Africanus Horton
William Carlos Williams
Chekhov Anton
James Ene Henshaw
Dr. Wale Okediran
About Us
The International Society of Doctors in Literature, ISDL (formerly Confederation of Doctors in Literature, CODIL), is a non-governmental, non-political and non-profit organization committed to the promotion of literature and other creative endeavours among members of the noble profession of medicine.
It came into existence in 1999 as the product of the dream and divine inspiration of a Nigerian Doctor-Writer, Martin Akpan to create an interactive platform for Doctor-Writers all over the world; a platform that would serve as a melting-pot for their volcano of creative voices and the coloratura of their musings.
This signaled the birth of the Confederation of Doctors in Literature (CODIL) which sphere of influence and operation was confined to Nigeria where it hosted/held periodic (poetry) readings, carried out charity work on a small scale and sharpened the writing skills of its members as well as ignited the interest of young and up-and-coming authors through talent hunt and capacity building among medical students in selected medical schools.
The natural consequence of all of this was a flurry of literary activity within the medical community in Nigeria which necessitated the formal registration of the body with relevant authorities. Thus in January 2009, the organization was formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission as International Society of Doctors in Literature to replace the former name. Today, membership of the body which stood at 41 at the close of 1999 has snowballed significantly and spread to other parts of the world, in line with the 'dream.'
The International Society of Doctors in Literature provides for doctor-writers across the world, a virile platform for cross-cultural exchanges, interaction, networking and experience-sharing. Besides, the body is expected to offer necessary controls to safeguard the health of literature as well as the literature of health in a holistic manner.
Martin Akpan
Initiator and Founding President of the Society.
Founding President
Martin Akpan, a 1983 graduate of the University of Nigeria, is a community organizer, pacifist, public speaker, anti-AIDS campaigner, and advocate of global justice. He is the Initiator and Founding President of the Society.
His published works include Brainwaves At Dawn, Mixed Strokes, Awakening the Giant, The Doctor-Writer, and The Crumb Eaters.
Patrons / Advisors
The Society shall have a maximum of ten life patrons/advisors at any given time whose role shall be advisory. Current life patrons are:
- Anezi Okoro
- Edmundson Thompson Akpabio
Pioneer Trustees
- Martin Akpan
- Sogbeye Tonye George
- Bassey Umoetuk
- Wale Okediran
The Summit
The Summit is the highest policy-making organ of the Society. It is an enlarged Executive Committee made up of the Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, and College of Life Patrons in combined session to determine issues of utmost importance or make crucial and landmark decisions.
It convenes once a year or as needed, and its decisions are presented to the General Assembly for ratification through a proclamation of the president.
Programs and Activities
- Conferences and seminars
- Writing expeditions
- Reading sessions to promote the reading culture among doctors, medical students, paramedics, and related professionals
- Publications and distribution of inspirational literatures
- Awards including the James Horton Prize for literary excellence
- Charity programmes for the needy, handicapped, and less-privileged
- Safeguarding the health of literature and the literature of health
- Networking with bodies and organizations with similar objectives worldwide
Awards and Honours
Fellowship of ISDL (FISDL)
The highest honour bestowed on a doctor by the Society. It recognizes outstanding literary accomplishment of a creative nature and may be used as FISDL after the recipient's name.
James Horton Medal (JHM)
Honours humanitarian commitment and is administered by the James Horton Fund. A contribution of US $500 as a personal donation qualifies an individual for the award.
Martin Akpan Prize (MAP)
The founder's award, including the Martin Akan Gold Award (MAGA) and Martin Akpan Scholarship (MAS), supports the Catch-Them-Young programme and gifted scholars.
Robin Cook Fellowship (RCF), Archibald Cronin Fellowship (ACF), and Charles Lever Fellowship (CLF)
Prestigious fellowships awarded to prolific and versatile doctor-writers and admitted into the Society's Hall of Fame.
Programmes
Curated events for readers and practitioners.
Literary medicine seminars and peer salons
Annual conference panels and keynote readings
Young writers mentorship and publication support
Historic Writing Events
Moments that shaped the society's literary legacy.
1968
World Congress of Literary Medicine
A landmark gathering where physicians and writers debated ethics, narrative, and healing.
1984
Archive of Medical Letters
Rare manuscripts, annotated case notes, and literary reflections preserved for future scholars.
2005
Reading the Body Symposium
A celebrated forum on empathy, narrative care, and the role of literature in medicine.
News
Recent updates from the society.
August 2026
Annual ISDL anthology submissions now open
Members can submit essays, poems, and reflections for the society's upcoming publication.
July 2026
New mentorship circles for emerging doctor-writers
A new programme connects early-career clinicians with established literary practitioners.
July 2026
Registration portal refreshed for mobile users
Membership registration now works smoothly on phones, tablets, and desktop devices.
Contact
Reach the Society Offices.
Use the addresses and lines below for membership, business, and general enquiries.
United Kingdom
#31 Hampden Lane Tottenham, London
N17 OAS
United States
5300 Memorial Drive, Suite 108 Stone Mountain,
Georgia, 30083-3154
Abuja, Nigeria
Stan-Tall Capital
Adamawa Plaza
Plot 1099
First Avenue
Central Area
Lagos, Nigeria
Excel Place
#12 Noble Street
Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
South Africa
Eti Health & Leisure
#2 Central Avenue
Pinelands 7405
Cape Town
Admin / Business Office
#15 Okon Essen Lane
P.O.Box 1808, Uyo
Nigeria
Website: www.doctorsinliterature.org
Hot lines:
+234-803-543-2236, +234-806-343-8894,
+44-7725942236, +01-6787041296