Erving Goffman wrote about stigmas and master statuses in his book, Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. He states that individuals who are not able to conform to the standards of society are often labeled resulting in a stigma. Individuals who are physically deformed, handicapped, drug addicts, mentally ill, prostitutes, and ostracized for other reasons must encounter the public’s reaction to being outside the expected norms. This list of situations includes those that occur at birth or due to accidents or military injuries as well as by personal choices. Stigma language incorporates words such as “cripple,” “freak,” “psycho,” “whore,” and other negative labels that imply a defect. In many cases, the person’s handicap or specific behaviors becomes their master status with an associated stigma. As a result of the stigma, the individual must manage a spoiled identity, which can be a difficult process as stigmas often cause shame, guilt, anger, and depression. As a health professional, you will encounter patients that are stigmatized and labeled in their everyday life. They may come through the door of the clinic or hospital and carry with them a variety of emotions due to the label. They need to feel accepted and treated with dignity and respect, rather than with disdain or pity. Fully understanding the power of the label and stigmas will allow you to better understand and relate to your patients with an attitude of compassionate care.