August 13, 2007
-
So At-tired
It is often said that clothes make the man. Naked people have very little influence on society with the possible exception of ron jeremy. In few places is this maxim more true than in medicine. If i were to just walk up to you in my street clothes and start doing some of things I do on a daily basis in the hospital, i would be thought nosy, rude, vulgar, or i would be slapped, or possibly even arrested. And yet, once i don a certain piece of attire, anything and everything i can come up with, no matter how ridiculous or offensive it might be construed on the outside world, suddenly becomes okay.
I am talking of course, about the white coat. Now the white coat has a lot of symbolism wrapped up in it. Ignoring the in house short coat/long coat fight, which i am betting most of you as patients would never notice, just wearing that coat makes people react to you differently. This is documented science right down to the “white coat” syndrome that affects patients blood pressure and vital readings when they see a health care professional. I become an entirely different person, not to myself, but in the eyes of anyone seeing me. A casual walk down the street in everyday attire (hmm…let me rephrase that to shorts and a tshirt, since everyday attire now means slacks, collared shirt and tie) reveals normal city reactions, either apathetic ignorance, pleading for cash, or occasionally friendly or hostile interactions. Don the almighty coat though and almost everyone will give you the once over, smile or occasionally stop you on the street to ask you about their medical problems.
This has happened to me several times and really people it has to stop…even once I give the disclaimer that i am just a student, i am still curbside consulted for medical advice and i am so not comfortable with how little i know. Not that anyone accepts that, so i just have to double talk until i say something that will primum non nocere (first, do no harm) and let me go on my way hoping i didnt send some unfortunate pedestrian to their doom.
So when you think of the medical professional, what comes to mind? 50/50 it is the white coat, or scrubs. Or do you picture a suit and tie? Well I always thought of the scrubs, not the least because i look damn good in them, but apparently there are studies out there that say differently. Although there are ones that agree too
What to wear today? Effect of doctors attire on the trust and confidence of patients
Premise: Patients prefer doctors who dress in professional attire over scrubs, double so for female physiciansAfter finding this article, I had to keep searching, because seriously the days i get to wear scrubs are my favorite days in the hospital
Resident Physician Attire: Does it make a difference to our patients?
Premise: Patients like doctors in scrubs with the white coatSo, take a quick gander through the articles if you have a moment, and then tell me what you think. What should I be wearing? Formal? Scrubs? Clown costume? Birthday suit? Saran-Wrap? Fuck-me
boots? Do you like it with a tie? Do you like it in the eye?-J
P.S. in a totally unrelated topic, here a link to my friend uclari’s photo page of a very special park in Jeju Korea. I promise if you click on it, you will instantly know why he and I have managed to maintain a friendship over several years and numerous miles. Some things never change, and maturity levels should be among them
Post a Comment
Leave a Reply
Why Not Zoidberg
Comments (4)
I’ll go with the scrubs in a hospital or clinic, but the more formal attire and white coat with a private office?
so i didn’t read either article. honestly, i’m tired of scrubs…sure…they’re comfortable. but here’s the problem:
1. they’re the great equalizer. face it. no one looks really bad or really good in scrubs. it hides imperfections…but it hides curves too!
2. you never notice how much weight you’re gaining when your pants are drawstrings
3. scrubs are always too big for me. i need to wear a t-shirt under mine lest i be reminded that “you already have the program”
4. NOT ENOUGH POCKETS!
5. if you’re carrying your pager, the on call pager, a cell phone and a pda…chances are you could end up mooning someone while walking down the hall…
so if it were up to me, business casual with a long white coat. slacks, a collared shirt and a tie are so uptight. i truly feel sorry for the guys in that sense. because for me, clinic attire is a pair of cords and a tanktop (or sweater if it’s winter), something i’d wear on a day to day basis anyhow. guys, unfortunately can’t get away with that.
RYC: Yes I live in Chicago. I want no part of Master Aaron’s property. When I asked to take the picture, Master Aaron was actually standing next to him. The two looked like twins; large, hairy, gay bear twins.
(Long) White coat over formal attire (not scrubs, but like button up shirt and slacks, plus a tie) gets my vote. But maybe that’s cause this veterinarian I used to volunteer for wore that and he was really cool and respectable. Hehehe.