Tattoo? Get it or Leave it.

[Riseupttc]

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Hey fellow Pre-Medical students! I would like your opinion about this tattoo I have wanted to get for the longest time. Let's start of by saying I'm a female undergrad who would like to go into trauma surgery at one time or another. This tattoo I am considering getting is an EKG on my right wrist in white ink (which will be near skin tone on me). It will be a EKG of a normal person's heartbeat with a tiny heart on the end. My inspiration for that tattoo is about protecting and saving lives. I am pro-life in every form and want the tattoo on my dominant wrist, which I will use to preform surgeries in the future. That tattoo (once healed) will resemble something like a 3D EKG that is the same color as my skin. What is everyone's thoughts on it? The only thing that is stopping me from getting it is my worry that it might effect my admission to medical school and my future as a doctor thereafter. Medicine is still as very conservative field. 😕

Thanks! 👍

 

[IrishDoc13]

I'm sure it depends on the particular school, but most likely most schools are very conservative when it comes to visible tattoos. The pre-med advisor at my undergrad school told us all to cover tattoos for a med school interview. There are plenty of great cosmetic products and tutorials online to learn how to do it. Other than that, I think it's a great idea for a tattoo... just be sure to cover it up for an interview. You wouldn't want to let that be what keeps you out.

 

[AdrianVeidt]

Get it if you want it, but you should be more open with career choices. You're still an undergrad, your desires could change when you see the allure of other medical fields.

 

[IncognitoGuy]

Sounds a bit premature with regard to your career aspirations - things can change.

Also, FWIW - white ink tattoos will yellow when exposed to sunlight frequently. If it's on your wrist, there's that consideration.

On the other hand, white ink tattoos are more subtle (unless it covers a huge portion of you), so it'll be easier to cover up.

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

A visible tattoo is never acceptable in a professional environment, especially if you're planning on going into a very conservative profession like medicine or business. Do yourself a favor and don't get it. One less thing to worry about. Also, you're only a pre-med, so you're really jumping the gun by getting a medicine tattoo. At least get into med school first.

 

[Winged Scapula]

As I see it there are two factors to contend with here.

The first is whether what seems cool now will remain so for the next 60+ years of your life. Many of us thought that getting a professionally related tattoo such as a caduceus or EKG would be a cool thing to do as a premed. During residency, fellowship, and now in practice, I more commonly see it derided as something only a premed student would do. But such are the follies of youth.

Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, as someone else notes above: tattoos in visible places are viewed as unprofessional. As a surgeon I can tell you that Surgery is a conservative field. While being female is no longer as much of a problem as It used to be, there are still expected rules of dress and behavior. Tattoos are not generally welcome especially those that are visible. If you still want one once you're in practice then get it then.

 

[AdrianVeidt]

As I see it there are two factors to contend with here.

The first is whether what seems cool now will remain so for the next 60+ years of your life. Many of us thought that getting a professionally related tattoo such as a caduceus or EKG would be a cool thing to do as a premed. During residency, fellowship, and now in practice, I more commonly see it derided as something only a premed student would do. But such are the follies of youth.

Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, as someone else notes above: tattoos in visible places are viewed as unprofessional. As a surgeon I can tell you that Surgery is a conservative field. While being female is no longer as much of a problem as It used to be, there are still expected rules of dress and behavior. Tattoos are not generally welcome especially those that are visible. If you still want one once you're in practice then get it then.

lmao i can't

 

[gyngyn]

If you still want one once you're in practice then get it then.

Agree.

 

[darklabel]

Hey fellow Pre-Medical students! I would like your opinion about this tattoo I have wanted to get for the longest time. Let's start of by saying I'm a female undergrad who would like to go into trauma surgery at one time or another. This tattoo I am considering getting is an EKG on my right wrist in white ink (which will be near skin tone on me). It will be a EKG of a normal person's heartbeat with a tiny heart on the end. My inspiration for that tattoo is about protecting and saving lives. I am pro-life in every form and want the tattoo on my dominant wrist, which I will use to preform surgeries in the future. That tattoo (once healed) will resemble something like a 3D EKG that is the same color as my skin. What is everyone's thoughts on it? The only thing that is stopping me from getting it is my worry that it might effect my admission to medical school and my future as a doctor thereafter. Medicine is still as very conservative field. 😕

Thanks! 👍

Relax, we're just pre-meds. If that is why you want to a tattoo then I'd wait until you're actually a surgeon. As said, your aspirations may change and it would be silly to keep a reminder of how you wanted to be a surgeon but changed your mind.

 

[Winged Scapula]

lmao i can't

Well I would be remiss in not pointing out the fact to her that being female doesn't come with some institutionalized sexism in surgery. It still exists.

You add that with the decision to have a visible tattoo and she's just making things harder for herself.

 

[Lil Mick]

One of the girls in my med school class has visible tattoos, and one of the students in my MSTP has a whole sleeve. Some schools might hate it; others may not care. I know the girl in my class has faced some of the derision from folks in the field, but I think women in general get that from time to time from attendings.

 

[touchpause13]

I would wait on it. I have 2 tats but I purposely made sure all of mine would be covered in interview attire. It may look cool but is it professional?

 

[Deadlifts]

Many hospitals still have a "no visible ink" policy and it's hard to predict if that will change. The elderly population you'll be dealing with as a physician is only growing in proportion and there tends to be a bias against tattoos in that population. Why limit your professional options?

Also, consider the logistics of a white tattoo in a high sun exposure skin area.

 

[Goro]

You know, there used to be a time where tatooes were a sign of rebellion; now they're a sign of conformity!

Personally, I'd get the tat AFTER getting my acceptance letter.

Hey fellow Pre-Medical students! I would like your opinion about this tattoo I have wanted to get for the longest time. Let's start of by saying I'm a female undergrad who would like to go into trauma surgery at one time or another. This tattoo I am considering getting is an EKG on my right wrist in white ink (which will be near skin tone on me). It will be a EKG of a normal person's heartbeat with a tiny heart on the end. My inspiration for that tattoo is about protecting and saving lives. I am pro-life in every form and want the tattoo on my dominant wrist, which I will use to preform surgeries in the future. That tattoo (once healed) will resemble something like a 3D EKG that is the same color as my skin. What is everyone's thoughts on it? The only thing that is stopping me from getting it is my worry that it might effect my admission to medical school and my future as a doctor thereafter. Medicine is still as very conservative field. 😕

Thanks! 👍

 

[NontradCA]

I wouldn't get it because you might change your mind about medicine. At least wait until you're sure that's where you're going to be. That being said I believe tattoos to be no longer an issue (especially small areas like a wrist). It takes me less than two minutes to cover up a tattoo with makeup (and I'm cosmetically inept) when I want to. Sleeves you can cover up with long sleeves.

 

[Riseupttc]

A visible tattoo is never acceptable in a professional environment, especially if you're planning on going into a very conservative profession like medicine or business. Do yourself a favor and don't get it. One less thing to worry about. Also, you're only a pre-med, so you're really jumping the gun by getting a medicine tattoo. At least get into med school first.

I would want the tattoo regardless of if I went to medical school or not. It symbolizes the fact I am pro-life.

 

[Riseupttc]

You know, there used to be a time where tatooes were a sign of rebellion; now they're a sign of conformity!

Personally, I'd get the tat AFTER getting my acceptance letter.

I am sorta thinking in those terms. I graduate in 2016.

 

[Doctor Bob]

I got two non-medical tattoos prior to going to medical school (but they are hidden by a short sleeve shirt.

Then when I finished my last medical school class I got a medical-themed tattoo.

Then when I finished residency I got another medical-themed tattoo.

But they're all hidden when I wear scrubs. Emergency medicine (and the military) is much less conservative about tattoos than other fields... but still, why make an issue of it.

 

[touchpause13]

I would want the tattoo regardless of if I went to medical school or not. It symbolizes the fact I am pro-life.

Not to like pressure you or anything but personal beliefs often change over time, would you still want this tattoo if you weren't pro life? To be fair I know a girl who has a coat hanger tattoo that I find equally silly.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I wouldn't get it because you might change your mind about medicine. At least wait until you're sure that's where you're going to be. That being said I believe tattoos to be no longer an issue (especially small areas like a wrist). It takes me less than two minutes to cover up a tattoo with makeup (and I'm cosmetically inept) when I want to. Sleeves you can cover up with long sleeves.

The OP wants to be a surgeon. Makeup and sleeves aren't allowed in the OR (notwithstanding the fact that the OP may very well change her mind about career aspirations).

You'd be mistaken if you think tattoos are "no longer an issue". As noted above, some hospitals have policies about them. Heck, one of my hospitals won't allow its medical staff to see patients in jeans, let alone visible tattoos.

 

[NontradCA]

The OP wants to be a surgeon. Makeup and sleeves aren't allowed in the OR (notwithstanding the fact that the OP may very well change her mind about career aspirations).

You'd be mistaken if you think tattoos are "no longer an issue". As noted above, some hospitals have policies about them. Heck, one of my hospitals won't allow its medical staff to see patients in jeans, let alone visible tattoos.

I missed the surgery part. But aside from the OR you can cover tattoos and hospitals won't even know you have them. I'm not sure what you mean by not seeing patients in jeans; I don't think I've ever seen a hospital worker in jeans before. Do you mean when they're walking in/out of the hospital?

 

[Gut Shot]

I would want the tattoo regardless of if I went to medical school or not. It symbolizes the fact I am pro-life.

It would be a shame to get confused with all the anti-lifers.

 

[tmn]

It would be a shame to get confused with all the anti-lifers.

+1 for the lulz

 

[freakingoutabit]

It would be a shame to get confused with all the anti-lifers.

Seriously, though, getting a pro-life tattoo is a fairly extreme way to express your political beliefs. If you don't go into medicine, do you really want to talk about being pro-life every time someone asks about the meaning of your tattoo? I appreciate that you feel strongly, but consider how much this could alienate others in your future professional life.

Imagine that someday you're interviewing me for a job, and I have a tattoo on my wrist that says "It's a woman's right." You ask about the meaning of the tattoo, and I say, "Oh! I got this because I'm pro-choice." Wouldn't that sway your opinion of me? Even if you tried to evaluate me fairly and neutrally, the fact that I was vocally pro-choice would be a subconscious mark against me because you feel very strongly that abortion is wrong. Do you want people to be similarly swayed against you?

If you do become a surgeon, I would avoid visible tattoos if only because surgical patients are scared and want to feel as confident as possible in their surgeon's hands. Although it's irrational to doubt a surgeon because of a wrist tattoo, that doesn't mean it wouldn't happen.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I missed the surgery part. But aside from the OR you can cover tattoos and hospitals won't even know you have them. I'm not sure what you mean by not seeing patients in jeans; I don't think I've ever seen a hospital worker in jeans before. Do you mean when they're walking in/out of the hospital?

No, I mean coming in to round on patients as a physician. Especially on the weekends, some like to treat it a bit more casual and come in jeans. This particular hospital has by-laws stipulate no jeans. I'm sure hospital employees have similar rules (although as you note, they aren't likely to do that).

 

[Winged Scapula]

NB: I missed the part about the OP wanting to get a tattoo which espouses a particular religious/political belief.

That's really a mistake with a visible tattoo.

Besides potential alienation of patients, when considering that most physicians are pro-choice, you are likely to alienate supervisors or potential employers. It is best to keep overt expressions of such beliefs private, IMHO.

 

[NontradCA]

No, I mean coming in to round on patients as a physician. Especially on the weekends, some like to treat it a bit more casual and come in jeans. This particular hospital has by-laws stipulate no jeans. I'm sure hospital employees have similar rules (although as you note, they aren't likely to do that).

I didn't know that. Then again I was in the military and no one is allowed to wear jeans as a work uniform. It'd be funny to see them try 😀. Also, I didn't know surgeons couldn't wear makeup of all kinds. I thought it was just things that could flake and nail polish. I've seen OB GYNs wear makeup, but never saw any female surgeons in other fields period. Guess I need more exposure.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I didn't know that. Then again I was in the military and no one is allowed to wear jeans as a work uniform. It'd be funny to see them try 😀. Also, I didn't know surgeons couldn't wear makeup of all kinds. I thought it was just things that could flake and nail polish. I've seen OB GYNs wear makeup, but never saw any female surgeons in other fields period. Guess I need more exposure.

Huh?

I wear makeup of all kinds (except nail polish on my fingers and lipstick because I dislike it) every day in the OR: mascara, eyeshadow, etc. Where did you hear that surgeons couldn't wear makeup? Its not against any by-laws that I've ever seen. Its pretty common - I'm often commenting on a scrub nurse's or anesthesiologist's eye shadow.

One of our hospitals has rules against OR staff wearing dangly earrings but they don't enforce it with the female surgeons (since we bring them business).

The eye makeup, earrings and patterned socks are my only chance to look cute on OR days. 😛

 

[freakingoutabit]

I didn't know that. Then again I was in the military and no one is allowed to wear jeans as a work uniform. It'd be funny to see them try 😀. Also, I didn't know surgeons couldn't wear makeup of all kinds. I thought it was just things that could flake and nail polish. I've seen OB GYNs wear makeup, but never saw any female surgeons in other fields period. Guess I need more exposure.

WS wasn't saying that surgeons couldn't wear makeup at all, but that the OP wouldn't be able to cover her wrist tattoo with makeup. Think about the way that surgeons wash their hands and arms before surgery.

 

[touchpause13]

It would be a shame to get confused with all the anti-lifers.

Trololol

 

[Winged Scapula]

WS wasn't saying that surgeons couldn't wear makeup at all, but that the OP wouldn't be able to cover her wrist tattoo with makeup. Think about the way that surgeons wash their hands and arms before surgery.

That misunderstanding makes sense (yes, that's what I was talking about).

 

[NontradCA]

Huh?

I wear makeup of all kinds (except nail polish on my fingers and lipstick because I dislike it) every day in the OR: mascara, eyeshadow, etc. Where did you hear that surgeons couldn't wear makeup? Its not against any by-laws that I've ever seen. Its pretty common - I'm often commenting on a scrub nurse's or anesthesiologist's eye shadow.

One of our hospitals has rules against OR staff wearing dangly earrings but they don't enforce it with the female surgeons (since we bring them business).

The eye makeup, earrings and patterned socks are my only chance to look cute on OR days. 😛

Pics? 😉

You said above that makeup wasn't allowed in the OR. I'm not sure what meant.

 

[NontradCA]

That misunderstanding makes sense (yes, that's what I was talking about).

Oh ok. But in that case the person is putting on a gown + gloves to cover it up. I guess coworkers are gonna find out you have the tattoo, which is probably the case in any field. You'd judge for a wrist tattoo you saw only when the person was scrubbing in/out?

 

[Winged Scapula]

Pics? 😉

There are plenty of pictures of me around here, including one on my profile.

You said above that makeup wasn't allowed in the OR. I'm not sure what meant.

I was referring to putting makeup on the wrist to cover a tattoo.

Oh ok. But in that case the person is putting on a gown + gloves to cover it up. I guess coworkers are gonna find out you have the tattoo, which is probably the case in any field. You'd judge for a wrist tattoo you saw only when the person was scrubbing in/out?

You aren't just seeing the tattoo when scrubbing in/out. It will be seen before, between and after cases by the entire OR staff, the patients, families etc. It will be seen in the office by co-workers and patients.

I wouldn't characterize this as "judging" someone. The presumed benefit of having attendings and residents post here in the Pre-Med forums is to answer questions and clarify things. I realize tattoos have become more common in the general public but that doesn't mean that visible tattoos are accepted in a white collar profession. The ED does tend to be more accepting of these things than Surgery or other medical specialties.

We all know someone with a lip piercing, purple hair or a visible tattoo. That doesn't mean that they didn't face some discrimination or negative side glances from patients and colleagues, as well as potential employers. Its not just "old people" that find tattoos objectionable. There is an association with SES as well. The OP can't count on that changing (especially if considering a politically charged tattoo).

 

[NontradCA]

There are plenty of pictures of me around here, including one on my profile.



I was referring to putting makeup on the wrist to cover a tattoo.



You aren't just seeing the tattoo when scrubbing in/out. It will be seen before, between and after cases by the entire OR staff, the patients, families etc. It will be seen in the office by co-workers and patients.

I wouldn't characterize this as "judging" someone. The presumed benefit of having attendings and residents post here in the Pre-Med forums is to answer questions and clarify things. I realize tattoos have become more common in the general public but that doesn't mean that visible tattoos are accepted in a white collar profession. The ED does tend to be more accepting of these things than Surgery or other medical specialties.

We all know someone with a lip piercing, purple hair or a visible tattoo. That doesn't mean that they didn't face some discrimination or negative side glances from patients and colleagues, as well as potential employers. Its not just "old people" that find tattoos objectionable. There is an association with SES as well. The OP can't count on that changing (especially if considering a politically charged tattoo).

Was kidding on pic, I would just google you for that if I was inclined. But ya, I'm not saying a visible tattoo is accepted in any profession. Most artists will warn people about being judged before putting the ink on them. Unfortunately people don't care about consequences in terms of years later. I'm just saying that it's possible to cover tattoos up and not have people see them, although they'd find it eventually.

Some people will have a problem with a tattoo, others won't, but it's a personal choice; and not one that I find will bar someone from an entire profession- it will just make it more difficult. Its always good advice to tell someone to take the path of least resistance, so i get your point. Also if what you're saying about attendings on here giving perspective is true, EM is very unfriendly with tattoos.

 

[Winged Scapula]

EM is very unfriendly with tattoos.

NAEMP but: that would be counter to conventional wisdom, as tattoos are fairly common in the ED. As a matter of fact, several medical student comics tend to show the ED attending as having a tribal biceps tattoo. Several EM residents have posted the same.

So in comparison to other specialties, I'd venture EM is more friendly, but less so than other specialties.

 

[Disinence2]

Except people to mock you incessantly for the right of your life,

If your gonna get ink, make it count.

 

[Leoz M Jiliums]

.

 

[AdrianVeidt]

Not to like pressure you or anything but personal beliefs often change over time, would you still want this tattoo if you weren't pro life? To be fair I know a girl who has a coat hanger tattoo that I find equally silly.

Wonder if she cares about what you find silly.

 

[touchpause13]

Wonder if she cares about what you find silly.

Probably not

Im sure there are people who find my tattoos silly.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Are tattoos really that big of a deal? What about cultural tattoos like T moko? My sister and I have tattoos like this:

I've worked as a nurse and I've rarely had issues about it.

Edit: Just wanted to add that I'm Maori, and these tattoos were for spiritual and cultural reasons

I'd venture that the expectations for a nurse or other allied health care worker are different than they are for a physician.

Tattoos done for cultural reasons may be different but given the lack of knowledge about the Maori amongst the average American, I would expect a lot of confusion about that particular type of tattoo.

 

[tco]

I'd venture that the expectations for a nurse or other allied health care worker are different than they are for a physician.

Tattoos done for cultural reasons may be different but given the lack of knowledge about the Maori amongst the average American, I would expect a lot of confusion about that particular type of tattoo.

When I scrolled down and saw the picture, I thought someone was trying to be sarcastic in saying, "Is this an okay tattoo to have?" You're definitely going to get some weird, "This person is a Mike Tyson wannabee" looks as a physician with a tattoo like that because no one knows what or who the Maori are...That is, unless you're practicing in an area with a large Maori population...

Let's get one thing straight..I love tattoos. I think they're usually beautiful and reflect individuality. However, when I see them on medical students and physicians, I have to think, "What were they thinking when they got this..?"

Humans judge each other harshly on first impressions. Medical students and residents are trained to try to avoid those impressions (but you usually end up making new judgments based on experience). Tattoos make a certain impression, especially in the elderly population, and I don't think it's the type of impression you want to make.

Short answer - Don't get it.

 

[tiedyeddog]

Put it in a place covered by scrubs.

I plan on getting two once I get closer to my medical school graduation, both will be covered by scrubs.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

I think everyone's missing the big picture here - OP that's a lame tattoo

 

[Gut Shot]

I think everyone's missing the big picture here - OP that's a lame tattoo

As general rule it is unwise to ink upon one's body a sentiment that is normally reserved for bumper stickers.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I think everyone's missing the big picture here - OP that's a lame tattoo

I think I addressed that in my first post. 😉

 

[487806]

As general rule it is unwise to ink upon one's body a sentiment that is normally reserved for bumper stickers.

Truer words that can never be better spoken.

 

[Doctor Bob]

EM is very unfriendly with tattoos.

Wha?

I'd disagree with that statement.

 

[wonderdog]

Just don't do it. You're a Pre med yes? You might become a neurosurgeon...or an internist. Surgeons can't have makeup on or bandages etc. Internists can kind of hide it with a whitecoat. Either way, you don't really know at this point, and they are not really looked highly upon in the field of medicine. Save the money - or do something fun instead.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Wha?

I'd disagree with that statement.

Seriously.