Beard during application season and interviews

[Zosa]

Random question, a few schools are asking for photos of myself in their secondaries. Is it bad to have a beard in these types of photos? Also does anyone have an opinion on how a beard is viewed during interviews?

This is all assuming that the beard is well kept btw.

Thanks.

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[Terror Billy]

It shouldn't be a problem, but the safest advice is to probably go without one. People will tell you it's okay, but knowing a couple surgeons who stay clean shaven I've learned some of the older traditional physicians do not approve. No facial hair and you're guaranteed to be safe, if you have it maybe one or two people dislike it. I personally shaved before my interviews and used a picture where I had no facial hair.

 

[Lawpy]

I think it's fine but SDN tends to have a very conservative opinion regarding interview attire and professional appearance, so the forums would probably recommend you to shave. Although if the beard is for religious/cultural reasons, definitely keep it since it's illegal and unethical for schools to discriminate you for having it.

 

[CloverBale]

Whatever makes you look better! Ask a girl friend of yours if you don't know.

 

[Zosa]

Yeah the more conservative interviewers or committees is what I was worried about. Ill try to keep it under control for now. Thanks

 

[Jaigantic]

I think it's fine but SDN tends to have a very conservative opinion regarding interview attire and professional appearance, so the forums would probably recommend you to shave. Although if the beard is for religious/cultural reasons, definitely keep it since it's illegal and unethical for schools to discriminate you for having it.

How would they know it's for religious purposes? It's not like they ask you when you show up to your interview. I feel like if someone on an adcomm were to have biases against beards they would disapprove regardless since they would never know if its for religious purposes.

 

[Lawpy]

How would they know it's for religious purposes? It's not like they ask you when you show up to your interview. I feel like if someone on an adcomm were to have biases against beards they would disapprove regardless since they would never know if its for religious purposes.

Well I think it's a good opportunity for such adcom members to be more culturally aware 😉

 

[Jaigantic]

Well I think it's a good opportunity for such adcom members to be more culturally aware 😉

Haha i agree. I'll just shake their hand, introduce myself, and introduce my beard as religious. Just to drive it home lol

 

[Lawpy]

Haha i agree. I'll just shake their hand, introduce myself, and introduce my beard as religious. Just to drive it home lol

That works. Another reason to keep the beard is due to medical conditions.

But I think it's fine to keep beards for interviews. I think adcoms and interviewers are more relaxed on these types of matters than what's portrayed on SDN. Several people here repeatedly said they didn't shave for interviews and were fine/got several acceptances. As long as you look professional, it's all good.

 

[Zosa]

That works. Another reason to keep the beard is due to medical conditions.

But I think it's fine to keep beards for interviews. I think adcoms and interviewers are more relaxed on these types of matters than what's portrayed on SDN. Several people here repeatedly said they didn't shave for interviews and were fine/got several acceptances. As long as you look professional, it's all good.

Out of curiosity, what medical conditions would cause someone to have to keep a beard?

 

[Ayahuasca]

Out of curiosity, what medical conditions would cause someone to have to keep a beard?

When taking blood thinners, don't want to nick yourself when shaving.

 

[Zosa]

When taking blood thinners, don't want to nick yourself when shaving.

Oh ok, thats understandable, thanks

 

[sinombre]

Oh ok, thats understandable, thanks

That was a sarcastic response.

 

[sinombre]

Out of curiosity, what medical conditions would cause someone to have to keep a beard?

I have no arms and have no way of not having a beard. It also makes being a surgery resident exceedingly difficult.

(That was also a sarcastic response)

 

[sinombre]

To answer the OP: having a well-groomed beard is probably fine. But medicine is a pretty conservative profession as a whole, and not having a beard is always the safest option. I shaved for med school interviews and residency interviews, but had a beard for most of med school and will probably have one for all of residency.

 

[username456789]

Out of curiosity, what medical conditions would cause someone to have to keep a beard?

Pseudofolliculitis barbae.

 

[bornunderatree]

I did the short well kept beard for my interviews. But I definitely look better with a beard (no hair on my head).
Worked well for me!

 

[bornunderatree]

When taking blood thinners, don't want to nick yourself when shaving.

DAPT probably would make shaving even more dangerous!

 

[Zosa]

Pseudofolliculitis barbae.

Lol thats a cool way to explain having a beard

 

[Zosa]

I did the short well kept beard for my interviews. But I definitely look better with a beard (no hair on my head).
Worked well for me!

I'm happy at least one person did it

 

[username456789]

Lol thats a cool way to explain having a beard

Most people who have it would feel differently.

 

[Zosa]

Most people who have it would feel differently.

Yeah I have it but to explain a reason for a beard with that terminology would still be cool