The International Society of Doctors in Literature, ISDL (formerly Confederation of Doctors in Literature, CODIL), is a non-governmental, non-political and non-profit organization committed to the promotion of literature and other creative endeavours among members of the noble profession of medicine. It began in 1999 as the dream of a Nigerian-born medical doctor-writer and activist, Martin Akpan who, following a panoramic review of creative works of notable early doctor-writers worldwide with a couple of his colleagues, felt an irresistible urge to provide a platform for contemporary and future doctor-writers.