Is it acceptable for a surgeon to have a tattoo that maybe visible in scrubs?
Discount Medical Scrubs
I have spent the last 5 years of my life working to get into medical school and it is something that means a lot to me. I want more than anything in the world to be an orthopedic surgeon but I also want to get a pretty elaborate tattoo. It would cover nearly ¾ of both arms and a small portion of my upper back. This tattoo is something that I have wanted for about 7 years and means a lot to me. It’s nothing that would offend anybody. It’s an underwater scene on one arm and jungle on the other with the universe on my back. It would stop so as not to show when wearing long sleeved shirts. I know that I could hide it during medical school and clinical’s but I’m not so sure about in the operating room. I was wondering how this might affect me in the future. Ultimately I would like to have my own practice that specializes in the treatment and rehabilitation of extreme sports athletes but not limited to.
Tags: discount medical scrubs, extreme sports athletes, jungle, long sleeved shirts, medical school, operating room, orthopedic surgeon, small portion, underwater scene, universe, years of my life
November 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
I love tattoos and have one myself. However, having a professional appearance in the medical field inspires trust. As a surgeon such an elaborate tat would send a negative message to both those that work under you as well as colleagues and superiors. Having a tattoo is offensive to many and the operating room isn’t a place to display it. However, on your free time you are free to do as you will.
November 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
I personally love tattoos also so I know where you’re coming from. While it might be acceptable, some people still are very old fashioned and completely against tattoos and think people who have them are bad people. If you are going to work on a person who feels that way and they see your arms beforehand, that may not suit very will with them.
November 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
I don’t think it should matter if you have a tattoo or not. The only thing that should matter is your skill level.
November 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Watch ‘House’….
November 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Having a tatoo doesnt determine what kind of doctor you are. Its your body, I say go for it. Good Luck
November 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
yes, it would make me more comfortable for some wierd reason
November 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
I think it’s ok. Dr’s are people too they dont have to be perfect. And if you have your own practice do what ever you want .
November 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
it shouldnt matter
who cares? its just a tattoo
November 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
it probably depends on the hospital. your patients might not like it. i would wait until i open my private practice, you’ll be older, so patients will trust you more anyway. If you’ve already waited 7 years, why not wait 7 more if it could ruin your dream??
November 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
I think to a good portion of the general public, that would be okay, but when it comes to a prospective employer, it probably wouldn’t be. Especially for a career as professional as surgery.
If you can, try asking someone that would be hiring you when you become a doctor. That might be difficult, but it would give you a more accurate answer.
If you get your own private practice, It definitely shouldn’t be a problem, because you would be your own boss. So maybe wait until then. But of course, that may be a long time from now.
I really don’t think it would be acceptable for a surgeon working in a hospital though, unfortunately.
November 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
It is "Acceptable". However, I would question the character of a Doctor who was more concerned with tattoos than with treating patients. Shows a lack of focus!
November 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
It is unlikley that your patients would ever see the tattoo, I would be more worried about the opinion of other doctors, this is the sort of thing that can keep you out of medical school in the first place.
November 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
There are times when visible tattoos will cause you to be looked down upon. It may or may not be a hindrance to your career. If you are sure you want these tattoos, just make sure you wear long sleeves whenever you are in a professional environment. I am quite sure that they have long sleeve scrubs. I have even seen Doctors wear under armor shirts under their scrubs. So, that is another option. In surgery, I would think that long sleeves would be preferred as it is more sterile. The only time you may have an issue is when you are scrubbing in. You can’t very well hide tattoos while you are washing.
Good luck..
November 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
if i were a patient i would not have any problem with it. so i don’t see how it could affect anything. professionally, probably not a good idea, but, again if i were a patient trusting you to help me, i might trust you a bit more with a tattoo. there’s something about a person with tattoos that tells me you are not afraid to be who you are. and in medicine sometimes being a non-conformist is good. you’re willing to look outside the box to find answers. but that’s just me.
I say do it : )
November 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
It would not put me off having treatment from a doctor with tattoos, seriously, a tattoo will not affect the way you do your job, and to me the quality of your work is way more important than your appearance. Good luck with medical school, good luck with the tattoo!!!