This Listener is an E.R. Doc Who Writes Novels to Unwind. What?!?

Emergency room physician and novelist Eliana Megerman balances the high-stakes, unpredictable nature of medical practice with the intuitive, creative process of writing fiction. As a "pantser" who develops stories organically, she utilizes writing as a vital outlet to process the trauma and emotional intensity inherent in her clinical work. The dialogue highlights the parallels between the decisive, high-pressure environment of the emergency department and the creative freedom required for novel writing. Megerman integrates her craft into an irregular, demanding schedule, often finding inspiration during solitary walks without digital distractions. She also reflects on her novel, *Together on Our Own*, which examines the human need for genuine connection and the limitations of AI chatbots as emotional support systems for medical professionals navigating burnout and isolation.