History of Doctors' Lab Coats

White lab coats are well-recognized symbols for the medical profession. Do you know how this started? Keep reading to learn about the history of lab coats, and how they came to represent doctors.

Scientists originally wore them

Scientist originally wore white coats to protect their clothes from chemical projections and other stains inherent to their work. Scientists who worked on medical projects started to spread the use of the white coat in the medical field. During the 19th century, medicine changed thanks to many useful discoveries. Medicine grew into a science, and doctors wanted to differentiate themselves from mere charlatans. Wearing a white coat allowed them to appear more serious and knowledgeable. In Canada, Dr. George Armonstrong introduced the used of the white coat for the whole staff of the Montreal General Hospital. Many more hospitals quickly followed this model.

The use of the white coat

Besides protecting street clothes from anything doctors could find themselves exposed to, white coats also help recognize a doctor in a hospital potentially filled with people. Wearing a white coat at work also allows for a better control of the transmission of germs throughout a hospital or practice.

Controversies

The use of the white coat seems controversial: it contributes to stereotyping the medical profession. For instance, psychiatrist stopped wearing white coats due to stereotyping. Doctors have claimed to prefer scrubs, and many believe that white coats actually contribute to spreading germs. Besides, some patients react negatively to white coats and associate them with a cause of stress, resulting in hypertension at the sight of a white coat.

White coats are seen as more of a negative thing by some, but they still strongly represent the medical profession. Many TV shows that portray the medical world extensively use white coats, meaning that the association still comes to mind easily.