<p>I have looked around at other forums about doctors and tattoos... and for myself, I am wondering how much it would hurt my chances at medical school if I got a tattoo to honor my father (who passed away from cancer when I was 8) that also shows the hope for winning the fight against cancer. I really want this to be something that people can see and be inspired by, but at the same time making something that can be easily covered (with sleeves, a watch, whatever). I have been thinking about getting a tattoo for him since I was about 14, and it is about fighting cancer... and I understand that the medical field is a conservative one... But will it hurt my chances?</p>
<p>It’s doubtful that a single tattoo will affect your chances so long as you do two things:
- have it a in place easily covered by a short sleeve shirt and thus not visible to patients or interviewers; 2) symbol does not promote drugs/gang life</p>
<p>My D1 (a current med student) has a moderate sized (2.5 inches long) tattoo on the top of her instep. Several of her classmates also have tattoos, though none are visible when wearing scrubs.</p>
<p>As long as it can be covered at a moment’s notice no one will care but by that I mean no one will ask if you have any. I wouldn’t get it on your forearm and then take off your jacket in an interview and roll up your sleeves. Honestly, if you’re putting it on your arms, I wouldn’t go below the elbow so that, as WOWMom said, it can be covered by short sleeved scrubs.</p>