8pm. This event is hosted by the Australasian Medical Writers' Association and is open to all.

Ben will be talking about his experience as a cancer patient, and how this has impacted how he now interacts with the healthcare system as a doctor. Ben is a strong advocate for putting the patient at the heart of healthcare. This event will also be an opportunity to network and socialise with medical writers.