I am currently a psych/pre-med sophomore undergrad. I am aware that body modification is not something medical professionals recommend, however it is too late to not be concerned.
I have stretched my ears to no larger than a 0g, have two small tattoos and two large--only one is visible on my left wrist (it's a cross, if that matters at all) and the other three are very easy to conceal--and have my left eyebrow pierced. Along with these, I also have bleached and dyed my hair gray. I dye my hair unnatural colors quite often, but I am not planning on keeping up with this 'hobby' as it is seen as unprofessional by many. I am planning on getting more tattoos in places that are always covered up in public, and thinking about more facial piercings but will not keep them in when they are more of an inconvenience than anything else.
Self-expression through body modification and hair dye are pretty common in my area (Seattle/Tacoma), but I don't know if it would make a large difference or jeopardize my chances of being admitted to any medical school.
What is the policy for these kinds of things?
edit: Thanks for the responses, especially the ones that were written kindly. A few of your guys' responses are a little bit offensive as you assume that I would actually be stupid enough to not consider the look of professionalism in this field. It is common sense (that I DO have) to dress conservatively, take out/hide/conceal any piercings and tattoos that I have during the interview process, as well as in the work place. My main concern is mostly for attending medical school in general, not just the interview process, which I should have stated previously so the slight misunderstanding is my fault. My daily attire is already conservative, and I also conceal tattoos and piercings for work as a middle school tutor (what I meant when I wrote "getting more tattoos in places that are always covered up in public" and "will not keep them in when they are more of an inconvenience than anything else"). I wrote this post in hopes of receiving advice on what others in similar shoes had to offer, not to be criticized by people who do not know who I am and how I present myself.
Also, judging one's appearance, whether they are a patient, stranger, or peer, is not respectable. Experimentation with one's own body is not a bad thing, and to judge people based on their appearance is shallow and rude. Just because you are a doctor that fits the ideal look of professionalism, that does not make you a decent person with a good heart that genuinely enjoys helping others. Decency will always be valued more than profession and appearance. Just saying.
I have stretched my ears to no larger than a 0g, have two small tattoos and two large--only one is visible on my left wrist (it's a cross, if that matters at all) and the other three are very easy to conceal--and have my left eyebrow pierced. Along with these, I also have bleached and dyed my hair gray. I dye my hair unnatural colors quite often, but I am not planning on keeping up with this 'hobby' as it is seen as unprofessional by many. I am planning on getting more tattoos in places that are always covered up in public, and thinking about more facial piercings but will not keep them in when they are more of an inconvenience than anything else.
Self-expression through body modification and hair dye are pretty common in my area (Seattle/Tacoma), but I don't know if it would make a large difference or jeopardize my chances of being admitted to any medical school.
What is the policy for these kinds of things?
edit: Thanks for the responses, especially the ones that were written kindly. A few of your guys' responses are a little bit offensive as you assume that I would actually be stupid enough to not consider the look of professionalism in this field. It is common sense (that I DO have) to dress conservatively, take out/hide/conceal any piercings and tattoos that I have during the interview process, as well as in the work place. My main concern is mostly for attending medical school in general, not just the interview process, which I should have stated previously so the slight misunderstanding is my fault. My daily attire is already conservative, and I also conceal tattoos and piercings for work as a middle school tutor (what I meant when I wrote "getting more tattoos in places that are always covered up in public" and "will not keep them in when they are more of an inconvenience than anything else"). I wrote this post in hopes of receiving advice on what others in similar shoes had to offer, not to be criticized by people who do not know who I am and how I present myself.
Also, judging one's appearance, whether they are a patient, stranger, or peer, is not respectable. Experimentation with one's own body is not a bad thing, and to judge people based on their appearance is shallow and rude. Just because you are a doctor that fits the ideal look of professionalism, that does not make you a decent person with a good heart that genuinely enjoys helping others. Decency will always be valued more than profession and appearance. Just saying.
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