IM Residency Attire

[FutureDoc01]

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My program doesn't care if we wear ties or not. Do you think it important to wear a tie in residency? They do state we must wear our white coat at all times. I had to wear a tie everyday in med school so I feel weird without it.

 

[Raryn]

Highly highly program specific. The general tendency is to be less formal as you move west. Thus, big programs in the northeast will frequently require shirt+tie even on wards (though not in the unit), programs in the midwest (like where I went to medical school) may require a tie in clinic and non-call days, versus the program on the west coast I'm at requires a collared shirt in clinic, but scrubs are OK every day on every inpatient service. I haven't worn a tie to work since my interview. I almost always wear a polo to clinic (occasionally a button down if I'm feeling fancy).

Edit: What I would say is go and see what your senior residents generally wear, and emulate some of them. There will probably be a range, but if there isn't and everyone is in a tie, go for that. For the first day or two, either ask your senior or do shirt+tie until you're sure.

 

[FutureInternist]

I did my whole residency & fellowship in scrubs.......it was awesome !!

If they told you they don't care, you shouldn't !!

 

[Instatewaiter]

My program doesn't care if we wear ties or not. Do you think it important to wear a tie in residency? They do state we must wear our white coat at all times. I had to wear a tie everyday in med school so I feel weird without it.

I say go with what the attending wears. If he is in a tie, wear a tie. It is better to be a little too dressy than to look slovenly.

 

[Raryn]

I say go with what the attending wears. If he is in a tie, wear a tie. It is better to be a little too dressy than to look slovenly.

If you did this in my program you'd literally be the only resident who wore a collared shirt on wards. Our attendings never wear scrubs.

 

[bashwell]

I did my whole residency & fellowship in scrubs.......it was awesome !!

If they told you they don't care, you shouldn't !!

Wow how did you do your entire IM residency in scrubs?! That doesnt even seem possible like in clinics? Fellowship makes more sense if you did pulm/cc I guess...

 

[FutureInternist]

Wow how did you do your entire IM residency in scrubs?! That doesnt even seem possible like in clinics? Fellowship makes more sense if you did pulm/cc I guess...

Lubbock TX is pretty laid back
We had to dress professionally for clinic, but my clinic for all 3 years was on a Friday when you were allowed to wear jeans & dress shirt (don't get the logic of being allowed to look "unprofessional" on a Friday but who cares)

Fellowship in Nephro, went out & bought a whole bunch of nice shirts, pants, ties etc ...then said screw it, a week into fellowship, showed up in scrubs & no one said anything 🙂

Wife was VERY happy she didn't have to wash/iron etc

Now as an attending I am the only one in our group that wears scrubs

 

[Instatewaiter]

If you did this in my program you'd literally be the only resident who wore a collared shirt on wards. Our attendings never wear scrubs.

Perhaps it would be a good thing.

I never get the idea of an internist wearing scrubs out of an icu. It just looks lazy and quite frankly there is no necessity to scrubs if you're not doing procedures all day.

 

[P Diddy]

Perhaps it would be a good thing.

I never get the idea of an internist wearing scrubs out of an icu. It just looks lazy and quite frankly there is no necessity to scrubs if you're not doing procedures all day.

Too much Osler in you. Scrubs are functional, comfortable, and patients see them as professional attire. What's not to like?

Ties, on the other hand, spread infection. Don't you like your patients?

p diddy

 

[Raryn]

Perhaps it would be a good thing.

I never get the idea of an internist wearing scrubs out of an icu. It just looks lazy and quite frankly there is no necessity to scrubs if you're not doing procedures all day.

You were clearly trained in a Large Northeastern institution. Or Mayo.

And given that I know you're from Hopkins...

 

[smartparts]

its all about how you carry yourself. everyone wears a tie and white coat these days. patients care more about how you act and your body language than what you're wearing. idk just my take on the issue.

 

[FutureDoc01]

Thanks I'm just paranoid because I had to wear a tie everyday in med school. I'm in a Northeast program. I guess I'll wear one the first week and see.

 

[powermd]

FWIW, here's my perspective on dress. I did IM->anesthesiology->100% interventional pain.

I think dress should gel with what you're selling yourself as to the patient. This varies depending on specialty and setting. Dress sends a message. It tells the patient something about who you are, and what you have to offer. It can build barriers, or take them away.

For example, a plastic surgeon is frequently offering $10K cosmetic operations. What kind of dress would inspire confidence in that kind of purchase? Perfection. That's why you see these guys wearing perfectly tailored suits sometimes with French cuffs. Their offices are elaborately decorated, and even their personal office OR suites are beautiful.

An oncologist sees a very different population. What is he selling the patient? In most cases, a life not cut short. What sort of dress would give that patient confidence? Something that says "I'm a man of science. I'm brilliant, in control, and I don't miss a detail." White coats, ties, good grooming, and perhaps being adorned with a stethoscope will sell that message.

How about a doctor who works in the OR? By default it's scrubs, but that's a good thing, because crisp fresh scrubs + OR sends a message of attention to sterility, and it is the uniform patients expect. Beyond that, looking like you just stepped out of the shower helps too.

What about the ED? Filthy environment. Blood, vomit, cops around... clean scrubs are appropriate here, and maybe a coat that identifies one as an attending, being that everyone in the ED otherwise looks the same.

The ICU? Ideally a shirt and tie, because you're going to be having family meetings that need to send the message of the oncologist discussed above. But the importance of infection control and staying clean would seem to demand scrubs if you're getting physical with the patients, placing lines, etc.

And what about outpatient work in specialties that do not involve imminent life and death? Quality as opposed to quantity of life specialties I like to call them. I think the Polo and slacks is perfect. It's comfortable, sends the message that you're smart and successful, and lowers the 'me doctor' 'you patient' wall a little. My problem with scrubs in this setting is that it looks lazy, and takes away too much of your individual identity. Scrubs also set up, in my opinion, a psychological barrier that says "I'm different from you. I wear pajamas and funny little clogs to work!" Appropriate in the right setting, but not so much outside the hospital.

As for residency, it's only natural to want to wear the most comfortable clothes you can. My recommendation is to aim slightly higher than the average for your peers. After all, a senior resident in IM is doing a lot less running around the hospital than an intern, and might be able to tolerate better dress. On the other hand, he has also likely proven himself to the higher ups already, and might be able to get away with a little slack here. Bear in mind people are always going to judge you based on your appearance, and if you want that competitive fellowship slot... you need to make a great impression on everyone.

 

[Instatewaiter]

FWIW, here's my perspective on dress. I did IM->anesthesiology->100% interventional pain.

I think dress should gel with what you're selling yourself as to the patient. This varies depending on specialty and setting. Dress sends a message. It tells the patient something about who you are, and what you have to offer. It can build barriers, or take them away.

For example, a plastic surgeon is frequently offering $10K cosmetic operations. What kind of dress would inspire confidence in that kind of purchase? Perfection. That's why you see these guys wearing perfectly tailored suits sometimes with French cuffs. Their offices are elaborately decorated, and even their personal office OR suites are beautiful.

An oncologist sees a very different population. What is he selling the patient? In most cases, a life not cut short. What sort of dress would give that patient confidence? Something that says "I'm a man of science. I'm brilliant, in control, and I don't miss a detail." White coats, ties, good grooming, and perhaps being adorned with a stethoscope will sell that message.

How about a doctor who works in the OR? By default it's scrubs, but that's a good thing, because crisp fresh scrubs + OR sends a message of attention to sterility, and it is the uniform patients expect. Beyond that, looking like you just stepped out of the shower helps too.

What about the ED? Filthy environment. Blood, vomit, cops around... clean scrubs are appropriate here, and maybe a coat that identifies one as an attending, being that everyone in the ED otherwise looks the same.

The ICU? Ideally a shirt and tie, because you're going to be having family meetings that need to send the message of the oncologist discussed above. But the importance of infection control and staying clean would seem to demand scrubs if you're getting physical with the patients, placing lines, etc.

And what about outpatient work in specialties that do not involve imminent life and death? Quality as opposed to quantity of life specialties I like to call them. I think the Polo and slacks is perfect. It's comfortable, sends the message that you're smart and successful, and lowers the 'me doctor' 'you patient' wall a little. My problem with scrubs in this setting is that it looks lazy, and takes away too much of your individual identity. Scrubs also set up, in my opinion, a psychological barrier that says "I'm different from you. I wear pajamas and funny little clogs to work!" Appropriate in the right setting, but not so much outside the hospital.

As for residency, it's only natural to want to wear the most comfortable clothes you can. My recommendation is to aim slightly higher than the average for your peers. After all, a senior resident in IM is doing a lot less running around the hospital than an intern, and might be able to tolerate better dress. On the other hand, he has also likely proven himself to the higher ups already, and might be able to get away with a little slack here. Bear in mind people are always going to judge you based on your appearance, and if you want that competitive fellowship slot... you need to make a great impression on everyone.

Agreed

 

[Cytarabine]

FWIW, here's my perspective on dress. I did IM->anesthesiology->100% interventional pain.

I think dress should gel with what you're selling yourself as to the patient. This varies depending on specialty and setting. Dress sends a message. It tells the patient something about who you are, and what you have to offer. It can build barriers, or take them away.

For example, a plastic surgeon is frequently offering $10K cosmetic operations. What kind of dress would inspire confidence in that kind of purchase? Perfection. That's why you see these guys wearing perfectly tailored suits sometimes with French cuffs. Their offices are elaborately decorated, and even their personal office OR suites are beautiful.

An oncologist sees a very different population. What is he selling the patient? In most cases, a life not cut short. What sort of dress would give that patient confidence? Something that says "I'm a man of science. I'm brilliant, in control, and I don't miss a detail." White coats, ties, good grooming, and perhaps being adorned with a stethoscope will sell that message.

How about a doctor who works in the OR? By default it's scrubs, but that's a good thing, because crisp fresh scrubs + OR sends a message of attention to sterility, and it is the uniform patients expect. Beyond that, looking like you just stepped out of the shower helps too.

What about the ED? Filthy environment. Blood, vomit, cops around... clean scrubs are appropriate here, and maybe a coat that identifies one as an attending, being that everyone in the ED otherwise looks the same.

The ICU? Ideally a shirt and tie, because you're going to be having family meetings that need to send the message of the oncologist discussed above. But the importance of infection control and staying clean would seem to demand scrubs if you're getting physical with the patients, placing lines, etc.

And what about outpatient work in specialties that do not involve imminent life and death? Quality as opposed to quantity of life specialties I like to call them. I think the Polo and slacks is perfect. It's comfortable, sends the message that you're smart and successful, and lowers the 'me doctor' 'you patient' wall a little. My problem with scrubs in this setting is that it looks lazy, and takes away too much of your individual identity. Scrubs also set up, in my opinion, a psychological barrier that says "I'm different from you. I wear pajamas and funny little clogs to work!" Appropriate in the right setting, but not so much outside the hospital.

As for residency, it's only natural to want to wear the most comfortable clothes you can. My recommendation is to aim slightly higher than the average for your peers. After all, a senior resident in IM is doing a lot less running around the hospital than an intern, and might be able to tolerate better dress. On the other hand, he has also likely proven himself to the higher ups already, and might be able to get away with a little slack here. Bear in mind people are always going to judge you based on your appearance, and if you want that competitive fellowship slot... you need to make a great impression on everyone.

Nice post

 

[thierryhenry]

Too much Osler in you. Scrubs are functional, comfortable, and patients see them as professional attire. What's not to like?

Ties, on the other hand, spread infection. Don't you like your patients?

p diddy

bow ties do not spread infection

 

[Siggy]

bow ties do not spread infection

In before Dr. Who references....

/just The Doctor.

 

[P Diddy]

bow ties do not spread infection

you must not get very close to your patients.

p diddy

 

[Mad Jack]

Ties are terrible from an infection control perspective. Avoid them if you can.

 

[jdh71]

Appropriate for today (well ANY day really, but reasonable people can reasonably disgaree)

 

[geauxg8rs]

You just wear tuxedo t shirts. Fancy yet germ free

 

[Ivos]

I'm not from the US, but I can tell you that anyone wearing a tie here anywhere in the hospital would likely be fired due to breaking hygiene procedures. Everyone has scrubs, all the time, everywhere.
Not saying you shouldn't do what your program director does, just that it's more a cultural thing than medical.

 

[Elixir6]

bow ties do not spread infection

No, they only spread "douche-ism". Now, I have certainly met cool people wearing bow-ties, but to me, the inclusion of bow-tie on your person signifies a RR of 5.8 to my discovering that you're a dbag. Mostly, the people that sport bow-ties nicely are crotchety old dudes. This is all just my opinion of course....

 

[rokshana]

I'm not from the US, but I can tell you that anyone wearing a tie here anywhere in the hospital would likely be fired due to breaking hygiene procedures. Everyone has scrubs, all the time, everywhere.
Not saying you shouldn't do what your program director does, just that it's more a cultural thing than medical.

however in the US, the tie is the norm.

 

[smartparts]

No, they only spread "douche-ism". Now, I have certainly met cool people wearing bow-ties, but to me, the inclusion of bow-tie on your person signifies a RR of 5.8 to my discovering that you're a dbag. Mostly, the people that sport bow-ties nicely are crotchety old dudes. This is all just my opinion of course....

agree 100%. only doctors old enough to have done venous cutdowns are allowed to wear bowties.

 

[Captopril]

Did residency in california. I had co-residents who wore scrubs literally every single day of residency, both clinic and in-patient, for 3 years. No one cared.

 

[IMreshopeful]

No, they only spread "douche-ism". Now, I have certainly met cool people wearing bow-ties, but to me, the inclusion of bow-tie on your person signifies a RR of 5.8 to my discovering that you're a dbag. Mostly, the people that sport bow-ties nicely are crotchety old dudes. This is all just my opinion of course....

Bow ties are becoming more popular amongst younger residents, actually, in my experience. I had a couple fellows hailing from other institutions who wore bow-ties.

My residency is pretty lax about the tie thing. I stopped wearing ties after my first week of intern year. Technically we are supposed to wear them in clinic, but my attendings couldn't care less. I usually keep the shirt, slacks, and white coat on when dressed up and on the wards/in clinic, and otherwise wear scrubs at every possible opportunity. Usually eschew the white coat with the scrubs as it just makes me look ungainly and awkward.

 

[medrest]

Each residency program is different so it depends on the program director whether he wants to allow or not allow you not wearing a tie. Patients may be nice to you if you look professional with a tie.