Published

Entertainment09 April, 20261 min read

Author Freida McFadden Reveals True Identity as Doctor Sara Cohen After 13 Years

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Sara Cohen, a doctor who treats brain disorders, is Freida McFadden's real name. Used a pen name and public disguises, including a wig and glasses.

Author Freida McFadden Reveals True Identity as Doctor Sara Cohen After 13 Years
Image: Variety
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Identity Revealed

Freida McFadden has revealed her true identity as Sara Cohen, a doctor who treats brain disorders. She had kept her real name a secret for 13 years. I'm at a point in my career when I'm tired of this being a secret, she told USA Today.

She created the pseudonym as a medical in-joke. McFadden sold 5.5 million books in the US and 2.6 million in the UK in 2025.

Image from BBC
Image: BBC
Reporting for this sectionBBCUSA TodayThe TimesNewsNation

Balancing Two Careers

Cohen initially chose to publish under a pseudonym to protect her medical career. She self-published The Devil Wears Scrubs in 2013.

She did not want her writing career to affect her patients. She went part time in 2023 and has now further reduced her medical work.

Image from E! News
Image: E! News
Reporting for this sectionThe TimesUSA Today

Workplace Revelation

One of her colleagues at the hospital recognized her in a Freida photo. They were really respectful about not posting anything on social media. She tried to repay them with a book signing at work.

She still plans to use the Freida McFadden moniker. I feel like I have shared the real me all along.

Reporting for this sectionThe TimesVarietyE! News

Cultural Impact

The Housemaid was turned into a box office hit film grossing nearly $400 million worldwide. A sequel is scheduled for release in 2027. McFadden has published 29 novels so far.

I've always been genuine with my readers. There were rumors she was really three men or used AI.

Reporting for this sectionNewsNationVarietyUSA Today