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Desiderata or Dogma: What the Evidence Reveals About Physician Attire

Journal of General Internal Medicine volume 23, pages 641–643 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Introduction

Physician–patient interactions are complex and depend on multiple factors including common cultural definitions and evolving social norms. The once purely philosophical debate over what constitutes appropriate physician attire can benefit from a growing evidence base in the literature.

Discussion

Although this literature is commonly regarded as supporting traditional attire, the data actually represent a more balanced distribution of opinions held by patients and by physicians. Perhaps interpretations favoring a conservative approach are expected given the history and tradition of the physician–patient relationship.

Conclusion

Nevertheless, in the age of evidence-based medicine, it is difficult to argue against scrutiny of the available literature. Evidence that challenges the importance of traditional physician attire is reviewed.

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Acknowledgements

The author thanks Dr. Alice Flaherty for comments on an earlier version of the manuscript.

Conflict of Interest

None disclosed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Partners Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Neurology Clinic, Wang Ambulatory Center 8th Floor, Boston, MA, USA

    Matt T. Bianchi MD, PhD

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  1. Matt T. Bianchi MD, PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Matt T. Bianchi MD, PhD.

Additional information

Literature was reviewed based on PubMed searches for terms such as attire, dress code, physician, survey, piercing, white coat, resident, appearance. Article citations and “related article” searches were also used.

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Bianchi, M.T. Desiderata or Dogma: What the Evidence Reveals About Physician Attire. J GEN INTERN MED 23, 641–643 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-008-0546-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-008-0546-8

KEY WORDS

  • dress code
  • white coat
  • tradition