Picture a small-town Kentucky girl who swapped her stethoscope for a pen, weaving medical dramas that pulse with heart and humor—meet Kimmery Martin! An emergency medicine physician turned novelist, Martin crafts stories that blend the high-stakes world of hospitals with the messy, beautiful chaos of human relationships. Her medical fiction, praised by The New York Times and Southern Living, offers readers an insider’s glimpse into the lives of doctors navigating love, loss, and life-saving decisions.
From her roots in Eastern Kentucky to her bustling life in Charlotte, North Carolina, Martin’s journey is as captivating as her characters. With a witty voice and a knack for storytelling, she’s become a rising star in contemporary literature, proving that a doctor’s sharp mind can create fiction that’s just as life-changing as medicine.
The Making of Kimmery Martin
Born and raised in the rugged mountains of Eastern Kentucky, Kimmery Martin grew up surrounded by books and stories. Her mother, a children’s literature scholar, hauled young Kimmery to the library with a red wagon, sparking a lifelong love for reading. This literary nerd honed her skills through medical school at the University of Louisville and Vanderbilt University, where she trained as an emergency medicine physician. But the urge to write simmered beneath her scrubs, inspired by the drama, humor, and humanity she witnessed in the ER. After years of treating patients, Martin took a leap, penning her debut novel while juggling motherhood and medicine.
Kimmery Martin’s Unforgettable Stories
Martin’s novels are a masterclass in medical fiction, blending the tension of Grey’s Anatomy with the emotional depth of women’s fiction. Her debut, The Queen of Hearts (2018), follows two Charlotte physicians, Zadie and Emma, whose friendship is tested by a secret from their medical school days. Praised for its humor and empathy, it was named a Most Anticipated Book by Southern Living. Her follow-up, The Antidote for Everything (2020), dives into the lives of urologist Georgia and family doctor Jonah, tackling prejudice in healthcare with sharp wit.
Her third novel, Doctors and Friends (2021), eerily prescient of the COVID-19 pandemic, centers on female doctors battling a viral outbreak. Written before 2020, it showcases Martin’s ability to weave real-world fears into compelling narratives. Her style—snappy dialogue, relatable characters, and insider medical details—makes her books page-turners that resonate with readers who crave both heart and intellect.
Martin’s narratives often explore female friendships, professional pressures, and the moral dilemmas doctors face. Her ER background infuses her work with authenticity, from the chaos of trauma bays to the quiet moments of patient care. Fans call her the “Liane Moriarty of medical fiction” for her ability to balance levity with life’s heavier truths.
Why Kimmery Martin Matters
Kimmery Martin’s impact goes beyond her novels. As a physician, she brings a rare perspective to literature, demystifying the medical world while celebrating its humanity. Her work resonates with readers who see themselves in her flawed, fierce characters—especially women navigating careers and relationships. A passionate advocate for libraries, Martin serves on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Board of Trustees and teaches narrative medicine at Wake Forest School of Medicine, inspiring future doctors and writers alike.
Her Substack column, tackling everything from medical disinformation to parenting, shows her versatility and commitment to truth. By blending her small-town roots with big-city ambition, Martin proves that stories from the heart can change how we see the world.
- Born: Eastern Kentucky
- Key Works: The Queen of Hearts (2018), The Antidote for Everything (2020), Doctors and Friends (2021)
- Notable: Serves on Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board of Trustees
- Fun Fact: A self-proclaimed Boggle champion
Ready to dive into a world of scrubs, secrets, and sisterhood? Snag The Queen of Hearts and lose yourself in Kimmery Martin’s brilliant medical fiction!