Patients still view doctor's white coat as symbol of professionalism and trust, review suggests

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August 12, 2025, 10:30 PM

• •Patient preferences for doctors' attire are influenced by clinical context and specialty.
• •White coats are generally preferred, but scrubs are increasingly accepted in emergency settings.
• •Female doctors are often misidentified, highlighting gendered expectations.
• •Medical institutions should consider flexible dress codes.

A review published in BMJ Open updates the understanding of how doctors' attire influences patient interactions. The study found that patient preferences for doctors' attire are influenced by clinical context and specialty, with white coats generally preferred but scrubs increasingly accepted in certain settings. Gendered expectations persist, with female doctors often misidentified, and patient preferences for attire vary. The researchers suggest that medical institutions consider flexible dress codes that align with patient preferences.

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