Getting married....

**magicsam3** · 16-05-2012, 05:38 PM

Hey Guys

Just wondering if anyone knows what happens when you get married while you're still a med student - can you change your last name or not? I haven't been able to get a definitive answer to this so am wondering if someone on here knows.

Also can you change your last name after you finish the course (for example after you're started FY1)

For some reason I'm thinking you can only change your last name while still a student but I'm not sure.

Your replies are appreciated!

**CMash** · 16-05-2012, 07:57 PM

Hey,
Don't take this for gospel but I would imagine there are no limits on you changing it whilst you are still a student since you are not registered as a doc yet. After you finish the course you can change your name but you will then be going by two names I think, one professional and one personal. So for example your name is Jane Doe,when you graduate you'll be Dr Jane Doe, when you marry you change your name to be Mrs Jane Whatsit at home and for personal bits but Dr Jane Doe at work.

My advise would to be to change it whilst you are still a student if you want to avoid all the complication. I can't see changing it whilst a student would be a problem at all. Although it was during my first degree and not medicine, I changed my name whilst studying and I had no problems apart from a few computer mismatches.

Hope this helps, sorry I can't be more definitive. Good luck trying to sort it out.

**FairytaleGirl** · 16-05-2012, 08:01 PM

Id think its like any profession where you just apply for a name change? no?

**magicsam3** · 17-05-2012, 04:23 AM

Thanks guys!

@FairytaleGirl - A doctor I know got married before she qualified and took on her husband'd surname. They then divorced a few years after the qualified but she is still known by her ex husband's last name.

This is why I asked!

**Martigan** · 17-05-2012, 05:15 AM

I believe that is her choice, not to return to her maiden name.

**NV05** · 19-05-2012, 01:27 PM

You can change it at any time, it's just more paperwork once you're qualified.

**Froglet** · 19-05-2012, 03:45 PM

You can do whatever you want - whether that's keep your maiden name, switch to your married name while still a student, or switch to your married name post-graduation.

I got married at the end of third year, personally I decided to keep my maiden name 'professionally' at medical school but use my married name in a personal capacity. Had I wanted to change it with the medical school, however, it would have been quite straightforward. I'm considering changing to my married name professionally after I graduate - all you have to do is send the GMC a form (available on the GMC website) and provide a copy of your marriage certificate. Obviously you'd also have to arrange to change it with your employing Trust, too.