by Jarrod Shapiro, DPM
Joined practice July 2006 of
John K Throckmorton, DPM
Lansing, Michigan
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White coat. Scrubs. Business dress. Business casual. Jeans. What style is best for physicians to dress? This may seem an academic issue that has no bearing on a resident's life. The average
surgical resident essentially lives in his or her scrubs, wearing the occasional dress outfit for a special rotation or interview. But I assert
that it is a matter of some import.
In March, 2006 the Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Britain were considering banning physicians from wearing ties in
the hospital. Secondary to concerns with the growing MRSA problem and the risk of transmission from dirty ties, these folks were debating losing
the tie. Interestingly, people had divergent opinions on both sides of the issue. |
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Other than the possible health risks, what other factors make this an important issue? Ask yourself this question: “What kind of image do I plan to project to
my patients?” I'll use myself as an example. I am a young physician (appearing younger than my chronological age), newly in practice, as an associate to a
much older physician. I want to present the image of a confident, competent, professional, and approachable physician. Is a tie and white coat the best way to present this
image? At the same time I want to be comfortable. What's more comfortable than a pair of scrubs? Where's a good balance?
Let's start with the white coat. When I first started, I wore a white coat to the office. Besides being uncomfortable and very warm, I saw quite a bit of white coat hypertension from my patients. I could see some of them were intimidated by the coat, so I stopped wearing it at the office.
At the hospital, I still wear a white coat, though. I do want to present a somewhat more formal, authoritative image. I'm seeing much sicker people and need a bit more bang
for my clothing buck. Telling a patient they need an amputation is more serious, requiring a significant level of trust, so I want to max out on the “ competent” part of my image. In the wound care clinic, I wear the coat as protection during debridements, etc. With children I never wear
a white coat.
My typical office dress includes a dress shirt and pants; I don't wear a tie. Ties are claustrophobic and often get in
the way of the various procedures we do as podiatrists. I believe business dress is formal enough to present a professional appearance. During the Summer, I'll wear a nice
pull-over knit shirt; tasteful, stylish, and professional. My employer likes to wear a tie in the Winter and a short sleeve button-down shirt during the Summer, so it took a bit
of negotiating for me to lose the tie when I first started as his associate. I don't wear scrubs to the office except for my wound clinic day for the same reasons I wear the
white coat.
How about shoes? This might be an important point for a podiatrist, don't you think? Remember, patients will be looking at your
shoegear as an example. If you're wearing three inch stiletto heels (for the female podiatrists of course), and you tell your plantar fasciitis patient to stop the heels, you'll look
like a hypocrite. Choose your shoewear with this in mind. Now, if I could choose, we'd be wearing athletic shoes all the time. However, sneakers don't look professional. So,
I compromise. I wear Sketchers lace-up dress shoes, which provide some support and comfort while coordinating professionally with my dress cloths.
Many options exist for your professional dress. Take the time to consider this. Remember, the first few seconds of your patient encounters
dictate the impression you make. Make it a good one!
Talk to me!
Jarrod Shapiro, DPM
PRESENT New Docs Editor
[email protected] |
