Friday's Digest - The Newsletter for Doctors & Scientists

Friday's Digest #74

The Huge Benefits (and Downside) of Having a PhD

What advice do you give to students or doctors considering pursuing a PhD?
Let's discuss real-life examples. Friday’s Digest #73

January 19th, 2024

Friday's Digest - The Newsletter for Doctors & Scientists

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Preface
Main Article
Readers’ Favorite
Stuff

Preface

This week, I noticed something demonstrating the huge benefit of having a PhD.

I met a colleague who also holds a PhD, someone I'd never met before. We started our meeting with a brief introduction, but then, something clicked.

My colleague glanced at my white coat, spotted the “PhD” next to my name, and in less than a minute, we were already having a passionate discussion about the complex effect of radiotherapy on head and neck cancer.

Topics that usually take hours to discuss were covered in mere seconds, all thanks to our mutual understanding and respect for the PhD journey each of us had to undergo.

Moments like these remind me of the profound impact of this journey.

So let's discuss it together.

Number 73, let’s go!

Main Article

Many people claim that obtaining a PhD is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences they have ever had. However, the answers vary when specifically asked what they enjoy about being a PhD.

Sure, they mention academic freedom, flexible schedules, and love for research.

But what advice do you give to students or doctors considering pursuing a PhD?

"Academic freedom, flexible schedule, and love for research" may be challenging to understand for someone with limited research experience.

Today, I would like to discuss two benefits and one drawback of being a PhD. These are all real-life experiences that anyone can relate to.

Here it goes:

🔵 PhD, The Ultimate Icebreaker

Having a PhD serves as an incredible icebreaker in professional settings.

These three letters signify a journey of rigorous study and countless hours spent in a lab.

They create an instant bond, particularly important in the fast-paced medical world where time is limited.

This week's experience with my colleague is a prime example. Our PhDs enabled us to connect immediately.

Anyone who has attempted to network in the "conventional" way surely understands the usefulness of this advantage.

🔵 PhD, The Tool to Settle in Any Lab

Obtaining a PhD equips you with skills that make you adaptable in any research environment.

When I began my research fellowship in the US, I was amazed at how easily I could integrate into the new lab setting.

Of course, my mentors and the fantastic lab I was in played a significant role in this.

However, my PhD was my super tool. The familiar processes, methodologies, and research culture came naturally to me.

And having a PhD is an incredibly powerful asset.

🔵 PhD, The Eternal Homework

But for some people, pursuing a PhD has its downsides.

Unlike other professions where work ends at the office door, a PhD comes with a mindset of continuous exploration. It's not just a degree; it's a way of life that forever changes how you perceive and engage with the world.

In simple terms, you will always have homework. You will always feel the urge to invest time into your research, or feel guilty if you haven't.

My PhD instilled a 'Jiminy Cricket' in me, a conscience that constantly nudges me towards my next adventure.

For physician-scientists (or dentist-scientists, surgeon scientists, etc.), there will always be something you want to do with research. You may not necessarily pursue it, but the urge will always be there. And that's exactly what it feels like always to have homework.

So, if you dislike the idea of eternal homework, perhaps pursuing a PhD for 4-6 years is not the right path for you...

Remember, you don't need a PhD to excel at research! But it certainly helps… 😎

Good luck!

Readers’ Favorite

I've balanced clinical work and research for 13 years, and spent over 10,000 hours in a lab, and this is the single most important thing I learned: You don't need formal research training to be good at research and publishing.

However, you must have 3 habits to succeed.

Read about them here.

Stuff

📱iPad Mini 6

The iPad Mini 6 is my top recommendation for students and professionals who are constantly on the move.

I carry it in the pocket of my white coat, and mainly use it for scientific writing, reviewing the literature, and preparing for surgeries.

Using the iPad Mini 6 in the clinic feels more professional and appropriate than pulling out a smartphone.

There is a possibility of Apple releasing a newer version later this year. This is something to consider if you're thinking about purchasing one.

Epilogue

That’s it for this issue.

Hope for better times.

Shay

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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