Guest TerryF Posted July 30, 2011 http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/professionalism-doesnt-wear-sweats/article/207999/ I think this is a pretty good article.
Guest TerryF Posted July 30, 2011 http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/professionalism-doesnt-wear-sweats/article/207999/ I think this is a pretty good article.
Tom Scoufalos Posted July 30, 2011 Sweats? No. Khakis and sneakers while rounding? I don't see the harm in that. I gave up wearing a tie years ago. I usually wear a casual oxford-type shirt and khakis of some sort in the office, more sweaters and cords in cold weather and occasional polos in hot weather. I never wear a lab coat. When I round in the hosptial, I usually wear either a personalized (name/title/specialty) scrub top, or believe it or not a short sleeve (or long sleeve in cool weather) work shirt (think Dickies, Carhartt, Sears Craftsman...I like the pockets) and khakis, or one of the oxford type shirts with cargo pants (conservative/tasteful types...no camoflage with a hemp belt or anything like that) for the extra pockets. And, not infrequently, sneakers, although most often those dark brown/Europeanesque kind masqurading as casual shoes...but sometimes the running ones though! The majority of the patients I see are blue-collar types, as for that matter are most of my friends and inlaws. I find I relate to them the best if I look, and feel, like...a worker. Not abjectly shabby, just a tidy, guy in the trenches kind of air.
Tom Scoufalos Posted July 30, 2011 Sweats? No. Khakis and sneakers while rounding? I don't see the harm in that. I gave up wearing a tie years ago. I usually wear a casual oxford-type shirt and khakis of some sort in the office, more sweaters and cords in cold weather and occasional polos in hot weather. I never wear a lab coat. When I round in the hosptial, I usually wear either a personalized (name/title/specialty) scrub top, or believe it or not a short sleeve (or long sleeve in cool weather) work shirt (think Dickies, Carhartt, Sears Craftsman...I like the pockets) and khakis, or one of the oxford type shirts with cargo pants (conservative/tasteful types...no camoflage with a hemp belt or anything like that) for the extra pockets. And, not infrequently, sneakers, although most often those dark brown/Europeanesque kind masqurading as casual shoes...but sometimes the running ones though! The majority of the patients I see are blue-collar types, as for that matter are most of my friends and inlaws. I find I relate to them the best if I look, and feel, like...a worker. Not abjectly shabby, just a tidy, guy in the trenches kind of air.
Guest TerryF Posted July 30, 2011 I don't wear a coat or a tie anymore. I think the overall statement the article makes a valid point, and that is professionalism. TerryF
Guest TerryF Posted July 30, 2011 I don't wear a coat or a tie anymore. I think the overall statement the article makes a valid point, and that is professionalism. TerryF
Moderator ventana Posted July 30, 2011 Moderator in the office (primary care) M-Th dress shirt and dress pants / nothing fancy, no ties Friday - nice pair of jeans and dress shirt only had one patient comment but the jeans do have to be brand new and I usually only dress down about every other friday bigger deal is making sure the clothes I wear are pressed and neatly worn.
Moderator ventana Posted July 30, 2011 Moderator in the office (primary care) M-Th dress shirt and dress pants / nothing fancy, no ties Friday - nice pair of jeans and dress shirt only had one patient comment but the jeans do have to be brand new and I usually only dress down about every other friday bigger deal is making sure the clothes I wear are pressed and neatly worn.
GeneValgene Posted July 30, 2011 I don't wear a coat or a tie anymore. I think the overall statement the article makes a valid point, and that is professionalism. TerryF ties and white coats can be a nidus for infxn :)
GeneValgene Posted July 30, 2011 I don't wear a coat or a tie anymore. I think the overall statement the article makes a valid point, and that is professionalism. TerryF ties and white coats can be a nidus for infxn :)
winterallsummer Posted July 30, 2011 Still, there is nothing worse than the individual who is extremely professional, but under all the politically correct banter, is an individual whose personality is about as tolerable as a cockroach. Just saying there is a hell of a lot more to being a good clinician than being on time and dressing nice. Also I don't see the problem with sneakers or khakis. In fact it may make you more personable to some patients.
winterallsummer Posted July 30, 2011 Still, there is nothing worse than the individual who is extremely professional, but under all the politically correct banter, is an individual whose personality is about as tolerable as a cockroach. Just saying there is a hell of a lot more to being a good clinician than being on time and dressing nice. Also I don't see the problem with sneakers or khakis. In fact it may make you more personable to some patients.
fyrelight74 Posted July 31, 2011 The MD I work for always wears slacks, but on top, he varies between polo shirts, button down shirts (no tie), sweaters and the occasional hawaiian shirt (not tucked in). He hardly ever wears the white coat except for in the winter when the office can get chilly. He's older, greying, and the patients for the most part seem really at home with him. A few asked about the lack of coat and he just made a joke about white coat hypertension and scaring the kids... :) I have never seen him (in the office anyway) in jeans, sweats or sneakers. He also never wears his scrubs, for some reason.
fyrelight74 Posted July 31, 2011 The MD I work for always wears slacks, but on top, he varies between polo shirts, button down shirts (no tie), sweaters and the occasional hawaiian shirt (not tucked in). He hardly ever wears the white coat except for in the winter when the office can get chilly. He's older, greying, and the patients for the most part seem really at home with him. A few asked about the lack of coat and he just made a joke about white coat hypertension and scaring the kids... :) I have never seen him (in the office anyway) in jeans, sweats or sneakers. He also never wears his scrubs, for some reason.
CAdamsPAC Posted July 31, 2011 I've been known to show up regularly to work wearing flannel shirts or a sweayshirt and jeans with a large caliber pistol on my hip without any of my patients or coworkers commenting!
CAdamsPAC Posted July 31, 2011 I've been known to show up regularly to work wearing flannel shirts or a sweayshirt and jeans with a large caliber pistol on my hip without any of my patients or coworkers commenting!
Contrarian Posted July 31, 2011 IMO the original author "over-shot" the point... I have found that it helps to "fit-in"... so there really isn't any one appropriate dress code for all practice settings. When I first completed school... it was strictly Mens Warehouse pressed/starched shirts, slacks, designer ties, dress shoes, and starched embroidered labcoat. The physician's wives used to ask me to go shopping with their husbands... and after about a yr... I was commonly referred to and greeted throughout our medical community as "That GQ PA that always smells good." Funny thing is that one of my SPs at the time, long ago went out and purchased 10 identical pairs of navy slacks and 20 identical white button down shirts. I think he owned 4 silk ties. He NEVER wore a labcoat, and would don 1 of 2 sports coats for "special" occassions. Then I started doing housecalls... It doesn't make sense to wear pressed shirts and slacks and ties and white coats if you are driving 200+ miles a day jumping in and out of a vehicle all day and going in and out of private residences. Sooo... I purchased a pair of every conservative color (Black, Khaki, Olive, Brown, Navy) of Dockers and color matching embroidered, snap front Scrub "Warm-Up" jackets. I also spent a lot of time in golf shops at this time because they usually have the best selection of professional, colorful, interesting Polo Shirts. For shoes... I mostly wore black, slide on, open back, dress casuals that I got from NordStroms. Then I deployed to Iraq/Afghanistan/Sudan... REI, Columbia, ExOfficio shirts & shorts, cargo pants and comfortable breathable hiking boots. Tactical Tailor body armor, holsters, packs. Upon my return to the US and a traditional practice setting (multi-specialty clinic)... I resumed the Mens Warehouse pressed/starched shirts, slacks, designer ties, dress shoes, and starched embroidered labcoat. I then started practicing Addiction Medicine/Internal Medicine full time on a Native reservation. These are very poor and simple folks so the pressed/starched shirts, slacks, designer ties, dress shoes, and starched embroidered labcoats was seen as "pretentious" and as a barrier to/for my patients/clients. Their primary occupation (besides casinos) was fishermen and tradesmen so for them, the uniform of the day was Carhartts. So I then went to the workwear/sporting goods store and bought Carhartts and Dickies in every masculine color they make. Now... back in Internal Med/Behavioral Med... I dress according to my mood, the weather and my mode of transport. Summer and Spring - Dickies, Carhartts, Riding Boots if riding motorcycle to work... Nice Scrubs with matching shoes, LabCoats, dockers and polos if driving car or raining. Fall and Winter- Pressed/starched shirts, slacks, designer ties, dress shoes, and starched embroidered labcoat (M-Th) and Carhartts on Friday/Weekends. Point... A huge part of "professionalism" is dressing approriately for the setting you are working in... YMMV Contrarian
Contrarian Posted July 31, 2011 IMO the original author "over-shot" the point... I have found that it helps to "fit-in"... so there really isn't any one appropriate dress code for all practice settings. When I first completed school... it was strictly Mens Warehouse pressed/starched shirts, slacks, designer ties, dress shoes, and starched embroidered labcoat. The physician's wives used to ask me to go shopping with their husbands... and after about a yr... I was commonly referred to and greeted throughout our medical community as "That GQ PA that always smells good." Funny thing is that one of my SPs at the time, long ago went out and purchased 10 identical pairs of navy slacks and 20 identical white button down shirts. I think he owned 4 silk ties. He NEVER wore a labcoat, and would don 1 of 2 sports coats for "special" occassions. Then I started doing housecalls... It doesn't make sense to wear pressed shirts and slacks and ties and white coats if you are driving 200+ miles a day jumping in and out of a vehicle all day and going in and out of private residences. Sooo... I purchased a pair of every conservative color (Black, Khaki, Olive, Brown, Navy) of Dockers and color matching embroidered, snap front Scrub "Warm-Up" jackets. I also spent a lot of time in golf shops at this time because they usually have the best selection of professional, colorful, interesting Polo Shirts. For shoes... I mostly wore black, slide on, open back, dress casuals that I got from NordStroms. Then I deployed to Iraq/Afghanistan/Sudan... REI, Columbia, ExOfficio shirts & shorts, cargo pants and comfortable breathable hiking boots. Tactical Tailor body armor, holsters, packs. Upon my return to the US and a traditional practice setting (multi-specialty clinic)... I resumed the Mens Warehouse pressed/starched shirts, slacks, designer ties, dress shoes, and starched embroidered labcoat. I then started practicing Addiction Medicine/Internal Medicine full time on a Native reservation. These are very poor and simple folks so the pressed/starched shirts, slacks, designer ties, dress shoes, and starched embroidered labcoats was seen as "pretentious" and as a barrier to/for my patients/clients. Their primary occupation (besides casinos) was fishermen and tradesmen so for them, the uniform of the day was Carhartts. So I then went to the workwear/sporting goods store and bought Carhartts and Dickies in every masculine color they make. Now... back in Internal Med/Behavioral Med... I dress according to my mood, the weather and my mode of transport. Summer and Spring - Dickies, Carhartts, Riding Boots if riding motorcycle to work... Nice Scrubs with matching shoes, LabCoats, dockers and polos if driving car or raining. Fall and Winter- Pressed/starched shirts, slacks, designer ties, dress shoes, and starched embroidered labcoat (M-Th) and Carhartts on Friday/Weekends. Point... A huge part of "professionalism" is dressing approriately for the setting you are working in... YMMV Contrarian
Moderator EMEDPA Posted July 31, 2011 Moderator have always done the khakis and scrubs +/- labcoat bit. in Haiti I do cargo pants and scrub top. our group is going to a "dress code" of same colored scrubs(tops/bottoms) or scrub pants + polo(all the same). all outfits with matching labcoats. they think it makes us look distinctive and professional( our scrubs are the only ones of this color in the hospital). they are footing the bill for it so should go ok.
Moderator EMEDPA Posted July 31, 2011 Moderator have always done the khakis and scrubs +/- labcoat bit. in Haiti I do cargo pants and scrub top. our group is going to a "dress code" of same colored scrubs(tops/bottoms) or scrub pants + polo(all the same). all outfits with matching labcoats. they think it makes us look distinctive and professional( our scrubs are the only ones of this color in the hospital). they are footing the bill for it so should go ok.
Administrator rev ronin Posted July 31, 2011 Administrator Still, there is nothing worse than the individual who is extremely professional, but under all the politically correct banter, is an individual whose personality is about as tolerable as a cockroach. Just saying there is a hell of a lot more to being a good clinician than being on time and dressing nice. Also I don't see the problem with sneakers or khakis. In fact it may make you more personable to some patients. The most important bit of professionalism is to love each of your patients... and supervisors, subordinates, and co-workers for good measure.
Administrator rev ronin Posted July 31, 2011 Administrator Still, there is nothing worse than the individual who is extremely professional, but under all the politically correct banter, is an individual whose personality is about as tolerable as a cockroach. Just saying there is a hell of a lot more to being a good clinician than being on time and dressing nice. Also I don't see the problem with sneakers or khakis. In fact it may make you more personable to some patients. The most important bit of professionalism is to love each of your patients... and supervisors, subordinates, and co-workers for good measure.
Contrarian Posted July 31, 2011 ... our group is going to a "dress code" of same colored scrubs(tops/bottoms) or scrub pants + polo(all the same). all outfits with matching labcoats. they think it makes us look distinctive and professional( our scrubs are the only ones of this color in the hospital). they are footing the bill for it so should go ok. CAREFUL..!!! BTDT as a CCRN and they picked FUSCHIA...
Contrarian Posted July 31, 2011 ... our group is going to a "dress code" of same colored scrubs(tops/bottoms) or scrub pants + polo(all the same). all outfits with matching labcoats. they think it makes us look distinctive and professional( our scrubs are the only ones of this color in the hospital). they are footing the bill for it so should go ok. CAREFUL..!!! BTDT as a CCRN and they picked FUSCHIA...
andersenpa Posted July 31, 2011 have always done the khakis and scrubs +/- labcoat bit.in Haiti I do cargo pants and scrub top. our group is going to a "dress code" of same colored scrubs(tops/bottoms) or scrub pants + polo(all the same). all outfits with matching labcoats. they think it makes us look distinctive and professional( our scrubs are the only ones of this color in the hospital). they are footing the bill for it so should go ok. My place instituted a Professional Apparel Program last yr Each "strata" of practice has its own color All of us in surgery kept our standard OR green scrubs Nursing- Blue RT, PT-Purple Med Residents- Navy Blue Housekeeping- black etc.... argument was that it makes identification easier for pts to know who is who although part of it was the number of staff w/ inappropriate dress personally I've done everything from contrarian's GQ PA to my current standard for the last 7 yrs- scrubs, birkis, and white coat when rounding.
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