A Tattoo-Covered Doctor Proves That Looks Can’t Stop Anyone From Becoming a Good Physician

Sarah Gray is a doctor and a future orthopedic surgeon. She graduated from the University of Adelaide, Australia, and is considered one of the most tattooed women who practice medicine. She has become popular all over the world not only for the number of tattoos on her skin but because she has broken some prejudices perpetuated by society. So, while achieving her dream of becoming a doctor, she also teaches society that having tattoos doesn’t damage one’s potential or professionalism at all.

Bright Side arranged an exclusive interview with Sarah to tell you more about what she thinks regarding taboos, tattoos, and job inclusion.

What other professionals think about her appearance

Sarah told us that her colleagues welcomed her with open arms and that everything has been pleasing thus far. She was accepted for who she was, which is “colorful,” as she creatively calls herself. In fact, she recently had an interview with her superiors and managed to get her first preferential surgical job. She added, “They obviously didn’t let my appearance compromise my potential.”

Her looks have allowed her to have varied experiences.

Thanks to her artistic body, Sarah has more positive than negative experiences to share. But even so, she has faced awkward situations here and there. For example, once she was at an event that took place in an Australian restaurant, and both she and her husband were asked to leave. This is additional proof that there are still taboos against looks that fall too far from the standards set by society.

But not everything is bad or uncomfortable for the doctor. Thanks to her great talent, Sarah succeeded at opening her own art studio where she tattoos other people. She also won the “Miss Ink Australia” contest in 2017 and, of course, has received unconditional support from all the people she lives with on a daily basis.

A piece of advice for those who think they can’t achieve their dreams because of their appearance

As Sarah said, “If you want something and work hard for it, you can get it. The more people help to eliminate the limits set by stereotypes, the more they’ll be able to change the way people think in the future.” And she’s right! To change others’ opinions, people have to keep contributing, working, and demonstrating that what’s different isn’t bad.

“If you have nothing good to say, then don’t say anything at all!”

Art has always been part of this world and in many forms. However, it’s not always accepted openly, either because it’s too subjective, strange, or because it differs too much from everyday life. For artists like Sarah, creativity is a form of self-expression that should be exhibited to the fullest and not be judged or rejected since this demonstrates the true character of a person.

Bonus: Taboos regarding tattoos are real, according to a study.

In the past, tattoos were seen as signs of crime or as a way to prove social status. Often, this made it hard for people to get a job or to be taken seriously. However, according to one study, the stigma surrounding tattoos still exists, even though we live in a more modern era that’s open to change.

Have you suffered from discrimination because of your tattoos, hairstyle, or overall looks? Let it all out in the comments!