Can you help me develop an idea for DH's graduation?

15 years ago

DH graduates from medical school in May. I've been trying to figure out what to get him that won't kill our budget. I just read about an idea that I'm really excited about, but I want your input to make sure I do this the best as possible.

This is what I found:

A Book of Advice from Patients to the new Doctor. I secretly e-mailed about 100 of our friends and family asking them what advice they would like to give the new doctor. I compiled all of the responses into 5 categoriesÂBedside Manners, Rx and documentation, Medical Humor (there are A LOT of medical jokes available online), Office management, and Waiting Room and Patient RoomsÂand made a book out of them. I wrote a very nice introduction from our family in the front of the book and included medical graphics and fun fonts.

I've made a quick list of 75 people. But how should I write the email? This is what I have...

DH will be graduating from Indiana University School of Medicine this May. As a gift to him, I would like to put together a book of advice for the new doctor. This is your chance to mold the future of this young physician. Suggestions on bedside manner, prescriptions, office management, and doctor jokes are all welcome. Please send to me by April 18 so I have time to compile everything into a bound book.

I don't want to limit people to those topics, but I wanted to give examples to help give an idea of what I'm looking for. I'll also provide my email and house address.

So, what are your thoughts about this? What about the email? Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

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Comments (14)

mariend
15 years ago
Sounds good, but instead of a big book, maybe some pamphlet type books covering the subjects. A bit of what you listed in each, or instead of a bound book, take it to someplace like Staples and have it put together like a phamphlet. Pages turn easier, and it might be cheaper. You could include hospital duty also. Just a thought
earthlydelights
15 years ago
i think it is an absolutely wonderful idea, original and so personal. who could want anything else?

perhaps just ask if they have anything additional to add (like words of wisdom) to feel free to provide it to you.

i would also ask them to comment on a few (if not all) of the topics, you wouldn't want 58 people providing you just humor.

what a thoughtful, wonderful and loving gift.

maryanne
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Sally Brownlee
15 years ago
How about buying a blank book, creating the categories/chapters and having as many friends as possible write in their own words? Whomever you can't get the book to, you could ask them to mail comments to you (handwritten) and "cut and paste" in the book old fashioned way. I promise you he would keep this forever!
My mother did a cookbook like this for me when I got married. It has some very treasured recipes from relatives that have sinced passed.
lydia1959
15 years ago
I like the idea of having the book printed and catagorized. I wouldn't want a bunch of loose pamplets (sorry Marie). Maybe you could also add small photos of the contributors next to their contributions? Throw in some pictures of the kids or your DH when he was younger if the picture goes along with the page?

I did a cookbook for a friend and used pictures of her kids that went along with the recipe pages. She said it was the best gift she had ever received.
teresava
15 years ago
I think one book sounds like a fun idea.
sheilajoyce_gw
15 years ago
I went to a baby shower that did something like this. We were asked to bring two printed responses to questions mailed in the invitation with us to the shower, and then we read one as the only activity we did other than hear from the mom and grandma. It was nice, but I will warn you that you will probably have lots of duplicates. I bet you could add some things to the book such as any photographs from the time too and maybe a copy of his acceptance letter.
sue_va
15 years ago
That is such a great idea!

This book would be personalized to him, but later on you might be able to elaborate on it and even get it published, or self publish. I bet many people would buy it!

One question: are you planning to include the names of the contributors? You might have that as an option.

Sue
Indy_Anna
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks guys. The idea of one book will work well for us. Since we will probably be moving, we are trying to aquire less "stuff". It would be nice to do handwritten, but people are all over the country, and I think I'll get more responses through email. There may be duplicates, but I think that's okay. I can space them out once I see all the responses.

I like the idea of using pictures. Since his father and grandfather are doctors, I bet there are lots of pictures of him younger at their offices. we also have pictures of our kids playing doctor. And I still have his acceptance letter and other important documents. Good stuff.

Thanks everyone.
dibby
15 years ago
What an awesome idea. I have no suggestions, but I'm looking forward to the update on how it all works out. Good for you!!
cate52
15 years ago
I think it's a really nice idea... I'd like to send a little Starbucks mitten to keep his stethascope warm!

Congraulations to the both of you!
threejs
15 years ago
I wonder if it would be easier to do this as a scrapbook type that you can add to as you get more items? If time is an issue you could present him with the "scrapbook" and then have it bound into a book at a later date. You could also ask family and friends to make a page each that either you specify the size or provide them with a page. Much easier to mount pictures this way than to scan them on paper for the book. Lots of cute ideas out there for putting them together.
okwriter
15 years ago
I love your idea as is! What a thoughtful, original gift!
:-)
sheilajoyce_gw
15 years ago
Be sure to ask the classmates to make a written contribution. Might be some good stories to share!
minnie_tx
15 years ago
For a gag gift you could give him a book of old-fashioned home remedies he might gat a kick out of that. and Congratulations to him and you!!

Can you help me develop an idea for DH's graduation?

Comments (14)

mariend

earthlydelights

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Can you help me develop an idea for DH's graduation?

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