piercings and tattoos

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ckurtzzz

ckurtzzz

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What are people's opinions about tattoos and unusual piercings in vet school or when practicing medicine? I know a vet with a couple unusual piercings, but what is the general the general industry think about them?

I have 4 lobe piercings, a helix, an industrial, and a nose piercing, and a tattoo on my leg, for anyone who wants to swap needle stories
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I would assume you are referring to the big box at the top of the screen that says "search?"

I did indeed use that. I found a post from 6 years ago, and things change in that amount of time. I also see that there are very few responses, and while some are in fact from this year, they are from March. It is my experience that if a post has been dead for months it is allowed, if not encouraged, to just make a new one. There are also several posts in pre-med allopathic but quite frankly I do not believe they are relevant.

Furthermore, you could have been a little more polite and maybe not, albeit sarcastically, associated my decision to have body mods with a below-average intelligence.
 
ckurtzzz said:
I would assume you are referring to the big box at the top of the screen that says "search?"

I did indeed use that. I found a post from 6 years ago, and things change in that amount of time. I also see that there are very few responses, and while some are in fact from this year, they are from March. It is my experience that if a post has been dead for months it is allowed, if not encouraged, to just make a new one. There are also several posts in pre-med allopathic but quite frankly I do not believe they are relevant.

Furthermore, you could have been a little more polite and maybe not, albeit sarcastically, associated my decision to have body mods with a below-average intelligence.
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Actually, using that search the first thread that pops up is this one: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/visible-tattoos.1100941/ (which was just created in September).

In that thread is a link to this thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/tattoos.1020604/ which was created in 2013 with the last post in there from August of this year.


We suggest using search because there are often numerous threads on a topic and it clogs the forum to keep creating more threads on the same topic every year when you can just continue the discussion on a previously created thread.
 
So that this may become a learning moment, would you mind telling me what queries you are entering to get these results? Because I get nothing but the aforementioned posts.

I see the reasoning behind just continuing older posts. But I've never seen it before on any forum I've ever participated in. In fact, I've gotten plenty of "butt-hurt" from reviving posts that haven't been active for a couple of weeks.
 
ckurtzzz said:
So that this may become a learning moment, would you mind telling me what queries you are entering to get these results? Because I get nothing but the aforementioned posts.

I see the reasoning behind just continuing older posts. But I've never seen it before on any forum I've ever participated in. In fact, I've gotten plenty of "butt-hurt" from reviving posts that haven't been active for a couple of weeks.
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The search function can be a bit finicky sometimes, so you might have to phrase your query a different way to get the results you want. It also helps to click "This forum only," if you are searching for vet med stuff, and you can play with the "Search titles only" to see if you get better results or not.

The general consensus here seems to be (or at least in my opinion), that it would be better to necro-bump a thread than to create a new one, due to forum clutter.
 
ckurtzzz said:
So that this may become a learning moment, would you mind telling me what queries you are entering to get these results? Because I get nothing but the aforementioned posts.

I see the reasoning behind just continuing older posts. But I've never seen it before on any forum I've ever participated in. In fact, I've gotten plenty of "butt-hurt" from reviving posts that haven't been active for a couple of weeks.
Click to expand...

Click the search box and then pick "more" - then you can pick to search only in the pre-veterinary forum, since we don't care about dental school, etc.

Then choose titles only to find whole threads, or leave that unchecked to search for specific posts.

I searched for 'tattoo' then for 'piercing' separately.
 
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Ashgirl said:
The search function can be a bit finicky sometimes, so you might have to phrase your query a different way to get the results you want. It also helps to click "This forum only," if you are searching for vet med stuff, and you can play with the "Search titles only" to see if you get better results or not.

The general consensus here seems to be (or at least in my opinion), that it would be better to necro-bump a thread than to create a new one, due to forum clutter.
Click to expand...

haha it would appear so. "necro-bump" is that a technical term?

Yeah there was a post about the Princess Bride that came up... I was rather confused.

will clicking "this forum only" allow results from the regular veterinary forum? I left it unclicked so both would show up
 
ckurtzzz said:
haha it would appear so. "necro-bump" is that a technical term?

Yeah there was a post about the Princess Bride that came up... I was rather confused.

will clicking "this forum only" allow results from the regular veterinary forum? I left it unclicked so both would show up
Click to expand...
Necro-bump is totally a technical term (as is zombie thread)...😛 though I'm not sure how old the thread would have to be considered a necro-bump. A year or two maybe?

"This forum only" will just include the forum you searched it in. So if you are in pre-vet, it will only include pre-vet results. Same if you search in the veterinary forum (which is less populated than pre-vet by a long shot). If you leave it unclicked, you can get results from any forum (so pre-allo, dental, etc.) on sdn.
 
...I think I need to be a member of a beta fish forum.

To answer the question, everyone's opinion is different. As long as your piercings aren't going to get caught on something and rip part of your face, you should be good. As long as you don't have bad words or devil worship stuff visible, you'll probably be fine. Expect most little old ladies to consider you the spawn of satan regardless.
 
ckurtzzz said:
So that this may become a learning moment, would you mind telling me what queries you are entering to get these results? Because I get nothing but the aforementioned posts.

I see the reasoning behind just continuing older posts. But I've never seen it before on any forum I've ever participated in. In fact, I've gotten plenty of "butt-hurt" from reviving posts that haven't been active for a couple of weeks.
Click to expand...
We'd rather have you revive a dead thread and ask your questions there (or even have your questions answered without posting) than make a new thread. Most of this topic has been beaten to death before. If you just bump an old thread to bump one, you may get some grumpiness, too.
 
In terms of body mods/hair shyte, I've had/have

gauges (currently 9/16')
vertical labret
multiple cartilage
double nostril
10g septum
dreadlocks
bleached buzzcut
bright purple bob


Right now I'm sporting pretty lapis lazuli plugs, small nosering, and a skrillex-style pastel pink hair. I still have my septum but I don't wear it at work. I've been slowly toning things down the farther up in the ranks I go. I contrast it by always dressing very professionally whenever I am with students or clients (long skirts, suits, etc), braiding my hair back, etc. Then again, I'm in pathology. Probably not the best benchmark of conservatism as we all tend to be a tad funky.

If you are going into general practice, most if not all of the above will be a no-go. Sucks to say, but that how it goes. People will judge you. I know we all like to say that people shouldn't judge you on appearance but on skill. Problem is, that's not how it works in the real world. Yet.
 
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Where do you draw the line between art and wanting attention?
 
K9Mechanic said:
Where do you draw the line between art and wanting attention?
Click to expand...

Do you want to come out and say what you are actually thinking, or just make semi-snide comments? Because if we are talking about behaving like an adult, the former is more indicative of such.
 
allykd said:
Does anyone have a daith piercing? I'm wondering how it might interfere with stethoscope use. I'd be getting it done on the same side as my (already healed) tragus.

Edit: Yikes, I just realized that this thread was all about not using the search function and not actually about piercings. But whatever, at least I used the search function to find it? Sorrrrrry.
Click to expand...

I have a daith. When I got it I had a curved barbell in. It was a little tricky at first (when it was still painful and healing) to use a stethoscope. It's not too bad though. Just shove the barbell upwards and you can get it in. Not too uncomfortable. Right now I have one of those heart piercings in (not really a fan of it). I haven't used my stethoscope with it but I'd imagine it actually be easier. My friend put it in wrong for me but it works better because I can fold it back against my ear. Probably be pretty hard with a CBR.

It may be harder if you have it on the same side as your tragus. One of my friends has a tragus and it gets in the way of her stethoscope a bit. Trying to work around two piercings may be difficult. Having said that, I absolutely love my daith. It looks cool but it's pretty hidden so I've never had to worry about looking unprofessional (my mom's biggest concern about my piercings). My only problem with it is I need someone else to change my jewelry for me as I can't see either hole. The one time I put my jewelry in myself (stupid heart one fell out somehow) I ended up making myself bleed.
 
WhtsThFrequency said:
Do you want to come out and say what you are actually thinking, or just make semi-snide comments? Because if we are talking about behaving like an adult, the former is more indicative of such.
Click to expand...

What am I actually thinking?
 
Looks like snide comments is going to win.



I know for sure that when I was getting my tattoo my first thought was, "This is going to get me ALL the attention!" (Ignore the fact that I am an extreme introvert who hates attention and just really liked the tattoo design I had picked out and was excited to get something that I enjoyed).
 
I know a vet with a large tattoo on her forearm and she often gets compliments on it at work - but usually her white coat covers it.
 
I have lobes, a helix and a nostril and planning on adding an industrial, plus unnaturally red hair. Sometimes I wear a stud in the nostril and sometimes a ring. Two of our techs have neck and forearm tattoos. Another doctor has a tragus among others piercings. No overt facial piercings like eyebrows or lips though. Either way there's been no complaints
 
A small tasteful tat is ok.
Put your piercings away during at work unless the community is full of pierced and tatted up people.
 
Very variable - variable with where you work (geographically, and clinic culture) and the age/culture of the person hiring. Having multiple and/or atypical piercings, and visible tats will probably narrow your options for employment -- how narrow (or how much it matters to you) is also variable 😉


(Remember, today's "little old lady" of 70 was in her 20s during the Woodstock age and will know all about body art.)
 
wheelin2vetmed said:
I've got a sleeve. If people want to judge me for it, they can go right ahead.
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Can I please be you? I've wanted to get a sleeve for the longest time but I always worry if it'll affect my professional life.
 
Felixor90 said:
Can I please be you? I've wanted to get a sleeve for the longest time but I always worry if it'll affect my professional life.
Click to expand...
I know a zoo vet who works for a very strict company (regarding appearance) who is literally covered in tattoos. All you gotta do is wear long sleeves and pants, and you're golden.
 
Felixor90 said:
Can I please be you? I've wanted to get a sleeve for the longest time but I always worry if it'll affect my professional life.
Click to expand...

I'm the " Dude in a wheelchair with the sleeve tattoo and the cute service dog." Let's just say I cant blend in anywhere anymore.

Absolutely, I'm 100% down to trade my sleeve for your working spinal cord and legs. Fair, yes? 😛
 
wheelin2vetmed said:
I'm the " Dude in a wheelchair with the sleeve tattoo and the cute service dog." Let's just say I cant blend in anywhere anymore.

Absolutely, I'm 100% down to trade my sleeve for your working spinal cord and legs. Fair, yes? 😛
Click to expand...

Can I keep the dog?
 
Felixor90 said:
Can I keep the dog?
Click to expand...

Now you're pushing it. We can call it "joint custody" but you get him for just an hour a day.

In all seriousness, I was working in the skydiving industry before, where tattoos are beyond commonplace. If you don't have tattoos, people are amazed.

I didn't plan a change of career, but here I am. Maybe my tats will affect my future employment, but there's no point in dwelling on it, and I'll cross that bridge if/when I reach it. If you can cover them up, it's a non-issue.

So far, to me it seems that vet med has a more "chill" vibe than human medicine, and having tattoos isn't as big of a deal.
 
wheelin2vetmed said:
I've got a sleeve. If people want to judge me for it, they can go right ahead.
Click to expand...

As long as you're willing to accept the consequences, then that's great. As a new grad, it will limit you're potential for being hired (more in some places, little in others) - but some people don't care about that. As long as those making the choice (to get a sleeve or an atypical piercing, or dye their hair an unnatural colour) know the potential consequences of their action, they're able to make informed decisions.

It's not about right or wrong, but about making informed decisions.
 
CalliopeDVM said:
As long as you're willing to accept the consequences, then that's great. As a new grad, it will limit you're potential for being hired (more in some places, little in others) - but some people don't care about that. As long as those making the choice (to get a sleeve or an atypical piercing, or dye their hair an unnatural colour) know the potential consequences of their action, they're able to make informed decisions.

It's not about right or wrong, but about making informed decisions.
Click to expand...

Agreed. Think before you ink!

In my case though, I was tattooed long before the prospect of becoming a vet and entering a truly "professional" career resurfaced. So in my situation, there's nothing I can do, realistically. Therefore, at this time there's no point in stressing about its effects on my future. Just like my disability funnels me into certain areas of vet med, my tattoos may as well. I'll test the waters and see what happens, but I don't see being tattooed as a huge obstacle to every job opportunity.

Just don't tattoo your face.
 
Because I am severely procrastinating today: How do you guys feel about makeup, especially those with hiring authority? I know that's a pretty vague question...

Context: At my old job, my practice manager accepted and then trashed a girl's resume because "she was wearing too much makeup."

I'm not talking black eyeshadow and lipstick...that's obviously a little over the top. Would you hesitate to hire a woman who appeared to wear a lot of makeup? It's an easy fix, but definitely can contribute to first impressions just like a tattoo or piercing would.
 
pinkpuppy9 said:
Because I am severely procrastinating today: How do you guys feel about makeup, especially those with hiring authority? I know that's a pretty vague question...

Context: At my old job, my practice manager accepted and then trashed a girl's resume because "she was wearing too much makeup."

I'm not talking black eyeshadow and lipstick...that's obviously a little over the top. Would you hesitate to hire a woman who appeared to wear a lot of makeup? It's an easy fix, but definitely can contribute to first impressions just like a tattoo or piercing would.
Click to expand...

How much makeup is "a lot"? Bizarre colors? How was it applied? Neatly? Not so neatly? Does it look tacky?

It will definitely contribute to first impressions. I think making a hospital wide attire policy is probably best for tackling all aspects of tattoos/piercings/makeup/hair/etc. I am not saying everyone needs to look the same but something general like: Provocative tattoos need to be covered while at work. Piercings are acceptable but they need to be small and not at risk of being caught on something and causing injury. Makeup needs to be non-distracting. Hair needs to be of a professional appearance or pulled up . No revealing clothing (most places will have people in scrubs, but I know some people that can make even scrubs "revealing").

In a perfect world, these things wouldn't matter, but we don't live in a perfect world. And while I personally don't care if you have your entire left arm tattooed, like to wear black or rainbow-colored make-up and have neon-green hair, some of my clients will and they are the ones paying the bills and I do need them to come back and feel comfortable at the clinic.
 
DVMDream said:
How much makeup is "a lot"? Bizarre colors? How was it applied? Neatly? Not so neatly? Does it look tacky?

It will definitely contribute to first impressions. I think making a hospital wide attire policy is probably best for tackling all aspects of tattoos/piercings/makeup/hair/etc. I am not saying everyone needs to look the same but something general like: Provocative tattoos need to be covered while at work. Piercings are acceptable but they need to be small and not at risk of being caught on something and causing injury. Makeup needs to be non-distracting. Hair needs to be of a professional appearance or pulled up . No revealing clothing (most places will have people in scrubs, but I know some people that can make even scrubs "revealing").

In a perfect world, these things wouldn't matter, but we don't live in a perfect world. And while I personally don't care if you have your entire left arm tattooed, like to wear black or rainbow-colored make-up and have neon-green hair, some of my clients will and they are the ones paying the bills and I do need them to come back and feel comfortable at the clinic.
Click to expand...
To me, it was nothing crazy. Natural colors. You could tell she had a full face on, but I also choose not to leave my house without at least a little bit of makeup so I could be biased. What's acceptable to me clearly isn't for others. The funny thing is that the doctor at that clinic wore extremely bright and dated makeup daily, but that's a little off topic, lol.

Don't even get me started on scrub bottom crack :vomit:

It just makes you wonder how others perceive what you consider your own "natural looking makeup." I've worked in a clinic where you were perceived as high maintenance if you wore makeup. I've worked at another where it was expected as part of being 'well groomed.'
 
On the discussion of makeup, do any of you suggest wearing makeup for interviews and such? I don't wear any makeup whatsoever. I only wore it for horse shows and school dances in high school.
 
batsenecal said:
On the discussion of makeup, do any of you suggest wearing makeup for interviews and such? I don't wear any makeup whatsoever. I only wore it for horse shows and school dances in high school.
Click to expand...
I think minimal makeup can do wonders for making you look brighter and more awake. It also helps my personal confidence level. However, if you don't wear makeup, I don't see why you should feel the need to wear it for an interview. It's a special occasion for sure, but if someone's judging you off of what makeup you don't wear, then I think we have a bigger issue on our hands.
 
pinkpuppy9 said:
I think minimal makeup can do wonders for making you look brighter and more awake. It also helps my personal confidence level. However, if you don't wear makeup, I don't see why you should feel the need to wear it for an interview. It's a special occasion for sure, but if someone's judging you off of what makeup you don't wear, then I think we have a bigger issue on our hands.
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I was concerned I wouldn't look professional enough by not wearing any. I would certainly feel more comfortable not wearing makeup. I would be worried about smearing it all over my face. lol.
 
batsenecal said:
I was concerned I wouldn't look professional enough by not wearing any. I would certainly feel more comfortable not wearing makeup. I would be worried about smearing it all over my face. lol.
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I personally don't base someone's competence/professionalism off of cosmetic usage, but I'm sure there are individuals out there who might. It goes for the opposite, too. Some people might think I must have my head in the clouds because I wear foundation, eyeliner, mascara, and brow pencil before I leave the house (and that's happened to me before at one of my jobs). Makeup is a very personal thing for women, as is the choice not to wear any.
 
I typically wear makeup for interviews of any kind, but I also typically wear at least a little makeup in general because I like it. As far as interviews and such, I feel a little more professional with it. But I also have a hair texture that isn't typically considered "professional" and I don't bother to change that so it's really what you are the most comfortable and confident with (within reason). If the makeup would distract you and make you uncomfortable then that's really defeating the purpose, so you should be fine not wearing any.
 
WildZoo said:
I typically wear makeup for interviews of any kind, but I also typically wear at least a little makeup in general because I like it. As far as interviews and such, I feel a little more professional with it. But I also have a hair texture that isn't typically considered "professional" and I don't bother to change that so it's really what you are the most comfortable and confident with (within reason). If the makeup would distract you and make you uncomfortable then that's really defeating the purpose, so you should be fine not wearing any.
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Don't even get me started on hair. I literally cannot brush my hair once it's dry. I have broken many a brush that way.
 
batsenecal said:
On the discussion of makeup, do any of you suggest wearing makeup for interviews and such? I don't wear any makeup whatsoever. I only wore it for horse shows and school dances in high school.
Click to expand...
I use make-up about as frequently as you do, and I wore some to my interview. I don't think that means you're required to, though. I don't think veterinary medicine is a sort of field where you'll encounter a lot of people who will judge you for wearing no make-up at all, as long as you're well-groomed otherwise.

But, if you want to wear make-up, you can be as subdued as you'd like. If you're worried about smearing (like I was), just stick to stuff that's easily fixed/quick to apply, that way you can do a quick check in the bathroom mirror ~15 minutes prior to your interview and fix up anything that might be out of place.
 
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