Tattoos on Doctors

[RickandMortyFan]

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Hello all!

I did a lot of research on doctors with visible tattoos, and whether that is appropriate in a healthcare setting. I've seen a lot of conflicting answers. On one hand, patients may become uncomfortable and associate tattoos with unprofessionalism. On the other, tattoos are getting less stigmatized and doctors should be able to make personal decisions for themselves.

That being said, I'm thinking of getting a tattoo on my forearm, an image of something that is personal to me (not inappropriate). I know I can cover it up during interviews, but not while wearing scrubs/in the OR.

From your personal experiences, is this a good idea? Will this in a meaningful way affect my future career as a physician?

Thank you for all feedback!

 

[Frazier]

I've been entertaining the idea of getting one for years. Getting very close to pulling the trigger.

You are correct to take pause and reflect on how it might impact your career.

That said, sounds like you have the meaningful design down... are you not up to consider other locations (deltoid, shoulder, chest)?

 

[deleted564680]

Having a tattoo - 10-20% of the time (people over 50 mostly) will think less of you

Not having a tattoo - 0% of the time people will think less of you

*Stats above are estimates and in no way reflect any other areas of said doctor(s) skills/training/abilities. Data is limited to "visible tattoos" only.

 

[The Knife & Gun Club]

I knew a couple trauma surgeons who got this badass seal with a pistol and a switchblade on it that said "The Knife & Gun Club" underneath (yea, thats where I got my handle lol). They had it on their upper bicep though so it wasnt easily visible even in scubs.

Id say not to get one until youre an attending, or get one that can be easily concealed, but thats just me...

 

[Winged Scapula]

Closing as cross posted in Pre-Allo (where there are many many threads on the same topic). Please respond there.