WSJ: AMA Weighs Whether Docs Should Hang Up Their White Coats

Perusing the WSJ health blogs I came across this post: AMA Weighs Whether Docs Should Hang Up Their White Coats

Apparently, one of the policy questions addressed at the recent annual AMA conference was whether doctors should forgo their white coats for infection control reasons. In Britain, ties, jewelry, and long sleeves have already been banned.

I say it’s time for doctors to forgo the white coat. Not for the potential infection control reasons but mostly because today everybody wears a long white coat. Seriously everybody! From the unit secretary, to the case manager, to the food service delivery guy, to the physical therapist, to the janitor (in jest) etc. etc. So, really what is the point for a doctor to wear a white coat? Nobody can identify us anyhow by the coat!!!!