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Friday's Digest - The Newsletter for Doctors & Scientists
Every clinician considering research can invest minimal time in three habits:
Friday's Digest - The Newsletter for Doctors & Scientists
For two decades, I've been developing tools that have improved my practice in medicine, dentistry, and scientific research.
Join me every Friday to discover a new tool you can integrate into your workflow as a doctor, a scientist, or both.
I believe in sharing knowledge, embracing automation, boosting productivity, and finding joy in the process.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Preface
Main Article
Readers’ Favorite
Stuff
Preface
Preface
✈️ Last week, I attended the bi-annual International Conference of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in Vancouver, Canada. It was an excellent opportunity to meet with friends from around the world and give a lecture on our progress in developing prediction models for response to head and neck cancer treatment 💊.
👨🏫 This was my first time moderating my own session. As a moderator, I was responsible for leading the session of talks, asking the speakers questions, and ensuring they stuck to their schedule.
The night before the session, I spent at least half an hour on the internet to ensure I correctly pronounced the speakers' names. It's funny how English spelling has so little correlation with the actual pronunciation of names from China 🇨🇳, Spain 🇪🇸, Indonesia 🇮🇩, and Greece 🇬🇷.
🇨🇦 Vancouver was breathtaking!
🇨🇦 Vancouver was breathtaking!
Next to my hotel was the parking space for enormous ships coming from Alaska 🚢. I went for a jog near the harbor and admired the view. There were also numerous yachts sailing ⛴️, and planes took off and landed over the water 🌊.
So, all in all, time well spent.
The next international conference in 2025 will take place in Singapore 🇸🇬. I definitely plan on being there.
The attendees of these conferences are mostly clinicians with no formal background in research. It was apparent that those who invest their time in the right places produce high-quality data.
You don't need a formal background in research to get to where they are!
Today's newsletter is dedicated to all clinicians who want to produce data without the hassle of diving deep into research.
Today's newsletter is dedicated to all clinicians who want to produce data without the hassle of diving deep into research.
#43, Enjoy!
Main Article
Main Article
Although being a clinician revolves around practice and direct patient interaction, the quest for evidence-based medicine is the backbone of effective clinical practice.
However, for many clinicians, the research world may seem out of reach and exhausting.
However, for many clinicians, the research world may seem out of reach and exhausting.
Many clinicians view research as an added burden, an unnecessary digression from the core of their profession. They believe that clinical practice should take priority, and time spent on research could be better utilized.
This often leads to research being neglected altogether.
I've witnessed this phenomenon numerous times.
On the contrary, some believe that research is the foundation of advanced clinical practice. For them, time invested in research is not wasted, but rather an investment that ultimately leads to improved patient care.
I agree with the second group. Incorporating research not only paves the way for professional growth but can also be very enjoyable and satisfying for clinicians.
I agree with the second group. Incorporating research not only paves the way for professional growth but can also be very enjoyable and satisfying for clinicians.
How do I know all this?
🔵 I have been juggling clinical work and research for the last 13 years.
🔵 I have spent over 10,000 hours in a lab.
🔵 I have been on both sides: the clinician looking for the best time:benefit ratio, and the dedicated scientist.
Looking back on 13 years and over 10,000 hours in the lab, I have learned that three research habits are essential for any clinician.
Looking back on 13 years and over 10,000 hours in the lab, I have learned that three research habits are essential for any clinician.
Here they are:
🗒️ Habit #1: Submit Abstracts and Present Your Work
🗒️ Habit #1: Submit Abstracts and Present Your Work
Entering the world of research begins with making your work known. One of the most effective ways to do so is by submitting abstracts to conferences.
At first, writing abstracts can be overwhelming, but they eventually become a technical and "paint-by-the-numbers" task.
The abstract is your ticket to delivering oral presentations, which are a fantastic way to develop professionally, network with others in your field, and take joy and pride in what you do.
Poster presentations are also good, though their benefit is limited.
For my research students, I always recommend submitting abstracts for oral presentations as the first choice, followed by posters.
🏡Take-home message:
🏡Take-home message:
Start by writing an abstract.
🤝 Habit #2: Invest in Collaborations.
🤝 Habit #2: Invest in Collaborations.
Research is not a solo endeavor. Establishing collaborations with scientists and others invested in research is a key habit for any clinician involved in research.
There are huge advantages to collaborations:
🟣 They lead to mutual learning and the development of innovative ideas 💡.
🟣 They keep the research process stimulating and less isolating 🍻.
🟣 They result in higher-impact work 🥇.
🟣 They increase the chance of obtaining funds 💰.
🏡Take-home message:
🏡Take-home message:
Find a research collaborator and define your roles right from the start.
👨💻 Habit #3: Stay Up-to-date with Current Literature
👨💻 Habit #3: Stay Up-to-date with Current Literature
For clinicians, staying up-to-date with current literature is essential. However, it can be tedious and time-consuming.
But it doesn't have to be!
The key to success lies in consistency and strategic reading. I have written a complete guide for reading 1000 manuscripts a year in just 22 minutes a day. I never imagined this guide would have such an impact, but apparently, it was a game-changer for many of my readers.
I highly recommend you give it a try. It takes only 10 minutes to set up and is completely free.
🏡 Take-home message:
🏡 Take-home message:
Transform your literature reading into a fun habit. Yes, it's possible!
Readers’ Favorite
Readers’ Favorite
If you’re considering going all the way and getting a Master’s degree or a PhD, check out Issue #24 - “Do Doctors Need a Master's or PhD?”
Stuff
Stuff
🤵♂️Tuxedo
🤵♂️Tuxedo
This week was the first time I ever wore a tuxedo.
Initially, I thought I would rent one, but then I realized that buying a tuxedo would probably cost the same as renting it three times. Additionally, whenever you rent, you must find a place to rent from, try the tuxedo on, and return it. So, in addition to the money you pay for the rent, you waste time.
Looking online, I found a great place that tailors the tuxedo for you: Indochino.
All you need to do is stop by one of their shops for measurements, and three weeks later, the tuxedo will be delivered to your doorstep.
You can have it adjusted for free, but mine didn’t require any adjustments.
I couldn’t be happier with it.
It fits perfectly, is very high-quality, and even has my name sewn onto it.
I never have to deal with it again. It's ready to go anytime, anyplace.
As for accessories, Amazon, as always, delivers: All you need to add are cufflinks, shirt studs, and a bow tie.
I’m a tie-it-yourself kind of person and don’t like the pre-tied bowties. Some of you may prefer hassle-free pre-tied bowties.
And remember, tuxedo is spelled with a "U," not with an "O."
Now my spelling mistake is there for eternity on my Twitter account 🤦♂️. At least LinkedIn allowed me to edit it back to "tuxedo".
Epilogue
Epilogue
That’s it for this issue.
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Have a great weekend!
Shay
My Workflow for Reading & Writing Manuscripts
My Workflow for Reading & Writing Manuscripts
I stopped using Acrobat Reader and Microsoft Word, and never looked back!
This is how I use Notion and Readwise Reader.
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