Friday's Digest - The Newsletter for Doctors & Scientists

Friday's Digest #109

Doctors Who Are Not Coming Back, iPad, and Social Distancing

Is there a growing trend of doctors choosing not to return home?

(Also: Is there still value in purchasing an iPad these days?)

September 27th, 2024

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.

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Preface
Main Article
Readers’ Favorite
Stuff

Preface

We'll begin with a note from our editor (me 😄):

If you're here to read about doctors who've left the country and aren't coming back, this "Preface" section is for you.

If you're just here to read about iPads, feel free to skip to the Main Article.

Happy reading!

Doctors Are Not Coming Back

Wow, that’s a bold and depressing statement.

But I’m seeing it more and more lately.

In this preface, I'll explore this trend from two angles: personal and general.

Let's start with the personal perspective.

In the past, I wrote about the 3 main factors that influenced my decision to return home after my fellowships: money, drive (what matters most to you), and heart (what makes you happy).

You can read all about it here.

Ultimately, my drive and heart guided the decision.

Now, let's consider the flip side: fear.

I firmly believe that fear should never— and I mean NEVER EVER— dictate your decisions. The last time I let fear control my choices was when I was 11 (I wrote about it here). Since then, I've chosen paths that allow me to confront my fears.

It's much more challenging, but definitely more rewarding.

When contemplating the decision to return home, fear can pull you in either direction— fear of coming back or fear of leaving. Whatever your decision may be, my advice is to keep fear out of it.

Lastly, I've witnessed a major societal shift over the past 2 years in the US. I've seen changes in academia, community, and social media. I've witnessed events I hope you'll never have to see.

As a doctor, scientist, or both, I strongly recommend speaking with someone who lives where you plan to relocate. Social media and comment sections can be misleading.

Now, let's discuss the general perspective— the macro view.

I've spoken to dozens of doctors, scientists, and students considering relocation. These conversations have increased substantially since I moved to the US. It's a group that tends not to discuss these issues outside our circle.

This means that if you're not close to someone thinking about relocation, you won't hear much about it.

There's a good reason for this privacy.

Social media and comment sections, many now dominated by paid commenters, bots, and AI, are filled with poison— cursing and insulting anyone who writes about anything.

Doctors and scientists, not used to this type of negativity, distance themselves from it and keep their thoughts private.

And here lies the "macro" problem: when such trends are hidden, it becomes extremely difficult for executives and public officials to become aware of their scale and establish mechanisms to reverse them.

Now, if this newsletter were a typical dopamine-releasing, ad-pushing, guilt-tripping affair, I'd end this preface with a provocative, pessimistic statement.

But I won't.

I simply want to raise awareness among those considering a move, and among the executives and public officials reading this newsletter.

Food for thought.

Now, let's lighten the mood a bit, shall we?

iPads!

Number 109

Main Article

I've been using an iPad since 2010.

Thanks to my dear wife, I owned the first iPad just 2 months after its launch!

At the time, I was a student using a Windows laptop and an Android phone. However, the iPad quickly became my primary tool for studying— and it has remained so ever since.

Fast forward to 2024

We now have so many options for computers, tablets, and phones.

So, if we have a computer and a phone, who needs a tablet?

To answer that, I'll use myself as an example.

When I use my computer (a MacBook M2 Pro), I have to stay in one spot.

Sure, it's a powerful device that can do anything I want.

BUT:

⚫ It's difficult to carry around.

⚫ It disconnects you from your environment, making you less sociable.

So, if you're like me, and enjoy reading and studying while on the move, a laptop can be inconvenient and isolating.

When I use my phone (an iPhone 12 mini), I can move around freely. The downside? The screen is too small for studying or reading.

Still, I prefer a smaller phone screen.

Why?

I want to reduce the time I spend using my phone. Plus, I don't want to feel it in my pocket. The iPhone Mini is perfect for that.

But there's one more increasingly important reason for not using my phone for reading or studying.

Your phone destroys your social interactions.

Every second you hold a phone in public, it makes you more lonely and less approachable.

"Okay, okay. We've reached the 'your-phone-is-bad-for-you' part. What else is new?"

Let me answer that with a story.

Over the last 2 years, I've used public transportation A LOT.

Around 2-3 hours every single day.

When I watched people around me on trains and buses, most were glued to their phones throughout the ride.

But I noticed something interesting.

While those with phones appeared like zombies with blank expressions, people holding tablets or books were entirely different. Every 20-40 seconds, they either looked around them, or smiled while reading. Sometimes, they even spoke with people around them.

I started to notice the same effect on myself. People felt comfortable talking to me while I was reading on my iPad, but NOT when holding my phone.

I suspect it's because, deep down, we still perceive tablets as books— at least socially.

Additionally, tablets are still seen as professional tools. As a doctor and a scientist, I feel comfortable taking notes on my tablet during lectures. When I give a talk and see someone with a tablet, I can tell from their eyes that they're listening to me.

Phones? Well, you know the answer to that.

So, after 14 years with an iPad, I still use it daily.

It's an excellent tool for students, doctors, and scientists who are on the move and want to remain social.

Let's wrap up with a quick review of the key points for those considering to get one:

🔵 iPad vs. Android Tablet

Over the years, I've owned 4 iPads (3 still in use) and 3 Android tablets (none still in use).

Even when I preferred Windows and Android over Apple, the iPads performed exceptionally well.

While the Android tablets were initially better, they became slow after about 2 years and, soon after, unusable.

As for the iPads? My kids are still using an iPad from 2013!

That's longevity you can't beat with an Android tablet.

What about Microsoft tablets?

Unreliable. Microsoft has cost me so much time, money, and frustration. I don’t recommend their products or software to, well, anyone.

🔵 The Perfect Size

Let's be clear: a tablet won't replace a laptop.

Why? Companies intentionally limit tablets to encourage you to buy both devices. 😃

If you need a single device, go for a laptop.

Tablets are great for consuming information: reading, browsing, and watching videos. In my view, if you can't easily carry it with you, it's not worth buying.

If I had to choose one?

Without a doubt, the iPad Mini 6.

I can take it anywhere. It even fits in the pocket of my scrubs and white coat.

Although pricey, I highly recommend the Apple-made case. Pair it with the Apple Pencil 2, and you have a winning combination.

It's light and comfortable to hold.

🔵 Enhance Your Social Connection

After 14 years with an iPad, I've found it to be the single most effective device as a student, doctor, and scientist.

Paired with Readwise Reader and Anki, it has saved me 1000’s of hours while boosting my creativity and productivity.

Do yourself a favor: keep social media and texting apps off your iPad.

You'll enjoy it more, and so will those around you.

Readers’ Favorite

How much does it cost to live in the US? Here I share our monthly expenses with you. The Boston Version.

Stuff

💡Gear I use - Peak Design Everyday Backpack

This backpack is really high-quality, though it comes with a price tag.

I generally prefer products with lifetime warranties, like this bag.

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

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