PEN-International

PEN-International is a worldwide association of writers, founded in London in 1921 to promote friendship and intellectual cooperation among writers everywhere. While not directly related to the field of medicine, PEN-International has been instrumental in advocating for freedom of expression, which has implications in the medical field, particularly in the realm of medical journalism and health communication.

History

PEN-International was founded in 1921 by Catherine Amy Dawson Scott, with John Galsworthy as its first president. Its first members included Joseph Conrad, Elizabeth Craig, George Bernard Shaw, and H.G. Wells. PEN originally stood for "Poets, Essayists, Novelists", but now stands for "Poets, Playwrights, Editors, Essayists, Novelists", reflecting the organization's broadening scope to include writers of all creative works.

Objectives

The main objectives of PEN-International are to promote literature, defend freedom of expression, and foster international literary fellowship. It also aims to dispel race, class, and national hatreds and to champion the ideal of one humanity living in peace in the world.

Role in Medical Journalism and Health Communication

While PEN-International is not a medical organization, its advocacy for freedom of expression has significant implications in the field of medical journalism and health communication. Medical journalists play a crucial role in disseminating health information to the public, and their ability to do so freely and accurately is essential for public health. PEN-International's work in defending freedom of expression thus indirectly contributes to the promotion of health literacy and the protection of public health.

See Also

• Freedom of speech
• Health communication
• Medical journalism