Professional vs Non-Professional Name

[Vyzzle]

Evenin' fellas

I was curious how you guys go about introducing yourself professionally, and in what environments during medical school it would be appropriate/inappropriate to use a "nickname."

By this I mean the difference between Dan and Danny, John and Johnny, William and Bill. In my case I've only ever been called and am incredibly used to my "nickname." It helps by the fact that my middle initial works out sound wise [Ex: Joan E Smith = Joanie Smith].

While on the topic of professionalism, my gmail is [email protected], because every variation otherwise without numbers is taken and I despise numbers. Is this considered unprofessional?

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[acapnial]

Evenin' fellas

I was curious how you guys go about introducing yourself professionally, and in what environments during medical school it would be appropriate/inappropriate to use a "nickname."

By this I mean the difference between Dan and Danny, John and Johnny, William and Bill. In my case I've only ever been called and am incredibly used to my "nickname." It helps by the fact that my middle initial works out sound wise [Ex: Joan E Smith = Joanie Smith].

While on the topic of professionalism, my gmail is [email protected], because every variation otherwise without numbers is taken and I despise numbers. Is this considered unprofessional?

Nicknames are fine. My residency program encouraged us to give them our nicknames if we went by any. As long as your nickname isn't "psycho" or something I think you're ok.

 

[sazerac]

I used nickname among students (I have a common name and it gets confusing when there are three 'sazeracs' in the room), and real name with all patients / doctors / basically all 3rd and 4th year. Students still call me by nickname.

Personal email is nickname too.

 

[Vyzzle]

I used nickname among students (I have a common name and it gets confusing when there are three 'sazeracs' in the room), and real name with all patients / doctors / basically all 3rd and 4th year. Students still call me by nickname.

Personal email is nickname too.

Yeah I was figuring M3-M4 I should probably definitely use my real name with patients, and with the doctors unless they give the impression it's okay otherwise.

Glad to hear about the e-mail, because if I had to resort to numbers so help me this isn't 2001.

 

[gcuddles]

I grew up going by my middle name, tried to switch to my first name during my gap years but I didn't like it, so I went back to my middle name for medical school. Now that M3/4 is looming on the horizon, I wonder how much of a hassle it will be to keep going by my middle name? Anyone have any insight into this?

 

[Smurfette]

I've always gone by a nickname (shortened version of my formal name) and never even thought about it; lots of people do, including some "famous names" and department chairs out there. I remember the chair of surgery at my med school had a nickname that was completely out of left field compared to his formal name, and it was a non-issue.

It's not that much of a hassle to go by your middle name. Just tell people "I go by my middle name, _____.". It'll be fine. You can also ask if they will put it on your hospital badge (or first initial followed by middle name); the worst they can say is no.

 

[Chillbo Baggins]

I grew up going by my middle name, tried to switch to my first name during my gap years but I didn't like it, so I went back to my middle name for medical school. Now that M3/4 is looming on the horizon, I wonder how much of a hassle it will be to keep going by my middle name? Anyone have any insight into this?

Several people in my class go by nicknames/middle names, even in 3rd year. A lot of the time I wouldn't even know except sometimes you seem them on email or schedule lists by their given names. I don't think it has been an issue for any of them. It's more of an issue to switch your last name!

 

[jm192]

I think if you're debating between Dan and Danny, you're thinking too hard.

If you're debating between Dan and Dan the man, you're not thinking enough.

 

[Psai]

If you want to call yourself Red Duke you better look like this
Otherwise who cares