Tattoos and an Aspiring Anesthesiologist

[Promethean]

Good discussion. Is there a similar thread on piercings? I'm concerned about doing MRI cases...

Metal jewelry is a profoundly bad idea around MRI.

Happily there are some very nice silicone and other nonmetallic options.

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[Twiggidy]

If you get your tattoo and get a job in a "high social status job" just be aware that at that point you will constantly have to prove yourself. The "badass surgeons/specialists with tattoos" get away with it because, they're bad ass. It's not so far off as some of us with "natural permanent tattoo-ing" (if you catch my drift) that constantly have to prove ourselves everyday because we tend to be associated with "lower class/working class/criminal class)

I'm not saying don't get tatted, but just understand what hurdles may come with having visible ink. I've always hinted at wanting a tat, but didn't want to have two reasons for patients to look at me funny. Any tat I'd get one have to be hidden.

 

[deleted171991]

If you get your tattoo and get a job in a "high social status job" just be aware that at that point you will constantly have to prove yourself. The "badass surgeons/specialists with tattoos" get away with it because, they're bad ass. It's not so far off as some of us with "natural permanent tattoo-ing" (if you catch my drift) that constantly have to prove ourselves everyday because we tend to be associated with "lower class/working class/criminal class)

I'm not saying don't get tatted, but just understand what hurdles may come with having visible ink. I've always hinted at wanting a tat, .

Sorry, @Twiggidy, but you're plain wrong. One does not choose one's skin melanin level, but one can definitely choose the ink level. It's by choice, not by birth, hence the judgement.

 

[Twiggidy]

Sorry, @Twiggidy, but you're plain wrong. One does not choose one's skin melanin level, but one can definitely choose the ink level. It's by choice, not by birth, hence the judgement.

You just repeated my point.

 

[GA8314]

Why do people feel compelled to ink up their body? I would not think a small, discrete tattoo would be an issue. But, I personally would not hire someone with a lot of visible tattoos. As others have stated, we are professionals and it doesn't fit the perception of what the public views as "doctorly". If you choose to ignore that, then do so at your own expense. Perception is often the reality.

We speak often of the 5 or 10 minutes we have in preop to make a quick, positive impression on our patients. Getting to know you're not a thug isn't part of the equation. I would steer clear of large, visible, or multiple tattoos. People will judge for sure. It's your decision. Choose as you will.

 

[Twiggidy]

thug isn't part of the equation

Tattoos have nothing to do with thuggery....unless you think this guy is a thug....

or this guy.....

Or what about all the politicians with tattoos......
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/09/congress-tattoo-members_n_1502705.html


Just be easy with the "thug" word because we all know what you're referring to

 

[GA8314]

I don't know who the guy at the bottom is, but professional athletes, and musicians can do whatever they want. It's not the same. Delude yourself into thinking otherwise. It's your life. Do what you want. I gave my opinion on the matter which the OP was asking for. You can take it or leave it.

That being said, if you already have a tattoo (or large, multiple visible ones), then what are you gonna do? You have to live with it now, otherwise you'll be paying a lot of cash to get them removed. So, might as well embrace it. But, you'll have to work a lot harder to prove yourself to others. Maybe akin to female docs in the preceding decades. I don't know. I wouldn't do it.

 

[pgg]

Just be easy with the "thug" word because we all know what you're referring to

Doesn't the mere fact that you're even having a conversation about tattoos and all the negative imagery the word "thug" brings to mind, just underscore the fact that there's some chunk of the population that associates tattoos with traits that are undesirable to them?

You can say you don't care, and I believe you. I've known lots of people who chose flamboyant counterculture self-expression at the expense of social standing or opportunity ... granted, that was mostly back in high school or college.

Can you not at least admit that the person with blue hair, unconventional facial piercings, or full sleeve tattoos might be widely accepted serving coffee but less widely accepted doing well-baby exams or inducing anesthesia for surgery?

Medicine is a service industry. In the years that come, payment will probably be somewhat dependent upon outcomes, including patient satisfaction. Given that patients are wholly incapable of judging good care from bad, and are "satisfied" by polite receptionists and clean waiting rooms, why set yourself up to make a bad impression on a bunch of your future patients, potential employers, or would-be partners?

 

[Twiggidy]

Can you not at least admit that the person with blue hair, unconventional facial piercings, or full sleeve tattoos might be widely accepted serving coffee but less widely accepted doing well-baby exams or inducing anesthesia for surgery?

I 1000% agree with you. If you trying to go into ANY professional field, you gotta look the part. What does that mean really? Who knows? We're talking tattoos and hair color but someone else may take it as facial hair and clothing. I'm sure the ladies on here know all about being judged based on what you're wearing, be it too conservative or like you're heading to the club.

I'm sure the OP knows to do the right thing but probably posted on here to either get some reassurance about his/her decision or maybe change their mind about anesthesia given some responses. I'm not suprised by the question as the younger generation enters the job market and the Boomers and Gen Xers who are more conservative start to exit.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

I have no dog in this fight, i am simply a 4th year applying to pediatrics so I probably shouldn't even chime in. But as someone who has full sleeves, I am aware that some people want their doctor to look the part and not have tattoos, but for every one of those patients there is another that wants a physician who is down to earth and able to connect with them. Anecdotal evidence, but I have had patients tell me that knowing i have tattoos makes them feel more comfortable. I enjoy tattoos in the same way one may enjoy art. Some art they hate, some they love, and some they are indifferent. I am aware people will judge me because of it, but being more accessible to patients is something that many millennials are looking for in a doctor. And in my mind, life is too short to be concerned with who is going to be put off by tattoos. I didn't get them for other people.

Full disclosure, i do keep them covered almost all the time, and I am aware most people have enough tact to not tell me their thoughts on tattoos. And maybe I chose peds because many of the parents i deal with a millennials. Anyway, have fun.