The office dress policy created a much too casual and unprofessional office environment. No, I'm not making this up,  and I am not embellishing my description for literary interest. This lack of a dress code was quickly brought to my boss' attention, and we changed the policy.
Personally, I am very much in favor of a formal dress code. In fact, I think you’ll be hard pressed to find a physician’s office or hospital that doesn’t have some formal code. The difference is to what level this code is enforced. In my opinion, all staff members should dress in scrubs with or without a staff logo on them. If you require scrubs you should pay for them or provide a stipend to help pay for them. Consider it a business expense (which it is).
The advantage as I see it, is a sense of consistency in appearance to both your staff and patients, which will undoubtedly transfer itself to other components of the practice. It will also foster a sense of teamwork. Have you ever seen a football or basketball team with a variety of jerseys? Of course not; they’re part of a team. Additionally, the physician, dressing differently from the staff in professional attire, will stand out, lending an authoritative appearance to the doc. This authority will be seen by both the staff and patients. This may be especially effective for those of us young new docs who often look younger than the staff. In the past I’ve been confused with one of the office staff. You absolutely don’t want to blend in with your staff.
Now this doesn’t have to be a rigid and unbending rule. Any rule or code taken to the extreme can be demoralizing for the crew. You might consider varying the colors of the scrubs your staff wears to a few representative colors. This will provide them some level of expression and uniqueness. I’ve allowed the occasional “dress down” Friday where the staff can wear casual dress (within limitations). People need a change every once in a while to help them stay motivated.
What’s your opinion about dress codes? Residents live with these dress codes every day. It becomes second nature to wear scrubs and a white coat. For those of you not in practice yet, remember that this subject will be a consideration. Use dress codes in your favor as an incentive. It’s another tool for a successful practice.
Jarrod Shapiro, DPM
PRESENT New Docs Editor
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