By: Michael Beas

For over 45 years, internationally bestselling author Leonard Goldberg has been entertaining readers with his clever medical thrillers. His novels have been translated into a dozen languages and sold more than a million copies worldwide. His new novel, A Scandalous Affair, the latest installment in the Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series, follows Joanna Blalock—an accomplished detective in her own right—as she navigates the world of mystery-solving. We spoke with Goldberg about how he was first inspired to write novels, and how his medical career played a part in his writing.

Getting Started in Medicine

Goldberg says that he first became inspired to attend medical school through the work of Edward Jenner, the person who developed the smallpox vaccine.  Goldberg originally thought he would practice as an internist in Charleston, but matched for internship at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis. Says Goldberg, “There’s something special about medicine that’s unique and you’ll never see in any profession. There are magical moments…. I have told medical students that is what makes it all worthwhile.”

Medicine and Writing: A Dual Passion

Goldberg’;s writing career began with a clinical interest in blood disorders. When asked about what first spurred him to write novels, Goldberg tells of a time he was involved in a research project at UCLA, where he encountered a very unusual blood type. Says Goldberg: “The patient’s red blood cells were O-Rh null, indicating they were totally deficient in A, B and Rh factors and could be administered to virtually anyone without fear of a transfusion reaction. In essence, that made the patient the proverbial universal blood donor.” This finding spurred Goldberg’s idea for a story in which an individual was born without a tissue type, making that person’s organs transplantable into anyone without worry of rejection.  His first novel, Transplant, revolved around a young woman who is discovered to be a universal organ donor and is hounded by a wealthy, powerful man in desperate need of a new kidney. The book quickly went through multiple printings and was optioned by a major Hollywood studio.

London as Inspiration

Goldberg’s background as a physician and the places he has practiced adds a unique authenticity to his storytelling. During his sabbatical leave from UCLA, he lived in London for a year and researched at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital. His flat was located near the Marble Arch and a leisurely 15-minute stroll to Sherlock Holmes’s rooms at 221b Baker Street. Now that A Scandalous Affair is on-sale, Goldberg says, “I find myself reflecting back on the seminal importance of London in my work – and Sir Conan Doyle’s. What is it about London that breeds mystery? The fog looming just beyond the corner of any rare, bright day? The vascular alleys and rivers? The seemingly endless literary canon with which to inspire oneself? All of these, in part, may be true.” 

How Has Your Career in Medicine Impacted the Books You Write?

Many people are surprised when a doctor writes a novel. Says Goldberg, “I was surprised that more of us do not. After all, doctors are trained to be pretty good storytellers. Just think about it for a moment. Every time we see a new patient it is the start of a new story which we narrate. We weave a tale from signs, symptoms, and laboratory tests, and at times write an entire novel at one sitting. Read a hospital discharge summary on a difficult case and you will see a mystery novel unfolding right before your eyes.” Goldberg believes that when it comes to medicine in a mystery novel, one needs to be a physician or have a professional guide to assure authenticity, for without it the writer can never transport the reader into the world where there is suspension of disbelief.

Finding Inspiration in the Practice of Medicine

Yet, he has often been asked why he continued practicing medicine while writing bestselling novels. His response? He echoes the words of another legendary writer-physician, Anton Chekhov. “Oh, I could never do that, for medicine is my wife and writing is my mistress. When I tire of one, I turn to the other.” With his rich medical expertise and deep love for literature, Leonard Goldberg has carved out a unique space in the world of mystery writing, ensuring that his legacy—and the legacy of Sherlock Holmes through the remarkable daughter Leonard himself created—continues to thrive for generations to come.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical, legal, or professional advice. Readers should consult a qualified professional for advice specific to their individual circumstances.