I enjoyed JAW’s editorial (“Rejuvenated image,” BCMJ 43(7):378 [9]) which suggests that if nurses resumed the wearing of traditional uniforms they would inspire greater confidence, appreciation, and respect from patients, co-workers, administrators, and government.
Doctors might benefit similarly if they returned to more dignified attire. Surely a physician can be a “friend” without showing up in shorts and sandals at the hospital, or a T-shirt and jeans in the office. Also rapport is quite possible without encouraging patients to address you by your first name.
Even in today’s pseudo-egalitarian world most people go to the doctor’s office looking for someone special. “Buddies” are available in any pub.
The dinosaur has spoken.
—Ashley Krisman, MD
Vancouver
Links
[1] https://bcmj.org/cover/december-2001
[2] https://bcmj.org/author/krisman-md
[3] https://bcmj.org/node/621
[4] https://bcmj.org/print/letters/re-rejuvenated-image-0
[5] https://bcmj.org/printmail/letters/re-rejuvenated-image-0
[6] http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://bcmj.org/print/letters/re-rejuvenated-image-0
[7] https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Re: Rejuvenated image&url=https://bcmj.org/print/letters/re-rejuvenated-image-0&via=BCMedicalJrnl&tw_p=tweetbutton
[8] https://bcmj.org/javascript%3A%3B
[9] https://bcmj.org/issues/rejuvenated-image
[10] https://bcmj.org/modal_forms/nojs/webform/176
[11] https://bcmj.org/%3Finline%3Dtrue%23citationpop