greyhaired

I am a doc, and I would hold a visible tattoo against someone in interviewing for med school admissions and for employment in my practice. Harsh but true. I think it shows a lack of judgement, and one can discriminate against those with tattoos - it is not a protected minority. Do Henna for the wrist, and think long and hard about permanent ink.

Flashes1

If you are adamant about getting "tatted-up," I would strongly advise putting it in a discreet part of your bodies. Respectable people at respectable jobs don't have visible "tatts." At least that's my experience in the Midwest and East Coast banking circles....and my wife is a pediatrician.

CCsiteObsessed

While you might find that tatt attractive on your toned 20-something bod with its plumped smooth skin, how will it look down the road when you are a senior citizen? How will the tatt look on sagging, crepey skin? Exercise can only take you so far.

RBenjamin

Hello,
My name is Rob. A current national situation has called for a cause to create public awareness to the aspects of tattoos and tattooing. There have been schools formed that claim that they can teach you to tattoo in 2 weeks. Unfortunately they are scamming people out of thousands of dollars. These schools are not only frowned upon by the tattoo community they are dangerously forbidden. Their is currently a nationwide protest, and it is estimated that over 65,000 active supporters object to this practice.

Recently, in a press report from the Discovery network "The Learning Channel" stated that they are airing a program about this called "Tattoo School." This will, most likely, sensationalize the act. Hopefully they will edit it such a way to show how dangerous it is, but that is not anticipated.

Many of the nations most respected artists are networking to have a set of standards enacted, officially, to combat the spread of infections practice by seeing it legitimized to a point of "procedure." With our best efforts we must educate everyone as to not only the dangers, but to admit just how invasive it is. This will help to discourage individuals from performing this act without "proper" training

Any and all suggestions are appreciated. This is a matter of public safety.

norcalguy

Sounds like current tatoo artists are fearful of the increased competition for business.

RBenjamin

To the contrary. It takes many years to understand the process and do it safely. Our businesses are thriving. Fear is not an element to this movement. It is educating the public. And your response was a good example of why. We don't want you to misunderstand.... I could show you pictures that would turn your stomach. This is a MRSA factory. We are currently working on a PSA and this is NATIONAL. Let me make something very clear. We are not and never will be in competition with Unlicensed Poorly Trained Amateurs. It doesn't work like that. We are licensed professionals. We do the educating on a one on one basis over the course of years. 2 weeks of fast tracking is reckless and sure to spread many disease. Please respond constructively

pohaku

Minnesota now requires tattoo parlors, tattoo artists and piercing artists to be licensed. A tattoo or piercing artist license requires:

(1) proof that the applicant is over the age of 18;

(2) the type of license the applicant is applying for;

(3) all fees required under section 146B.10;

(4) proof of completing a minimum of 200 hours of supervised experience within the area for which the applicant is seeking a license, and must include an affidavit from the supervising licensed technician;

(5) proof of having satisfactorily completed coursework approved by the commissioner on bloodborne pathogens, the prevention of disease transmission, infection control, and aseptic technique. Courses to be considered for approval by the commissioner may include, but are not limited to, those administered by one of the following:

(i) the American Red Cross;

(ii) United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); or

(iii) the Alliance of Professional Tattooists; and

(6) any other relevant information requested by the commissioner.

Lots of additional health and safety standards that must be met.

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/...keyword=tattoo

It is a generational thing. My pre-med interested D has a small fairy wing tattooed on the inside of her ankle. A gift from her BF. Her own design. She was thoughtful enough to put it in a fairly inconspicuous place. I have no problem with it.

RBenjamin

For the record I have tattooed surgeons. I have also been told that it was an extremely precise and controlled invasive procedure when done properly. I understand that you may feel that it doesn't concern you, but I stress that this IS a matter of disease control. Staph occurs regularly with unclean practices...we have already been blamed for the MRSA mutation. I am suggesting that it is time to work together in the interest of public safety.

RBenjamin

The laws are in place in most states, but they are rarely if ever enforced by the counties....this is what we are up against. County health inspectors that have better things to do while the unlicensed person has nothing to fear since he isn't regulated.

RBenjamin

Let me try this.....Are their any Doctors that would like to be part of a PSA concerning disease prevention and promotes public awareness?

Barneyfife

As for tats on a doc, yes, some people will care and not come back or enroll you or look down upon you. Just like skin color, gender or sexual preferences. Why? cause we're all people and we like some things and don't like other things.

I would suggest if you are interviewing for med school, don't. Getting in is so very hard as it is and possibly adding a negative could keep you out. Not saying for sure as nobody can one way or another, but is it worth the risk?

If you really want a tat, practice delayed rewards. Like the one poster 10 years into his profession. At that point, what's anybody going to do?

It is just at the early stages of your career that you need to be more aware of what helps or hurts your chances.

bluedevilmike

Kevin Durant does have ink. Lots of it. | ProBasketballTalk

Gemini123

To whoever said, how would a tattoo look on "sagging, creeping skin"-- I don't think it would matter how your tattoo looks like at that point anyways. The skin is already that damaged and inelastic...I don't think a tattoo will be the good skin hindrance. @Jessicaa- I totally agree that people sometimes (or most maybe, I can't be sure) are too judgmental.

live4everfree

how narrow minded can you be? having a tattoo has nothing to do with one's judgement or knowledge.. and certainly does not affect his or her qualifications. The doctor with tattoos just might be better than the doctor you change for no tattoos

live4everfree

and why would it matter what a tattoo looks like when you are old? obviously the people who get tattoos are not concerned with what they will look like years from now. I have two tattoos and im going to school for occupational therapy. tattoos are just a different way of expressing oneself and being unique. everyone has a story and some people like to express theirs through art.