Introduction: Doctors' Writing Contest 2011

It's often said that some of the most valuable meetings at medical conferences take place informally among colleagues in the hallways of conference centers.

Our annual Doctors' Writing Contest, and really, Medical Economics itself, is founded on the value of those types of shared experiences-what you've learned about running a business and being a doctor, and what you can learn from other doctors and from practice management and other experts.

Thomas J. Ellis, MD, this year's Grand Prize winner, whose article is based on life-changing advice a patient gave him, had never entered a writing contest before, but he says this one was perfectly timed. After seeing the call for entries shortly after the patient interaction occurred, Ellis said to himself: "Wow, I think I've got a story to tell."

The 2011 competition marked some of the strongest entries we've ever received. Our staff and Editorial Board judged the 115 entries using a scoring system based on three criteria: quality of writing, quality of information, and alignment with our editorial mission.

We chose a Grand Prize Winner, an Overall Runner-Up, Best Practice Solution, and co-winners in the New Doctor Award category. We also named 11 excellent Honorable Mention recipients (all winners named at right). The Grand Prize winner will receive $2,000 and a crystal award, plus $500 to donate to a healthcare charity; and the Overall Runner-Up, Best Practice Solution, and New Doctor Award winners will receive $1,000 and a crystal award. Each Honorable Mention will receive a $500 honorarium, publication of his or her article, and a really cool Medical Economics mug!

When it comes to value added, these aren't the only winners in the competition. Just wait until you read the articles!

And the winners are...