A Professional
Appearance
Making a good first impression on emergency
department patients is one of the most valuable tools for physicians
in establishing a good doctor-patient relationship, even for short-term
contacts. Just what is involved in making a good first impression
on a patient?
A neat, clean, well-groomed professional
appearance is most likely the first thing that a patient observes
when the physician enters the room. Many aspects of hygiene, cleanliness
and personal habits are involved in maintaining such a professional
demeanor.
While some hospitals require that physicians
wear scrubs and or a lab coat, it is essential that these garments
are clean and fresh-smelling. If a lab coat or scrub suit is clean
in appearance but emits an unpleasant odor, it should not be worn
in the clinical setting. Likewise, if a physician chooses to wear
street clothes under a lab coat, the street clothes should also
be clean and fresh-smelling.
If scrubs are not worn, the physician's
street clothing should be neat and professional. For men, dress
slacks, a shirt with a collar and a tie is suggested. For women,
dresses, skirts with blouses or sweaters, dress slacks and/or
pantsuits are recommended. Extremes in necklines, hemlines or
fit of clothing are inappropriate and unprofessional. Jeans or
denim outfits are not appropriate.
Footwear should be both comfortable and
safe. Sandals, open-toe shoes and high-heeled shoes are not recommended,
but easy-fitting walking shoes are perfectly appropriate in the
clinical setting. Athletic style shoes are not suggested for a
professional appearance.
Personal hygiene habits for all medical professionals should include
bathing or showering daily or more often if needed during warm
weather, daily use of deodorant or anti-perspirant, daily oral
care including brushing and flossing of teeth and use of mouthwash,
and regular grooming of hair, beards and mustaches.
Cosmetics should be used sparingly, and
fingernails should be kept clean and trim so as not to interfere
with any tasks. While the use of deodorant or anti-perspirant
is necessary, the excessive use of fragrance, including perfumes
and aftershaves, is not encouraged. Jewelry which is extreme or
distracting is also not recommended, as are severe or radical
hairstyles.
A bit of care and attention devoted each
day to one's physical appearance will merit the physician a good
first impression with his or her patients, and open the door for
a positive doctor-patient relationship.
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