Posted by Amy Carbone on Nov 25, 2024 12:22:29 PM
In the medical field, appearance isn’t just about looking polished — it’s a crucial aspect of professionalism, patient trust, and safety.
Whether walking into a hospital or a private practice, your attire sends a powerful message to patients and colleagues alike. But what do doctors wear to work, and why does it matter?
Let’s explore how a doctor's dress code plays a significant role in healthcare, impacting everything from patient satisfaction to infection control.
Why Dress Codes Matter for Doctors
A dress code should consider overall appearance and infection control, hygiene, and safety.
Appearance
When patients step into a doctor’s office or hospital for the first time, they begin making judgments about the care they receive. One of the first things they notice is the physician’s appearance, with 53% of patients reporting that a doctor’s attire is an important factor in their care experience and over one-third saying it influences their overall satisfaction. First impressions matter, and a professional appearance fosters an immediate sense of trust and credibility.
Beyond that initial impression, what a doctor wears plays a role in establishing long-term trust. A well-groomed, professionally-dressed physician conveys competence, authority, and confidence. This presentation signals to patients that the doctor takes their role seriously and is committed to providing the best care possible.
Remember that what a doctor wears can make a difference in patient perception, but that preference may change over time. An observational study performed at a single-site academic institution in 2017 and 2022 demonstrated that patient preference for physicians wearing formal attire decreased during the pandemic.
Infection Control, Hygiene, and Safety
Infection control and hygiene have long been of significant importance in medical settings, both in private practice and in hospital settings. Over the years, this has led to changes in the standard dress code for a doctor.
Bare Below the Elbow (BBE) dress codes have become more common, particularly in hospitals. These guidelines promote wearing short-sleeved shirts or short-sleeved white coats to reduce the risk of pathogens transferring from sleeves to the patient. BBE is often combined with easily laundered garments to help maintain a sterile environment.
Physician safety is also impacted by clothing choice. Doctors need practical clothing that lets them move freely and efficiently, either in the operating room or during patient consultation. Scrubs, for example, are designed with this functionality in mind, offering comfort and flexibility.
Hospital vs. Private Practice: Differences in Dress Code
When considering what medical doctors wear, the first consideration is the work environment. Attire may vary depending on the workplace setting and any workplace-specific dress codes, and doctors should tailor their appearance to the setting.
Attire in Private Practice
In private practice, there is typically more opportunity for doctors to build long-term relationships with patients, and the attire may reflect the desire to create an inviting, trustworthy atmosphere. Private practice dress codes tend to strike a balance between professionalism and comfort.
However, the expectations for a doctor’s attire may significantly vary depending on the type of practice, the location, and the specific patient population.
In more traditional settings, authority and expertise are signaled with formal business attire, including a suit jacket or white coat.
In other private practices that lean toward a more comfortable and approachable atmosphere, doctors may opt for a white coat business casual dress code that involves slacks, knee-length skirts, or even scrubs for a less clinical, more personal setting.
Attire in Hospital and Surgical Settings
In contrast, hospitals and surgical settings typically require scrubs as the standard attire. Scrubs are practical, easy to clean, and designed to minimize the risk of infection.
Some hospitals have implemented systems to differentiate medical staff by color-coded scrubs or by assigning different lengths of lab coats to help distinguish various roles quickly.
What Not to Wear: Common Dress Code Mistakes
While professionalism is key, doctors must also be mindful of what they shouldn’t wear to work. Inappropriate or too casual clothing should be avoided in all medical settings, as it can undermine the doctor’s authority. For example, open-toed shoes are not only unprofessional but also pose a safety risk.
Physicians also need to be aware of jewelry and accessories. Large earrings, dangling necklaces, and other adornments can be distracting to patients and may also pose safety risks.
Finally, grooming is essential. Long nails, heavy perfumes or colognes, bad breath, and other personal care aspects should be considered for a professional, hygienic, and approachable image.
Commitment to Providing Quality Care
Providing quality care, regardless of the setting, includes adhering to a dress code that prioritizes the balance between professionalism, hygiene, and comfort in your work attire. What you wear is more than a uniform; it reflects your commitment to what you do.
Are you protecting your career with the same care?? Part of providing quality care to your patients, your family, and yourself is ensuring you are protecting your practice and safeguarding your future.
The Treloar & Heisel team can help you evaluate the suitability of risk management strategies to determine whether your insurance foundation is strong and to share recommendations to reinforce your coverage.
About Treloar & Heisel
Treloar & Heisel, an EPIC Company, is a premier financial services provider to dental and medical professionals across the country. We assist thousands of clients from residency to practice and through retirement with a comprehensive suite of financial services, custom-tailored advice, and a strong national network focused on delivering the highest level of service.
Insurance products offered through Treloar & Heisel, LLC.
