White coat effects

To many patients, the hospital doctor is epitomised by the white coat. What patients think of the way their doctor dresses has generated considerable interest.1 2 Of further interest is the actual contents of the white coat, and indeed senior hospital doctors may be aware of a “lightening” of the weight of their white coat with a concomitant increase in clinical responsibilities. This is not a phenomenon unique to obstetricians. The new house officer, weighed down with the essential items (tendon hammer, ophthalmoscope, handbook of medical emergencies, etc) to ensure …