subject: Doctors Uniforms: Valued In and Out of the Medical World [print this page] Doctors Uniforms: Valued In and Out of the Medical World
Doctors uniforms are sets of standard clothing worn by medical professionals including physicians, nurses, physical therapists and medical office workers. These uniforms are called scrub suits or simply scrubs. Scrubs in their modern state are short-sleeved V-necked shirts and drawstring pants or short-sleeved calf-length dresses, over which are worn tied-back or bouffant-style cloth caps, synthetic sterile masks, cloth or synthetic surgical gowns, latex gloves and close-toed shoes. Scrubs are garments made of lightweight cotton and come in different colors and patterns. Scrubs worn in surgery are almost always colored solid light green, light blue or light green-blue shade. Non-surgical scrubs, in turn, come in an assortment of colors and patterns. For example, scrubs bearing cute designs or prints of cartoon characters are used at the pediatrician's office or at the children's hospital. Some hospitals use scrub color to distinguish between patient care departments while others use this practice to distinguish non-staff members or visitors. Meanwhile, outside of Canada and the United States, scrubs are not that common. In Europe, doctors wear street clothes with a white coat except during surgery.
Doctors uniforms or scrubs are indispensable in the medical profession. They are the most popular medical uniform and should be made from durable and easily treatable cloth. They are also attires that are fashionable and stylish. Aside from this, they are comfortable, allowing their wearers to do their jobs well. Scrubs are helpful identification for both staff and patients. Because of this, it is easier to discern which the hospital staff is, especially by the patients. Easily distinguishable staff ensures a smooth flow of operations for the medical facility. Most importantly, scrubs convey respect. Because it is a uniform, one must respect its wearer for it represents the fact that the person wearing it finished a level of medical degree and training.
Doctors uniforms or scrubs, especially surgical scrubs, are rarely owned by the wearer because they cannot be laundered at home. Because this is so, these scrubs are hospital-owned and are leased through a linen service. As a result, hospital staff sometimes encounters problems in connection with wearing scrubs. For example, trying to find fresh scrubs is a problem. Trying to find scrubs that actually fit the wearer is also a problem, as trying to find scrubs that has no holes or patches is a problem. Finally, tops and pants that do not match is also a problem for some hospital staff who wears scrubs leased through the linen service. Those who use their own scrubs do not have problems like these. This is the reason why it is advisable for doctors and other medical practitioners to have their own scrubs. Better yet, they are advised to use disposable scrubs for their convenience.
While doctors uniforms or scrubs are used in the medical field, they are also worn by dentists, receptionists, veterinarians and even beauticians. They are primarily worn for hygienic purposes, but their varied designs, the comfort they offer and the professional look that they deliver boosts their value in and out of the medical world.
