Are we required to use our legal name on the application?

[randomquestions]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I have a horrible first name and I truly despise it. I've even had employers point out what an "unfortunate" name it is. I would've changed it years ago if my mother didn't burst into tears when I told her I was considering it. As a compromise, I have been using a nickname for everything, and I am wondering if I can also use it on the match app?

Thanks for your help.

 

[quique2]

ERAS has a "Preferred name" box, which I filled out with just my middle and last name. I prefer my middle name but it's not like my first name is horrible.

I don't know whether programs can search for you by the "preferred name" though or even easily see it though. When choosing interview dates over the phone, I gave a particular program my last name so they could search for me on their computer screen but what they saw was my first name so I'm not sure how the "preferred name" thing works.

 

[shopsteward]

If you hate your first name that much, it might be a good idea to change it now, before you get your MD and start getting licences. It would save you either having to go through the rest of your professional life with a name you hate or going through the hassle of having to explain a name change every time you get licensed/credentialled in the future.

Your mother may not even have to know, as you will be using it for professional purposes, but if you do need to tell her, you can say it is just for employment purposes, because the medical world is so unreasonably prejudiced and stuffy.

 

[randomquestions]

Thanks you two.