From Medical Professor to Thriller Writer
By Deborah Holmen, M.Ed., NBCT
Meet Tammy Euliano, MD, an accomplished Professor of Anesthesiology, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Physiology & Functional Genomics.
In addition to teaching and caring for patients, Euliano has also significantly contributed to medical education by helping to develop the world’s first full-scale human patient simulator at the University of Florida. The patient simulator behaves like a human patient, helping medical students prepare for work in the field. But there is more to her than just her impressive medical career.
Euliano’s passion for storytelling began in childhood and continued throughout her career. In 2004, she began writing her first book, an introductory anesthesia textbook, with her mentor. The book was filled with anecdotes and fun historical facts that sparked the author’s love for writing in a more casual tone.
After the book was published, her mentor suggested continuing their collaboration by writing a mystery novel. Unfortunately, Euliano’s mentor became ill before they could complete the project, leaving the mystery unsolved.
The experience, however, ignited Euliano’s desire to pursue writing. She began researching and developing her craft, brainstorming story ideas in her free time, while continuing to practice medicine and teach at the university.
That same year, Euliano dropped her clinical hours by 40 percent to dedicate more time to writing. Her bold career risk and dedication paid off, and she is now a published medical thriller author.
With the intertwining themes of medicine, forensic science and thrillers, her unique books have gained much acclaim.
Not only does Euliano relish writing her novels, but she also loves traveling to writer conferences, where she meets face-to-face with her readers and peers.
“I finished my first novel,” she said, “It wasn’t very good, but it received an award as a finalist, so I attended the conference where I met a bunch of writers. It was the most amazing weekend.”
Euliano learned a great deal about the writing world after penning that first novel, including the art of ‘speed dating’ for an Agent at Pitch Fests. The manuscript got lots of interest, yet no traction, so she embarked on a new book –– but never gave up on that first novel.
“The big break occurred when I was invited to Bouchercon, a Mystery Writer’s Convention in Saint Petersburg. They asked me to moderate a panel due to my medical background. That is where I met another physician member of the panel, Pat Gussin. She and her husband, Bob opened their own publishing company, Oceanview Publishing. They accepted my submission and published the first book in a series, Fatal Intent.”
Euliano’s second book, Misfire, the second in The Kate Downey Medical Mystery Series was recognized as Amazon’s Editors’ Pick for best mystery, thriller and suspense.
When not writing her newest thriller, Euliano and her husband enjoy traveling and participating in adventurous activities such as rappelling down waterfalls and rock climbing via Ferrata, a network of climbing routes that use steel cables, iron rungs and suspended bridges. They refer to their travels as “extreme vacations”.
Euliano and her family are also devoted Gator fans, boasting that many family members are University of Florida alumni. Euliano, herself, touts that she completed all her training at UF, from undergrad through fellowship, and has been on faculty since 1996.
“For about 20 years, I didn’t miss a single home football game,” she said.
Tammy Euliano’s story is a remarkable example of career courage. With a background in medicine, engineering and academia, she utilized her knowledge and creativity to become a successful author. Her journey is a testament to the idea that anyone, even established professionals, can pursue new passions at any point in their lives.