Plastic Surgeon Rips Into Aunt and Leaves Her in Tears for Refusing to Accept That She’s a Real Doctor

Careers may be one of the things that stress people out the most. Yet, many individuals would do anything to achieve their dream career. 

They go all out to pursue these dreams, even when they require little or no socializing and a lot of studying.

Some people explore several career paths before deciding which one suits them best. For others, their first choice is their last. Either way, choosing a career path is a life-changing decision.

It’s always best to have the support of family members and close friends in whatever choice a person makes. When a person doesn’t have this support, it may cause conflict. 

We found a story on the AITA community on Reddit that tells a similar tale.

OP shared that she is a plastic surgeon. According to her, she was initially interested in psychiatry but soon developed an interest in surgery and decided to build a career as a plastic surgeon.

While her parents, brother-in-law, and siblings were very supportive of this decision, OP’s extended family expressed their disappointment with her choice.

Although this initially upset OP, she soon became accustomed to it. However, one of her cousins pursued a PLC in nursing and childcare. 

This cousin’s mother was one of the extended family members who disapproved of OP’s job, and she implied that OP wasn’t a real doctor while bragging about her daughter.

OP didn’t spare her feelings and confronted her aunt about her comment. Her aunt cried, causing an uproar among other family members, leading OP to ask the AITA question.

Scroll down to read the full story!

Let's Dig Into the Details

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OP's Parents and Siblings Are Supportive of Her Choice to Be a Plastic Surgeon, but Her Extended Family Has a Different Perspective on This Field of Medicine

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OP's Cousin, on the Other Hand, Chose to Pursue a PLC in Nursing, and Her Aunt Keeps Rubbing This in Her Face

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The Impact of Professional Identity

Professional identity shapes how individuals perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others.

In this case, the aunt's refusal to acknowledge the plastic surgeon's qualifications may stem from deeply held beliefs about the legitimacy of certain medical professions.

Research indicates that identity conflict can lead to stress and diminished self-esteem, particularly when external validation is lacking.

The Role of Professional Identity

Professional identity plays a significant role in how individuals perceive each other within their fields. Dr. Barbara Held's research emphasizes that when individuals feel their professional identity is invalidated, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. In this case, the aunt’s refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of her niece's profession as a plastic surgeon exemplifies how societal biases can undermine professional validation.

Research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology shows that professional recognition and validation are crucial for job satisfaction and self-esteem. When individuals do not receive acknowledgment from their peers, it can lead to significant emotional distress and impact their performance.

OP and Her Sister Went Over to Their Aunt's Place, but a Harmless Family Time Turned Into a Huge Argument That Has Now Left OP Wondering If She's the AH

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Here's what the Reddit community had to say:

"The Plastic Surgeon Who Fixed My 5-Year-Old Sister's Face When a Dog Bit Her Is, in Fact, a REAL Doctor"

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"NTA... A lot of people have an outdated/Hollywood idea of what a plastic surgeon really does within medicine."

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According to a study in the Journal of Social Issues, individuals often face challenges in establishing authority when their profession is viewed with skepticism.

This skepticism can stem from societal biases against certain fields, including plastic surgery, which may be viewed as less legitimate compared to other medical specialties.

Such biases can create interpersonal tension, as seen in this case where the aunt's dismissal of the surgeon's expertise led to emotional distress.

Additionally, this situation highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of professional expertise. A clinical psychologist points out that many people have misconceptions about certain fields, which can lead to derogatory attitudes towards professionals like plastic surgeons. This can be particularly true in cultures where traditional medicine is highly valued over cosmetic procedures.

Addressing these misconceptions through education and dialogue can help bridge the gap in understanding and foster mutual respect among professionals in differing fields.

"Remind Them It’s Illegal for a Nurse to Call Herself a Doctor"

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"NTA for Going Off on Your Aunt, YTA, Though for the Strays That Hit Your Cousin"

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"They Assume That You Are Just Out There Catering to Liposuction and Nose Jobs for People with Too Much Money."

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Navigating Family Relationships

Family relationships often become strained when professional identities clash. According to research conducted by the American Psychological Association, familial support is essential for maintaining mental health and well-being. When family members fail to recognize and respect each other's professional choices, it can lead to conflict and emotional pain.

To navigate these tensions, families can benefit from engaging in open discussions about each member's professional paths. This approach fosters understanding and respect, which can ultimately strengthen family bonds.

"Calling Your Cousin Dumb and Too Stupid for School Is Absolutely the Wrong Tact Even If You Were Insulted by Her Mother"

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"A Good Plastic Surgeon Is a Doctor, Scientist, and Artist. Thank You for All You Do for Your Patients!"

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The popular opinion in the comments section is that OP is NTA.  According to them, OP’s aunt disregards her profession because she doesn’t understand how extensive and essential plastic surgery is.

Do you agree with the verdict from the Reddit community? Let us know! 

Moreover, the emotional fallout from such conflicts can have lasting impacts on family relationships. Studies indicate that unresolved familial disputes can lead to chronic stress, which may affect individuals' mental health and overall life satisfaction. A proactive approach to conflict resolution, including family therapy, can help address these issues and promote healthier dynamics.

Creating an environment that encourages vulnerability and honesty can help family members feel safe sharing their feelings and navigating these difficult conversations.

Psychological Analysis

This conflict illustrates how professional identities can clash within families, leading to feelings of invalidation and frustration. It's essential for family members to acknowledge and respect each other's professional choices to maintain healthy relationships. Open dialogue about these differences can help bridge understanding and foster a more supportive family environment.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, the interplay between professional identity and familial relationships is complex and often fraught with misunderstanding. Recognizing and validating each other's professional paths is crucial for maintaining healthy family dynamics. Families facing such conflicts should prioritize open communication and seek professional support if necessary to foster mutual respect and understanding.

Psychological Analysis

This situation highlights how societal perceptions of various professions can affect personal relationships.

It's vital to acknowledge that each profession has its unique contributions to society, and recognizing these can lead to healthier family dynamics and respect among relatives.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, professional recognition is critical for self-esteem and can impact interpersonal relationships.

Understanding the psychological implications of professional identity can help navigate complex family dynamics and foster greater respect for diverse professions.