centered image

centered image

Med Student Graduation Gift Guide

Discussion in 'Medical Students Cafe' started by Dr.Scorpiowoman, May 11, 2018.

  1. Dr.Scorpiowoman

    Dr.Scorpiowoman Golden Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2016
    Messages:
    9,028
    Likes Received:
    414
    Trophy Points:
    13,075
    Gender:
    Female
    Practicing medicine in:
    Egypt

    Congratulations!

    If you're reading this, chances are good that someone you care about is graduating from medical school. From family members to friends and faculty, it may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a similarly supportive posse to help turn a wide-eyed premed student into a full-fledged doctor. You played a key role in the development of the newly minted doc in your life, and although they may be the ones moving the tassels, it's time for you to put a cap on things with the perfect gift.

    Unless they're one of the lucky ones, you may want to consider sharing these tips on how to get rid of med school debt as your first meaningful present. Because nothing says "I'm proud of you" quite like a guide on how to achieve liberation from oppressive loan payments.

    If you're looking for something a little more celebratory than a reminder of impending economic servitude, here are some ideas to mull over, ranging from staples of med school graduation gift-giving to some surprising suggestions.


    Traditional gifts (aka Classics That Never Go Out of Style)

    Video allegedly killed the radio star, but some have argued that computers have offed stethoscopes. However, the traditional devices remain a common gift for med school graduates. The key is to follow the symbolism of the stethoscope and "listen to the heart." That is to say, a meaningful association connected to the device makes all the difference. Whether that means gifting the same brand you've used throughout your career to someone at the start of theirs or etching a thoughtful engraving, doing more than just googling "best-selling stethoscopes" turns what could be a clichéd gift into a remarkably special one.

    Giving the graduating institution even more money may seem counterintuitive, but customized diploma frames are also a classic "go-to" choice. Quality notebooks are also a traditional gift option. Business Insider swears these are the absolute best; some of them are even resistant to weather conditions, although a downpour of rain may not be the fluid a new doctor's note-taking device will have to resist.... Along with that, high-quality pens—such as high-end ones from Cross—are a time-honored way of celebrating entry into a profession long associated with horrible penmanship.

    These may be "safe" options, but the classics are classics for a reason.

    'Be Prepared' gifts (aka gifts for 'the Daily Grind')

    When entering professional life full-time, gifts that seemed boring when you were younger seem particularly thoughtful. Take, for example, the humble alarm clock. Sure, everyone has a smartphone that will do the job, but how many times do strange battery issues or accidental errors in set-up lead to oversleeping? Punctuality may not be in the Hippocratic Oath, but perhaps it should be. Wirecutter.com spent more than 60 hours researching the best choice in alarm clocks and identified the best overall choice, as well as a specific device for heavy sleepers.

    Hydration is also key to surviving busy days as a doc, so what about a high-end or particularly useful water bottle? Wirecutter.com poured 70 hours into determining the best steel, plastic, glass, collapsible, and insulated options. Engrave one of them with some quip about remaining "thirsty for knowledge," and you'll keep them inspired and well watered.

    Several of the doctors we spoke with for this piece also mentioned thoughtful coffee mugs, such as one from each institution along their educational journey (with local coffee from each location). Given how much caffeine probably contributed to crossing the educational finish line, it seems only appropriate those grounds be included in the celebration.

    The other overwhelming consensus was that books make a great gift for folks no longer forced to read assigned materials.

    gifts to Relax (aka You've Earned Some 'Me Time')

    One of the top 10 tips to be the "best resident" is practicing self-care. Although by definition, you literally can't perform self-care for the new doctor, you can help them help themselves. Whether you blow their stress away with bath bombs from such places as Lush or purchase spa or massage gift certificates, your actual gift is a reminder: "Physician, heal thyself."

    Burnout and depression statistics are overwhelming and the merits of prevention far outweigh the potential of remediation. Chipping in with family to help fund part or all of a vacation, or even finding ways to facilitate graduates actually taking time to celebrate—such as watching kids or pets—may be more meaningful than any material possession you could purchase.

    On the lighter side, gift certificates to iTunes®, Amazon, or Google Play™ may remind graduates to catch up on those frivolous pursuits that they set aside while doggedly pursuing their education. Heck, why not let them have a blast while reminding them how meaningful their chosen profession is with a board game such as Pandemic? Nothing makes someone feel more relaxed than trying to save all of humanity from a medical-based apocalypse!

    Creative gifts (aka What They Never Knew They Always Wanted)

    Thinking outside the stethoscope a bit, why not consider office or personal décor? You'd be surprised at the myriad of products on which the Hippocratic Oath is included. From art prints to scarves to tiny charms, you can fashionably remind your graduate of the very important role they now play. Although decorating can be an incredibly personal affair, a few small pieces may help them avoid having a creepy and completely empty office space early on.

    What about an edible spine or chocolate syringe? Medical-themed dessertsare a literal way to feast on a young doctor's knowledge. Some anatomical chocolate retailers even let you choose the body parts you want to gift. Nobody will ever forget the person who gave them a chocolate colon when they first became a doctor.

    Keeping with that more playful trend, you can purchase stuffed microbes and organisms, some of which are even customized for graduation. They are not only perfect mementos of medical learning, they're also surprisingly cute. Who knew a fuzzy chlamydia would be so endearing?

    On a more thoughtful note, the 900 medical students who graduate in Scotland each year receive poetry. Specifically, they get a copy of a poetry book titled Tools of the Trade: Poems for New Doctors . Maybe you can draw inspiration from the Scottish approach. Asking other doctors to share their favorite poems or ones they've written themselves may provide a beautiful and artistic way for a graduate to reflect. Even writing some verse yourself may not be a terrible idea, depending on your confidence level.

    Ultimately, what matters most to any medical school graduate is the recognition of the sacrifices and efforts to achieve something truly remarkable. If you give them nothing but support and a true affirmation of their accomplishments, you'll have done just fine.

    Also, money. Everybody really likes getting money...

    Read Also:

    Why Do Doctors Wear Crocs?

    The Best Exercises For Busy Doctors And Healthcare Professionals

    My Journey From Medical School To Medical Residency In Kenya

    Why Do Doctors Wear Green In Operation Theater?

    Check These 10 Awesome Gifts For Doctors


    [​IMG]

    Source
     

    Add Reply

  2. Jamie hendricks

    Jamie hendricks Young Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2018
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    Practicing medicine in:
    United States
    In order to give your seniors or any of your relative who is graduating a nice present. You may want to grab something from school supplies discount as these discounts leads you to the best discounted gifts for doctors. I have bought a laptop for my elder sister who has just completed her DPT.
     

Share This Page

<