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I've been on this site occasionally during the past several years each time to gain insight and inspiration for growing my hair. I've done it multiple times but cut my long hair for various reasons including death of a family member and med school/hospital duties. Each time I went through an awkward stage that was usually controlled with something: gel, hat, bandana, beanie etc. Although, I wish I was strong enough to just grow it out without having to control my hair or think about what others thought. Now I'm growing it out again and this time for good. I've had 5-6 months of growth with trims on sides. The question is will I be judged by patients, doctors, and colleagues because of my hair?
The answer is yes and a concern in the past. But today I realize it doesn't matter. I may be in a poofy stage right now but to think that I have to get a trim to make it "look good" or "acceptable" is foolish. Once my hair gets longer, I know I'll have some patients and some people in the hospital who'll negatively judge me. But I'll be myself and do my job rather than worry about their acceptance. Some might argue that a few people will be turned off by my hair and might ask why risk the chance to negatively impact the doctor-patient relationship. It is worth thinking about... but...
I'm writing this to share especially to younger people that if you feel pressure while in school or work to cut or modify your long hair, resist it. Yes, you should do what's in your heart and be comfortable. However, don't believe long hair EVER makes you inferior. If anything, it's an asset which empowers the will and a wonderful journey through months of awkward stages, some pressure/criticism/comments, etc. Finally, let your work/academic record speak for itself and never feel like your appearance especially your long hair will take away from that.
I had long hair when I worked in a hospital. And several of the male residents had long hair throughout their residency. One of them is now a successful plastic surgeon and has never cut his hair.
Hi Robbie. Very well put, and I couldn't agree with your more. We should not be pushed into doing anything we don't want to do because of pressure from anyone else. It's our decision. Good luck in your new resolve. Ian
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Robbie,
Thanks for your story! Here is a true story about one of the best doctors ever:
When my (now 17 yr old) son was quite young, I had to make numerous trips to the ER for various reasons. I was not always satisfied with some of the doctors there. Then one year, a new doc showed up -- he always wore scrubs, cowboy boots, and had his long hair tailed. Yes, people took one look at him and judged him negatively, including his collegues. I had the extreme fortune to have him care for my child at 3 am one morning -- and he was AWESOME! Then, whenever I needed to take my son to the ER, I would request him. Plus I told all my friends about him. About a year and a half after my first encounter with that doctor, yet another 2 am visit to the ER, I request 'The Cowboy' doc see my son. The intake nurse actually said, "I'm sorry, there are too many requests for him already. You are going to have to see another doctor."
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I've seen the inside of hospitals literally more than 150 times in the past 17 years, and have noticed maybe 20 male hospital workers with long hair. I always thought it perfectly acceptable as long as the man's hair was clean and neat, not getting in the way of anything -- exactly as one would expect from a female hospital worker with long hair. What DOES bother me are 1)neckties -- because people wash their clothing, but rarely their necties, so how many germs are on that thing??, and 2)a lot of jewelry, especially rings -- how many germs are trapped between the inside of the ring and the person's finger...
Good luck in your career, Robbie, and in your hair journey! :)
Robbie,
While channel surfin last night, I came apon a show called Hopkins 24/7 on the new OWN. ( John Hopkins University Hospital ) Didnt get to see the whole show but there was a cancer doctor that had hair down to the middle of his back. He was recognized as a very good doctor becuase of his surgical skills and dedication to help his patients and and when needed, help them with their the relization of death. No mention of his hair length, but he did say how because he was free to be himself he was able to reach his patients on another level.
What I got from this doctor is, it really didnt matter what he looked like, it just mattered that his patients like him for his skill and compassion.
Glinka
Of all the things to be concerned about your doctor about, this is right up there with what color their skin is or whether they have freckles or wear lavender scrubs.
Gods forbid you actually care if they are competent! They only hold your life in their hands.
Not to give into stereotyping, but on average, to get the long haired men in many higher skilled professions is often a sign that they are super skilled in their field since they had to overcome the prejudices of having long hair in order to get hired.
I've had to deal with this kind of shit in the past and even today people offer me money if they can cut my hair. G-d knows why people are so obsessed over my hair? I think the jealousy factor even among men runs deep. Yet it is true for women as well as sometimes women are asked the same things from other women.
I've thought about dressing up in clothing that is of ancient origin. I feel this would complete my long haired look and anti-modernization statement. I know I use a computer but could live without it too.