Doctors with Tattoos?

[RickandMortyFan]

Hello all!

I did a lot of research on doctors with visible tattoos, and whether that is appropriate in a healthcare setting. I've seen a lot of conflicting answers. On one hand, patients may become uncomfortable and associate tattoos with unprofessionalism. On the other, tattoos are getting less stigmatized and doctors should be able to make personal decisions for themselves.

That being said, I'm thinking of getting a tattoo on my forearm, an image of something that is personal to me (not inappropriate). I know I can cover it up during interviews, but not while wearing scrubs/in the OR.

From your personal experiences, is this a good idea? Will this in a meaningful way affect my future career as a physician?

Thank you for all feedback!

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[NotASerialKiller]

If it's a Rick and Morty tattoo I wouldn't trust your professional judgement.

 

[Pagan FutureDoc]

It will be a long time before tattoos stop being stigmatized. It's best to avoid anything that would be visible in a tshirt and jeans. I've kept my tattoos hidden for just this reason.

And while most reactions to my tattoos have been overwhelmingly positive I have had negative reactions too.

Medicine is conservative profession and will continue to be for quite some time. Both older physicians and patients will have a harder time taking someone with visible tattoos as serious as someone without them.

Sadly that's the state of things.

 

[RaspberrySlushy]

I always read on here that they are bad, bad deal-breakers, but in real life I know med students, doctors and others in healthcare with visible tattoos. One guy I know has full sleeve tattoos on both arms and is now doing his third year rotations. He had them before he interviewed.

I just think it's not as big a deal as ppl on here make it out to be. That said, if I get another one, I'll probably get it somewhere I can easily cover (like my others). I'm thinking something chemistry-related.

 

[gyngyn]

You should only get tats where they can be seen in scrubs if you care more for your body art than your success in medicine. You never know when it's going to hurt you.

 

[Cinclus]

While I have seen docs/residents with tattoos (most notably in the ED, but I have spent more time in the ED than the average med student), I am sure some people/patients/whoeverthinkstheyaresuperspecialawesomesaucejudge-y will still take issue with it, whether they inform you or not. I think you already know this. So essentially, the choice is up to you. Aren't I helpful?

 

[The Buff OP]

While I have seen docs/residents with tattoos (most notably in the ED, but I have spent more time in the ED than the average med student), I am sure some people/patients/whoeverthinkstheyaresuperspecialawesomesaucejudge-y will still take issue with it, whether they inform you or not. I think you already know this. So essentially, the choice is up to you. Aren't I helpful?

Same, I have mostly seen ED docs have tats, some of the tats are EMS (sinus rhythm, star of life) related.

 

[JohnConstantine511]

Personally, I think it would be pretty cool to have a doctor with Tattoos. However, other patients may not share my feelings. 🙂 I had a vet with a full sleve on both arms. Best and most competent vet I've ever had.


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[Goro]

There used to be a time where a tattoo was a sign or rebellion. Now it's a sign of conformity.

 

[Mor44]

if you have to get it then try to hide it

 

[CherryRedDracul]

I know an academic plastic surgeon with tattoos on both his arms including a big one on his forearm.

 

[Cotterpin]

I'm so glad that when I got my tattoos, I made a point of putting them in places that are easy to hide juuuuuust in case. Lol, sure enough, 10-15 years later I ended up trying to get into a really conservative profession. Take away: you never know/better safe than sorry.

 

[NoTownPreMed]

The cardiologist at our hospital has full sleeves. He usually covers them up on weekdays, but have them exposed on weekends.

 

[tnara]

If you don't already have a visible tattoo and you're not already in medical school AND you're thinking of getting on your forearm, one of the hardest places to hide...just don't. Just put it somewhere easy to hide. I have 4 tattoos, all but one of which are totally hidden, and I still have to think about that last one every day, even though it's fairly easy to cover up. All of mine have some meaningful story behind them and I've only ever had positive comments, but I still think it's just better/safer to have them be not obvious.

 

[123456123456]

I think it would be better to be safe rather than sorry and put it in a place that can be hidden or save the money and not get one at all. Older patients may prejudge you and it only takes one attending to disapprove to make your life a living hell

 

[Law2Doc]

Most of the people who say there's no more stigma to tattoos are young people with tattoos.

Medicine is still a conservative profession , like it or not. And most of your patients will be older and even more conservative still.

There are many threads on SDN on this, with some examples of people who had trouble because of their tattoos and others who "know a guy" who has a one and his career seems fine.

The smart move is to put it on a part of real estate where it won't cause an issue.