What’s the Case for Keeping the White Coat?
It may seem a simple decision to ban white coats, long-sleeved scrubs and neckties, and simply offer all staff hospital-laundered scrubs (a practice that existed at most hospitals in the United States up until about two decades ago). But it’s not so simple. Some people, doctors and patients alike, believe the white coat is necessary to make a doctor stand out from the crowd and bolster their authority. Many medical schools across the United States even host “white coat ceremonies” during which first-year med students are given their first garment. On the other hand, others believe the doctors’ coats should be banned if there’s even a hint that they could be making people sick (and still others who feel the coats are alienating or anxiety-causing would also love to see them go). For now, however, it’s likely you’ll continue to see white coats and long-sleeved scrubs at a hospital near you … so what can you do to stay safe? First and foremost, wash your hands often, especially before eat
