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I Started My Doctor-Scientist Journey 22 Years Ago - and These are The Best 3 Investments Every Doctor and Scientist Should Make

Many doctors and scientists don't realize they've missed these crucial investments until it's too late. Don't make the same mistake! Friday’s Digest #136

Table of contents

1. Life Update
2. Tools and Tips
3. Readers’ Favorite

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Life Update

Am I the only one not watching TV anymore?

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I realize I sound like an old man saying this, but it doesn't feel like an age thing.

It seems that everything on TV is just more of the same.

Perhaps I simply don't have enough time to sit and relax in front of it?

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The things I do watch are mostly on YouTube. That's why I pay for YouTube Premium—it allows me to avoid ads, turn off my screen to just listen, or download videos onto my device.

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But lately, even YouTube content feels repetitive...

What's up with that?

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Is it just me?

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Today, we're going to discuss three crucial things that many doctors and scientists realize too late.

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Three insights can make your professional life much more enjoyable and easier down the road.

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Number 136!

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This is definitely one you should save and share with your early-career friends.

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Tools and Tips

When you're a student or an early-career doctor or scientist, you're overwhelmed.

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There's so much to do and so little time.

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As a dental or medical student, you focus on assignments, grades, and exam preparation.

As a resident, you’re sleep-deprived and have an endless to-do list.

As a research student, you juggle experiments and dream about getting your diploma.

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I've been through it all— dental school, medical school, residency, Master's, and PhD.

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After experiencing both excellent and poor uses of my time, I can now clearly identify the best investments to make.

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Three areas you should ALWAYS keep your focus on.

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Here they are:

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🔵 Focus on the Quantity of Your Publications

Quantity, not quality.

I'm not suggesting you publish rubbish.

And it’s your mentor's job to ensure your publications meet quality standards.

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But here's the reality: Later in your career, people will count the publications on your CV.

COUNT them. Not READ them.

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When the number is right, doors open. When it's too low, they stay closed.

This is simply how the scientific world works.

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🔵 Find the Right Mentor

Even early in your career, you likely have a sense of what interests you.

It might be a specific medical specialty, a research direction, or both.

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The right mentor should have extensive EXPERIENCE in your field and the RESOURCES to help you succeed.

When meeting potential mentors, look for those who discuss specific projects with clear aims and timelines.

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When I interview potential students, I call it "a project with a beginning, a middle, and an end."

While the beginning and middle are usually well-defined, make sure the end is also clear.

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🔵 Go to All the Conferences

Writing abstracts and preparing presentations or posters can be exhausting.

This is especially true when you're starting out.

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But presenting early in your career offers huge advantages:

1. Expectations are lower (so you won't face harsh questioning)
2. You have access to discounts and travel grants
3. You build your professional network early

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Focus on these three areas, and you'll be set.

Do whatever it takes to make it happen!

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Readers’ Favorite

A PhD is like a mobile home—it gives you the freedom to settle anywhere!

​Here's the tip sheet I prepared to help you throughout your PhD journey

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Epilogue

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

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That’s it for this issue.

See you next week!

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Shay

Want to learn more from me?

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