Olapeju Simoyan Interview Published on: 09, Jul 2026

I have wanted to write since I was a young girl but only published my first book about a decade ago. I only started publishing on Amazon KDP about four years ago. As an academic physician, I was engaged in academic writing, but I gradually got involved in narrative medicine and eventually started writing on more general topics. I have also liked music since I was very young but only started pursuing it seriously after my medical training.

Storytelling helps to put a human face on the disease. Listening to patients’ stories helps build a connection with them and it helps us as clinicians to remember that our patients are human beings with lives beyond their addiction. It also sheds light on the circumstances and nonmedical factors that need to be taken into consideration in treatment planning and supporting recovery.

Photography is another interest of mine and at some point, I realized that I could combine my writing and photography in books. I like to teach and believe in exploring creative ways to share information. Bridging science and art is something that came naturally to me, having interests in both fields.

I use the art of photography to illustrate my books and I highlight features of interest that explain scientific concepts. I try to do this in a way that is understandable by young children but will also be appealing to a broad audience.

Methadone maintenance treatment programs are highly regulated and patients can find them overwhelming, especially when they are first entering treatment. We wanted to provide a resource for patients and for health care workers so they could have a clearer understanding of methadone, the medication itself, as well as how treatment programs are structured. We also address the importance of other aspects of treatment such as counseling and maintaining a support system.

Our second book in the series, “Navigating the Buprenorphine Maze,” was just released ( June 9, 2026).

The book explores the diverse possibilities for women in medicine, extending into the arts, humanities and leadership. The book includes women physicians from very diverse backgrounds who pursued various professional paths and serve as role models for future generations of healthcare professionals. One major theme in the book is that there is more than one way to be a doctor, and that one single identity doesn’t have to define or restrict us. I also address the importance of mentorship and networking, with examples from my own experience in academic medicine.

Spirituality can help to keep us grounded, and this is important for both the patient and the healthcare provider. Fortunately, my specialty of addiction medicine is one in which it is generally accepted that spirituality is an important part of recovery, so it is normal to address this with our patients. Spirituality includes religious beliefs and practices for many of us, though this is not necessarily always the case. Personally, my inspiration to use my gifts and abilities to make a positive impact through medicine and the arts is a natural extension of my faith.

In 2023, I did something I had thought about doing several years prior and recorded 13 Christmas carols. I sang all the songs and the accompaniments were mostly by my producer, Marty Mellinger, though I also contributed to the musical accompaniments. Shortly afterwards, I read the story behind “O Holy Night” at an event and found it fascinating. I then decided to research the stories behind all 13 songs and write a book. So I did just that.

I enjoy researching and telling the stories behind songs, as I did with “I Played My Best for Him.” My latest book, “Sweet Land of Liberty” also contains the stories behind the national anthem and other patriotic songs.

I write about a wide variety of topics because I have a broad range of interests.

When I write about topics that are specifically related to the medical profession, KevinMD is the ideal place. In the past, I wrote several short essays for the More Voices section of Pulse, which is focused on narrative medicine/medical humanities. I also have a personal column on Patheos, titled “Where Faith and Critical Thinking Meet,” where I address issues at the intersection of faith and science. I have several essays on a personal blog on Medium.

The ability to express myself creatively and engaging in the arts have literally helped me maintain my sanity. I think we should all have interests outside of our regular work. This is essential in preventing burnout.

“Sweet Land of Liberty – The Stories Behind America’s National Symbols and Songs” was released on June 6, 2026. It was written in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It’s far from a regular book; it is a multimedia experience – with full color photographs – all taken by me and links that provide access to my renditions of the Gettysburg Address, the national anthem and other patriotic songs.

I plan to publish more educational books in which I combine art and science. I also plan to publish more travel books in which I share my photography with a bit of history.

I would definitely recommend AllAuthor to other writers. It is a great resource for anyone looking to increase their visibility.