Book Review: "Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less" by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang

Many of us in medicine struggle to justify why we should slow down and give ourselves a break.

We’re used to putting others’ needs before our own.

We’re used to unrelenting unrostered overtime; oncall callbacks at 3am; weekend shfits trickling into birthdays and holidays; and working through illness.

If only there was a book that helped us justify to our evidence-based selves WHY we need to rest.

Alex Soojung-Kim Pang does this brilliantly in his easy-to-read manual, “Rest.”

Alex is a Silicon Valley consultant used to seeing that other modern group of trophy chronic overworkers - tech workers.

No longer is “hustling,” “crushing” and “burning it” a badge of honour for your work.

And no longer are you badgering yourself for not “working hard enough”. You probably already are. This book teaches you how to work SMART.

Doctors know well (or should know!) that as physiologic stress hormones, chronic raised adrenaline and cortisol (which are essential hormones that help regulate our daily functions in normal health, not an evil in themselves!), can lead to raised blood pressure; heart disease; higher stroke risk; obesity; cancers; some thyroid disorders; some autoimmune conditions; and other conditions. As part of the body’s natural homeostasis/resetting, we all need sleep; good nutrition; regular exercise; and unregulated downtime- sitting and doing nothing, allowing ourselves to drift to boredom and creativity. (They say having bouts of boredom in our lives actually helps fuel creativity and innovation- hence why people struggle when they try to find a “job they love” that never bores them 24/7- the fact is, those peaks and troughs even in your dream pursuit, help you stay stimulated, curious and engaged with your passion!)

When we set that homeostasis out of whack due to shift work; chronic long hours (and everyone has a different set point for when they feel tired after a certain number of hours - your 40-hour week may be someone else’s 100-hour week!); irregular sleep habits; poor diet; and basically being “on” all the time; eventually, our bodies catch up and physically can’t take it anymore without an even longer rest, if it ever recovers.

Workplace burnout has recently been recognised by the World Health Organization as a “workplace syndrome” classified by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11. This makes it even easier for us, whether we’re in medicine, tech or otherwise, to recognise signs of burnout, and the need to switch off and rest as part of our work/life routine.

Alex’s book gives tips from his research and work on this subject, and illustrates it with anecdotes from scientists who’ve raised productivity through napping; Stephen King’s writing routine; the benefits of walking; and other simple, inexpensive and time-effective measures for longevity in your work-life continuum. Like most books we recommend, it’s easy to read on the train, in bite-sized pieces, or all at once during your favourite reading time.

So, no more excuses. You deserve to Rest!

(The Medical Startup is an affiliate for Book Depository.)

Melbourne Social Enterprise Pioneers Model: Giving Through Medical Education

First published July 26, 2017

There are many ways to give through your business or startup.

Who knew that by educating yourself for your fellowship exams, you are also helping by giving to those less fortunate? 

PhysEd gives you this sense of purpose.

Two Melbourne medical doctors decided to give through their medical education company, PhysEd, a two-week intensive preparation course for doctors preparing for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians’ Basic Physician Training Written Exam.

Inspired by ethicist Peter Singer’s book and organisation, The Life You Can Save, PhysEd gives 5% of revenue to charity, donating over five figures in its first year. The specialty exams are a gruelling time in any doctor’s life, and attending a course has statistically shown to improve your chance of passing. Having gone through the exams themselves, the founders know the high standards expected of course speakers and exam candidates. With this in mind, PhysEd incorporates a practical, immersive approach to multiple-choice question preparation, including a weekend MCQ intensive midway through the course, and high-quality, experienced presenters from many of Melbourne’s top teaching hospitals.

Let’s face it- going through the exams is a very competitive, self-focused time, spanning over two years of doctors’ lives, which can take away from the meaning of medicine- to give to others who need your knowledge. Medicine is about giving, yet, the competitive environment of training and striving to be your best on that one exam day can sap away one’s energy and original sense of purpose for medicine. PhysEd’s giving model helps you feel that you’re not alone- your studying is not in vain, just for your own score and knowledge – it’s helping others, including companies such as Medicins Sans Frontieres and Against Malaria.

To find out more and register, including a free, fully-equipped doctors’ briefcase for the Part 2 exams with full registration(!), head to physed.com.au. 

For an inspiring book from a pioneering social entrepreneur, read our review of TOMS shoes founder Blake Mycoskie’s book here. 

Photo credits: physed.com.au

Book Review: “Start Something That Matters” by Blake Mycoskie, TOMS Founder

First published July 20, 2017

This book is a must-read.

Pic: themedicalstartup.com

Most of you would have heard of TOMS. Many of you perhaps own a pair or two. There’s a fascinating story behind it.

Blake Mycoskie is known for pioneering the One-for-One retail model, where a company gives something for every item that’s sold. In TOMS’ case, that’s a pair of shoes to a community in need for every pair of TOMS sold around the world.

Blake was inspired after taking a brief sabbatical from his former startup (and after “The Amazing Race” in America). As many startup founders (and healthcare workers!) discover, it’s hard to switch off. Early into his trip to Argentina, he was struck by the number of children walking barefoot on the hot roads, because their families couldn’t afford to purchase shoes. Blake goes into detail about his early days finding a local shoemaker in Argentina; working out the supply chain without having fashion experience; hiring his first interns; and how they spread the word about TOMS. Since then, TOMS has grown into a multimillion-dollar company, and Blake has created a venture fund for social entrepreneurs to help others create good from their companies.

Other companies such as Warby Parker for eyeglasses have found success with a for-profit model of giving. Many people believe that non-profits are more subject to instability, being reliant upon donations and philanthropy. It could be argued that social enterprise is a more sustainable business model long-term, where a social enterprise is defined as a for-profit business that serves to do good as its core mission.

With “Start Something That Matters,” Blake shares his thoughts from TOMS’ journey, and gives actionable tips on how you can do the same. A very inspiring and uplifting read, including case studies from other companies.

What other books have inspired you? Share your best recommendations below. 
*TheMedicalStartup.com is an affiliate of BookDepository.com.

Book Review: Programming Your Mind For Success Through “She Means Business” by Carrie Green

First published March 15, 2017

We came across Carrie Green and The Female Entrepreneur Association via Facebook awhile ago. Having benefited from being a part of their community, and having experienced Carrie’s work firsthand, it was a delight to see that her book is now available worldwide.

Carrie’s book “She Means Business” is available at Australian and international bookstores as well as online. Pic: The Medical Startup

We gain a lot of medical startup lessons from other industries, and Carrie has built an industry-agnostic community based on her experiences as a sole female founder of a tech company. She did this while studying Law in the UK, creating a mobile phone-unlocking business back in the pre-smartphone era. She taught herself how to build a website, and showed how just launching (even when she felt the website wasn’t that attractive) helped her business progress faster. (“Done is better than perfect” in many cases!) According to “She Means Business,” her business turned over $50,000 a month. But she was unhappy, and realised meaning was missing from her life.

After several months of personal exploration, Carrie realised her mission was to empower female business owners worldwide, and to connect with others sharing her experiences. It’s well-known that women (generally speaking) connect in business differently to men. Sheryl Sandberg covers great ground in her book “Lean In” about those differences, and how women and men can support each other in their journeys to leadership and fulfilment. Carrie uses her own personality and lessons from exploring the mindset of business success to empower over 100,000 women across the world, now generating more than $90,000 a month in revenue through the Female Entrepreneur Association.

Yet, it takes time to build a success. Carrie says it took five years for this revenue target to be achieved. She mentions that as recently as 2012, the FEA was growing, but was not financially sustainable. Being frank about these realities helps readers remember that we’re all human, and that time is the biggest investment in a successful life, no matter what success means to you – financially, spiritually, or otherwise. And because we’re all limited by time, what would you most want to spend your greatest asset working on?

The Female Entrepreneur Association differs from other business groups by focusing first and foremost on Mindset. The Mindset of Success and empowering your self-talk is what will get you through the hard times; the moments of self-doubt; the crippling anxiety of “will it fail?,” and the push to quit versus persist. Carrie shares her many tools and tricks, which you’d normally have to pay a monthly Member’s fee for access to, in a very readable and enjoyable book, written in her warm, conversational voice. For men who are thinking this book isn’t for them, Carrie reveals that many of the mindset tools she’s equipped with come from her dad’s books and audio collection. Her dad even sent Carrie and her siblings (brothers and sister!) to classes on resilience and positive thinking when they were kids. Carrie speaks often, including on TEDx, about “programming your mind for success,” and while reading this book, you’ll realise that your greatest tool for startup success is your mind.

Purchasing the book also unlocks a 28-day “She Means Business” challenge, with actions guided by Carrie throughout the book as well as bonuses online.

You can purchase “She Means Business” through Book Depository or your favourite booksellers.

*note: affiliate links in this article- we may earn commission from the bookseller.

Book Review: “Bad Science” by Dr Ben Goldacre

First published September 21, 2016

In preparation for Dr Ben Goldacre’s Australia/New Zealand tour this week, we’re catching up on his bestsellers.

“Bad Science” by Bad Science. Pic: The Medical Startup

A British medical doctor and former Guardian columnist devoted to medical research and epidemiology, Dr Goldacre breaks down the complexities of evidence-based research in his first book, “Bad Science.”  Whether you’re a newcomer to the medical industry or science in general, or even if you’re a full-time health professional who finds research mind-boggling, “Bad Science” tells you what to look out for in scientific papers, without making you feel lost. Using examples from cosmetics, detoxification treatments, homeopathy and more, Ben illustrates the flaws in common marketing claims and helpfully draws the reader to understand the importance of high-quality scientific research.

What makes a poor-quality study? How can a non-scientist understand what to look out for when reading through a product’s claims or a research paper? In medical innovation, quality research data helps to validate your solution, and medical startups have the responsibility to “first do no harm,” just as clinicians do. For startups, health professionals and the public alike, this book is a must – and it’s a quick read, too.

To buy tickets for Ben’s tour this week, click here. 
*TheMedicalStartup.com is an affiliate of BookDepository.com

Webinar this week: Innovation Mastery from Chris Kalaboukis

First published June 6, 2016

Our friends at StartupsInnovation.com are holding another not-to-be-missed webinar this weekend, featuring special guest, Chris Kalaboukis.

Innovation Mastery Webinar with guest Chris Kalaboukis. Photo courtesy of StartupsInnovation.com

Chris is a serial entrepreneur, holder of over 60 listed patents (another 117 pending!), former and current CEO and CTO of major companies, coder, consultant, podcaster, and innovation expert. From his experiences including working in the San Francisco Bay Area, he’s founded hellofuture LLC, a consulting company for innovation, patent development and product development. He’s also written the book “Innovation Mastery” (with an excerpt here for you to read!).

We’re looking forward to hearing what he has to say!

To register for access and webinar recording, register at Startups Innovation here.

Missed out on Jay Samit’s webinar last month from Startups Innovation? Click here to read our wrap-up, and view the video and audio replay links.

Read the founder of Startups Innovation’s book, “Fast Lane: Start-ups Innovation” by Alistair Schneider, on fast-tracking your startup journey, innovating as an intrapreneur, and entrepreneurial strategies, here. 

What We Learnt from Jay Samit’s Webinar

First published June 1, 2016

Jay Samit. Serial entrepreneur. Former head of major entertainment labels including Sony, Universal and EMI. Self-starter. TED Speaker. Professor of High Tech Startups at University of Southern California. Author. Why am I featuring him on a “medical” website?

Because great ideas come from anywhere, and inspiration knows no boundaries. Some of my biggest heroes have never been known for their medical achievements. And when I started reading Jay’s book, “Disrupt You!” (“Disrupt Yourself!” in Australia and other regions), I knew he was using “disruption” not as a buzzword, but as a teachable, adaptable concept that brings clarity to problems I’d thought were unsolvable, and to dead-ends with hidden paths.

Jay Samit webinar hosted by Startups Innovation. Photo: StartupsInnovation.com

Jay’s book is filled with examples from his work in the entertainment and computer industries, and from his knowledge of other companies. He begins from his childhood growing up in Philadelphia, and leads to his career in Los Angeles and beyond. He lists examples of Airbnb’s success; how NASA disrupted research & development by creating an open-access patent library; and on a personal note, Bill Clinton phoning him to help roll out Internet in classrooms across America.

The idea of disruption is that once it occurs, the industry it occurs in is changed forever. Think music and downloads; medicine and antibiotics; taxis and Uber. The core concept of Jay’s teaching in his book and webinar lies on understanding the links in any industry’s value-chain. Disruption occurs when you’ve identified which part of the value chain is weakest, and is thus “ripest” for disruption.  Jay describes the chain being made up of Research & Development; Design and Production; Marketing and Sales; and Distribution. So, how can you figure out which link to disrupt in an industry?

“The only two things you need to succeed are Insight, and Perseverance,” says Jay. An Insight may come in an instant, or it may take days of contemplation or years of hard work to arrive. Then, to grow from an Idea, you need to bring that Perseverance to the table.  

“You suddenly realise big ideas attract big minds,” Jay added. Sharing your idea helps each link in your value chain. Speaking of links, he suggests LinkedIn- “you can find experts in any field, and ask for advice- start a conversation, and connect with experts all over the world. You can’t do it by yourself.”

How can your idea be disruptive? “The first thing is to figure out how you can solve problems for others, and that will attract success. Every problem is an opportunity in disguise,” he said. Disruption from technology can bring social impact. Jay mentioned a startup which 3D-prints prosthetics for children. Someone went to Disney, got a licence for Star Wars, Ironman, Frozen and other popular shows. This disruptive yet simple design change not only helped kids get well-fitting prosthetics, but also de-stigmatised their prostheses and helped their emotional perception of their disability. 

As webinar facilitator and author Alistair Schneider of Startups Innovation said to Jay: “From your book,ideas don’t need to be complicated.” You don’t need to invent a new computer to innovate. A whole industry in accessories and dust covers for computers, keyboards and smartphones rose from the more expensive hardware they’re meant to house. It’s much easier and cheaper to prototype ten-thousand dust covers than ten-thousand of the latest laptops.  Jay’s friend did just that; the success of his covers was such that, “despite never learning how to use a computer, his first company was sold at age 30 for USD135million.”

Jay teaches his proven business model as being Social, Local, and Mobile. If you can prove it’s usable and scalable in one city, or town, you can adapt it to other cities.  

How can employers allow employees to excel and help intrapreneurs lead? “You have to change the culture that’s afraid of making mistakes. If you’re not making mistakes, it’s because you’re not trying something new. Success comes from trying something new. If you’re not creating value, your job will be eliminated.” 

Jay warns against getting too comfortable even after disruption: “It’s really the illusion of security that robs ambition- because given the circumstance you WILL be disrupted.” He used Kodak as an example- Kodak refused to branch into digital photography, sticking with traditional film, and unfortunately, losing its spectacular market share as a result. On a personal level, you may face this if you’re worried you’ll lose your job, your steady income, or other comforts by leaving work to start on your idea. Ambition is thwarted by fear, and disruptors learn to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. 

Finally, Jay predicts that “wearables will change the medical industry.” Anyone can see this from any industry.  The challenge will be to ethically and responsibly manage consumer and medical-grade wearables. 

To view the exclusive replay of Jay’s webinar, visit YouTube, or listen on SoundCloud. Startups Innovation are a startup education platform based out of Boston, running regular webinars on disruption and innovation with startup experts from all over America. Their founder, Alistair Schneider, is also the author of book “Fast Lane: Start Ups Innovation,” a handbook on startups available on Amazon. We thank them for the opportunity to cohost Jay’s webinar.

Jay can be followed for daily advice on Twitter at @jaysamit. Learn more about him at jaysamit.com. 
*This article contains affiliate links to bookdepository.com.

Events This Week: Webinar featuring Jay Samit, Serial Entrepreneur

First published May 16, 2016

We’re very pleased to partner with Startups Innovation for this weekend’s Webinar on Disruption with Jay Samit, serial entrepreneur and author of “Disrupt You!”

Jay’s illustrious career spans multiple industries. He is the former Executive VP at Sony, CEO of Seachange International, and lectures on Startups at the University of Southern California’s School of Engineering. He also continues to be a key advisor with various startups and corporations.

We’ve been reading Jay’s book, “Disrupt You!“, and recommend it to anyone from any field or industry, whether you’re a student, graduate worker, founder, investor, board member, or just plain curious. Jay’s failed lotto machine in the 1980s pivoted to become the airport check-in kiosks that are used worldwide today. He saw the value of LinkedIn, streaming music, and telecommunications years before they hit the mainstream. And his book really struck a chord with us.

“Disrupt You!” is about self-reflection and questioning your values, your outlook, and how you learn things and see the world. It’s about using your unique experiences to “disrupt” the world, and that’s exactly the kind of thinking that led to The Medical Startup. Reading Jay’s book, his experiences mirror the thought process that went into creating our blog, and we can’t wait to hear what he has to share this weekend.

To register, click here with the code MEDSTARTUP for live access and a recording after the event. The webinar will run Saturday 21st May from 1-3pm EDT (US Eastern Daylight Time), which is Sunday 22nd May 3am Australian EST; click here to check out the time in other cities.

Startups Innovation, based out of Boston, host key players in the startup world through their program of webinars, coaching and events. Be inspired by their list of other upcoming events.

More inspiration coming soon! Like us on Facebookand subscribe to our mailing list for updates via our home page, TheMedicalStartup.com