The Five Most Useful Gifts for Doctors in 2019

The holiday season is here and everyone is frantically shopping for gifts for friends and family—some of whom may work as teachers, engineers, and yes, even doctors!

That’s why I’ve created a short list with only the most useful gifts that any doctor would appreciate.

Without further ado, let me show you what I’ve got:

1 – Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones

This one is a great gift for any doctor, whether he works locum tenens or just travels a lot. The built-in noise-canceling system suppresses the ambient noise and makes the flight more comfortable.

More often I use these headphones standalone, but they can be connected to the smartphone or in-flight entertainment to watch movies or listen to music or audiobooks.

If you’ve never used them before, you’ll be amazed at how much clearer audio sounds.

Here’s another travel hack I use Bose headphones for: if I have trouble falling asleep in a hotel, I connect them to my smartphone, turn on the rain sound (I prefer this free app) and sleep like a baby.

2 – The MX10 Wireless Headphones

You can call me a “headphone geek,” but I’m convinced that every doctor needs a pair of portable wireless headphone as well.

Why?

They’re the best tool out there for multitasking.

First, you can be on the phone while typing your notes or driving.

Second, they’re great for workouts since these type of headphones hold well on your ears without falling out— even if you jump or run!

I’ve tried multiple wireless headphones and MX-10 is the best so far.

Some of the perks I love are a battery that lasts up to 10 hours and a built-in noise-canceling microphone to make sure people on the phone hear you instead of your surroundings.

They’re also super light and fit in your pocket.

3 – Aurora Light Pad

This one is the best discovery I’ve made this year.

I know it might seem very esoteric, but light therapy is known to help our circadian rhythms.

Why would you care?

For most people living in the U.S., fall and winter seasons have shorter days, and hence, less sunlight. As a result, people’s moods and energy levels often suffer.

Now, the best solution would be to get out and spend a few hours a day outside to help our bodies to adjust, but for doctors, it often feels almost impossible with our busy work and family lives.

So we end up waking up super early in the morning when it’s dark, drive to work when it’s still dark and drive back home without seeing even a glimpse of sunlight.

Here’s where the Aurora Light Pad comes into play.

It simulates natural sunlight and “hacks” your circadian rhythm.

I use it 20-30 minutes a day first thing in the morning for as long as the “offending” seasons last.

This light box generates high intensity light (10,000-lux), and you should use it at a distance of about 16 to 24 inches. It is also portable so that you can use it at home or during your locum travel.

Personally, I keep it on the nightstand and turn it on right after I wake up. It sure helps me to wake up feeling more energized and keep away the “winter blues.”

Another amazing hack for doctors working different shifts is that the light therapy can “trick” your brain into activating if you use it before your night shifts. Also, if used in the morning, it will restore your normal sleep cycle when you are switching back to day shifts.

Disclaimer— talk to YOUR doctor before using light therapy, as it might be contraindicated if you have certain health problems.

4. Audible Membership

There’s nothing better than a good book. It gives us an inspiration, teaches us something and brings a new perspective.

Having said that, I’ve found that the audiobook format fits much better into the busy life of a doctor. You can listen to your book of choice while you drive home, work out and, like myself, travel for your next locum assignment.

With a basic Audible membership, you get access to one “free” book per month and get a discount on buying other audiobooks if you decide to get more than one per month. The Audible book collection has tens of thousands of books to choose from.

When you download the audiobook, you can keep it forever, even if you cancel your membership.

I think an Audible membership is an amazing gift for yourself as well others.

5. Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug

“If coffee didn’t exist, we would’ve had to invent it“

Locumguy…

Most people drink coffee regularly. And doctors are no exception.

Coffee is an essential ingredient of the well-run hospital, and it gives an energy boost when needed.

But you need a good thermos to keep your coffee warm as you go about your business.

I’ve used the Zojirushi thermos for a while and it’s served me really well. Besides that, its slick look adds to its appeal!

Just make sure to pour in some hot water and close the lid for a few minutes to warm it up from inside before pouring in the coffee. This will keep it warm much longer.

This thermos can be used for tea, cocoa, mate or whatever hot drink makes the world of your giftee a better place.

P.S. Now it’s your turn to share your thoughts. What do YOU think is the must-have gift for doctors? What would you want to be gifted to you?

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