Body modification that nobody can see during interviews?

[appleman12]

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Hi,

I submitted my primaries a week ago and am currently working on secondaries, and from what I understand interviews happen between September and March. My situation is, I had my tongue split a few years ago by a plastic surgeon. For those not familiar with this body mod, just google "split tongue." I'm completely willing to have it reversed for my med school interviews, but will need to do so right away because it needs several weeks to heal. BUT the thing is, unless I deliberately stick my tongue out, nobody can actually see it even when I talk. I've had it for 3 years, and in that time, nobody has noticed unless I told them about it. Do you think it's worth spending the $1500 to have it taken out? Or should I just leave it in since it's so easy to hide?

Thank You!!

 

[deleted480308]

Med school is not the only reason to reverse that, you want to be taken more seriously by more people in all arenas of life

 

[bananafish94]

y tho

 

[appleman12]

Med school is not the only reason to reverse that, you want to be taken more seriously by more people in all arenas of life

I am taken seriously. Only 3 people actually know that I have the mod. It's pretty much invisible unless I choose to show it.

 

[appleman12]

y tho

No reason lol. Just thought it would be cool 🙂

 

[Lurkvey]

It could be that it is actually pretty noticeable and people just don't bring it up to you or tell you they noticed it before. It could look like an injury, a birth defect, it could look gross to them and they don't want you to feel self conscious, etc.

 

[dr.grenouille]

Yes, you should reverse it for two reasons:

1. The 0.00001 chance of an interviewer actually noticing at a good school that would have accepted you otherwise but instead throws your application in the trash because what kind of rational, level-headed, responsible and mature person has surgery to look like a snake? (Not my thoughts necessarily, but potential thoughts of an adcom)

2. Somehow making it past interviewers and having a future patient notice and cause a major ruckus at your practice/hospital, giving you a bad reputation, and deeming your medical degree useless anyway after the headline, “Patient runs screaming out of doctor’s office after noticing Dr. appleman12’s snake tongue modification.”

 

[atomi]

No reason lol. Just thought it would be cool 🙂

wtf, you split your tongue for no reason? did it go down like this?
plastic surgeon: split your tongue huh? well for something extreme like that, i'm sure you must have a really good reason.
kid: Well I was on my way to the movies and then I saw your office, so meh, didn't really want to keep driving and needed to do something.

 

[platty]

I’m so glad you posted this question, really shaking it up here on sdn. I would reverse it just because people can be silly. For my interviews, I eliminated anything that could be perceived as controversial. I didn’t even buy a particular suit because it said Calvin Klein on the buttons and I thought that could be interpreted as snooty or something (but I’m just dramatic). It’s totally silly but it is better than wondering. If you don’t reverse it and end up getting rejected after multiple interviews, you might end up wondering if your tongue slipped out and someone saw it. And then you’ll never know what could’ve been..

 

[Goro]

Hi,

I submitted my primaries a week ago and am currently working on secondaries, and from what I understand interviews happen between September and March. My situation is, I had my tongue split a few years ago by a plastic surgeon. For those not familiar with this body mod, just google "split tongue." I'm completely willing to have it reversed for my med school interviews, but will need to do so right away because it needs several weeks to heal. BUT the thing is, unless I deliberately stick my tongue out, nobody can actually see it even when I talk. I've had it for 3 years, and in that time, nobody has noticed unless I told them about it. Do you think it's worth spending the $1500 to have it taken out? Or should I just leave it in since it's so easy to hide?

Thank You!!

This whole process is about reducing risk.

 

[appleman12]

Hmm okay! Thanks for the input everybody! I guess that's an extra $1,500 I'll add to my med school application budget.

@atomi I was watching this YouTube video and this guy had his tongue split and thought it looked really cool. I did some research and found out it was a safe procedure when done by a doctor and that it was reversible, and I had some extra money lying around so I thought why not.

 

[atomi]

This whole process is about reducing risk.

And the reality is, it is so for a very good reason.

I am involved in residency interviews. I have seen multiple comments raised about very minor things in a person's dress. So and so's tie was too skinny. This guy's suit was too big, that guy had a bow tie, etc.

If you have people questioning your judgement because your tie is a centimeter too skinny, what do you think is going to happen and be said during closed door candidate review when you show up with pink hair, a lizard tongue, or a punk-style mohawk?

 

[atomi]

Hmm okay! Thanks for the input everybody! I guess that's an extra $1,500 I'll add to my med school application budget.

@atomi I was watching this YouTube video and this guy had his tongue split and thought it looked really cool. I did some research and found out it was a safe procedure when done by a doctor and that it was reversible, and I had some extra money lying around so I thought why not.

I believe you that it is probably not noticeable. But the only other person I have ever seen before with one was this guy at a slipknot concert, so that's where my mind goes when I hear split tongue!

The Lizardman - Wikipedia

 

[863168]

I could have sworn I disabled that chrome extension a couple of years ago.

 

[deleted480308]

I am taken seriously. Only 3 people actually know that I have the mod. It's pretty much invisible unless I choose to show it.

So invisible and impossible to see that you made a thread to discuss if it will keep you out of med school when people see it?

I understand it’s sensitive when people question your decision making but this process is about understanding that people will question your decision making and putting forth the least amount of questions

 

[KaioKaizen]

Hi,

I submitted my primaries a week ago and am currently working on secondaries, and from what I understand interviews happen between September and March. My situation is, I had my tongue split a few years ago by a plastic surgeon. For those not familiar with this body mod, just google "split tongue." I'm completely willing to have it reversed for my med school interviews, but will need to do so right away because it needs several weeks to heal. BUT the thing is, unless I deliberately stick my tongue out, nobody can actually see it even when I talk. I've had it for 3 years, and in that time, nobody has noticed unless I told them about it. Do you think it's worth spending the $1500 to have it taken out? Or should I just leave it in since it's so easy to hide?

Thank You!!

Just a random question, can you move both halves independently?

 

[DSM_302.0]

also curious about ^^
if you say no one can notice it, save your money.
unless you're looking for an external reason / excuse to betray your younger self and reverse the decision younger self made. if so, then this is a great reason.

 

[LizzyM]

And the reality is, it is so for a very good reason.

I am involved in residency interviews. I have seen multiple comments raised about very minor things in a person's dress. So and so's tie was too skinny. This guy's suit was too big, that guy had a bow tie, etc.

If you have people questioning your judgement because your tie is a centimeter too skinny, what do you think is going to happen and be said during closed door candidate review when you show up with pink hair, a lizard tongue, or a punk-style mohawk?

Are people denied residencies for the reasons you've listed (skinny tie, big suit, bow tie) or are these things brought up by one interviewer and pooh-poohed by everyone else as not relevant?

 

[atomi]

Are people denied residencies for the reasons you've listed (skinny tie, big suit, bow tie) or are these things brought up by one interviewer and pooh-poohed by everyone else as not relevant?

I have never seen a faculty member outright request someone be pulled off the rank list for a fashion grievance (granted I've never seen a major fashion problem like showing up in sandals or without a tie or something), although I have seen faculty members state that they do not want a certain candidate to be ranked because he was too old and they "don't want to train someone older than I am." Comments are made in the group about appearance occasionally. The ranking process involves every faculty member giving a numerical score based on a number of factors. Those numbers get added up, there is a discussion, and the rank is adjusted. Ultimately the chair selects the final rank list, and it is unknown if candidates are moved up/down based on the chair's discretion. I will say that the comment about the skinny tie was made by the chair, but I have no idea if this actually affected the rank position.

I can guarantee anyone reading this that pink hair or a noticeable body mod would result in a significant discussion behind closed doors.

 

[mdphdNYC]

I'm going to take a different tack from most answers: I don't think it matters and I think few people would care even if they did see. I know people who had much more visible body modifications, prominent piercings in nontraditional places, etc who applied, got in, are currently in med school. You are going to be interviewing with doctors who have seen a lot more gruesome than a split tongue and in my experience (primarily major academic centers in metropolitan areas) doctors very much adopt a "you do you" attitude and care a lot more about your abilities and actual merit than what you look like. You may get some curious inquiries or compliments but I don't think it would materially affect your chances.

 

[Ms Procrastinator]

Just a random question, can you move both halves independently?

That's the sad thing about throw away accounts, sometimes they'll leave you guessing. He'll/ She'll never come back and we'll never know the answer🙁.

 

[Oso]

weird.

 

[theKingLT]

That's the sad thing about throw away accounts, sometimes they'll leave you guessing. He'll/ She'll never come back and we'll never know the answer🙁.

If anyone wants to volunteer for the surgery I'll throw in $20 to help pay for it so we can get this thing figured out

 

[MerYangBey]

I don’t really get why people are so uptight about other people’s appearance. Who cares if someone has a split tongue. “Oh no we can’t possibly accept this applicant because he has a split tongue”- would be the stupidest reason to reject someone.

OP after doing my YouTube research- my vote is let it be- it wasn’t noticeable in the videos.

(-also the people in the videos were able to move the two sides separately to some extent)

 

[Ms Procrastinator]

Thank you, I can rest well tonight.

 

[On_The_Way_Up]

Dang man you missed out on the username. tongueman12

 

[Goro]

I don’t really get why people are so uptight about other people’s appearance. Who cares if someone has a split tongue. “Oh no we can’t possibly accept this applicant because he has a split tongue”- would be the stupidest reason to reject someone.

OP after doing my YouTube research- my vote is let it be- it wasn’t noticeable in the videos.

(-also the people in the videos were able to move the two sides separately to some extent)

It's all about judgement.

 

[Robin-jay]

I don’t really get why people are so uptight about other people’s appearance. Who cares if someone has a split tongue. “Oh no we can’t possibly accept this applicant because he has a split tongue”- would be the stupidest reason to reject someone.

OP after doing my YouTube research- my vote is let it be- it wasn’t noticeable in the videos.

(-also the people in the videos were able to move the two sides separately to some extent)

professionalism matters.

 

[MerYangBey]

professionalism matters.

Lol don’t start with me about that...
I didn’t suggest that people should show up to an interview in sweatpants.

 

[MerYangBey]

It's all about judgement.

Lol I definitely get that after being around here for a few years.

 

[CherryRedDracul]

Just hide it. I have had friends with split tongues, and I've never noticed it until they deliberately stuck their tongues out.

No interviewer is going to try staring at everyone's tongue to see if it's split.

 

[Mad Jack]

I hate to be that guy, but I've got an eye for observation and would definitely not accept someone with such a mod if I noticed it. It's the sort of thing that shows a lot of lack of foresight and makes me question why an individual that wanted to go to professional school would do something so obviously offputting to the largely older crowd of people that will be training you.

 

[Mad Jack]

Just hide it. I have had friends with split tongues, and I've never noticed it until they deliberately stuck their tongues out.

No interviewer is going to try staring at everyone's tongue to see if it's split.

They probably won't notice. But if they do, you're likely not doing so well

 

[MerYangBey]

I hate to be that guy, but I've got an eye for observation and would definitely not accept someone with such a mod if I noticed it. It's the sort of thing that shows a lot of lack of foresight and makes me question why an individual that wanted to go to professional school would do something so obviously offputting to the largely older crowd of people that will be training you.

Just out of curiosity. Do you feel the same about visible tattoos (arms, hands, etc)
I noticed at our hospital orientation they said that tattoos could be visible but sleeves needed to be covered which I thought was mildly interesting.

 

[Robin-jay]

Lol don’t start with me about that...
I didn’t suggest that people should show up to an interview in sweatpants.

Sweatpants? Why not? We are doing everything else.

 

[Mad Jack]

Just out of curiosity. Do you feel the same about visible tattoos (arms, hands, etc)
I noticed at our hospital orientation they said that tattoos could be visible but sleeves needed to be covered which I thought was mildly interesting.

I'm much more lenient on tattoos, even fond of them. But like, I'm that old man now where I'm like, fine with things people from my generation and before did but consider a lot of the stuff younger people are doing to be totally not okay. So like, dyed hair and tattoos and a piercing or two, whatever. But once you go cutting your tongue in half, getting visible subdermals, excessively large plugs, etc I'm giving you a hard pass.

 

[MerYangBey]

Sweatpants? Why not? We are doing everything else.

 

[Robin-jay]

View attachment 236776

"Some" Medical School students think they are entitled to go to any job interview with a snobby attitude and the right to any cozy job because they are above average intelligence and know how to study for a test.

In the real world, a janitorial job would even judge you for things like bright hair colors, unique piercings, and visible tattoos.

Just for the sake of humanity be professional and wear a formal suit/dress, act professional, and minimize risks of unnecessary piercings/tats for interviews and professional settings.

I actually like piercings/tats/unique styles in some ways, but I would not endorse any of it for professional settings. As it should be.

 

[MerYangBey]

"Some" Medical School students think they are entitled to go to any job interview with a snobby attitude and the right to any cozy job because they are above average intelligence and know how to study for a test.

In the real world, a janitorial job would even judge you for things like bright hair colors, unique piercings, and visible tattoos.

Just for the sake of humanity be professional and wear a formal suit/dress, act professional, and minimize risks of unnecessary piercings/tats for interviews and professional settings.

I actually like piercings/tats/unique styles in some ways, but I would not endorse any of it for professional settings. As it should be.

We’re not really in disagreement about looking/acting professional.
(My previous post was intended to be a joke. ...You know the grumpy old men “get off my lawn” thing you got going for you.)

 

[atomi]

"Some" Medical School students think they are entitled to go to any job interview with a snobby attitude and the right to any cozy job because they are above average intelligence and know how to study for a test.

Unless the person is gay, then you just have to accept whatever wacky thing they want to do with their appearance or you will be called a homophobe, apparently.

 

[Goro]

Unless the person is gay, then you just have to accept whatever wacky thing they want to do with their appearance or you will be called a homophobe, apparently.

Don't go there.

 

[buckoh24]

Unless the person is gay, then you just have to accept whatever wacky thing they want to do with their appearance or you will be called a homophobe, apparently.

Oh honey you dont wanna do this to yourself. Not my fault your fragile masculinity won't allow you do step outside of the social binaries. Also bigotry is tacky which is why the gays dont like it 😉 We wouldn't be caught dead with such fashionably outdated ideas. -Bodybuilder homo who dares you to come for me

 

[Isoval]

Oh honey you dont wanna do this to yourself. Not my fault your fragile masculinity won't allow you do step outside of the social binaries. Also bigotry is tacky which is why the gays dont like it 😉 We wouldn't be caught dead with such fashionably outdated ideas. -Bodybuilder homo who dares you to come for me

Yay open threats

 

[buckoh24]

Yay open threats

Lol its not a threat. Im just saying if someone tries to throw shade, Imma throw is back 10 fold. And the bodybuilder part is to show that his views of how gay men act and are perceived are vastly outdated and most are more "masculine" than the ones who are trying to throw the same in the first place.

 

[atomi]

Lol its not a threat. Im just saying if someone tries to throw shade, Imma throw is back 10 fold. And the bodybuilder part is to show that his views of how gay men act and are perceived are vastly outdated and most are more "masculine" than the ones who are trying to throw the same in the first place.

Not my views. Came from another recent thread where individuals became upset that a person who had pink hair in part to express his sexuality was told that it would be inappropriate for an interview. And I was called "homophobic."

But anyway, thanks for very clearly proving my point when you decided to go off the rails and make wild baseless assumptions about me.

 

[ciestar]

Not my views. Came from another recent thread where individuals became upset that a person who had pink hair in part to express his sexuality was told that it would be inappropriate for an interview. And I was called "homophobic."

But anyway, thanks for very clearly proving my point when you decided to go off the rails and make wild baseless assumptions about me.

No, I saw your comments. You stating being gay was a choice and you defending that stance is why people got on you. Despite what some people in this world may think, it isn’t something that is willed away, or prayed away, or “converted away” (good job, Maine). You almost suggested they can just make the decision to not be gay and that be it. It is hardwired into someone’s way of thinking. It isn’t simple and you thinking that it is made you come off....bad. (I dont necessarily think homophobe is the best term here seeing as idk you, but i can for sure say you’re misinformed)

 

[atomi]

No, I saw your comments. You stating being gay was a choice and you defending that stance is why people got on you.

No, I certainly did not. Someone else did and I clearly told him I disagreed and actually went to lengths to explain why I disagreed.

 

[Blanky]

I am taken seriously. Only 3 people actually know that I have the mod. It's pretty much invisible unless I choose to show it.

You are not taken seriously. This is unlikely to even be explainable other than some silly fad or overcompensation in an attempt to be different.

 

[ciestar]

No, I certainly did not. Someone else did and I clearly told him I disagreed and actually went to lengths to explain why I disagreed.

You are correct about that. Apologies.

But you implying a gay person should hide their sexuality did you in. People knowing you’re gay isn’t unprofessional (would people knowing you’re straight be unprofessional?). Orientation doesn’t matter it is how you present yourself and act around other people. Sexuality shouldn’t be “private” like it must be hidden.

 

[Blanky]

You are correct about that. Apologies.

But you implying a gay person should hide their sexuality did you in. People knowing you’re gay isn’t unprofessional (would people knowing you’re straight be unprofessional?). Orientation doesn’t matter it is how you present yourself and act around other people. Sexuality shouldn’t be “private” like it must be hidden.

I am in no way taking anyones side, but I think he meant to insinuate that homosexuals can use their status to get away with unprofessional behaviors that others cannot.