Yes… I’m quite into fashion/ make-up and the only way I feel I get on with younger female non-medics if I talk about superficial/ ditzy things like my lipstick shade. Doesn’t work with older nurses. I would say I am “pretty”. I make an effort no matter where I go because I enjoy it for myself but don’t appreciate comments about my appearance; especially from males, no matter how well meaning. I know you’re thinking “get over yourself” but it genuinely affects me and my relationship… I’ve had people leave me “love notes”, message me on FB and instagram to the point I had to delete my accounts.

I’ve noticed I get a really cold reception when on call and it’s like “ugh finally… now go do these jobs”. Once I was on call and then a male doctor happened to be cutting through the ward- all the nurses and HCA’s lit up and started twirling their hair and asking where he’s been AND they knew his name- definitely did not know mine. I’ve noticed females are also quite jealous and mean if you’re with an attractive male doctor that they have a crush on. You can have him.

It does get me down because I am a good clinician and am very efficient. I feel people think I won’t be good if I’m on call and they’ve never worked with me. Staff on my own ward know I am one of the best juniors but I’ve had to work hard to make them “like me”.