Does anyone else smoke cigarettes?

[Kisangani]

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As the title suggests, are there any other smokers out there in medical school? I am literally one of only three people at my school who smoke and have been ostracized by my fellow classmates and faculty many times since I started my first year. While I am by no means a chain smoker, I have smoked 3-4 cigarettes every day since I was 14. Despite what we may be taught in class, I personally do not believe that smoking cigarettes in moderation is bad for you (just like doing anything without excess usually isn't). However, I have been told numerous times that I will look like a hypocrite in the future and that smoking as a physician has been inappropriate since the 1970s. While I did not grow up in the United States, in my home country most doctors smoke (as do most people who can afford to buy cigarettes). On the one hand I want to look professional and not be judged negatively by my peers, while at the same time, smoking is something I really enjoy and see no other good reason to give it up. To any other smokers, has your habit ever had any negative consequences on your career (in terms of relationships with colleagues, patients, etc)?

 

[VincentAdultman]

I do coke in moderation. I'm probably good.

Seriously though OP stop smoking. They make you smell bad and everything around you smells like cigarette smoke That alone for me would be reason enough.

 

[ihazquestionz]

Stop smoking. There's nothing tackier or more hypocritical than a doctor puffing away at a cig in their white coat outside a hospital.

 

[Gurby]

.

 

[68PGunner]

I don't smoke; I dip instead. More flavorful.

 

[KnuxNole]

I would say 1/3 of my class smoked cigarettes. Some quit, while quite a few continue to do so. There are colleagues of mine that are chain smokers.

Only thing I would smoke is hookah and Cuban cigars 🙂

 

[NotAProgDirector]

There is reasonable scientific evidence that even light or intermittent smoking is harmful: Health Effects of Light and Intermittent Smoking: A Review Also, the studies showing that passive exposure to tob smoke increase risk also suggests that no amount of smoking is safe.

That said, we all do things that add risk to our lives. Skiing increases the risk of fractures. Swimming increases the risk of drowning. So perhaps a "better" argument for your position is that you're willing to accept the likely small increase in risk for the pleasure of smoking.

I will warn you that this may cause further problems in your future. Many employers now screen for smoking with cotinine levels. Being a smoker could increase your health insurance payments, or a few employers will deny you hiring completely. My institution has a "no smoking on campus" policy -- there is no smoking area, and you are not allowed to smoke in any part of campus including parking lots, except for your car. My point is that it may become so inconvenient to smoke, you might be better off quitting completely.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

I personally do not believe that smoking cigarettes in moderation is bad for you

and see no other good reason to give it up.

Ah the old bury your head in the sand approach, solid 👍

You are already being treated different by your classmates and faculty yet you want to ask if it will have any career repercussions?

 

[CherryRedDracul]

If you're going to smoke, please don't do it in your white coat. Plenty of patients hate the smell of stale burnt tobacco.

I have rads resident friend who's a secret smoker and started smoking to cope with stress. He finds a place outside his hospital out of view from everyone and puffs away, being careful that he blows the smoke in the direction of the wind. He doesn't want anyone else to find out that he smokes.

Doesn't sound like it's worth it IMO.

 

[flapjack3d]

I'm an M1. I don't think anyone in my class of 120 smokes (tobacco) habitually. Certainly not openly if they do.

 

[Crayola227]

I smoked for a short period of time as a med student and resident - it's been a monkey on my back since I was 14. My parent died. I fell off the wagon, but I always get back on.

Even one cigarette a day is harmful and raises your cancer and other bad stuff risks. Nicotine itself appears to be a carcinogen.

You probably smell bad. Aside from just being a hypocrite, for people trying to quit you smelling like smoke can very well be a craving-trigger. What a terrible thing to do to those around you trying to improve their health by quitting.

There have been studies about secondhand smoke issues via residue on your clothes. If you are smoking in your clinical attire, I would suggest that you wear a rainslicker type coat with a hood up covering your hair, wash your hands thoroughly, and use gum or mints. I did this and I knew a smoking doctor that did this. Make no mistake, you still reek and still are covered in noxious chemicals.

This is also potentially an issue with patients with MS and such that can be extra sensitive to smells.

Ditto all the above stuff about hospitals with policies against smoking, drug testing you, firing you.

Quit. If I can do it, anyone can. No excuses.

 

[WhiteCoatWonder]

I smoked for a short period of time as a med student and resident - it's been a monkey on my back since I was 14. My parent died. I fell off the wagon, but I always get back on.

Even one cigarette a day is harmful and raises your cancer and other bad stuff risks. Nicotine itself appears to be a carcinogen.

You probably smell bad. Aside from just being a hypocrite, for people trying to quit you smelling like smoke can very well be a craving-trigger. What a terrible thing to do to those around you trying to improve their health by quitting.

There have been studies about secondhand smoke issues via residue on your clothes. If you are smoking in your clinical attire, I would suggest that you wear a rainslicker type coat with a hood up covering your hair, wash your hands thoroughly, and use gum or mints. I did this and I knew a smoking doctor that did this. Make no mistake, you still reek and still are covered in noxious chemicals.

This is also potentially an issue with patients with MS and such that can be extra sensitive to smells.

Ditto all the above stuff about hospitals with policies against smoking, drug testing you, firing you.

Quit. If I can do it, anyone can. No excuses.

are there more parts of this PSA that i can reasonably incorporate into my motivational interviews? i kinda like this line.
also...OP is currently in the pre-contemplation phase and does not yet need pamphlets. thank you, M2.

 

[ciestar]

There is reasonable scientific evidence that even light or intermittent smoking is harmful: Health Effects of Light and Intermittent Smoking: A Review Also, the studies showing that passive exposure to tob smoke increase risk also suggests that no amount of smoking is safe.

That said, we all do things that add risk to our lives. Skiing increases the risk of fractures. Swimming increases the risk of drowning. So perhaps a "better" argument for your position is that you're willing to accept the likely small increase in risk for the pleasure of smoking.

I will warn you that this may cause further problems in your future. Many employers now screen for smoking with cotinine levels. Being a smoker could increase your health insurance payments, or a few employers will deny you hiring completely. My institution has a "no smoking on campus" policy -- there is no smoking area, and you are not allowed to smoke in any part of campus including parking lots, except for your car. My point is that it may become so inconvenient to smoke, you might be better off quitting completely.

This.

I know a ton of hospitals that pre-screen for employment. If you test positive, you don't get hired.

It's a huge issue, OP. Yeah, it's bad for you even in moderation. I would do your best to quit sooner rather than later.

 

[deleted480308]

ignore the hypocrisy arguments, don't ignore the "you smell bad and are risking cancer" arguments

 

[vernhart]

There is reasonable scientific evidence that even light or intermittent smoking is harmful: Health Effects of Light and Intermittent Smoking: A Review Also, the studies showing that passive exposure to tob smoke increase risk also suggests that no amount of smoking is safe.

That said, we all do things that add risk to our lives. Skiing increases the risk of fractures. Swimming increases the risk of drowning. So perhaps a "better" argument for your position is that you're willing to accept the likely small increase in risk for the pleasure of smoking.

I will warn you that this may cause further problems in your future. Many employers now screen for smoking with cotinine levels. Being a smoker could increase your health insurance payments, or a few employers will deny you hiring completely. My institution has a "no smoking on campus" policy -- there is no smoking area, and you are not allowed to smoke in any part of campus including parking lots, except for your car. My point is that it may become so inconvenient to smoke, you might be better off quitting completely.

Do you know how many times I have been walking into the hospital and someone is smoking on the ledge literally right in front of these signs? "Never mind the patients with COPD trying to get to a visit, let's smoke right here next to the walkway!" I think when I become an attending it will only be a matter of time before I go off on one of these a**holes.

 

[ihazquestionz]

ignore the hypocrisy arguments, don't ignore the "you smell bad and are risking cancer" arguments

No don't ignore the hypocrisy comments. When you spend time counseling a patient for smoking cessation then the patient catches you smoking outside the hospital, this takes away any ounce of credibility you have. I've done smoking cessation talks when patients have directly told me their past docs smoked and "if it's so bad then why do they do it?"

 

[ihazquestionz]

Do you know how many times I have been walking into the hospital and someone is smoking on the ledge literally right in front of these signs? "Never mind the patients with COPD trying to get to a visit, let's smoke right here next to the walkway!" I think when I become an attending it will only be a matter of time before I go off on one of these a**holes.

Yea I'm not an attending but I definitely say something. Our hospital campus is not only nonsmoking but it is also a condition of every attending's employment that they don't smoke. So if they are so blatantly violating a term of their employment and recklessly exposing me and super sick patients to their second hand smoke, I definitely will say something, doesn't matter if you're an attending or a chairman or the CEO.

 

[el_duderino]

You really do smell bad. Your house smells bad and your car smells bad, even though I'm sure you don't smoke in them. Everyone knows.

 

[ortnakas]

A few of my residency interview invitations have explicitly stated their no-smoking policy, as in if you test positive at orientation, you lose your spot.

Even if you somehow really don't care about your risk of lung cancer, throat cancer, bladder cancer, etc not to mention COPD and CVD, I'm guessing you care about getting into residency. Not worth the risk.

 

[Ismet]

There is reasonable scientific evidence that even light or intermittent smoking is harmful: Health Effects of Light and Intermittent Smoking: A Review Also, the studies showing that passive exposure to tob smoke increase risk also suggests that no amount of smoking is safe.

That said, we all do things that add risk to our lives. Skiing increases the risk of fractures. Swimming increases the risk of drowning. So perhaps a "better" argument for your position is that you're willing to accept the likely small increase in risk for the pleasure of smoking.

I will warn you that this may cause further problems in your future. Many employers now screen for smoking with cotinine levels. Being a smoker could increase your health insurance payments, or a few employers will deny you hiring completely. My institution has a "no smoking on campus" policy -- there is no smoking area, and you are not allowed to smoke in any part of campus including parking lots, except for your car. My point is that it may become so inconvenient to smoke, you might be better off quitting completely.

Some hospitals are even instating policies that you cannot smoke during your shift. The hospital where I did med school did that, to stop people from smoking on their breaks and coming in reeking of smoke.

You really do smell bad. Your house smells bad and your car smells bad, even though I'm sure you don't smoke in them. Everyone knows.

My favorite is when I ask parents if there are smokers in the home, and they say "no, we don't smoke in the house." Yeah well your baby still knows you smoke and they're still getting secondhand smoke so I'm gonna go ahead and say "yes."

 

[VincentAdultman]

You really do smell bad. Your house smells bad and your car smells bad, even though I'm sure you don't smoke in them. Everyone knows.

I know within .0001 seconds of walking into a room with a patient if they smoke or not. It's disgusting.

I find it amazing sometimes that people continue to smoke in the year 2017.

 

[KnuxNole]

I know within .0001 seconds of walking into a room with a patient if they smoke or not. It's disgusting.

I find it amazing sometimes that people continue to smoke in the year 2017.

I expect it to stay the same for years to come.

 

[VincentAdultman]

I expect it to stay the same for years to come.

Probably. I once told my girlfriend that it was amazing that people continued to smoke in the year 2007.

 

[ZezKaiEll]

But do you smoke Camels?

 

[SpartanWolverine]

There is reasonable scientific evidence that even light or intermittent smoking is harmful: Health Effects of Light and Intermittent Smoking: A Review Also, the studies showing that passive exposure to tob smoke increase risk also suggests that no amount of smoking is safe.

That said, we all do things that add risk to our lives. Skiing increases the risk of fractures. Swimming increases the risk of drowning. So perhaps a "better" argument for your position is that you're willing to accept the likely small increase in risk for the pleasure of smoking.

I will warn you that this may cause further problems in your future. Many employers now screen for smoking with cotinine levels. Being a smoker could increase your health insurance payments, or a few employers will deny you hiring completely. My institution has a "no smoking on campus" policy -- there is no smoking area, and you are not allowed to smoke in any part of campus including parking lots, except for your car. My point is that it may become so inconvenient to smoke, you might be better off quitting completely.

As other have said, some of my residency interviews are contingent on acknowledging a strict no-nicotine policy.

For example: "HFHS no longer enrolls/hires residents and fellows who use products containing nicotine. The nicotine test will be administered as part of the pre-employment health screen. Testing positive is a failure to meet the conditions of employment and considered a violation of the HFHS employment contract and match agreement. Applicants who test positive for nicotine will not be allowed to start their program."

 

[ihazquestionz]

As other have said, some of my residency interviews are contingent on acknowledging a strict no-nicotine policy.

For example: "HFHS no longer enrolls/hires residents and fellows who use products containing nicotine. The nicotine test will be administered as part of the pre-employment health screen. Testing positive is a failure to meet the conditions of employment and considered a violation of the HFHS employment contract and match agreement. Applicants who test positive for nicotine will not be allowed to start their program."

Our hospital can test us any time anywhere on campus and if we fail we are out. Not allowed to be involved with patient care in any capacity again and lose our ability to gain future employment. Which is sad when it happens to bright med students who were dumb enough to come in smelling like smoke and destroying their chance at not only rotating but also doing research at and matching at a top 5 hospital.

 

[Mad Jack]

As the title suggests, are there any other smokers out there in medical school? I am literally one of only three people at my school who smoke and have been ostracized by my fellow classmates and faculty many times since I started my first year. While I am by no means a chain smoker, I have smoked 3-4 cigarettes every day since I was 14. Despite what we may be taught in class, I personally do not believe that smoking cigarettes in moderation is bad for you (just like doing anything without excess usually isn't). However, I have been told numerous times that I will look like a hypocrite in the future and that smoking as a physician has been inappropriate since the 1970s. While I did not grow up in the United States, in my home country most doctors smoke (as do most people who can afford to buy cigarettes). On the one hand I want to look professional and not be judged negatively by my peers, while at the same time, smoking is something I really enjoy and see no other good reason to give it up. To any other smokers, has your habit ever had any negative consequences on your career (in terms of relationships with colleagues, patients, etc)?

I used to smoke. The trouble with smoking is that it's fairly bad for you at any dose due to the natural radioactivity of tobacco leaves, coupled with the reactive compounds in tobacco tar, which leaves particularly carcinogenic residue concentrated within your lungs. At your smoking level, you're getting the equivalent of about a quarter year's whole-body radiation directly to your lungs each year that you smoke, roughly 90 uSv. You're also upping your risk for hypertension and other issues, which, depending on your background, may exacerbate any pre-existing risks for hypertension. It's funny, everyone thinks of cancer when they think smoking, but on my radiology rotation when I was reviewing vascular studies, you could tell the vessels of a smoker immediately without even looking at their history.

Don't smoke, it's stupid. If you need a nicotine fix, use another means to do so- gum, patches, vaping, whatever. Cigarettes are just stupid.

 

[SpartanWolverine]

I used to smoke. The trouble with smoking is that it's fairly bad for you at any dose due to the natural radioactivity of tobacco leaves, coupled with the reactive compounds in tobacco tar, which leaves particularly carcinogenic residue concentrated within your lungs. At your smoking level, you're getting the equivalent of about a quarter year's whole-body radiation directly to your lungs each year that you smoke, roughly 90 uSv. You're also upping your risk for hypertension and other issues, which, depending on your background, may exacerbate any pre-existing risks for hypertension. It's funny, everyone thinks of cancer when they think smoking, but on my radiology rotation when I was reviewing vascular studies, you could tell the vessels of a smoker immediately without even looking at their history.

Don't smoke, it's stupid. If you need a nicotine fix, use another means to do so- gum, patches, vaping, whatever. Cigarettes are just stupid.

Though I expect a growing number of hospital systems will continue to adopt a blanket "no nicotine" policy. This includes any source. Losing out on a good residency position or job due to recreational vaping or a couple pieces of gum would be ... unfortunate.

 

[Mad Jack]

Though I expect a growing number of hospital systems will continue to adopt a blanket "no nicotine" policy. This includes any source. Losing out on a good residency position or job due to recreational vaping or a couple pieces of gum would be ... unfortunate.

Eh, I think such policies are kind of dystopian, so I'm not a fan, as if these prove effective, there will no doubt be other things in the future. Too fat? No job. Drink alcohol? Sorry. Don't exercise regularly? Your app goes right in the trash. It's really paving the way for a slippery slope. Of particular concern is that nicotine may provide benefits at certain doses or in certain individuals (ulcerative colitis comes to mind), and that there is no proven harm from nicotine itself, merely from smoking and chewing (both of which lead to substantial exposures to hundreds of non-nicotine chemicals). But hey, that's just the part of me that believes in freedom and evidence talking. In general, such policies are likely good for the health of communities.

Opinion | Can Nicotine Be Good for You?

 

[ihazquestionz]

Eh, I think such policies are kind of dystopian, so I'm not a fan, as if these prove effective, there will no doubt be other things in the future. Too fat? No job. Drink alcohol? Sorry. Don't exercise regularly? Your app goes right in the trash. It's really paving the way for a slippery slope. Of particular concern is that nicotine may provide benefits at certain doses or in certain individuals (ulcerative colitis comes to mind), and that there is no proven harm from nicotine itself, merely from smoking and chewing (both of which lead to substantial exposures to hundreds of non-nicotine chemicals). But hey, that's just the part of me that believes in freedom and evidence talking. In general, such policies are likely good for the health of communities.

I strongly believe people's freedom to puff disgusting smoke into my beautiful face and lungs should be sacrificed.

 

[Mad Jack]

I strongly believe people's freedom to puff disgusting smoke into my beautiful face and lungs should be sacrificed.

I literally can't remember the last time I had someone "puff disgusting smoke in my face." Smoking is usually banned on hospital campuses, even if employees are allowed to smoke, so it's not like you're getting exposed to it by your coworkers if they are smokers. There's also a great number of ways to use nicotine that aren't smoking and don't cause second-hand harm.

 

[Kisangani]

I literally can't remember the last time I had someone "puff disgusting smoke in my face." Smoking is usually banned on hospital campuses, even if employees are allowed to smoke, so it's not like you're getting exposed to it by your coworkers if they are smokers. There's also a great number of ways to use nicotine that aren't smoking and don't cause second-hand harm.

I've never tried nicotine gum or patches, but I have used chewing tobacco and the effect is not the same to me.......other posters are correct when they say restrictions on smoking are extensive. Not just prohibiting where you can smoke, but (at least in my state) exorbitantly taxing cigarettes and other tobacco products. I have never heard about drug testing for nicotine either. I find that pretty unfair and astonishing that they could drop a candidate from consideration based solely off that.

 

[Mad Jack]

I've never tried nicotine gum or patches, but I have used chewing tobacco and the effect is not the same to me.......other posters are correct when they say restrictions on smoking are extensive. Not just prohibiting where you can smoke, but (at least in my state) exorbitantly taxing cigarettes and other tobacco products. I have never heard about drug testing for nicotine either. I find that pretty unfair and astonishing that they could drop a candidate from consideration based solely off that.

It's pretty common. A lot of hospital systems in my state throw your app directly in the trash if you test positive, and the ones that will hire you charge you as much as $600 a year more for health insurance.

 

[ihazquestionz]

I literally can't remember the last time I had someone "puff disgusting smoke in my face." Smoking is usually banned on hospital campuses, even if employees are allowed to smoke, so it's not like you're getting exposed to it by your coworkers if they are smokers. There's also a great number of ways to use nicotine that aren't smoking and don't cause second-hand harm.

Happens so frequently where I live/go to school/work at that it's appalling. Even with all the rules.

Yes of course re: bolded comment.

 

[VincentAdultman]

exorbitantly taxing cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Good for them

 

[Stagg737]

You really do smell bad. Your house smells bad and your car smells bad, even though I'm sure you don't smoke in them. Everyone knows.

The smell also lasts a really long time. I've never smoked, but both my parents do and my car always smelled like cigarettes. Whenever I'd give people rides they'd say they didn't know I smoked. I haven't lived with my parents for years and occasionally someone will still pick up on the smell in my car.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Time to catch up with the present. Get a vape pen and do it in privacy. No problems with smell.

 

[Wordead]

I'll be the contrarian. I think it's totally fine to smoke as a doctor. You've been doing it for awhile already and haven't suffered any effects, it's good stress relief, and I don't think hospitals should be dictating what we do in our personal lives.

With that said, can I be the one to do your trach and remove your mandible when the time comes?

Seriously, keep smoking guys. How else are us head and neck guys gonna pay our bills?!

 

[Soft Fluffy Blanket]

As the title suggests, are there any other smokers out there in medical school? I am literally one of only three people at my school who smoke and have been ostracized by my fellow classmates and faculty many times since I started my first year. While I am by no means a chain smoker, I have smoked 3-4 cigarettes every day since I was 14. Despite what we may be taught in class, I personally do not believe that smoking cigarettes in moderation is bad for you (just like doing anything without excess usually isn't). However, I have been told numerous times that I will look like a hypocrite in the future and that smoking as a physician has been inappropriate since the 1970s. While I did not grow up in the United States, in my home country most doctors smoke (as do most people who can afford to buy cigarettes). On the one hand I want to look professional and not be judged negatively by my peers, while at the same time, smoking is something I really enjoy and see no other good reason to give it up. To any other smokers, has your habit ever had any negative consequences on your career (in terms of relationships with colleagues, patients, etc)?

First, I'm sure you're not surprised by the responses by many users on here. I created this account so my other well established and respected account wouldn't be tarnished.

I'm surprised there are three people in your class who openly smoke, I know all medical schools classes have more than that who do smoke, but most do not smoke where others can see or smell it. Do you or the other two classmates smoke outside between classes or on your way to school? Is it males, females, or both that smoke?

Some of the comments above about smoking are inaccurate. I'm a 3rd year student who has smoked 2-4 packs per month since I was 20. Like you, I find smoking to be relaxing and enjoyable. None of my classmates, professors, or attending physicians know. I don't understand the whole "everyone who smokes stinks" mindset, it is easily possible to smoke a few cigarettes a day and not smell like smoke. I usually smoke once before I shower and then one or two at night outside. Nothing I own smells like smoke and no one has any idea that I smoke. No one has ever asked. Myth debunked.

I'm sorry you have been ostracized by fellow classmates and faculty, that isn't right. Especially faculty, they have no right to behave in that manner. I would consider this type of behavior bordering on harassment. Your decision to smoke is yours, you own it, and your primary care physician has the role to discuss this with you. If your school is like mine, half the faculty have a spare tire. I'll take the risks of smoking a few cigarettes a day over the risks associated with obesity any day.

I don't agree with employers rejecting people due to nicotine use, but entirely agree with them prohibiting employees from using or smelling like smoke during their shift. Maybe radiologists and pathologists can get away with it because they are not always involved in direct patient. If smoking is fair game for employment screening, so is obesity. This type of discrimination is a slippery slope.

There is nothing hypocritical about smoking and educating patients about the dangers. Educating patients about the realities of smoking is your job and has nothing to do with your own personal habits.

 

[Soft Fluffy Blanket]

I'm an M1. I don't think anyone in my class of 120 smokes (tobacco) habitually. Certainly not openly if they do.

There are some, they just aren't as bold as the OP to smoke openly.

 

[Soft Fluffy Blanket]

This.

I know a ton of hospitals that pre-screen for employment. If you test positive, you don't get hired.

It's a huge issue, OP. Yeah, it's bad for you even in moderation. I would do your best to quit sooner rather than later.

Its really not hard to get around this test. Nicotine is metabolized to cotinine. Cotinine is used for blood and urine tests. Smoking 3-4 cigarettes per day results in testing positive for about three days after last cigarette. To be safe, don't smoke a week before the test and you're going to pass.

 

[tantacles]

If you're going to smoke, please don't do it in your white coat. Plenty of patients hate the smell of stale burnt tobacco.

I have rads resident friend who's a secret smoker and started smoking to cope with stress. He finds a place outside his hospital out of view from everyone and puffs away, being careful that he blows the smoke in the direction of the wind. He doesn't want anyone else to find out that he smokes.

Doesn't sound like it's worth it IMO.

He probably is less discreet than he thinks, and I bet some people have caught "wind" of his hypocrisy.

 

[Soft Fluffy Blanket]

I know within .0001 seconds of walking into a room with a patient if they smoke or not. It's disgusting.

I find it amazing sometimes that people continue to smoke in the year 2017.

You are fooling yourself if you honestly believe this. Plenty of light smoker patients who don't smoke the morning of their appointment are being seen by you and you have no idea. You may have a keen sense of smell, but it can also mislead you.

 

[Soft Fluffy Blanket]

He probably is less discreet than he thinks, and I bet some people have caught "wind" of his hypocrisy.

Smoking during a shift and hiding from those who you come in close contact with is impossible.

 

[VincentAdultman]

You are fooling yourself if you honestly believe this. Plenty of light smoker patients who don't smoke the morning of their appointment are being seen by you and you have no idea. You may have a keen sense of smell, but it can also mislead you.

OK. If they smoke the morning of their appointment I can smell it on them. You win.

 

[Kisangani]

First, I'm sure you're not surprised by the responses by many users on here. I created this account so my other well established and respected account wouldn't be tarnished.

I'm surprised there are three people in your class who openly smoke, I know all medical schools classes have more than that who do smoke, but most do not smoke where others can see or smell it. Do you or the other two classmates smoke outside between classes or on your way to school? Is it males, females, or both that smoke?

Some of the comments above about smoking are inaccurate. I'm a 3rd year student who has smoked 2-4 packs per month since I was 20. Like you, I find smoking to be relaxing and enjoyable. None of my classmates, professors, or attending physicians know. I don't understand the whole "everyone who smokes stinks" mindset, it is easily possible to smoke a few cigarettes a day and not smell like smoke. I usually smoke once before I shower and then one or two at night outside. Nothing I own smells like smoke and no one has any idea that I smoke. No one has ever asked. Myth debunked.

I'm sorry you have been ostracized by fellow classmates and faculty, that isn't right. Especially faculty, they have no right to behave in that manner. I would consider this type of behavior bordering on harassment. Your decision to smoke is yours, you own it, and your primary care physician has the role to discuss this with you. If your school is like mine, half the faculty have a spare tire. I'll take the risks of smoking a few cigarettes a day over the risks associated with obesity any day.

I don't agree with employers rejecting people due to nicotine use, but entirely agree with them prohibiting employees from using or smelling like smoke during their shift. Maybe radiologists and pathologists can get away with it because they are not always involved in direct patient. If smoking is fair game for employment screening, so is obesity. This type of discrimination is a slippery slope.

There is nothing hypocritical about smoking and educating patients about the dangers. Educating patients about the realities of smoking is your job and has nothing to do with your own personal habits.

My class is small so that may be why there are so few smokers. I always smoke at pretty much the same time everyday. One cigarette right before class, another after lunch, one after dinner, and sometimes one before I go to bed.

 

[ihazquestionz]

First, I'm sure you're not surprised by the responses by many users on here. I created this account so my other well established and respected account wouldn't be tarnished.

I'm surprised there are three people in your class who openly smoke, I know all medical schools classes have more than that who do smoke, but most do not smoke where others can see or smell it. Do you or the other two classmates smoke outside between classes or on your way to school? Is it males, females, or both that smoke?

Some of the comments above about smoking are inaccurate. I'm a 3rd year student who has smoked 2-4 packs per month since I was 20. Like you, I find smoking to be relaxing and enjoyable. None of my classmates, professors, or attending physicians know. I don't understand the whole "everyone who smokes stinks" mindset, it is easily possible to smoke a few cigarettes a day and not smell like smoke. I usually smoke once before I shower and then one or two at night outside. Nothing I own smells like smoke and no one has any idea that I smoke. No one has ever asked. Myth debunked.

I'm sorry you have been ostracized by fellow classmates and faculty, that isn't right. Especially faculty, they have no right to behave in that manner. I would consider this type of behavior bordering on harassment. Your decision to smoke is yours, you own it, and your primary care physician has the role to discuss this with you. If your school is like mine, half the faculty have a spare tire. I'll take the risks of smoking a few cigarettes a day over the risks associated with obesity any day.

I don't agree with employers rejecting people due to nicotine use, but entirely agree with them prohibiting employees from using or smelling like smoke during their shift. Maybe radiologists and pathologists can get away with it because they are not always involved in direct patient. If smoking is fair game for employment screening, so is obesity. This type of discrimination is a slippery slope.

There is nothing hypocritical about smoking and educating patients about the dangers. Educating patients about the realities of smoking is your job and has nothing to do with your own personal habits.

I wholeheartedly disagree with almost everything said here except for part of the bolded. Smoking is entirely preventable, obesity isn't. Can't always distinguish who is obese for what reason, and it's not really the public's business anyway. However, employers can participate in health promotion. My hospital gives all employees fitbits and salary bonuses if each individual is able to meet their targets (I believe for most people it's 10K steps but that can be negotiated with the hospital about what is a reasonable goal if the employee can't physically start off there). And I am a huge proponent of this. I often see others and am on teams that take the stairs or walk around on breaks just so they can meet their goals and they feel a lot better off for doing so.

Also perhaps my sense of smell is a little bit hyperacute. Comes from a lifetime of sniffing out smokers and making them quit one by one.

 

[Shams al Deen]

I wholeheartedly disagree with almost everything said here except for part of the bolded. Smoking is entirely preventable, obesity isn't. Can't always distinguish who is obese for what reason, and it's not really the public's business anyway. However, employers can participate in health promotion. My hospital gives all employees fitbits and salary bonuses if each individual is able to meet their targets (I believe for most people it's 10K steps but that can be negotiated with the hospital about what is a reasonable goal if the employee can't physically start off there). And I am a huge proponent of this. I often see others and am on teams that take the stairs or walk around on breaks just so they can meet their goals and they feel a lot better off for doing so.

Also perhaps my sense of smell is a little bit hyperacute. Comes from a lifetime of sniffing out smokers and making them quit one by one.

The majority of obese people are obese due to 'poor choices'. If we can exclude the thyroid disease and other metabolic disorders, then we are left with a huge group of "obesity secondary to poor choices". Will it be fair to subject that huge group of people to some sort of pre-employment screening and screen them out like we do to smokers?

And yes, there are unfortunate psychological aspects, familial aspects, etc to obesity, however the same can be said regarding Tobacco Use Disorder. If your parents smoke, or if you hung around a certain group of kids when you were 14, then you could be at a huge disadvantage. Likewise, if your parents were obese, and you were economically disadvantaged, you will be much more likely to be obese. I don't agree with screening out obese individuals or smokers. I agree with giving them help to overcome those problems.

 

[IsWhat]

We had a smoking panel come in and a faculty member asked the class to raise their hand if they have ever smoked a cig in their life. Not one person (out of 100) raised their hand. I nearly laughed out loud, because I know at least 10 who were smoking cigs the weekend before when we went out on the town. Moral of the story, if you are going to smoke cigarettes at least keep it on the DL. Smoking is like having full-sleeve tattoos - you just open yourself up to scrutiny in this profession (justified or not).

 

[Stagg737]

There is nothing hypocritical about smoking and educating patients about the dangers. Educating patients about the realities of smoking is your job and has nothing to do with your own personal habits.

You're right that there's nothing wrong with smoking and educating patients about the dangers. However, it is hypocritical to smoke and then tell your patients that they need to consider quitting or need to quit, which you should absolutely be doing if they have a lung disease imo. Others also brought up the point about obesity, and I think that being overweight and telling a patient they need to lose weight is just as hypocritical.