Tattoos and the Doctor

[FrkyBgStok]

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Well I am pursuing the dream of being a doctor as many of you are. I have a few tattoos including one on my forearm. Does anyone else out there have any that may be noticible with scrubs and how do you deal with it? I figured i would just were a long sleeve t-shirt underneat the jd on scrubs but this may not be the best idea. anyone have any experience with this?

 

[kaffy]

Well I am pursuing the dream of being a doctor as many of you are. I have a few tattoos including one on my forearm. Does anyone else out there have any that may be noticible with scrubs and how do you deal with it? I figured i would just were a long sleeve t-shirt underneat the jd on scrubs but this may not be the best idea. anyone have any experience with this?

I think it'll be ok. I have some friends in med school with tatoos. It doesn't have any impact on how good of a doctor you will be. Plus, when you see patients you usually wear a coat, right?

 

[OSUdoc08]

I think it'll be ok. I have some friends in med school with tatoos. It doesn't have any impact on how good of a doctor you will be. Plus, when you see patients you usually wear a coat, right?

It certainly will in the eyes of an older patient, who doesn't understand.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

It certainly will in the eyes of an older patient, who doesn't understand.

that is my biggest concern. not the younger patients because if i am that qualified it will be OK but the older generation will still think i am a poor white trash *******.

 

[OSUdoc08]

that is my biggest concern. not the younger patients because if i am that qualified it will be OK but the older generation will still think i am a poor white trash *******.

Wear the white coat, and you'll be fine.

 

[gdbaby]

I also thing that those "older adults" need to be further categorized. If you look at the history of tattooing there are many older adults with tattoos who aren't trashy. That being said, wear the coat--that's what I'm going to do! 🙂

 

[OSUdoc08]

I also thing that those "older adults" need to be further categorized. If you look at the history of tattooing there are many older adults with tattoos who aren't trashy. That being said, wear the coat--that's what I'm going to do! 🙂

We are not talking about older adults with tattoos.

We are talking about older adults that would think that a doctor with a tattoo is both unprofessional and not a good doctor.

 

[medicomel]

sweet! i thought i would be the only MD out there with tats on my forearm. i planned on wearing long-sleeve shirts underneath the scrubs, and always the white coat. tons of people have tattoos, but few have them in a very conspicuous place. it's an alter-ego thing for me, and i always planned on maintaining strict professionalism around patients and other doctors.

 

[Bernito]

Don't worry about it. There are going to be people that question a doctor's ability for a variety of irrational reasons, like age, sex, AND tattoos.

I just hope no one finds out about my pierced nubin 😉

 

[kaffy]

Don't worry about it. There are going to be people that question a doctor's ability for a variety of irrational reasons, like age, sex, AND tattoos.

I just hope no one finds out about my pierced nubin 😉

 

[kaffy]

sweet! i thought i would be the only MD out there with tats on my forearm. i planned on wearing long-sleeve shirts underneath the scrubs, and always the white coat. tons of people have tattoos, but few have them in a very conspicuous place. it's an alter-ego thing for me, and i always planned on maintaining strict professionalism around patients and other doctors.

The doctor, Jack, on "Lost" has tattoos and he is saving everyone's life on the island!!

 

[CTSballer11]

Don't worry about it. There are going to be people that question a doctor's ability for a variety of irrational reasons, like age, sex, AND tattoos.

I just hope no one finds out about my pierced nubin 😉

You said it best. Just wear a white coat when you are rounding on patients. I would not worry too much about it.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

thanks guys! now i feel better! white coat it is.

 

[atrovariousg]

that is my biggest concern. not the younger patients because if i am that qualified it will be OK but the older generation will still think i am a poor white trash *******.

I bet you feel like one sometimes.

 

[kaffy]

that is my biggest concern. not the younger patients because if i am that qualified it will be OK but the older generation will still think i am a poor white trash *******.

Don't worry. I don't have any tattoos and I still feel like that. It is just applying to med school that makes you feel that way.

 

[njbmd]

Well I am pursuing the dream of being a doctor as many of you are. I have a few tattoos including one on my forearm. Does anyone else out there have any that may be noticible with scrubs and how do you deal with it? I figured i would just were a long sleeve t-shirt underneat the jd on scrubs but this may not be the best idea. anyone have any experience with this?

Hi there,
Your patients are not going to care about the tatoos on your forearm unless you have something that is in questionable taste such as a tatoo of graphic genitals or satanic items.

If you scrub for surgery, the long sleeved T shirts will have to go. You might get some looks from your attendings about your tatoos. Large and visible tatoos are just not too mainstream these days in surgical departments.

As for on the wards, you can wear your coat but you have to remove it to do procedures. Again, depending on what you have on your forearm, your patients probably will not care if you have a very professional attitude and good grooming otherwise(no missing teeth, scraggly beard, oily unwashed hair, dangly earrings, body odor).

njbmd 🙂

I have a very small MD and caduceus tattooed on my shoulder beneath a tiny Union Jack (all less than 1-cm). It was a medschool graduation present.

 

[OSUdoc08]

Hi there,
Your patients are not going to care about the tatoos on your forearm unless you have something that is in questionable taste such as a tatoo of graphic genitals or satanic items.

If you scrub for surgery, the long sleeved T shirts will have to go. You might get some looks from your attendings about your tatoos. Large and visible tatoos are just not too mainstream these days in surgical departments.

As for on the wards, you can wear your coat but you have to remove it to do procedures. Again, depending on what you have on your forearm, your patients probably will not care if you have a very professional attitude and good grooming otherwise(no missing teeth, scraggly beard, oily unwashed hair, dangly earrings, body odor).

njbmd 🙂

I have a very small MD and caduceus tattooed on my shoulder beneath a tiny Union Jack (all less than 1-cm). It was a medschool graduation present.

Some patients will not like the tattoos regardless of what it is of. They will see it as unprofessional. This is especially true for the elderly patients. Most people aren't with it or care enough to read the tattoo to see what it is actually an image of.

In surgery, a long-sleeved shirt is not necessary, because you will be covering everything up with a surgical gown. Tattoos are not visible in surgery. There will be no "look" because the tattoos will not be visible.

 

[BaylorGuy]

2. In surgery, a long-sleeved shirt is not necessary, because you will be covering everything up with a surgical gown. Tattoos are not visible in surgery if you've ever seen surgical attire. There will be no "look" because the tattoos will not be visible.

Let me inform you a little. First off, when you actually scrub in for surgery, you can't wear your long sleeve t-shirt. I'm pretty sure the OP was not only talking about how patients will see him as a future MD with tattoos, but i'm also prettysure he was wondering about how the attendings would perceive him. Considering you are most likely going to scrub in with the attendings during surgery rounds, the tattoos are going to be seen by the attendings, residents, nurses, etc.

Also, its probably not good to talk about surgery attire to njbmd...considering she's a 4th year surgical resident and has been around many a surgery room (i can't remember if its 3rd or 4th)

 

[DoctorBill]

that is my biggest concern. not the younger patients because if i am that qualified it will be OK but the older generation will still think i am a poor white trash *******.

If you have tattoos, you are either white trash, or you have a serious lack of respect for your body and cannot creatively express your thoughts. Go back to your trailer and drink some Icehouse.

 

[OSUdoc08]

Let me inform you a little. First off, when you actually scrub in for surgery, you can't wear your long sleeve t-shirt. I'm pretty sure the OP was not only talking about how patients will see him as a future MD with tattoos, but i'm also prettysure he was wondering about how the attendings would perceive him. Considering you are most likely going to scrub in with the attendings during surgery rounds, the tattoos are going to be seen by the attendings, residents, nurses, etc.

Also, its probably not good to talk about surgery attire to njbmd...considering she's a 4th year surgical resident and has been around many a surgery room (i can't remember if its 3rd or 4th)

Duh, that's what I said.

 

[Pretty POHA]

I just hope no one finds out about my pierced nubin 😉

When you say nubin, do you mean wrah-wrah, or hoo-hoo?? Or something altogether different?
😉
(from another pierced and inked pre-med)

 

[OSUdoc08]

If you have tattoos, you are either white trash, or you have a serious lack of respect for your body and cannot creatively express your thoughts. Go back to your trailer and drink some Icehouse.

Troll

Troll

Troll

Troll

 

[Pretty POHA]

If you have tattoos, you are either white trash, or you have a serious lack of respect for your body and cannot creatively express your thoughts. Go back to your trailer and drink some Icehouse.

Ha! That's funny, DoctorBill!! You sound like you might have an insecurity of some sort??
No?

 

[DownonthePharm]

Tattoos are not visible in surgery. There will be no "look" because the tattoos will not be visible.

Your patient will also be unconcious. That helps too. 😉

 

[atrovariousg]

If you have tattoos, you are either white trash, or you have a serious lack of respect for your body and cannot creatively express your thoughts. Go back to your trailer and drink some Icehouse.

Way to speak your mind bro. 👍
You're no Troll, you just are very opinionated and there is nothing wrong with that. 😱
I don't know if I agree with the icehouse ref though as last time I checked they don't sponsor a NASCAR driver.

Being from KS, I know that people from states like Oklahoma where they have done away with DNA testing due to the lack of diversity in the gene pool, can find that a nice stiff white trash jab hits a little too close to home. 🙄

If you can't run with the big dogs.....stay on the porch bitches.

 

[Anastasis]

I've wanted a tattoo for a long time; when I get into med school I'm going to finally get one. Kinda a reward for me.

 

[riceman04]

I bet you feel like one sometimes.

You make some of the dumbest comments sometimes!!!!!....either something is lacking in your own life or your humor is a reflection of the inner Brit. in you! 😛 😛

 

[Doctor Bagel]

As for on the wards, you can wear your coat but you have to remove it to do procedures. Again, depending on what you have on your forearm, your patients probably will not care if you have a very professional attitude and good grooming otherwise(no missing teeth, scraggly beard, oily unwashed hair, dangly earrings, body odor).

hey, but a lot of your patients will have missing teeth, bad grooming, body odor, etc. 🙂 my volunteering has opened up a whole new world of toothless people to me, and no they're not all old. it's a pretty sad commentary on dental care in the us.

as for the tattoo, i'm sure it won't be the end of the world but some people might perceive you differently because of it. however, so many people have tattoos these days that it might be less of an issue. even the older conservative folks probably have kids who got a tattoo in college.

 

[red dot]

what about lip piercings? i have been holding off on that for years now. if anyone ever asks me what sacrifices i've made for medicine were, getting my lip pierced would be in my top 10.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

what about lip piercings? i have been holding off on that for years now. if anyone ever asks me what sacrifices i've made for medicine were, getting my lip pierced would be in my top 10.

lol, mine would be my nose piercing. i took it out because the hospital i volunteer at doesn't allow facial piercings and i figured it would be bad for interviews.

 

[riceman04]

Way to speak your mind bro. 👍
Your no Troll, you just are very opinionated and there is nothing wrong with that. 😱
I don't know if I agree with the icehouse ref though as last time I checked they don't sponsor a NASCAR driver.

Being from KS, I know that people from states like Oklahoma where they have done away with DNA testing due to the lack of diversity in the gene pool, can find that a nice stiff white trash jab hits a little too close to home. 🙄

If you can't run with the big dogs.....stay on the porch bitches.

Well...I guess the fact that you are from Kansas confirms your stupidity! I have always wondered just how inner-family breeding would manifest itself....well, I guess you are the result!.....The feds should find a way to curtail all of that incest that takes place in those corn and wheat fields!....Hey look at the bright side.....your mom (I mean your sister) and your father (oops I mean your grandfather) really enjoyed themselves out there..... 😛 😛 😛 😉

 

[OSUdoc08]

what about lip piercings? i have been holding off on that for years now. if anyone ever asks me what sacrifices i've made for medicine were, getting my lip pierced would be in my top 10.

Yeah I'm sure a doctor with a lip piercing goes over REALLY well.

 

[CTSballer11]

lol, mine would be my nose piercing. i took it out because the hospital i volunteer at doesn't allow facial piercings and i figured it would be bad for interviews.

LoL , i always thought nose piercings were hot.

 

[Ithilia]

I have a small nose piercing, just a little jewel, and I took it out for my interview, but put it back right afterward. I got in to the school and I plan on leaving it in, I am not too worried about it causing problems. I just didn't want to get some old interviewer who didn't like it and didn't let me in purely because of it. 🙄

 

[red dot]

lol, mine would be my nose piercing. i took it out because the hospital i volunteer at doesn't allow facial piercings and i figured it would be bad for interviews.

was it your septum? or was it on the side?

 

[atrovariousg]

Well...I guess the fact that you are from Kansas confirms your stupidity! I have always wondered just how inner-family breeding would manifest itself....well, I guess you are the result!.....The feds should find a way to curtail all of that incest that takes place in those corn and wheat fields!....Hey look at the bright side.....your mom (I mean your sister) and your father (oops I mean your grandfather) really enjoyed themselves out there..... 😛 😛 😛 😉

Original.
And obviously my comment struck too close to home/trailer.
My apologies. 😉

 

[riceman04]

Original.
And obviously my comment struck too close to home/trailer.
My apologies. 😉

Wow....you are right!!!! I do live in a trailer....one that is 4200 square feet, two stories high, with marble floors, and minutes from the beach... 😉 😉 ...in the OC...well, I dont call that place home anymore b/c I am gone half the time....but it is cozy...just like a trailer! The only difference is that it is worth millions!!

Ok so I am lying...but it is kinda funny to play along!

 

[DrBowtie]

Get some sleeves

 

[Bernito]

When you say nubin, do you mean wrah-wrah, or hoo-hoo?? Or something altogether different?
😉
(from another pierced and inked pre-med)

Neither. Ouch!

Actually I was just joking, where the joke was nubin = 3rd nipple.

But hey, whatever floats your boat, Im not judging.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

was it your septum? or was it on the side?

side and just a little stud. i might get it repierced after i'm done with interviewing. the hospital thing is a drag, though.

 

[tigress]

Wait a sec, you can't wear long sleeves in surgery??? It makes sense but it never occurred to me. Can you wear 3/4 length sleeves? Please tell me the answer to that is yes...

 

[redclover]

side and just a little stud. i might get it repierced after i'm done with interviewing. the hospital thing is a drag, though.

That just seems kinda wrong, to prohibit simple nose piercings...there are so many cultures where nose piercing is traditional and "conservative" (middle eastern and indian)...

 

[MadameLULU]

lol, mine would be my nose piercing. i took it out because the hospital i volunteer at doesn't allow facial piercings and i figured it would be bad for interviews.

I know several med students at my school with nose rings. I don't think it matters one bit for interviews!

 

[Sundarban1]

Tatoos are hot. End of story.

 

[atrovariousg]

Wait a sec, you can't wear long sleeves in surgery??? It makes sense but it never occurred to me. Can you wear 3/4 length sleeves? Please tell me the answer to that is yes...

Unreal

 

[mustangsally65]

Wait a sec, you can't wear long sleeves in surgery??? It makes sense but it never occurred to me. Can you wear 3/4 length sleeves? Please tell me the answer to that is yes...

I think what they meant was that when you are scrubbing in, you have to wash your hands and up your forearms to the elbow. So if you had a tattoo, the other people scrubbing in with you would see it. But after you get done you put on your gown/gloves etc. and you arms are no longer showing.

You'd probably have to roll up your sleeves if you had on scrubs with longer sleeves, but your arms would be covered by the additional gown and gloves. 👍

 

[BaylorGuy]

Even if you have tattoos, does it matter? I figure, get past the interviews, and then kick ass in class/rotations. I doubt anyone will really care about your tattoos or piercings if you are doing pretty damn good in med school.

Why do people think that doctors need to be held to a higher standard than other professions?? I know it is a traditionally conversative profession, but they are still people, albeit smart....and really, really good looking.

 

[tigress]

I think what they meant was that when you are scrubbing in, you have to wash your hands and up your forearms to the elbow. So if you had a tattoo, the other people scrubbing in with you would see it. But after you get done you put on your gown/gloves etc. and you arms are no longer showing.

You'd probably have to roll up your sleeves if you had on scrubs with longer sleeves, but your arms would be covered by the additional gown and gloves. 👍

thanks for the info 🙂
I just don't wear sleeves shorter than 3/4, but for surgery I could just push them up and scrub up to my elbow. I usually wear 3/4 sleeve t-shirts under scrub tops. (Not like it's a big deal, it just never occurred to me to think about this)

as far as tattoos, I agree with BaylorGuy -- why would it matter? unless it's an obscene or vulgar tattoo, probably even older people won't mind much if they perceive you to be a good doctor. I know I wouldn't care if my doctor had a tattoo or a nose piercing if I thought he/she was competent and caring.

 

[robotsonic]

thanks for the info 🙂
I just don't wear sleeves shorter than 3/4, but for surgery I could just push them up and scrub up to my elbow. I usually wear 3/4 sleeve t-shirts under scrub tops. (Not like it's a big deal, it just never occurred to me to think about this)

This might not go down so well. You are not supposed to wear outside clothes in the OR, and long sleeves would be pretty obvious. So I would recommend not wearing the shirt under the scrubs top. Once you are scrubbed in your arms will be completely covered.
Is there a reason why you don't wear short sleeves?

 

[tigress]

This might not go down so well. You are not supposed to wear outside clothes in the OR, and long sleeves would be pretty obvious. So I would recommend not wearing the shirt under the scrubs top. Once you are scrubbed in your arms will be completely covered.
Is there a reason why you don't wear short sleeves?

yeah religious reasons. I have to cover my arms up to over my elbows.
I also wear scrub skirts (I sew the pants into skirts) and I cover my hair (hat or scarf). In any case I know lots of women who have gotten through med school with all of these restrictions so I'm sure it can be done. I'll just ask them what they did 🙂