Shows
Doctors and Writers#022 The Death of The EssayBonjour. This week we explore the relevance of essay writing in today's fast-paced, AI-driven world. We discuss Michael Dean's essay on the subject, emphasising the importance of original thought and the challenges posed by transactional writing.
The conversation delves into the historical context of essays, the writing process, and the value of human feedback, while also considering how AI can assist rather than replace the writing experience. This was fun. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording.
Time Stamps
00:00 The Relevance of Essay Writing Today
2024-11-0929 minDoctors and Writers#021 - Hooks, Rhythm, and Polarisation - The Dos and Don'ts of Writing Online for DoctorsIn this episode of the Doctors and Writers podcast, we discuss the essential do's and don'ts of writing, particularly in the healthcare field. We emphasise the importance of having a clear purpose for writing, crafting engaging hooks, maintaining rhythm and flow, and utilising multimedia to enhance engagement.
The conversation also touches on the significance of avoiding polarisation in writing. We share personal insights and practical tips to help healthcare professionals effectively communicate their messages through writing.
Links:
Adi's post that went a bit viral -https://www.linkedin...
2024-11-0326 minDoctors and Writers#020 - We're We've Been, The Cathedral Effect, What's In Store and MoreWe're back!
In this episode of the Doctors and Writers podcast, we reconnect after a long break to share updates on our writing journeys, personal growth, and reflections on creativity.
We discuss the impact of our environments on our writing processes, the importance of authenticity in social media, and the confidence gained through experience.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome Back and Updates
01:56 Writing Journeys and New Projects
04:17 The Impact of Environment on Creativity
06:26 Confidence Through Experience
08:59 Future Directions in Writing
2024-10-2627 minDoctors and Writers#019 - Our Favourite Essays, Why they Work, The Screamers, The Magic of Compounding and MoreIn this episode, Adi and Pranav read and discuss two pieces of writing that they find powerful and well-written. Adi reads an essay by Arthur Koestler that explores the limits of knowledge and understanding, while Pranav reads a piece by Sam Altman that discusses the concept of compounding and the importance of long-term thinking. Both pieces demonstrate the power of simple language and clear communication in conveying complex ideas.
If you want to read the essays yourself, they are both here:
https://wethescreamers.com/
https://blog.samaltman...
2024-08-1021 minDoctors and Writers#018 - Breaking Down Long Form Writing, Achieving Failure, Why Likes Aren't Likeable and MorePranav and Adi discuss their approaches to long-form writing. They explore the differences between long-form and short-form writing, the importance of ideation and collecting ideas, and the process of writing for oneself versus writing for a client. They also discuss the skills needed for long-form writing and how it can improve one's ability to write persuasively and in different styles. They share their personal processes for writing long-form pieces, including brainstorming, outlining, and seeking feedback. They also discuss the importance of focusing on the value of the writing rather than the metrics and external rewards.
2024-08-0332 minDoctors and Writers#017 - We're Back! Where We've Been, What We've Learned and What's In StoreAre you a doctor who wants to write their first book but doesn't know how to start? If so we can help your idea become a reality in your hands here: https://doctortowriter.carrd.co/
In this episode, Adi and Pranav discuss their recent trips and how it has influenced their writing. Adi talks about his trip to South India and how it inspired him to write about his experiences. He also shares how writing by hand in a notebook allowed him to let go of his inner critic and just freely write. Pranav...
2024-07-2729 minDoctors and Writers#016 How to Write 1000 Words a Day - Embracing Imperfection, Preparing to Write, Procrastination and MoreIf you're a doctor who wants to write their first book head here → https://doctortowriter.carrd.co/
In this episode, Adi and Pranav discuss the topic of writing a thousand words a day. Adi shares his experience and strategies for achieving this goal, including the inspiration he found from Nathan Barry and the habit-building approach. They also discuss the benefits of writing a thousand words a day, such as developing writing skills, gaining clarity of thought, and creating valuable content. Adi explains his process for writing, including setting a mission statement, embracing imperfection, and fi...
2024-07-0632 minDoctors and Writers#015 Five Techniques to Become a Better Writer - Deadlifts, Chekov's Gun, Noun then Verb, Pranav Gets Quizzed and MorePranav and Adi discuss writing techniques and how to make writing more compelling. They explore the importance of the first sentence, using alliteration, and varying sentence length. They also discuss the power of planting seeds in the reader's mind and cycling back to topics throughout a piece of writing. The conversation highlights the importance of curiosity, rhythm, and creating a memorable reading experience.
Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:47 Getting Started with Writing Techniques
04:41 The Art of Alliteration
07:47 Creating Rhythm and Flow
09:39 Planting Seeds: Engaging...
2024-06-2926 minDoctors and Writers#014 - Behind The Scenes of Doctors and Writers - Time to PivotIf you want to write your first book, but don't know where to start, head here → https://doctortowriter.carrd.co/
In this episode, Adi and Pranav reflect on the progress of their podcast, Doctors and Writers, over the past two months. They discuss their podcast's growth, their audience engagement, and their LinkedIn page's success.
They also announce their upcoming project, a guide for doctors who want to write their first book. They emphasise the importance of starting before feeling ready and the value of sharing stories and experiences through writing. They encourage do...
2024-06-2240 minDoctors and Writers#013 Dr. Matt Morgan Author of Bestseller Critical - The Media Surrounding His House, Hidden Easter Eggs, Why Doctors Should Write and a Whole Lot MoreThis pod was fun! This week we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Matt Morgan, an ICU consultant and the author of Critcal (translated into 4 languages and featured in The Times) and A Letter from the ICU, written at that start of the pandemic that was read by over 4 million people.
Matt shares his writing journey and the importance of finding time and inspiration to write. He emphasises the need to have a person or group of people in mind when writing and the importance of collaboration and consent when writing about patients. Matt...
2024-06-151h 00Doctors and Writers#012 How to Read to Become a Writer - When Breath Becomes Air, Space Odyssey 2001, The 4 Levels of Reading and MoreAdi and Pranav discuss their approaches to reading and note-taking to become better writers using Paul Kalanithi's When Breath Becomes Air. Adi shares a four-step process he learned from William Adler's book, 'How to Read.'
The steps include elementary reading, inspectional reading, analytical reading, and synoptical reading. Adi emphasises the importance of asking specific questions and taking notes to deepen understanding and improve writing skills. Pranav shares his own approach, which involves reading the book multiple times, highlighting key points, and creating summaries. Both speakers highlight the value of intentional reading and applying the knowledge gained...
2024-06-0839 minDoctors and Writers#011 An Inspiring Interview with Virginia Chachati - Medical Writer, Pharmacist, Community BuilderVirginia Chachati shares her journey from being a pharmacist to becoming a successful medical writer and health creator. She emphasizes the importance of self-education and continuously learning new skills. Virginia discusses the value of community and the power of networking with other professionals. She also highlights the need for ethical practices in the online writing industry, including fair compensation for services. Virginia Chachati discusses the importance of community and fair compensation in the field of medical writing. She emphasises the need for developing countries to have conversations and form communities to share information and ensure fair pay. Virginia also...
2024-06-0258 minDoctors and Writers#010 How to Write Viral ThreadsIn this episode of the Doctors and Writers podcast, Adi and Pranav discuss their experiences with writing viral threads on Twitter. Adi shares his first viral thread, which happened by accident, and Pranav talks about a thread he wrote on entering the flow state.
They break down the structure and content of their threads, highlighting the importance of simplicity, storytelling, and engaging the reader. They also discuss the power of writing as a form of crystallised thinking and the value of reading out loud to improve writing.
They specifically analyse a thread written by Pranav...
2024-05-2745 minDoctors and Writers#009 LinkedIn and Twitter - The Good, The Bad and The UglyIn this episode, Pranav and Adi discuss the question of where to publish as a beginner writer. They share their own experiences and insights on different platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs, and newsletters. They highlight the pros and cons of each platform, including ease of use, audience building, feedback mechanisms, and professional environment. They emphasise the importance of choosing a platform that aligns with your goals and preferences, and suggest starting with one platform and then expanding to others as you gain momentum.
Takeaways
Choosing the right platform to publish as a...
2024-05-2025 minDoctors and Writers#008 How to Make Money Writing OnlineIn this episode, Adi and Pranav discuss making a good income through writing. They share their personal experiences and explore various ways to monetise writing. They emphasize the importance of mindset, finding a niche, and providing value to readers. They also discuss pricing strategies and the benefits of email newsletters. The conversation discusses the methodical approach to launching a product or service online.
The main steps include: getting known for something and building an audience, speaking to people to understand their problems and needs, creating a product or service based on the feedback received, developing a lead...
2024-05-1846 minDoctors and Writers#007 Finding Your Niche, The Dangers of Pigeonholes, Why You Need To Be a Bear Riding a Unicycle and MoreAdi and Pranav discuss the process of finding one's niche as a writer. Adi shares his journey of discovering his niche through trial and error, distilling his experiences, and analysing the response from his audience. They explore the idea of defining your niche versus letting it be defined by others and the importance of being authentic to your interests. They also discuss the concept of being a niche of one, where you combine unique elements of your expertise and interests to stand out. The conversation emphasises the importance of consistency, documenting your journey, and continuously evolving as a writer.
2024-05-1429 minDoctors and Writers#006 Behind the Scenes of Doctors and Writers - The LaunchSummary
In this episode Pranav and Adi take you behind the scenes of launching Doctors and Writers. They reflect on the mistakes and successes from the first 10 days of launching and share their plans for the future.
They emphasise the importance of moving fast, iterating, and putting things out there. There's also some Q&A from listeners about finding a niche, and the temptation to quit medicine for a writing career.
Takeaways
Moving fast and iterating is key to making progress and learning from mistakes.
Putting things out there...
2024-05-1117 minDoctors and Writers#005 The 6 Gears of Ideation, The Creator Mindset, Digital vs Analog, Flow State, Buddhist Iteration and MoreAdi and Pranav lay out the 6 stages of coming up with ideas. They explore different methods of capturing ideas and the advantages of pen and paper versus digital tools like Notion. They emphasise the importance of being present and observant to find inspiration in everyday experiences. They also discuss the concept of the flow state and creating the right environment for generating ideas. They highlight the importance of adding a unique perspective to ideas and avoiding copying others. Finally, they emphasise the value of repetition and building a consistent writing practice.
Takeaways
...
2024-05-0731 minDoctors and Writers#004 - Imposter Syndrome, How to Overcome It, The Spotlight Effect, Steinbeck and MoreDoctors can suffer from Imposter Syndrome. So can writers. But doctors who write? They have the worst of both worlds. In this Episode Adi and Pranav define Imposter Syndrome, talk about its different forms, why we suffer from it, how we can overcome it and why more doctors in training need to start hitting those keys and sharing their stories.
Takeaways
Imposter syndrome is a common experience for doctors and writers.
Authenticity is key in overcoming imposter syndrome in writing.
Taking the first step is often the hardest, but it gets easier with...
2024-05-0425 minDoctors and Writers#003 - Finding Time to Write, Adi & Pranav's Systems, How To Be Consistent, ChatGPT and MoreSummary
In this episode, Pranav and Adi discuss how to manage writing as busy doctors with a busy schedule. They share their strategies and tips for finding time to write, setting priorities, and maintaining consistency. They emphasize the importance of understanding your limitations and setting realistic goals. They also touch on the use of AI tools like ChatGPT for ideation, but highlight the value of personal writing and the unique perspectives of individual writers.
Takeaways
Understand your limitations and set realistic goals for writing
Find a specific time...
2024-04-3028 minDoctors and Writers#002 - Accelerating Your Medical Career, Making Money, Digital Leverage, Getting Noticed and MoreIn this episode, Adi and Pranav discuss the impact of writing on their careers as doctors. They share how writing has opened up opportunities and job offers. They also talk about the financial aspect of writing and how it can be monetised. Overall, they emphasise the importance of writing and the potential it has to shape and advance one's career.
Takeaways
Writing has had a significant impact on both Adi and Pranav's careers as doctors, opening up opportunities and connections they wouldn't have had otherwise.
Writing allows...
2024-04-2729 min
Doctors and Writers#001 - How Adi and Pranav Got Started, 970 Days of Writing, The Role of Ego, Writing to Help Patients and MoreSummary
Pranav and Adi discuss their journeys as doctors and writers in this episode. They explore why they started writing and why they continue to do so. They highlight the importance of sharing experiences and ideas in healthcare and how writing can bridge the gap between doctors and patients. They also discuss the barriers that doctors face when it comes to writing and encourage others to start writing to serve patients and connect with others.
Keywords
doctors, writers, writing, healthcare, experiences, ideas, barriers, patients, connection
...
2024-04-2327 min
Let's Talk Surgery: The RCSEd PodcastLet's Talk Surgery Podcast, Surgical Crossroads: Choosing your specialty - the Neurosurgery episodeIn this episode of Surgical Crossroads, the podcast ventures into the high-stakes world of neurosurgery with guests William Taylor, Aditaya Kumar, and Sanskrithi Sravanam. Consultant William Taylor shares insights from his 35-year career, reflecting on the evolution of neurosurgical training and his shift from spinal to skull base surgery. Aditaya, a senior trainee in Glasgow, explores the intricate approaches to skull base pathologies and draws philosophical parallels to surgical practice. Sanskrithi, an FY1 doctor with international exposure and a passion for diversity, offers a fresh perspective from the early stages of training.The episode emphasizes neurosurgery’s co...
2021-09-2740 min