After half-a-lifetime in medicine, John Vanek ("Beached") began a writing journey with the publication of nonfiction magazine articles and poems in print and online. In 2002, he was invited to read poetry at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, where a signed copy of his poem, "The People's Republic," became part of the museum's permanent collection. He was also invited to read at the Akron (Ohio) Art Museum in 2002. When not writing or reading, he spends time on or near the Great Lakes. Consequently, his poetry and prose often relate to the environment, nature, health and disease.

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