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[ucsdpirate]

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In a year I am going to apply to med school and I am wondering if I should continue a tattoo down my arm? And I am not even talking about half or full sleeves either; just a little ink showing below a short sleeve shirt. I work in ER and a young resident came in with some tats and recieved some looks of disbelief. What do you guys think? 👍 👎
peace. The pirate

 

[BigBoyOrtho]

what'r you getting?

 

[ucsdpirate]

Pretty large Icarus scene up my back and left shoulder, and possibly down my arm.

 

[Haemulon]

Only because you asked for an opinion, i'd say booo 👎

Visible tats don't really fit the role of a physician. Just my opinion though, to each his own.

 

[kevster2001]

unless you're planning on interviewing in a t-shirt i dont see how this is even remotely a problem

 

[Haemulon]

unless you're planning on interviewing in a t-shirt i dont see how this is even remotely a problem

True enough for the interview, but I thought he was referring to later on when wearing scrubs is common. But then again, how about a nice tattoo on the face, like Mike Tyson's? You could see that during the interview 😉 Nothing says "i'm a medical professional" like a tough guy with a face tatoo screaming "i'm gonna eat your babies".

 

[DoctorFunk]

Worst case scenario you have to wear long sleeves under scrubs for the rest of your career, depending on how far down the arm you go. As long as you can cover it up and still look professional, I'd say go for it.

 

[Anastasis]

Worst case scenario you have to wear long sleeves under scrubs for the rest of your career, depending on how far down the arm you go. As long as you can cover it up and still look professional, I'd say go for it.

I was planning on getting a tat on the inside of my wrist... not a good idea?

 

[DoctorFunk]

I was planning on getting a tat on the inside of my wrist... not a good idea?

I would probably sketch out the tat on your wrist and put on some of your dress clothes to see if the sleeves cover the ink. If not, I would probably consider changing the location of the tattoo. You never know when the residency you want to get into (or the med school you are going to attend) is going to have some nutjob old-school doc that thinks everyone with a tattoo is a member of Hell's Angels.

Hopefully as tattoos become more prevalent, society as a whole will become more accepting. Right now, there is still the notion that many patients will not trust doctors with visible tattoos or unusual piercings.

As a result, I'm still trying to decide if I should get my first tattoo.

 

[TheRealDrDorian]

No comment.

 

[kevster2001]

I plan on getting a tat on my upper back upon med school admittance.

Something to remember such an accomplishment.

I definitely wouldn't want it to be visible though. Patients are going to definitely judge. It's sad, but true.

will that be your first tattoo?

 

[DoctorFunk]

I plan on getting a tat on my upper back upon med school admittance.

Something to remember such an accomplishment.

I definitely wouldn't want it to be visible though. Patients are going to definitely judge. It's sad, but true.

Nice avatar, btw. 😎

 

[Trismegistus4]

I would probably sketch out the tat on your wrist and put on some of your dress clothes to see if the sleeves cover the ink. If not, I would probably consider changing the location of the tattoo. You never know when the residency you want to get into (or the med school you are going to attend) is going to have some nutjob old-school doc that thinks everyone with a tattoo is a member of Hell's Angels.

Hopefully as tattoos become more prevalent, society as a whole will become more accepting. Right now, there is still the notion that many patients will not trust doctors with visible tattoos or unusual piercings.

No, hopefully society will return to its senses and no one will trust doctors with visible tattoos or unusual piercings.

Ah, I can't wait to become a nutjob old-school doc and reject people for having tattoos.

 

[Haemulon]

Hopefully as tattoos become more prevalent, society as a whole will become more accepting.

Are you serious? We are in the middle of the tattoo boom now. Tons of people have them. I really doubt it can get but so much more prevalent. I actually like them, depending on the person and the placement. But I seriously doubt that they will ever be considered mainstream for physicians to proudly display for all to see. You don't see many corporate executives or lawyers working with visible tattoos do you? Why would it be more professional for doctors to have them?

 

[kdburton]

In a year I am going to apply to med school and I am wondering if I should continue a tattoo down my arm? And I am not even talking about half or full sleeves either; just a little ink showing below a short sleeve shirt. I work in ER and a young resident came in with some tats and recieved some looks of disbelief. What do you guys think? 👍 👎
peace. The pirate

Once you get into med school it wont matter anyways... Sure there will be some people who, if they even saw it, may give you some funny looks, but for the most part if you act professional it wont matter. Theres an ER doc at the hospital I work at who has long hair (past his shoulders), wears biker stuff into work, has tats, etc., but hes also probably the most professional acting and confident ones there. Everyone has a lot of respect. So the only reason it would probably make a difference for you is if you would be willing and able to deal with some patients maybe giving you funny looks down the line. I say go for the tatoo if you really want it.

 

[DoctorFunk]

You don't see many corporate executives or lawyers working with visible tattoos do you? Why would it be more professional for doctors to have them?

I think you're mistaking "acceptable" with "professional" here. At the moment, our culture finds it unacceptable for people in professional fields to display tattoos, whether they are offensive or simply innocuous body art. I would argue that whether you have ink or not is completely irrelevant as far as professionalism goes.

I'm unprofessional if I laugh when I tell someone they have cancer. I'm unprofessional if I come into the surgery suite smelling of whiskey. I'm unprofessional if I engage in coitus with a patient. How am I unprofessional if I have a completely inoffensive tattoo that may be visible to some patients (obviously I'm not arguing in favor of complete masks or anything like that). It has no effect on how I practice medicine, and if some patients find it intolerable I would ask them to consider their own viewpoints and find another physician.

It's not like we ask physicians from minority groups to change their race simply because some patients hold dim (racist) views of them.

 

[TheRealDrDorian]

Nice avatar, btw. 😎

Yea, it will be my first. I'll prob get another after med school. Another when I become a genuine doc maybe.

I think it's a good way to commerate something, I really do.

About the avatar, Turk helped me pick it out. Thanks. 😀

 

[Haemulon]

I think you're mistaking "acceptable" with "professional" here. At the moment, our culture finds it unacceptable for people in professional fields to display tattoos, whether they are offensive or simply innocuous body art. I would argue that whether you have ink or not is completely irrelevant as far as professionalism goes.

I'm unprofessional if I laugh when I tell someone they have cancer. I'm unprofessional if I come into the surgery suite smelling of whiskey. I'm unprofessional if I engage in coitus with a patient. How am I unprofessional if I have a completely inoffensive tattoo that may be visible to some patients (obviously I'm not arguing in favor of complete masks or anything like that). It has no effect on how I practice medicine, and if some patients find it intolerable I would ask them to consider their own viewpoints and find another physician.

It's not like we ask physicians from minority groups to change their race simply because some patients hold dim (racist) views of them.

Good points. I agree, there is a difference between acceptable and professional. And your right that having ink does not alter one's ability to practice medicine or be professional. I still don't see the white-collar careers becoming all that more inclusive/accepting of visible body art though. Don't get me wrong, I think some tastefull ink can be pretty hot, but when you tattoo your lower arms, neck, face, or hands people will react how they react, including patients and peers. Its just the social nomos at present.

 

[Haemulon]

It's not like we ask physicians from minority groups to change their race simply because some patients hold dim (racist) views of them.

Ok, rest of the post was good. But you can't really pull in racism as a comparison. Kinda of a stretch there.

 

[Natatiap]

I have two tattoos. I have one on my ankle and another in the middle of my back...neither of which will be seen or are seen by others unless I purposely wear clothes that show them off. You have to do what you feel is right for you but I just believe in professionalism. Dont get a tattoo going up the side of your neck or anything, while I wouldn't mind some people might. 😎

 

[DoctorFunk]

Ok, rest of the post was good. But you can't really pull in racism as a comparison. Kinda of a stretch there.

Yeah, you're right, it was a bush-league move. I'd like to retract that portion of the post for those scoring at home.

 

[Haemulon]

Yeah, you're right, it was a bush-league move. I'd like to retract that portion of the post for those scoring at home.

👍

 

[BellyDancingDoc]

It seems that one of the Professionalism Standards for Ohio State Medical School is that students have no visible tattoos:

-----
Accessories:
• Rings, bracelets, and necklaces are permissible if they are not hazardous to
equipment operation or patient contact
• No more than two earrings per ear is recommended
• Body piercing is permitted in ears only; no other visible body piercing is
permitted
• Hats are not to be worn inside unless they are required parts of a uniform
• Accessories that are part of a religious preference are given appropriate
consideration

Tattoos:
• Visible tattoos are not permitted

----

Thus, I would suggest that you stay away from any tattoo that could impair your ability to be accepted and/or matriculate.

Frogs

 

[Vvandenn]

I shadow an E.R doc with visible tattoos on his arms. He also has an ear piercing and his hair is somewhat spiked. He's an awesome doctor; his humorous and crude personality about him fits perfectly for the intense trauma center he works at. With the **** he sees everyday, you gotta have a bit different personality than lets say a Dermatologist would, in my opinion. Brilliant doctor, too.

 

[deleted77919]

I don't think a tattoo per se is unprofessional, but if you have a sexually explicit or racist one on your hand (tough to cover) it probably won't go over well.

I considered a tatoo on my shoulder after getting accepted to medical school but didn't for three reasons. 1) Girlfriend didn't like the idea. 2) If I'm one of the few percent who don't graduate I'd feel like an idiot for the rest of my life. 3) The risk of HepC, although low, scares me (and yes I know, go to a reputible place, blah, blah, blah, but the risk is not zero).

20 years from now at the beach
Random person: "Oh nice tattoo, so you're in medicine?"

Me: "Um, well, I went to medical school for a term and then failed out."

Random Person: "Oh . . . well that sucks."

 

[Timmythemic22]

I plan on getting another tattoo before starting school (that will be my fifth). I'm working on someplace possibly more visible, such as inner forearm. It will be covered up in a clinical environment, unless I'm wearing short-sleeve scrubs. I don't see an issue there.

 

[Looque]

My only tattoo is on the back of my calf, so it wouldn't be an issue in any clinical setting.

One of the students that spoke with my interview group at Pittsburgh--an M3 or M4--had tattoo sleaves on each upper arm that were visible with the short-sleaved scrubs he was wearing. Someone in the group asked him during lunch if they were ever an issue, and he said that a couple physicians with whom he had gone through rotations were a little wary at first, but that it was nothing lasting. Most physicians have seen plenty of patients with tattoos, and know that many of them are respectable people and professionals; most will judge you as a person.

 

[Haemulon]

Well, I understand the whole judge you as a person thing. But still, why take any additional risk when your trying to get in? Why not wait until you get that sought after acceptance in hand before adorning yourself with visible tattoos, or better yet ... wait until you land you residency. I'm sure people could have bright green or purple or pink hair too and still work perfectly well as a physician. But I really don't think a really bold hair style like that is a good idea for interviews. I would think outlandish or really bold hairstyles are probably at least as common as people with full "sleaves" tattoos. Just offering this as devils advocate, everyone of course has the right to get tats or not as they wish.

 

[Darksmurf]

What's so cool about tattoos anyway?

 

[Looque]

What's so cool about tattoos anyway?

Everyone has their own reason for getting one. Often, it has nothing to do with what's cool and what isn't, but rather is about memorializing something of personal significance.

Plus, I won't lie, I can see how the sensation would be pretty darn addicting, having gotten one myself.

 

[Timmythemic22]

Everyone has their own reason for getting one. Often, it has nothing to do with what's cool and what isn't, but rather is about memorializing something of personal significance.

Plus, I won't lie, I can see how the sensation would be pretty darn addicting, having gotten one myself.

You articulated better than I probably could. Total agreement, especially about the addiction aspect.

 

[Haemulon]

You articulated better than I probably could. Total agreement, especially about the addiction aspect.

You could get the sensation without the ink 😉

 

[Law2Doc]

It seems that one of the Professionalism Standards for Ohio State Medical School is that students have no visible tattoos:

-----
Accessories:
• Rings, bracelets, and necklaces are permissible if they are not hazardous to
equipment operation or patient contact
• No more than two earrings per ear is recommended
• Body piercing is permitted in ears only; no other visible body piercing is
permitted
• Hats are not to be worn inside unless they are required parts of a uniform
• Accessories that are part of a religious preference are given appropriate
consideration

Tattoos:
• Visible tattoos are not permitted

----

Thus, I would suggest that you stay away from any tattoo that could impair your ability to be accepted and/or matriculate.

Frogs

This is not particularly unusual for med school handbooks. I know of a surgeon who sends med students/residents home to change into something with long sleeves if they have tattooed arms.

It has less to do with what is acceptable and in vogue to folks in the current generation, and more to do with the generation of patients you will largely be treating. Older patients are often not comfortable with the MTV inspired generation of tattooed, pierced doctors, and apparently voice their complaints with some regularity. Hospitals and med schools listen and include prohibitions in their handbooks and policies.

Express yourself in places that stay beneath your clothes and you will be fine.

 

[Cirrus83]

I'm considering a tattoo as well, if I get into medical school. But it wouldn't be a tattoo that explicitly commemorates it-just a tattoo that'll have a good amount of personal meaning-that I've wanted to get for a while-but it'll be easier to justify it to the parents this way-lol.

Although, after seeing some pretty bad tattoos it's mad me a little wary-what if people think my tattoo is ******ed? Because some of my friends have gotten tattoos and I gotta say that that whole personal meaning thing doesn't really carry over very well all the time.

But whatever, I wanna design it myself too so it won't be some generic thing.

 

[estairella]

I think you're mistaking "acceptable" with "professional" here. At the moment, our culture finds it unacceptable for people in professional fields to display tattoos, whether they are offensive or simply innocuous body art. I would argue that whether you have ink or not is completely irrelevant as far as professionalism goes.

And you are confusing professionalism with appearance. Professionalism dictates, as you suggest, the conducting of oneself in a way characteristic of your profession.

You can act "professional" and still appear inappropriate. I notice you make a distinction between "offensive" and "innocuous" body art. But it's simply like this - our culture finds ANY body art ON professionals OFFENSIVE. What's on the body art can make it more offensive or not, but it's already offensive to begin with.

So on those grounds, your argument really holds no water. After all, I could say F*** is not offensive and a doctor can use it and still be professional but SDN censoring programs (as well as most of the public) does consider it offensive, which MAKES it offensive.

 

[mshheaddoc]

I was planning on getting a tat on the inside of my wrist... not a good idea?

I have one on the inside of my left wrist and another on my back. Thinking of maybe getting another one but it won't be down my arm. Is it unprofessional? In the eyes of some but I do not draw attention to it. I am not unprofessional by far (and have various appraisal reviews to prove it).

If there is a policy in the workplace you have to abide by it, usually the only places you will find this will be most white collar workplaces wear you wear a suit or business clothing anyways to maintain a customer service experience (and an now the NBA!) 😉. Doctors are one of the white collar workers but as stated before, some of them have tattoos, some even visible. They are still doctors and if there is a dress code, you'll just have to abide by it. Honestly I wouldn't worry about it that much. Mine is small enough that it could be covered by a watch (which I don't wear anymore) but I haven't had many people even realize that its there. 🙂

This is the farthest issue from my mine. With that being said, I would not suggest an all out full-arm tattoo until after you have secured a position in your respective field ... 😉 You'll know what to expect!

 

[Darksmurf]

Everyone has their own reason for getting one. Often, it has nothing to do with what's cool and what isn't, but rather is about memorializing something of personal significance.

Plus, I won't lie, I can see how the sensation would be pretty darn addicting, having gotten one myself.

Hmmmm.... I know quite a few people with tattoos (my girlfriend has one as well). And I know that not a single one of them (I've asked) got their tattoo out of a desire to 'memorialize something of personal significance.' Surely some people do it for that reason, but it seems that most people must do it for some other reason, else they would get much cooler tattoos (not the flames my boss has on her back or the hammerhead shark this other friend has, or the strange Celtic symbol of two fish intertwined in the manner of love that my other friend has or the barbed wire my other friend has around his bicep or the panther my other friend has on his chest or the chinese characters that read 'pornography' another girl I know has (she was drunk) or the utter epidemic of butterflies seen on ankles and backs--none of which seem worthy of memorializing anything).

Most tattoos I see look dumb.

Just a nickel's worth of my thoughts.

 

[mrjbb]

It's your decision, but if it is very visible when you are wearing scrubs, then i would think about it twice. Because if you become a Surgeon or something you definately don't wanna get pre-judged by your patients and your O.R. team. It could definately make things awkward for you and your patients. Just my 2 centz..😀

 

[Cirrus83]

lol I just had a thought...if you really wanna get tatted up, wait until you have your own private practice, build up enough patients, then go nuts! Since your patients already know you they're not as likely to run this way. Plus you can just aim for more Gen X-Y-Zers as patients, and they'll just think you got drunk.


lol

 

[Trismegistus4]

Hmmmm.... I know quite a few people with tattoos (my girlfriend has one as well). And I know that not a single one of them (I've asked) got their tattoo out of a desire to 'memorialize something of personal significance.'

You're right--it's usually motivated by the desire to make a statement. A statement like "don't hire me" or "don't accept me to medical school." 😉

 

[Chuckwalla]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlp3rReIo68

This video pretty much sums it up.

You are going to be a doctor, people are going to expect you to be professional. You will be judged and it will be in a negative light if you get a highly visable tattoo. Your fellow docs will judge you, the staff will, and most importantly your patients will. If my doc had a tattoo down his arm it would bother me and I am willing to be I am not in a minority. And when you see the effects of this you are kind of stuck. Don't let this passion for a tattoo have a long term effect on your career because it will pass.

 

[Anastasis]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlp3rReIo68

This video pretty much sums it up.

You are going to be a doctor, people are going to expect you to be professional. You will be judged and it will be in a negative light if you get a highly visable tattoo. Your fellow docs will judge you, the staff will, and most importantly your patients will. If my doc had a tattoo down his arm it would bother me and I am willing to be I am not in a minority. And when you see the effects of this you are kind of stuck. Don't let this passion for a tattoo have a long term effect on your career because it will pass.

Actually that video just makes me want to get a tattoo of Gabe from Penny Arcade.

J/K

 

[mshheaddoc]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlp3rReIo68

This video pretty much sums it up.

You are going to be a doctor, people are going to expect you to be professional. You will be judged and it will be in a negative light if you get a highly visable tattoo. Your fellow docs will judge you, the staff will, and most importantly your patients will. If my doc had a tattoo down his arm it would bother me and I am willing to be I am not in a minority. And when you see the effects of this you are kind of stuck. Don't let this passion for a tattoo have a long term effect on your career because it will pass.

And am I supposed to care what people think of me? Am I supposed to be that shallow?

 

[Hernandez]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlp3rReIo68

This video pretty much sums it up.

You are going to be a doctor, people are going to expect you to be professional. You will be judged and it will be in a negative light if you get a highly visable tattoo. Your fellow docs will judge you, the staff will, and most importantly your patients will. If my doc had a tattoo down his arm it would bother me and I am willing to be I am not in a minority. And when you see the effects of this you are kind of stuck. Don't let this passion for a tattoo have a long term effect on your career because it will pass.

If we still based professionalism solely on appearance, there would still be a notable absence of women and African’s in medicine due to older preconceptions of what is professional appearance. Appearance is secondary to how you handle yourself when you speak to people.

 

[HumbleMD]

Don't do it. If you have a tattoo, you can't work for the CIA or FBI. Don't you want to keep that option open?

 

[PChemGrad]

I have two tatts. And I would love to get a third on my arm, possibly sleeves, but I know as a doctor, my patients wouldn't look at me the same way as someone without the tatts. So I am going to have to pass on it. But I have almost a full back piece. And a leg band, since you always wear pants, no one has to know unless I wear shorts.

Id say showing a little ink is ok, but showing a lot isnt.

 

[Cirrus83]

Don't do it. If you have a tattoo, you can't work for the CIA or FBI. Don't you want to keep that option open?

Not particularly,

Isn't that just so nobody can really recognize you too obviously?

Regardless, have you guys heard those weird CIA radio ads recruiting spies? It's gotta be one of the most surreal radio ads I've ever heard. If it was just for desk jobs or whatever it wouldn't be so weird, but the ads were all about serving abroad and funneling information back to the US, lol.

 

[lane]

from Bull Durham:

"Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes. Think classy, you'll be classy. If you win 20 in the show, you can let the fungus grow back and the press'll think you're colorful. Until you win 20 in the show, however, it means you are a slob."

 

[Hernandez]

Don't do it. If you have a tattoo, you can't work for the CIA or FBI. Don't you want to keep that option open?

Really?

There are specific elements that will automatically disqualify job candidates for employment with the FBI. The FBI Employment Disqualifiers are:

Conviction of a felony
Use of illegal drugs in violation of the FBI Employment Drug Policy (see the FBI Employment Drug Policy for more details)
Default of a student loan (insured by the U.S. Government)
Failure of an FBI-administered urinalysis drug test
Failure to register with the Selective Service System (for males only)​

and

"CIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or sexual orientation"

I doubt the CIA cares about their support staff, I'm sure if you're a field operative, it might be different.

 

[HumbleMD]

Really?

There are specific elements that will automatically disqualify job candidates for employment with the FBI. The FBI Employment Disqualifiers are:

Conviction of a felony
Use of illegal drugs in violation of the FBI Employment Drug Policy (see the FBI Employment Drug Policy for more details)
Default of a student loan (insured by the U.S. Government)
Failure of an FBI-administered urinalysis drug test
Failure to register with the Selective Service System (for males only)​

and

"CIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or sexual orientation"

I doubt the CIA cares about their support staff, I'm sure if you're a field operative, it might be different.

Yeah, it's for a field agent. In another life I really wanted to be a spy (I probably watch too many Bond movies and watched too much alias). Spy was my plan B 😛 , so it's probably good I got into medical school.