Comments on: Fashion for Doctors

By: ACJ

ACJ — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 18:01:23 +0000

This is a really interesting article, and I agree that while fashion shouldn’t be a top priority for doctors, they should still look professional and appropriate. There’s a really interesting history behind doctors’ dress and it turns out that the majority of patients really do prefer when their doctor wears a nice white lab coat, it helps build more trust. Here’s that article:
https://www.medelita.com/blog/debunking-the-white-coat-debate/

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 02 May 2015 05:53:38 +0000

I am a physician who checks out this website from time to time. Pretty much as a doc you learn what works your first year on rotations in med school. You realize you need comfortable but nice shoes, can’t wear bulky things (sweaters, etc. ) under your white coat. I get down or lean over to exam knees, feet, etc. so nothing short or gapping shirts.
this is all common sense for anyone who has been in the hospital for even a week.
I am not sure why a physician would ask you, a lawyer, for fashion tips for doctors?? I feel like this is a made up question just to post it.

Please be aware the majority of those who go into medicine our priority is not fashion.
Medicine has highly intelligent people and sometimes intelligent people are eccentric. Isn’t that the case in any field?
I wear very clean appropriate outfits. The focus is 100% on what I am saying and on the patient , not on what I am wearing.

I own plenty of Chanel and Louboutins, etc. There is a time and a place for everything.

By: Anonymous MD

Anonymous MD — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 16:25:02 +0000

Thanks for this post, Kat. Also thanks to anonymous on 4/25 for the Atlantic article link. Wearing white coats tends to vary by specialty (usually pediatricians and psychiatrists don’t) and location. I’m a primary care internist and wear mine mainly 1) to appear “the part” (since I look young), 2) so I don’t lose my stethoscope and 3) to keep my blazers from getting too dirty. Also one time I was wearing a blazer while working at a long-term care facility and a male dentist thought I was a social worker.

I rely on different necklines, colors and patterns for interest. I personally avoid large necklaces because they can get in the way and I have to wear an ID badge. I also remember an older female physician saying once that you should avoid wearing certain types of jewelry in case if a patient attacks you (I think she was a psychiatrist, or worked mostly in a mental health setting).

Machine washable clothes are key in case of contact with body fluids. Also pockets so I can keep my valuables with me. I wear flats so I can walk around easily (and for long periods) — Clarks works well for me.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 12:47:44 +0000

I really liked this article from the Atlantic on physician attire: http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/12/the-clothes-make-the-doctor/382866/

It talks about how the definition of professional attire for healthcare providers should depend on the context and should enhance, not impede the patient-provider relationship.

‘”When you’re seeing patients, you have to look like you’re not afraid to get dirty.”‘ – a physician quoted in the article

By: Meghan

Meghan — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 03:34:26 +0000

Appreciate being included as a physician. I am a foot and ankle surgeon both in the OR and clinics. I am also short so I always try to look polished and put together with tailored slacks, fun bright tops under the white coat, or structured dresses. Large long necklaces are out as they can dangle in wounds but I always try to wear fun earrings to lighten an outfit.

By: A

Sat, 25 Apr 2015 01:03:22 +0000

Ouch. It’s too bad patients are judging my ‘messy hair’ that I admit I’m guilty of having. But when I have been up in the middle of the night delivering a baby, back at the hospital at 7 am, seeing patients all day in clinic without a break – my hair is pretty low on my priority list. Your impression of ‘harried’ is accurate! It certainly doesn’t help that we wear scrub caps. I will say ob-gyns like me are less fashionable than many others in medicine, as we are forever running from one clinical setting to another, often changing in and out of scrubs, so making the effort to make a coordinated outfit sometimes doesn’t seem worth it. I’m making it a goal to improve my wardrobe and that’s why I read Corporette – how nice to see a post that fits my life!