It seems that tattoos will always be an issue for contention amongst the general population. On one side, there are those who believe tattoos are expressive pieces of artwork that can highlight an individual's uniqueness. On the other side, there are those that believe tattoos are a classless sign of unprofessionalism and carelessness.
In fact, just a few days ago we reported on a heavily-tattooed woman being told not to bother applying for the police force because her inkings were "contrary to our requirement to portray a professional and disciplined image and would, therefore, be deemed exclusionary."
So, with tattoos being viewed in such an "unprofessional" light, could you imagine having a doctor covered in elaborate and colorful inkings? Well, Dr Sarah Gray, who has been dubbed "the world’s most tattooed doctor", has recently spoken out about how her body art should not be considered when it comes to her abilities as a medical professional.
As well as being a popular Instagram model, boasting more than 87,000 followers, Dr Gray recently spoke to Medscape (an online medical information and education resource for clinicians) about how a "your appearance in no way defines you, nor your ability to be competent". Dr Gray also revealed how her patients react to her bright body art:
"Patients and colleagues react to them in a positive way. I’m often complimented on my colorful appearance. Patients, in particular, the younger generation, find it can be a good barrier break down and often say they feel I look more approachable than some of the more traditionally conservative doctors.
"I always dress presentably and ultimately if you’re a good listener, have empathy and compassion, having artwork on your skin doesn’t seem to matter. It certainly doesn’t make you any less capable at the task at hand."
Dr Gray's online popularity skyrocketed after winning Miss Inked Australia back in 2017. Now, she's an aspiringorthopaedic surgeon currently completing her surgical residency in Adelaide. She believes tattoos are a "personal choice" that shouldn't be taken into consideration when it comes to someone's career, adding that we should all "encourage self-expression".
She added:
"I don’t think it should be the case of what is or isn’t allowed for doctors, or anyone for that matter. Body art is a personal choice and it’s just a form of art collecting, only it’s on skin. Your appearance in no way defines you, nor your ability to be competent and we should encourage creative self-expression.
"I’m just being myself. I’m proud of who I am and haven’t let my profession define me as a person. It’s a huge part of who I am and I’m working hard to be a great doctor and future surgeon, but my life outside of medicine is just as important.
"Why should we have to fit into a preconceived mold of what others think we should look like to be a 'competent and professional' doctor? I say to everyone, just be yourself, and if you’re caring, empathetic, competent and a hard worker you can be anything, especially a great doctor."
We think Sarah looks amazing! Keep doing you, doc!
