Friday's Digest Podcast

In a hurry? Don’t feel like reading?

Listen to the podcast by clicking here.

Table of Contents

1. Preface

2. Main Article

3. Online Presence Course for Doctors & Scientists

Finally! First chapter is live on YouTube!

In this video, I will walk you through the process of building your own website.

Enjoy!

Preface

I know what you think.

“My own newsletter? I don’t think so.

There’s no way in the world I see myself writing a newsletter. I don’t have time for this, I don’t know how to write, and why would anyone want to read my newsletter?

It’s been a blast, Shay, but I’ll come back next week. This one is not for me”.

Some mind-reading, huh? 😃

I understand your mindset. I was there too.

But then I started to write this newsletter, and it evolved into what it is now.

As I’m writing issue #83, I can confidently say that writing a newsletter is something that most people can benefit from.

And what about doctors and scientists?

ALL doctors and scientists will benefit from having their own newsletter.

And today, I will explain why.

Number 83!

Let’s go.

Main Article

Today, we’ll focus on WHY writing a newsletter is good for you.

I’m not going to write about HOW to write a newsletter.

But don’t worry. If you want to learn how to write a newsletter, you can watch chapter 3 of my “Online Presence Course for Doctors and Scientists”.

As a doctor or a scientist, you’ve gained so much experience. Not sharing it with the world is a waste.

Here are 7 ways in which writing a newsletter can benefit you:

1️⃣ It’s Pure

Writing a newsletter has nothing bad attached to it.

It’s simply you and the message you want to share with the world.

This message can be a simple sentence, a book recommendation, or your perspective on a manuscript you just read.

It could also be about a treatment method you've developed, experiences from your clinic, or insights you wish to share with your students or colleagues.

Whatever you choose to do with it, it’s pure.

No social media algorithms, no comments, no likes. It's just you and your subscribers who are genuinely interested in what you have to say.

2️⃣ It's Intimate

Your readers dedicate a portion of their time just to you.

Some readers might even build rituals around your newsletter. They will read it with their coffee, while relaxing on the porch, or right before going to sleep.

You can’t reach this level of intimacy with a group of people in any other way.

3️⃣ It's Technically Simple

All you need is a computer or a phone to write it.

After an easy initial setup, sending the newsletter will only take a minute.

In my video guide, I'll walk you through the process step-by-step.

4️⃣ It Saves You Time

Have you noticed that some of your conversations can be repetitive?

Take my fellowship as an example.

Over the last two years, I had numerous discussions with friends and colleagues about the process of becoming a fellow.

However, explaining the technical details, such as opening a bank account or obtaining a social security number, can be time-consuming.

So, I wrote about them in my newsletter. This way, when people reach out to me, we can focus on the core aspects of their journey. The things that truly matter.

The same principle applies to your interactions with students, residents, or colleagues. Instead of repeating the same information, let the newsletter convey it for you.

It's much more satisfying to start a conversation with, "I enjoyed what you wrote, and I have some questions", rather than finding yourself repeating the same speech over and over again

5️⃣ Serendipity

Serendipity is benefiting from unexpected events. In other words, good things happen, although you didn’t mean for them to happen.

Writing a newsletter increases your chances of serendipity.

Sharing your thoughts allows others to benefit, and the more you do it, the more likely you'll benefit as well.

6️⃣ Clarity of Thought

Writing a newsletter is like meditation.

You put your thoughts onto paper (or screen), which leads to self-discovery. It will help you maintain focus.

It will make you calmer and a better teacher.

7️⃣ It’s Exciting

Every Friday, when the clock hits 7:00 am, I’m excited to see my newsletter in my inbox. That hadn’t changed even after sending more than 80 newsletters.

So, if I got you excited as well (or at least curious), check out my video guide on how to start your very own newsletter.

Let me know if you do! I'll be your first subscriber.

Online Presence Course for Doctors & Scientists

In the coming weeks (or months, depending on my schedule), I'll publish a YouTube video series to help doctors and scientists enhance their online presence.

The series will include:

1️⃣ Introduction

2️⃣ How to build your own website

3️⃣ Social Media 101 (Fundamentals)

4️⃣ How to start your own newsletter

5️⃣ YouTube 101 (Fundamentals)

6️⃣ How to start your own podcast

7️⃣ Gear and apps I use for online presence

8️⃣ Q&A

You can watch it here once it’s published

Epilogue

If you received this newsletter from a friend and would like to join Friday's Digest, visit: https://newsletter.shaysharon.com

That’s it for this issue.

Hope for better times.

Shay