Tattoos?

[HorseyVet]

Ok, first I want to say in advance that I really want to avoid this from turning into a debate about tattoos (and body mod) in general. If you’re generally against or think poorly of them, just say so, but please try to comment as unbiasedly as possible (if that’s possible…I know a lot of people typically feel strongly one way or the other).

That being said, I’ve put off getting tattoos for a while now until I really figured out what I would be doing. Basically, irregardless of my feelings about tattoos I realize that there are still a lot of people out there that think only people in the service and bikers get tattoos….The last thing I wanted/want to do is alienate patients (when I was pre-human med) or clients. First impressions are important.

I really can’t think of too many occasions where getting this particular tattoo (on my upper arm) would have to be visible. Also, it’s of a sort of stylized horse (hard to describe)…which at least in my mind is a little different then say a skull or yoesmite sam…but maybe to the populous at large really doesn’t matter. I realize there are a number of other places where the tattoo would practically never be seen, but I think that defeats the point of a tattoo….IMO a “good tattoo” is one the person is comfortable showing in “appropriate” company, but that can be concealed in other circumstances when needed.

I was pretty set on getting it, but decided to wait until after I was in school a little first. In the mean time, for whatever reason I’ve run across a number of articles etc where vets are all dressed up, and got me thinking about fancy clothes= everyone sees tattoo or always having to buy dresses etc with sleeves….I don’t think these dressy events are really that common….but who knows…

Anyway, what do you all think? Is it totally crazy? I’ve had a number of friends who have become professional piercers/tattoo artists, so I know my mentality might be really different from the general public.

I would be especially interested if anyone knows vets/vet-students with semi-visible tattoos and what their experiences are.

Thanks…and again please don’t flame.

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[Bill59]

The general rule for tattoos for professionals is they should not be visible at work. In fact, some veterinary hospitals have that rule in their dress code. Facial jewelry is often another thing that's prohibited.

These days a lot of vet. students have tattoos -- usually somewhere like their back, ankle or shoulder that's not visible when dressed for hospital duty.

Realize most new graduates are at a disadvantage when dealing with clients. You're the new doctor they don't know, you're usually young and you're certainly inexperienced. So anything you can do to make a good first impression is helpful. And that means dressing professionally.

The reality is you could wear jeans, a t-shirt, tatts and 5 nose rings and be the best veterinarian in the world. The animal sure doesn't care. But a new client doesn't know how good you are. They just know you look like the clerk at the music store -- and they know he doesn't know jack about vet. medicine.

Once you're established and all your clients love you, you can dress however you want. But starting out, I'd err on the side of professional appearance.

 

[MicheleVet]

One of my classmates had several very visible tattoos on her arm/wrist and I don't think she was given any difficulties...however it may have been her personality. She never cared what anyone thought and actually never brought any attention to her tattoos...it was as if she didn't even have them.

Because you are asking, it means to some degree you care what others think....and if that's the case, maybe wait a bit and see how it feels.

Other classmates had a facial piercing that they occasionally wore. Never wore it to clinicals, but often to class parties, and occasionally around faculty. They said they'd leave it out when they didn't want to deal with the comments.

 

[kate_g]

Aesthetically I think a tattoo *can* look elegant enough for evening wear. A simply executed stylized horse would actually be a good example, as opposed to, say, a cartoon or realistic portrait. That said, I think I would go for up toward the top of the deltoid as opposed to the classic mid-bicep location. I just think that would look more refined, and better with a sleeveless or strapless dress (and even very short sleeves will cover it if you're not comfortable). Your only restriction then will be choosing your evening wear to match the color scheme of the tattoo.

On the professional rules, I defer to Bill of course. But during the time early in your career that you're striving to look extra-professional you're unlikely to wear sleeveless tops in front of clients anyway.

Judging from people I know personally, there seem to be a couple of stages of tattoo-having for the non-sailor non-biker "respectable job" type person. You're anticipating the first, which is feeling like you've done something bad that you need to cover up or make excuses for. The second happens when it feels like part of you. Not exactly not caring what others think, but knowing that if you act like it's a natural accessory to your evening ensemble (for instance), everyone else will see it that way too. That sounds more philosophical than I really meant. But you get my drift. I say go for it.

 

[Ranger7]

I've had a tattoo on my deltoid for years now. What I'm bummed about is my eyebrow piercing. I've had it in for a few years and am quite attached to it. A vet I teched for this summer, said that Ohio State let you have facial piercings, crazy color hair, whatever for the first two years, but after that, you needed to look professional. I need to ask my Big Sib at my school if that will fly, but I'm not counting on it.

 

[HorseyVet]

A vet I teched for this summer, said that Ohio State let you have facial piercings, crazy color hair, whatever for the first two years, but after that, you needed to look professional. I need to ask my Big Sib at my school if that will fly, but I'm not counting on it.

Yeah, it's a bummer. I had my eyebrow pierced twice with a really small (18G micro ball) curved barbell....both long since have been removed eventhough they were really well placed/not very noticable. Half the time people didn't really even notice them at all. When I worked as an SA-ER assistant they didn't care b/c I really didn't work directly with the public. I think I had to wear a band-aid over them...

They made me remove them for a juvenile corrections job on account that they "weren't safe" in that they didn't want the kids to pull them out....it was really sort of discriminatory IMO, b/c they let everyone else have regular earings and most of the other women there were fond of the giant hoop earings, which to me are a lot easier to yank then a flat piercing.

However, I do think facial piercings really are probably in bad taste for doctors and probably not-so safe working with animals. They can do a lot of good things with retainers these days, but the problem sometimes with that is that if you have a smaller gauge sometimes it's too traumatic taking a retainer in and out all the time. I think I mentioned that too them once..."would you like me to have the piercing or a giant infection on my face...."

I think tattoos and piercings have become much more "mainstream" but there will always be an older generation that doesn't think they're so hot. It will be interesting to see if that changes much in the future when gen-X etc. grows up...

 

[Shlomo]

;-) just wear a sticker...

No, you're not crazy. I thought about having a tatoo myself, but I can't decide which one and where... besides, with the advanced plastic surgery today, you can remove a tatoo anytime.

Yeah, it's a bummer. I had my eyebrow pierced twice with a really small (18G micro ball) curved barbell....both long since have been removed eventhough they were really well placed/not very noticable. Half the time people didn't really even notice them at all. When I worked as an SA-ER assistant they didn't care b/c I really didn't work directly with the public. I think I had to wear a band-aid over them...

They made me remove them for a juvenile corrections job on account that they "weren't safe" in that they didn't want the kids to pull them out....it was really sort of discriminatory IMO, b/c they let everyone else have regular earings and most of the other women there were fond of the giant hoop earings, which to me are a lot easier to yank then a flat piercing.

However, I do think facial piercings really are probably in bad taste for doctors and probably not-so safe working with animals. They can do a lot of good things with retainers these days, but the problem sometimes with that is that if you have a smaller gauge sometimes it's too traumatic taking a retainer in and out all the time. I think I mentioned that too them once..."would you like me to have the piercing or a giant infection on my face...."

I think tattoos and piercings have become much more "mainstream" but there will always be an older generation that doesn't think they're so hot. It will be interesting to see if that changes much in the future when gen-X etc. grows up...

 

[mokadet]

We started orientation this week (at KSUCVM) and I am now getting to know my classmates. I actually remarked on the first or second day on the number of visable tattoos on our group of future veterinarians. We have quite a few men and women with tattoos on biceps, calves, ankles, and feet. However, for the most part the ones with the tattoos are interested in careers in large animal or equine medicine (not that SA docs can't have tats - but that seems to be the demographic).

I guess my point is that your decision might be swayed by what and where you want to practice - there's a big difference in clientele between a large animal vet in the midwest and a pricey small animal specialist in the suburb of a big city.

 

[MonkeyJunction]

Well let me say up front I am not in favor of body art.

As a consumer who would not hesitate to spend what it takes for our pets(and we have, mri, surgery, etc...) I would question the decision making process of a vet with a tattoo (or piercings). The reason for questioning that process would be to wonder if someone who has a tattoo has looked long term in their future. i.e., when you are 50-60 that flabby bicep would not be real nice looking with a discolored tat or that panama mustache doesn't look quite as good when surrounded by age spots. You must remember right or wrong the majority of us do not get a tattoo for a reason and we question the judgement of those who do. Like it or not, the majority of people who have the means to spend money on their pets don't have tattoos either

But of course this is just my opinion. Someone can say it will be hidden at work but if you have a tattoo it will be seen as you are stretching to reach something or if you are wearing a sheer or lightly colored shirt. So if you decide to get one I would not get it with the intent of hiding it, just accept the fact it could affect you in a negative manner in the beginning and will look like crap when you are a grandparent, besides it's your body and to hell with what anyone else thinks

 

[doubled1st10]

I am in my second year and have 4 tattoos. Two on my back, one on my arm, and one on my ankle. Nobody has ever really said anything. The one on my arm will show sometimes when wearing scrubs, but that is usually during surgery when no one cares about me only the patient.

I plan on getting more tattoos, the world sees things like that differently now, it is not all bikers that get them, lots of professionals from vets, to human doctors, to lawyers all are getting them. I say if you want one then get one. Its your body do as you please. If you are a good doctor people wont care if you have tattoos.

 

[mysterypie]

I got a my tattoo when I was seventeen so I can't say I had the ability to really think about the implications of the decision at the time, but 9 years later, I have never regretted it. I love my tattoo and I get at least one compliment on it every single day. It's on my arm just low enough to peak out in short sleeves but covered by some longer tees. Honestly, I've never encountered a time when my tattoo was a problem for employers or faculty. As far as I know, people's judgements about me regarding my tattoo have never adversly affected me or my ability to gain employment or admission into school or other groups or clubs. I do cover the tattoo with appropriate clothing during professional endeavors like interviews, and have always asked the companies policy on visible tattoos. Honestly, no one has ever cared including all the veterinary facitlities I have teched at including a small animal clinic, and a specialty and emergency clinic that is nationally renowned. I also worked at a wildlife center with people of all ages, an equine hospital and in a laboratory. All these employers knew I had a tattoo and it was never an issue. I even worked at a very prestigious summer school for high school kids and even they didn't care about my tattoo.

In fact I don't think I've ever come across a veterinary facility I worked in that was conservative enough to have a problem. Besides most scrub sleeves are long enough to cover even a relatively low bicep tattoo. And if clients ever cared I never heard about it. The thought of whether my tattoo would ever be a problem for my down the line in my professional career is not something that worries me. And if my client is so concerned that I might be a horrible doctor just because I have one very tasteful and well placed tattoo, then I imagine their going to be a difficult client I may not really want to be working with anyway. Some people will raise a stink about all sorts of unimportant things. I always found that those little old ladies who were difficult and had problems with things that had nothing to do with the care of their pet were regrettable cleints anyways.

Many of the doctors I worked with in clinics had visible tattoos. I say if you desire to get a tattoo and it sounds like you have thought out the pros and cons, by all means, go do it! I really think there are very few adults in the US that have not come to terms with the fact that many people in their twenties have tattoos in this day and age. Today people from all walks of life have tattoos, not just bikers and band members. Even my 60-year-old lawyer, never smoked anything, 4 foot 9, gets drunk off half a glass of wine mom is thinking about getting a small little flower on her ankle. Perhaps you'll come across some prejudice but a highly doubt it will prevent you from being successful in your chosen career.

 

[Iain]

I thoroughly dislike tattoos - to me they are a man made dermalogica disorder. I would shy away from any professional (accountant, banker, doctor, vet, nurse, lawyer, teacher, etc) who had one.

 

[dvm'08]

I thoroughly dislike tattoos - to me they are a man made dermalogica disorder. I would shy away from any professional (accountant, banker, doctor, vet, nurse, lawyer, teacher, etc) who had one.

whatever you say virgin boy........

 

[emessarr]

I thoroughly dislike tattoos - to me they are a man made dermalogica disorder. I would shy away from any professional (accountant, banker, doctor, vet, nurse, lawyer, teacher, etc) who had one.

I have been lurking for quite awhile, but I just can't let this one go...

I'm starting to thoroughly dislike you - to me, you're a naive, sanctimonious, close-minded idiot. I would shy away from any professional (such as you) who openly and without reason stated that they would dislike someone based solely on something drawn on their skin with ink. You're entering a profession based on science and reasoning - having an open mind is going to be important when trying to diagnose a case, isn't it? Are you going to say "I thoroughly dislike parvo. I'm going to shy away from that disease,"? Are you going to refuse to see clients who have tattoos? If so, be prepared to lose a lot of business to people like me, who prefer to first look at the facts, then judge people on the content of their character, not what they look like. It's preachy, idealistic *****s like you that have gotten us to where we are in this absintence-only-teaching, gargantuan-SUV-driving, Walmart-shopping world.

The same goes for everyone else who shares this bozo's opinion. Would you refuse to work with someone because of their hair color, or because they had their ears pierced, or were a different race than you? Wise up, guys - it's 2006.

 

[Bill59]

Turning this into a debate about the merits of lack thereof of tattoos, or your right to have one, is missing the point. First impressions are important and there are some individuals that see a tattoo and think unprofessional (yes, even in 2006). When that individual is a poster on the internet, who cares. But when it's a potential client or employer who wants to pay you money, it's a different matter.

There have been several studies of the effect of a physician's attire on trust and confidence of patients. It would be naïve to think similar considerations don't apply to veterinarians and their clients. In fact, that would be an interesting research project – some sort of study of veterinary clients response to veterinarians dressed in different ways, including tattoos.

 

[Ranger7]

I took my brow piercing out today and am very sad

I figured I might as well do it now, so it's healed up before orientation.

 

[kate_g]

There have been several studies of the effect of a physician’s attire on trust and confidence of patients.

There's an informal study on just this issue over in the EM residency forum... Bunch of EM interns/residents discussing wearing scrubs around the ER. They're easy, comfortable, and you don't have to do your own laundry. But some more seasoned attendings say they wear a shirt and tie because it differentiates them from the swarms of techs and nurses and whatnot, and gives them a much more authoritative presence for the whole wide range of people they treat every day.

One of the great things I've seen watching the vet I've been shadowing lately - he's probably somewhere near 50 - is the instant transition in attitude between clients. He swears in front of the hipsters and the tough guys; he says "ma'am" and "sir" to the grandparently types; he suggests the least time-consuming treatments for parents with big families... It's a service-oriented profession, you've gotta play the game and become the person each client wants you to be...

 

[MonkeyJunction]

Turning this into a debate about the merits of lack thereof of tattoos, or your right to have one, is missing the point. First impressions are important and there are some individuals that see a tattoo and think unprofessional (yes, even in 2006). When that individual is a poster on the internet, who cares. But when it’s a potential client or employer who wants to pay you money, it’s a different matter.

There have been several studies of the effect of a physician’s attire on trust and confidence of patients. It would be naïve to think similar considerations don’t apply to veterinarians and their clients. In fact, that would be an interesting research project – some sort of study of veterinary clients response to veterinarians dressed in different ways, including tattoos.

I agree with Bill wholeheartedly.....1st impressions are the most important. I don't care for body art (tattoos or piercings) so as a consumer I am most likely too trust a professional without such art. I too have seen techs and docs with tats and rings and I am not ashamed to say that I am biased against them because of it. It doesn't mean they are not great care providers but my preconceived conception would be to take them less serious or seek a different opinion. As an outside sales rep, I can tell you conceptions mean a lot more than reality when it comes to someone spending money

 

[Iain]

I would shy away from any professional (such as you) who openly and without reason stated that they would dislike someone based solely on something drawn on their skin with ink.

May I advise you to re-read my post - I never said I did not like people with tattoos, I said I did not like tattoos. Your diatribe really does nothing for your stance on the subject.

whatever you say virgin boy........

My signature is actually a SNL skit but it seems to go over many people's head - which makes it all the more amusing.

 

[HorseyVet]

May I advise you to re-read my post - I never said I did not like people with tattoos, I said I did not like tattoos. Your diatribe really does nothing for your stance on the subject.

You said you'd "shy away from any professional".....I'm not really sure how else you think that statment would be understood.

If I said "I shy away from young doctors"....that would mean I'm uncomfortable with them, do not believe their medicial opinion and/or avoid them altogether for said reason.

If that's not what you meant to indicate, then maybe you could try expressing yourself another way that would be more clear.

 

[dvm'08]

You said you'd "shy away from any professional".....I'm not really sure how else you think that statment would be understood.

If I said "I shy away from young doctors"....that would mean I'm uncomfortable with them, do not believe their medicial opinion and/or avoid them altogether for said reason.

If that's not what you meant to indicate, then maybe you could try expressing yourself another way that would be more clear.

i agree. he came off as an ass in his post.

 

[Iain]

But she was accusing me of disliking someone based on having a tattoo, which is incorrect, and then proceded to spout pure drivel on the tangent she created with that statement.

It is not a case I would not employ someone with tattoos, however I would require extra assurance of their abilities.

You guys asked the question, I am just giving you an honest answer - I guess it was more of a question where you only want to hear support - OOPS!

 

[HorseyVet]

You guys asked the question, I am just giving you an honest answer - I guess it was more of a question where you only want to hear support - OOPS!

Several people said things that could be considered "not what I (or anyone else with tattoos) would want to hear"

In general the opinions and criticisms have been honestly trying to be productive and the conversation has been amiable. You came off a bit flaming. Even if you believe as your post indicated, it would have been more productive to explain the rationale of said opinion or to voice it in a less singular way.

 

[mysterypie]

I thoroughly dislike tattoos - to me they are a man made dermalogica disorder. I would shy away from any professional (accountant, banker, doctor, vet, nurse, lawyer, teacher, etc) who had one.

Hey I'm not really too much of a fan of this guy either but hey...all he said was he'd probably choose not to see someone with a tattoo as he personally would not be comfortable. I think this is the reality. Freedom of choice is an important thing to many people in relation to things they truely care about such as taxes, investing, medical care, legal matters, etc. If you've ever met extremely successful business majors and those in the business world they will tell you how very very important appearance is to gaining people's trust in you. When it comes to multi-billion dollar investments and life-altering medical decisions the people who walk the walk and talk the talk are generally those the majority of people trust most. I'm a die hard liberal but there's a reason the republican party is so organized and powerful and it's not because they all value their individuality and freedom to express themselves.

The point is, if this guy were to say get cancer and seek medical attention he may not trust the doctor with tattoos and choose to see someone more "professional looking" i.e. someone who made him feel more at ease and secure. It's a silly reason for not trusting someone's medical ability and maybe not a good way to choose a doctor. Hey the one with the tattoos might save his life and the one without might not be able to. The point is, people have to make decisions everyday regarding their own or their pets medical needs and most people will choose the professional the are most comfortable with. Rationally this would be the person with the best credentials, etc, but realistically it might just be the person whose appearance with which they are most familiar and comfortable.

Believe me, I have a tattoo and I wish the people thought a little differently about they way they go through life and the decisions they make...but seriously here... let's be realistic for a minute. What this guy is saying is very true about the way mainstream america views body art, piercings, etc. If you like the idea of a tattoo and you are willing to lose certain clients because of it then who cares go do it. The same would go for being and open member of the LGBTA community. The problems that arise here have much in common with the problems of people who are openly gay in the workplace. You can't change and shouldn't try to hide who you are. You should be proud of it, but some people are also going to choose not to trust a doctor that is gay. You don't have to agree with them (I don't) but you should at least be able to recognize that this happens quite often. The same is true for any appearance or lifestyle that is not considered conservative. As a liberal-minded and styled individual, I am going to trust both conservative looking and more alternative looking individuals. Were I very conservative though, I would be less likely to trust those who weren't. Unfortunate? Yes, but also very true.

 

[shine_bluesky]

It is not a case I would not employ someone with tattoos, however I would require extra assurance of their abilities

I'm sorry, but in trying to defend yourself here, you have only succeeded in implying that you discriminate against someone because they have body art. I don't think this is what you meant, but that is the impression i got.

 

[Iain]

You guys make tattoos and piercing sound like an intrinsic hereditary feature, or a byproduct of situation or event out of your control, but it is a conscious decision you made.

Decisions have consequences.........

 

[UKYWildcat]

You guys make tattoos and piercing sound like an intrinsic hereditary feature, or a byproduct of situation or event out of your control, but it is a conscious decision you made.

Decisions have consequences.........

Doesn't it say somewhere that this is a vet/vet student forum? We can't talk about anything remotely medical but can listen to someone not even in the profession bicker about a dislike of body art?

 

[turtmd]

Ok, first I want to say in advance that I really want to avoid this from turning into a debate about tattoos (and body mod) in general. If you’re generally against or think poorly of them, just say so, but please try to comment as unbiasedly as possible (if that’s possible…I know a lot of people typically feel strongly one way or the other).

That being said, I’ve put off getting tattoos for a while now until I really figured out what I would be doing. Basically, irregardless of my feelings about tattoos I realize that there are still a lot of people out there that think only people in the service and bikers get tattoos….The last thing I wanted/want to do is alienate patients (when I was pre-human med) or clients. First impressions are important.

I really can’t think of too many occasions where getting this particular tattoo (on my upper arm) would have to be visible. Also, it’s of a sort of stylized horse (hard to describe)…which at least in my mind is a little different then say a skull or yoesmite sam…but maybe to the populous at large really doesn’t matter. I realize there are a number of other places where the tattoo would practically never be seen, but I think that defeats the point of a tattoo….IMO a “good tattoo” is one the person is comfortable showing in “appropriate” company, but that can be concealed in other circumstances when needed.

I was pretty set on getting it, but decided to wait until after I was in school a little first. In the mean time, for whatever reason I’ve run across a number of articles etc where vets are all dressed up, and got me thinking about fancy clothes= everyone sees tattoo or always having to buy dresses etc with sleeves….I don’t think these dressy events are really that common….but who knows…

Anyway, what do you all think? Is it totally crazy? I’ve had a number of friends who have become professional piercers/tattoo artists, so I know my mentality might be really different from the general public.

I would be especially interested if anyone knows vets/vet-students with semi-visible tattoos and what their experiences are.

Thanks…and again please don’t flame.

IRregardless is WRONG!! it is REGARDLESS...get a dictionary before you post

 

[HorseyVet]

IRregardless is WRONG!! it is REGARDLESS...get a dictionary before you post

Get a life before you post.

::cough:: troll ::cough::

 

[MissBehavior]

Hey, to get back to the original subject...IMO, I think it depends on where you live/work/go to school. I haven't visited any of the vet schools yet, but I would guess that those in more liberally-minded states or cities would be less likely to look down upon tattoos or piercings. Same for where you're working after you graduate. After living in Seattle and L.A., I don't think you would lose much business (if any) over it in those cities. If you wanted to work in a place that is generally more conservative, then you would probably have more problems.

I also think how you present yourself, aside from how you look, has a lot to do with how people treat you. Someone mentioned a girl with tattoos who never called attention to them so no one made a big deal about it. If you're confident, competent, well-spoken, etc, then that is what people will notice. Unless you have a big old tattoo on your face or something- then you may be out of luck!!

I don't have any tattoos, but I've thought about getting one of the veterinary caduceus if and when I graduate from vet school. If clients are offended by that, then it's their problem!!

 

[HorseyVet]

I don't have any tattoos, but I've thought about getting one of the veterinary caduceus if and when I graduate from vet school. If clients are offended by that, then it's their problem!!

That was actually one of the tattoos I wanted to get...be careful though b/c I guess people don't "get" the caduceus....I'm not sure if it's the "V" or the caduceus in general, but I've known of more then one occasion where the vet-caduceus has been oriented upside down by non-vet folks (like on a sign or glass lettering). They always think it should make an x-mas tree or a tent or something.

 

[turtmd]

Get a life before you post.

::cough:: troll ::cough::

And you are a veterinarian?? don't even know how write??

 

[turtmd]

That was actually one of the tattoos I wanted to get...be careful though b/c I guess people don't "get" the caduceus....I'm not sure if it's the "V" or the caduceus in general, but I've known of more then one occasion where the vet-caduceus has been oriented upside down by non-vet folks (like on a sign or glass lettering). They always think it should make an x-mas tree or a tent or something.

More "then" one occasion ??? It is more THAN!!! did you go to school?? I think you are a fake!!

 

[HorseyVet]

More "then" one occasion ??? It is more THAN!!! did you go to school?? I think you are a fake!!

I usually don't bother to proof read my posts and I never bother to point stupid mistakes in others' posts because that's really not what this forum is about....

Unlike you apparently, I have better things to do with my time then troll the forums and look for grammatical and spelling errors.

Why don't you try to post something constructive? Is inane critique the only thing you have to offer?

 

[Bill59]

don't even know how write??

...don't even know how to write.

 

[HorseyVet]

...don't even know how to write.

see I didn't even notice that...

I love you Bill..

 

[turtmd]

see I didn't even notice that...

I love you Bill..

I did that on purpose...and I don't have anything else to do but criticize you and your grammar

 

[turtmd]

I usually don't bother to proof read my posts and I never bother to point stupid mistakes in others' posts because that's really not what this forum is about....

Unlike you apparently, I have better things to do with my time then troll the forums and look for grammatical and spelling errors.

Why don't you try to post something constructive? Is inane critique the only thing you have to offer?

Yes, I was trying to correct you. It is not irregardless because that word does not exist...and when you are comparing..you need to use than.

 

[francesca91]

hey guys,
isn't that time to stop this childish, useless grammar-spelling argument?

 

[shine_bluesky]

hey guys,
isn't that time to stop this childish, useless grammar-spelling argument?

I agree

 

[MissBehavior]

They always think it should make an x-mas tree or a tent or something.

 

[NaughtyGirl999]

I got 4, barely visible areas-ankle, arm, back.

And half my clients do too!!

There are worse things out there, like not washing before showing up for work, or not brushing your teeth.

 

[manfred]

I think this forum provides a great answer to the tattoo debate. The feedback you've had has been support and encouragement from the vast majority, and contrary-for-the-sake of-it from a couple of jerks. BILL59 is right. first impressions are framed by these kinds of details when you're a student/young vet, not only with clients but your mentors as well. You want to project a certain image-enthusiasm, responsiblity etc, and at this stage of your career all you really have is your appearance. (I find carrying big books around makes you look smarter) I think that once you have established yourself as a professional, if your conduct as a vet/doctor/astronaut/whatever and a person is what you focus on, rather than your body art, people respond to that by focusing on those things too, and a tattoo, or pink hair or whatever will be a minor detail for most people, and your career will survive without the ones who can't handle it. By the same token, if you cover youself in tattoos and peircings, or get even one gawdy one, you generally have to overcome the first impression you project for the rest of your life that says 'hi i'm these tattoos and peircings, oh, also, i'm a vet, and a nice, competent person', rather than the other way around.
In general, if you be honest and don't act like a jerk, you generally won't be treated like one. I thought I had something helpful to say, but i'm just telling you common sense i spose. BILL59 knows what he's on about-listen to him. He said it way better in his post and pretty much nailed it. people do judge you, especially when you're young. When you're starting out, why make things harder than they need to be? Get something modest, or wait until your work can speak for itself before you get the pictorial evolution of the horse from wrist to shoulder. But you've probably already gone and got the tat you were thinking about. haven't you?... you little devil.

Also, Could TURTMD and IAIN possibly be tempted into a clever comment-off between themselves? They're quite clever.

 

[budcrew]

First off if you're so worried about your commitment towards ink, then you probably shouldn't sweat it at all... it's obviously not for you! If you're getting a tattoo just to be cool and fit in because all of your buddies are tattoo artist and piercers and you want to fit the look, then quit vet school and become an artist! If you know you want some work and it's an expression of yourself then go for it... the tattoo doesn't make the doctor or surgeon... once you reach your goal and become licensed and are practicing medicine in any field you'll be asked to face much more life concerning issues than if a tattoo should be put on hold or not. A tattoo does not define the canvas... a tattoo doesn't define your personality in anyway, YOU define yourself with your interactions between patients and the confidence level at which you carry yourself in delivery your diagnosis.

I'll tell you this, yeah you may get an odd look or two, especially with older generations... but in the same token you'll find respect from it too... it's the law of equal and opposite forces (Newton) that law applies to our everyday!

I am a practicing surgeon and found myself both being doubting and feared at my time at Yale due to my visible tattoos... but did it affect me? No! I am me, regardless of the visible or not, once I open my mouth or walk in the room, my presence describes me far more than any amount of ink that can be placed over my body.

BOTTOM LINE: if you want it get it, if you're second guessing yourself DON'T!!!

 

[sumstorm]

So, I didn't read all the responses. I don't have tatoos, but I don't object to them. However, they should, for professionals, be concealable, and you may have to conceal it for professional occasions (there is plenty of attire available to do so) at least until you have a permenant clientelle that is ok with it (which may be instantly or may be never.)


Some things to remember; body mod can go wrong. It isn't terribly common, but it does happen. So realize that you may have the perfect thing mentally, and it could be a disaster that you will want to keep covereed (you could have an immune reaction, you could scar up unexpectedly, some people's skin doens't hold ink well or evenly, etc.)

We were told early on this year that an instructor can have you remove any uncovered jewelry for any lab or clinical experience, including basic ear piercings. They can also require that you cut your nails immediatly. it is the cost of working with animals that aren't your own. If your own animal catches a claw in a stud and rips it out in your home, that is your issue. if a clients dog does it in clinic, there is a liability risk for the clinic (plus blood exposure risk for clients/associates.)

Based on a game we played during orientation, at least 50% of our class has tatoos. I would say about 1/4 are visible in shorts/t-shirts, only about 1/10 are visible in slacks and short sleeves/scrubs, and only aobut 1/80 isn't easily covered. We have people with body piercings as well, some more noticable than others. That may be an issue during rotations, depending on who they report to.

So, if you are comfortable with your ability to cover it up, or to be able to deal with the potential consequences of clients/associates views (whether they are fair or not) then go for it. I know people in my class who are very happy and who really dislike thier tats. And I know at least 2 are really messed up (according to thier owners.) My advice, if I was talking ot a younger family memeber is, if this is what you really want, it wil wait, and you will still want it several years from now (and you won't be doing it on loans/money that could be used to avoid loans)....or you may decide that you don't want it. There isn't a rush....they won't be outlawed and I am sure someone will still be able to take your money and do the work!

BTW- I think some tatoos are really amazing and worth while, even though I won't have one myself.

 

[rileyroo]

My advice, if I was talking ot a younger family memeber is, if this is what you really want, it wil wait, and you will still want it several years from now (and you won't be doing it on loans/money that could be used to avoid loans)....or you may decide that you don't want it. There isn't a rush....

agreed! when i moved away from home at 18 to attend college, i wanted a tattoo so bad. i decided to wait to make sure... 5 years later, i got the tattoo and i know it was for all the right reasons. i had had plenty of time to think about it and lots of scenarios to consider.

 

[philomycus]

I have 4 tatoos. They are all relatively small and all of them are hidden. Although most people don't look down on it these days, I feel getting one that's hidden is the most professional way to go.

I thought for months before I got each of them, and they each mean something very personal to me. I don't frown on anyone professionally who has them visible, but I chose to hide mide to prevent offending someone, especially since I will be represeting someone else's clinic when I get out.

 

[ImaJerseyGirl]

Some things to remember; body mod can go wrong. It isn't terribly common, but it does happen.


BTW- I think some tatoos are really amazing and worth while, even though I won't have one myself.

Something malfunctioned in my mind the day I got my upper ear cartilage pierced. After 6 months it is a thickened and bleeding mess, I know it is never going to look normal again! It was ripped out a few times and man did that hurt! Lesson learned!!!

And agreed!

 

[Pennvet]

I am so glad that I'm not a hipster.