Hyphenating

This past week I had an awesome interaction with a doctor I frequently work with at the hospital.

He was writing in a chart when my supervisor asked me what my maiden name was. Living in Utah, the response that I have kept my maiden name always opens a can of worms. My supervisor began to respond to my statement that I've kept my maiden name, but before she could do so, the doctor cut her off.

Dr. X: Whatever you do, don't be a hyphen-bitch.

*I began to nervously laugh whilst blushing and frantically thinking of a response.*

Me: Well, when I'm travelling internationally with my future children, I don't want to have to carry their birth certificate with me to prove that I'm their mother. It's just asking for additional problems with Immigration. Not to mention...

*Dr. X starts to laugh so I trail off.*

Dr. X: I'm just giving you a hard time, Liz! A friend in medical school told me about that nickname since there's been a huge movement toward women hyphenating in medical school. I was just waiting for an opportunity to use it.

Me: Oh *insert awkward laugh*. That's funny. I'll be sure to remember that nickname.

Honestly, I really do like the doctor. He might be my favorite docs in the whole hospital... Which is what made it hilarious and super awkward.

So... Moral of the story, if you'd like to get me going, just call me that name!

*****

In other news, here is one of the reasons I wanted to keep my last name:

My first publication (although I'm second author, I'm still way excited about it)! Seriously so cool - I loveee research.