Why do doctors wear white coats

In appearance, we immediately read the basic information about the person: wealth, status and place of work. We will never confuse a policeman and a doctor, each of them has his own uniform. Since childhood, a white coat for us is a symbol of a medical professional, it inspires confidence that we will be helped in the most difficult situation. But why exactly it? Is there a logical explanation, or is it a tribute to some old custom?

History tour

At different times, attitudes towards doctors changed, but they were always at the forefront in the fight against the most dangerous and deadly diseases. The first prototype of the uniform can be found in the descriptions of the Roman healer. During epidemics, his suit became a hoodie, which reliably protects the body from infection, and a mask with a beak covered the face with incense. In medieval Europe, doctors dressed in similar costumes, causing horror at one look!

European doctors in the Middle Ages did not rank as surgeons in their class. The former dressed in expensive robes, wore jewelry, while the latter were considered artisans and dispensed with aprons or wore ordinary clothes, sometimes washing them from blood. These were ordinary barbers involved in bloodletting and tooth pulling.

The history of a medical coat began in the 19th century, when D. Lister spoke about the principles of antiseptics and suggested that doctors use a white coat. This garment came into use at the time of the “Spanish woman”, which claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. In Russian history, the appearance of a snow-white uniform is most often associated with the name of Dr. Andrei Karlovich Raukhfus.

Gloves for protecting hands during surgery were first proposed by the US military surgeon Bloodgut, and a modern, free-style surgical suit was introduced at the Vishnevsky Clinic in Moscow.

Why is it a snow-white color?

To find the answer, we turn to the science of colorimetry. Any shade from the palette on intuitive perception carries a certain message. White color helps build relationships between people. It positively affects the subconscious, thanks to numerous studies there is a double benefit:

  1. On the part of the specialist, there is an increase in the concentration of attention at his work. A friendly attitude towards patients is formed in the work of all medical personnel.
  2. Confidence is growing on the part of the patient; he listens to recommendations and attaches himself to a frank dialogue.

There is another very important aspect of the question! Whiteness symbolizes sterility, which is at the forefront. Cleanliness helps to prevent the spread of dangerous diseases. It is important to understand the depth of the concept, because in life you need purity in various aspects: relationships, home, thoughts.

Snow-white cotton clothes were not chosen by chance. She tolerates boiling, constant washing and steaming with a hot iron, the use of detergents with bleach. This greatly simplifies the process of centralized processing of hospital things.

Bathrobe Benefits

I wonder why they chose a bathrobe, and not some other piece of clothing. It turns out there are a couple of weighty arguments:

  1. Convenience and speed. Indeed, the easiest way to put on ordinary clothes is his. Changing clothes does not take much time, which in an emergency situation is so catastrophically small.
  2. The form is simple and concise. It is easy to sew, wash and iron it.

The ancient word "bathrobe" came to us from the Arabic language, meaning "honorable dress." It can only be worn by a noble person who is aware of the full degree of responsibility to himself, his country and society.

An interesting fact is recorded in the history of the 20th century. The professionalism of the doctor was evaluated by his clothes after the operation. The cleaner his vestments were, the higher the skill level.

In the 21st century, medicine uses green, turquoise, pink and blue shades for tailoring special suits. In children's departments, funny pictures are allowed to attract the attention of children. But the white coat remains the hallmark of most medical facilities.

Medical ethics implies a clean mind and a sincere desire to help people. A person wants to trust a doctor, but authority can even undermine a lip piercing, not to mention dirty clothes. Patients are greeted by clothing; therefore, all medical workers should dress and look accordingly.