‘World’s Most Tattooed Doctor’ Admits She Faces Discrimination For Her Body Art But Aims To Break Barriers

An Australian woman who may be the “world’s most tattooed doctor” admits she’s faced extensive discrimination because of her body art. Dr. Sarah Jane Gray from Adelaide has been working tirelessly on the frontline to save lives and to keep people’s spirits up in the midst of the global pandemic, but that hasn’t stopped many critics from focusing on her ink rather than her medical skill.

  1. She encourages everyone to be kind. Everyone is struggling at the moment in different ways, and the best thing we can offer one another is kindness and compassion. This includes our friends, neighbors, and loved ones as well as frontline workers who are going out of their way to help those in need during the pandemic. “To everyone on the frontline working in healthcare during this current pandemic, thank you,” she wrote on her Instagram page. “We stay at work to help you, so please stay home to help us.”
  2. Dr. Gray recently trained to become an orthopedic surgeon. However, given the current health situation, she’s often found herself working on much more urgent needs at the hospital. While it’s been difficult, she’s been nothing but positive and has tried to bolster the spirits of everyone around her. “A smile can heal 1000 wounds. Please remember to BE KIND to others during this difficult time,” she shared. “Everyone is fighting their own battles. If we all just do the right thing & stay inside for non essential tasks, stay positive & support one another, we WILL beat this virus. Through dark times there is always light. We got this!”
  3. Why should such a wonderfully caring and talented woman be criticized for her body ink? After getting her first tattoo at 16, she estimates she’s spent nearly 200 hours in the artist’s chair over the years to complete her look. Many people have dubbed Dr. Gray’s appearance as “unacceptable,” claiming that doctors shouldn’t have tattoos because it’s not suitable in such a public field. However, Sarah wants to break those stereotypes and prove that body art has absolutely nothing to do with medical proficiency.
  4. Her tattoos can often help her connect with patients. In an interview with Medscape, Dr. Gray revealed that her body art is often a bonding point between herself and younger patients. “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,” she explained. “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.”
  5. Not all doctors need to look the same. “If you’re confident and competent at your job it shouldn’t really matter what you look like,” Sarah insists. “I’m just trying to advocate for being your own person and still being able to work in the medical profession.”

Jennifer Still is a writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience. The managing editor of Bolde, she has bylines in Vanity Fair, Business Insider, The New York Times, Glamour, Bon Appetit, and many more. You can follow her on Twitter @jenniferlstill
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