Getting More Tattoos?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
TexasPhysician said:
Not allowed. The hospital required strict cleaning for top quality hygiene. Only their scrubs properly sterilized are allowed in the OR. The hospital can't guarantee your sleeves don't have germs spreading over your arms. Not to mention, you can't scrub-in without scrubbing up to your elbow.
Click to expand...

Well Stok said that it was for wearing when seeing patients and he would slide them off before scrubbing in. I don't get why this would be a problem... I'm sure not all hospitals are like this either.

I've been around the Texas medical center many, many times and almost everyone is wearing something underneath their scrubs. The only person I know who doesn't is Turk from Scrubs.

christopher-turk-7.jpg
 
Iliketoytles said:
Well Stok said that it was for wearing when seeing patients and he would slide them off before scrubbing in. I don't get why this would be a problem... I'm sure not all hospitals are like this either.

I've been around the Texas medical center many, many times and almost everyone is wearing something underneath their scrubs. The only person I know who doesn't is Turk from Scrubs.

christopher-turk-7.jpg
Click to expand...

Same rules apply in pre-op with the patient present. I do not work in TMC, so I can't help you there. I'm just saying that there are hospitals where there are strict scrub attire rules.

What y'all do is your own choice. I'm just stating facts for y'all to make an informed decision.

And Turk is the man.
 
At least for the part during school, where you do simulations and whatnot, guys are always going to be in long sleeves anyway, regardless of season, so that won't an issue. Girls tend to show more skin with arms, so it could present a problem there.

Here's the thing too (hopefully I'm not repeating someone else on here), if you have your heart set on the hospital setting, you might run into trouble since most docs don't sport the coat as much these days. If you have any idea at all where you might live, or what type of medical center you might practice in (big vs small, academic vs. not, etc), you might contact their HR and just ask outright what policies they have.

On the opposite side, if you ended up in a clinic setting of any sort, you will likely be in long sleeves daily, so it wouldn't be an issue right?
 
Welcome. When I was on my interview there was a med student with a forearm tattoo that I talked to and he said no one cares. But this was a single image. I highly doubt they will kick you out for having a sleeve. I also know that being a med student is much different than an attending so acceptance isn't up to me. Workiing in the hospital, even on surgery, I can wear long sleeves around patients 99% of the time. I think the only real problem we will have is with the subjective nature of the 3rd and 4th year, but I can live with that. Between lab coats, long sleeves, and running sleeves, I feel confident I can remain covered that vast majority of the time. But I think the best way to approach it is not by trying to beat or change the system, but understanding the system and playing by their rules. Especially as a med student.

Also my right sleeve goes slightly onto my hand and I put coverup on the bottom four inches under my suit.

I would also be interested to know what that doctor said. I havd seen him before on the inked site.
 
MoUdoMoUget said:
From his response, it seemed like he either didn't want to answer my question or didn't understand it..

I was quite clear about my concerns regarding tattoos and whether he had gotten his before or after med school.. and if before.. how was he treated while in school etc.

His response to that was, was asking my age.

I then told him my age, along with once again stating my question regarding tattoos in medical school and wearing long sleeves.

His response to that was (copy & pasted):

"do you graduate college this year?

Do you have a professional advisor or counselor to help guide you as you move towards your professional goals?

you will need a mentor or advisor if you intend to succeed. Your school (which school are you in and what grade?) will know how to locate such a person for you.

yours

dr ores"


I stared at the email for around 3 minutes (A long period of time to stare at an already read email I must add).. wondering if somehow my question was lost in translation.

I decided not to reply back.. because I was a little confused 😕
Click to expand...

lmao. wtf is that? yeah after asking twice, time to move on.
 
So he wants to know your age, name of your university, and if you have a current mentor in your life. I think this Dr. Ores is trying to track you down so he can be your "personal advisor" himself.

run11128571463468730536.jpg
 
Probably trying to point out that it is not a big issue. I have a half sleeve and one on my back. The half sleeve is visible when I work as a dentist and it was visible when I shadowed (My DO mentor, didn't care when I asked him about it)--I only get positive comments about it. Sometimes I can tell patients are looking at it but don't say anything. I'm sure there will be plenty of tattoos in OMM lab. Personally, I do like tattoos and wouldn't mind converting my half to a full sleeve, but I'm going to hold off for a bit.
 
what if you have a tattoo on your neck? I have stars starting from the back of my right ear down to my clavicle... Totally my biggest concern. I currently intern at a surgery center and cover it up with professional make-up... At my part-time job (medical assistant) I have it full on out with no worries... Any thoughts? By the way I'm new here... I signed up a while ago but this is my second post... Hello peeps!
 
Are you male or female? Male, man I don't know. Neck is kind of an "always visible" spot. Female, just where your hair down. But if it is along the side of your neck, I really don't know.
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
haha, that's been the general consensus... All good, I'm not to worried... Congratulations to all of you that have been accepted thus far for the class of 2016!
 
I work on a trauma floor so I can tell you at least what I see at my hospital. When the doctors come to round for their patients at least 90% of the time they are wearing their white coats. There are only a couple doctors that I never see in their coats which I assume is their personal preference. Even the residents always wear their white coats. If not in white , some of them will just wear a zip up hoodie. So in my opinion, you should always be able to keep your tattoos hidden from your patients if you want to. I think you won't have to worry about your patients opinion of tattoos but rather, your colleagues. Hopefully as time goes on though, this will become less and less of an issue.
I have wondered about this issue as well as I really enjoy tattoos. I have a half sleeve in addition to one on my forearm, these of which are the main visible out of all of mine. I say, get what you want! Tattoos are a part of who you are. You shouldn't have to hide it or stop expressing yourself, especially since schools want to know and see who we truly are. Just my opinion.
 
We're your tattoos visible at the interview? I'm just curious. I'd like to get more as well but I also tend to keep them covered by scrubs
 
Not sure who you are asking, but my suit covered my sleeve and put makeup on the lower 3-4 inches in case my suit sleeve came up. My second interview though I didn't and had no problems.
 
It was a general question lol. I'd like to get more ink, but I'd hate for that to affect clerkship letters and patient interactions later. However once our generation is in office I don't think it will be an issue lol
 
I agree, but having two sleeves now, I anticipate there will be some issues, but if it means I have to work twice as hard, so be it. I will cover when I can, some will dislike it anyways, but it is what it is.
 
lousantiagojr said:
Awesome article!!! Definitely encouraging, what was discouraging were some of the comments from practicing D.O.'s All in all, where em proud!
Click to expand...

You know, I thought that at first, but then the physician always wears a bowtie and basically said, "people expect to raise the physician on a pedestal, so let them." Just as many physicians will say the opposite to be "approachable" so I will mostly disregard him as an opinion.
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
There will always be people who don't like you for some odd reason. My tattoos are visible at work and I was questioned a few times about them, but only questions like "Where did you get that done or what is that a picture of (its part covered)). Just treat people with respect and they won't care what you look like.
 
Frky, awesome blog man! This is definitely going to be a hot discussion for several years to come. Trust me looking around my class in Genetics it is like, really??? (to those with multiple, "loud" piercings etc.) However, I'm a fan of tattoos and have one on my Right shoulder which is easily concealable for those situations when I need to present a professional image. I would agree with the article that we have a responsibility to maintain a professional image, but doesn't mean that we cannot show character as well (i.e. facial hair that is kept neat adds character to a Physician, tattoos are a mark of distinguishing artistic personality, etc). Overall, great discussion and congratulations on your acceptance to DMU.
 
COMedic2Doc said:
Frky, awesome blog man! This is definitely going to be a hot discussion for several years to come. Trust me looking around my class in Genetics it is like, really??? (to those with multiple, "loud" piercings etc.) However, I'm a fan of tattoos and have one on my Right shoulder which is easily concealable for those situations when I need to present a professional image. I would agree with the article that we have a responsibility to maintain a professional image, but doesn't mean that we cannot show character as well (i.e. facial hair that is kept neat adds character to a Physician, tattoos are a mark of distinguishing artistic personality, etc). Overall, great discussion and congratulations on your acceptance to DMU.
Click to expand...

Thank you. And i agree. As i stated before in this thread, I fully understand that I may have to wear sleeves a lot and I may be negatively looked at during subjective grading in 3rd and 4th year. If I have to work twice as hard than so be it. But looking professional is a must any way you put it.
 
TexasPhysician said:
Not allowed. The hospital required strict cleaning for top quality hygiene. Only their scrubs properly sterilized are allowed in the OR. The hospital can't guarantee your sleeves don't have germs spreading over your arms. Not to mention, you can't scrub-in without scrubbing up to your elbow.
Click to expand...

The world's most irrational rule. Someone should tell the designers of said rule that a sterile gown is worn over scrubs. Furthermore, last I checked, I wasn't rubbing my torso into someone's open abdomen.
 
upright said:
The world's most irrational rule. Someone should tell the designers of said rule that a sterile gown is worn over scrubs. Furthermore, last I checked, I wasn't rubbing my torso into someone's open abdomen.
Click to expand...

Snicker... Snort..
 
I think a one-arm tattoo sleeve looks cooler than sleeves on both arms. Example (Dwayne Johnson):
zhao3.jpg
zhao2.jpg
zhao4.jpg
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
My half sleeve took 9 hours. 5 day one and 3 day 2. Then I went back for touch ups a few weeks later. I'd say day 2 hurt the most. You kind of get used to the pain--endorphins kick in 🙂
 
Nice tat. I started my second sleeve a couple weeks ago and Monday I go for my fourth 5 hour session. And every single session I think "wtf is wrong with me? this hurts like crap." I don't get it.
 
FrkyBgStok said:
Nice tat. I started my second sleeve a couple weeks ago and Monday I go for my fourth 5 hour session. And every single session I think "wtf is wrong with me? this hurts like crap." I don't get it.
Click to expand...

lol its so addictive man. The pain is crazy but its like I could not stop even if I wanted to
 
FrkyBgStok said:
Ok. I don't want to hear any "don't do it" as that isn't what this thread is about. I also don't need any personal opinions about tattoos. Frankly, I don't care what they are.

I have been accepted to med school and am way pumped. I also currently have a full sleeve tattoo on my right arm. I talked to a student at one of my interviews with a visible tattoo and said that no one really cares, but it was a single image. I have a full sleeve, completely filled in from wrist to shoulder.

I plan on wearing long sleeves during rotations if needed and runners arms during surgical ones where I can remove them at the last possible moment. I worked in a hospital and had my sleeve visible all of the time and never had any issues. I was also a transporter, not a doctor. I am also aware and willing to wear long sleeves the rest of my life if I need to, which having a lab coat or wearing a long sleeve button down makes this an easily solved problem.

My question is, based on me having a sleeve already on my right arm, are there any good reasons not to get one on my left arm. I love tattoos and plan on getting fairly covered but none on my face/hands/neck etc. They can be covered up in most situations. Again, I don't want to hear "tattoos are never a good idea." I don't care how people feel about them. I am wondering if I would be wrong in thinking having one sleeve will look no different than two sleeves as i will be wearing long sleeves anyway. In short, will having two sleeves look the same as having one?

I am posting it here and not in residency ones because I am not yet a med student or resident and it isn't directly related. Plus, enough come into pre-osteo.

Also, I do not want to change who I am. I love tattoos and don't ever plan on getting them removed and would be unhappy in a program that didn't accept me. If that means not being an orthopedic surgeon or dermatologist unless I get everything removed, I would forgo those. Currently, I am interested in all fields, but ER comes close to the top.

Thanks for the input and sorry about the long post.
Click to expand...

Sure, go ahead and graffiti the body God gave you. Just don't expect things to turn out well.
 
dreamweaver1988 said:
Sure, go ahead and graffiti the body God gave you. Just don't expect things to turn out well.
Click to expand...

LOL... oh man, I really want to comment on this but I think I reached my SDN religious discussion limit in that Christian University thread.
 
Iliketoytles said:
LOL... oh man, I really want to comment on this but I think I reached my SDN religious discussion limit in that Christian University thread.
Click to expand...

No big deal. More room in heaven for the rest of us.
 
dreamweaver1988 said:
Sure, go ahead and graffiti the body God gave you. Just don't expect things to turn out well.
Click to expand...

People without tattoos are invisible to the gods.

But I am not worried. If God doesn't want me because of my tattoos he will change his mind because of my mad beatboxing skills.
 
FrkyBgStok said:
People without tattoos are invisible to the gods.

But I am not worried. If God doesn't want me because of my tattoos he will change his mind because of my mad beatboxing skills.
Click to expand...

+1, If God is God he loves all his children no matter what. After all isn't God a Loving God?
 
Last edited:
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Can we get back on the tattoo topic, please? Haha...
 
FrkyBgStok said:
People without tattoos are invisible to the gods.

But I am not worried. If God doesn't want me because of my tattoos he will change his mind because of my mad beatboxing skills.
Click to expand...

If you don't believe him watch this video...

[YOUTUBE]JAba9Mjoinw[/YOUTUBE]
 
FrkyBgStok said:
LMAO. Beatboxing gets you into heaven. But dubstep beatboxing places you at the right hand of God.

My arm is freaking killing me by the way.
Click to expand...
Ha yes! And don't forget dubstep beatboxing gives you the opportunity to talk with optimus prime and all the other transformers in their native language!
 
Here is some new images if anyone cares. No one I see day to day knows what it is. Can you nerds guess?

It is still a work in progress so the color obviously isn't perfect.
 

Attachments

very cool FBS. I like the juxtaposition of one arm being very angular in design and the other curved. It provides the impression of asymmetry that one poster mentioned.

Do you have an idea of which specialty you might want to pursue?
 
FrkyBgStok said:
Here is some new images if anyone cares. No one I see day to day knows what it is. Can you nerds guess?

It is still a work in progress so the color obviously isn't perfect.
Click to expand...
Neurons? Astrocytes?
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

OldManFutureDoc
Is getting ghosted a normal thing?
Replies
11
Views
2K
Ho0v-man
Ho0v-man
T
Need advice on getting final LOR
Replies
3
Views
881
camplakemn
C
B
  • Question Question
Should I even bother with submitting more LORs past the required amount?
Replies
2
Views
357
Goro
Goro
M
  • Locked
DO bias? is it real or is it more nuanced?
Replies
1
Views
2K
wysdoc
wysdoc
M
can you submit your primaries before getting your letters of recommendation?
Replies
11
Views
2K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
Top Bottom