UF pediatrician’s work inspires book of poetry

A book of poems by John Graham-Pole, M.D., a professor of pediatrics at the University of Florida College of Medicine, has been published by Pudding House Publications.

The collection, titled “Physical,” is inspired by Graham-Pole’s work as a pediatrician and the memories evoked by the children he has treated. The title poem expresses the uncertainty he felt when performing his first physical exam as a medical student.

Graham-Pole’s 28-page volume won him Pudding House’s Red Wheel Barrow Award, named after a poem by William Carlos Williams, a well-known poet and pediatrician. The award is given annually to a member of the National Association for Poetry Therapy whose work reveals the healing power of words.

Jennifer Bosveld, president of Pudding House Publications, described Graham-Pole as a proficient poet whose writing is fresh and detailed.

Graham-Pole, also an affiliate professor of clinical and health psychology with UF’s College of Health Professions, is medical director and co-founder of UF’s Arts in Medicine program, which explores the relationship between the art of creativity and the art of healing.