Proper attire for orientation?

[IFNgamma]

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so orientation is going to start soon for us new interns, what should we wear?

business casual? shirt + tie? scrubs ok?

thanks.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I would go casual - somewhere between wearing a tie and wearing scrubs. Perhaps a polo shirt and some clean, pressed trousers. Most of the day is spent filling out paperwork, listening to some droning faculty and perhaps doing ACLS. I see little reason to wear a tie, but scrubs might look a little nerdy (like the guy who wears scrubs to the grocery store).

 

[tibor75]

why would wearing scrubs to the grocery store look nerdy?

Even more silly and vain would be going home first to change and then go to the store.

 

[werewethere]

Let's hope that the infectious disease control guys don't read this thread, they might a little disheartened, or apoplectic, depending on temperament.

 

[tripleJ]

Or better yet, have you ever seen the tools that wear scrubs to a bar for happy hour? Oh, man.

 

[Legion560]

I would go with at least a nice shirt in case you have to take your ID picture. Also, proper grooming (combing hair, flossing, removal of eye crust etc) will let you avoid looking like a total douchebag on your ID photo.

Legion

 

[IFNgamma]

I would go casual - somewhere between wearing a tie and wearing scrubs. Perhaps a polo shirt and some clean, pressed trousers. Most of the day is spent filling out paperwork, listening to some droning faculty and perhaps doing ACLS. I see little reason to wear a tie, but scrubs might look a little nerdy (like the guy who wears scrubs to the grocery store).

whoa, Dr. Cox, I can't believe I heard this from you, since you are a surgeon. Wearing scrubs makes you look "nerdy"? haha. It seems to me scrubs are part of a surgeon's identity, and it would it won't look "nerdy" on a surgeon whatever the situation, maybe even for orientation.

Thanks for the advice, I have an idea of what to wear now.

 

[Coastie]

depends on when u wake up morning of orientation

i dunno about y'all, but my sleep schedule is whacked out due to all the preintern fun im having

ill probably roll in wearing scrubs..my uniform for all of intern year!

 

[Winged Scapula]

whoa, Dr. Cox, I can't believe I heard this from you, since you are a surgeon. Wearing scrubs makes you look "nerdy"? haha. It seems to me scrubs are part of a surgeon's identity, and it would it won't look "nerdy" on a surgeon whatever the situation, maybe even for orientation.

Thanks for the advice, I have an idea of what to wear now.

Scrubs don't look nerdy (well, not too much) in the appropriate context. I hate when I have to make errand stops on the way home but the scrubs really do look nerdy when you see people wear them in social situations...actually they look pretentious rather than nerdy.

If one were to wear them for a system wide orientation, that would seem to e the same as if a medical student wore them for the first day - what's the point? Scrubs are to serve a purpose, they are not an ID card as to the wearer's potential career.

But if you want to wear them, go ahead - just don't say I didn't warn you that others may look askance at you.

 

[Winged Scapula]

why would wearing scrubs to the grocery store look nerdy?

Even more silly and vain would be going home first to change and then go to the store.

Oh, I wasn't talking about going home first and changing, that's pretty silly (although I cannot imagine why it would be vain). I do that too, on the way home from work, perhaps the better example would be someone wearing scrubs out to a bar or other social event.

 

[IFNgamma]

Scrubs don't look nerdy (well, not too much) in the appropriate context. I hate when I have to make errand stops on the way home but the scrubs really do look nerdy when you see people wear them in social situations...actually they look pretentious rather than nerdy.

If one were to wear them for a system wide orientation, that would seem to e the same as if a medical student wore them for the first day - what's the point? Scrubs are to serve a purpose, they are not an ID card as to the wearer's potential career.

But if you want to wear them, go ahead - just don't say I didn't warn you that others may look askance at you.

haha, I won't be wearing scrubs at orientation, but if anyone wears scrubs at orientation would it not be more acceptable if surgical interns wore them (I'll be a surgical intern, btw) vs. say a psych intern? 😀

 

[Winged Scapula]

haha, I won't be wearing scrubs at orientation, but if anyone wears scrubs at orientation would it not be more acceptable if surgical interns wore them (I'll be a surgical intern, btw) vs. say a psych intern? 😀

A tad more appropriate. 😉

 

[radonc]

scrubs during orientation is inappropriate, regardless of specialty.

wear something nice on the first day, and then you may modify your dress accordingly. our orientation lasted 4 days, so by the end of it, people were wearing shorts.

 

[Winged Scapula]

scrubs during orientation is inappropriate, regardless of specialty.

wear something nice on the first day, and then you may modify your dress accordingly. our orientation lasted 4 days, so by the end of it, people were wearing shorts.

First impressions always last...you might meet the love of your life during orientation and you would want to look nice (that said, I met mine while wearing scrubs)!

 

[IFNgamma]

First impressions always last...you might meet the love of your life during orientation and you would want to look nice (that said, I met mine while wearing scrubs)!

So you met your significant other during orientation?! I hope I do the same🙂

 

[Coastie]

scrubs during orientation is inappropriate, regardless of specialty.

wear something nice on the first day, and then you may modify your dress accordingly. our orientation lasted 4 days, so by the end of it, people were wearing shorts.

inappropriate?



Come on man, get over yourself!

 

[Coastie]

So you met your significant other during orientation?! I hope I do the same🙂

If you're a dude, your best shot is at the nurses orientation.

If you're a girl, well...Good luck!

 

[radonc]

inappropriate?



Come on man, get over yourself!

are you kidding me? wearing scrubs to orientation? residents should not wear scrubs unless they are on call or post call. thats is the only time they are allowed.

 

[mig26x]

I graduated from medical school last year and doing an Epidemiology MPH right now and wearing scrubs to the grocery store is one of the most gross things you can ever do. I would definetely go to my apartment first take a quick shower and then go to the grocery store, even if it takes me 20-25 more minutes to get shower/prepared/drive etc.

 

[Winged Scapula]

So you met your significant other during orientation?! I hope I do the same🙂

THAT would have required me to wear scrubs during orientation and I've already noted, only losers do that! 😉

I met him my first month of internship while in the SICU, wearing my scrubs (appropriately).😀

 

[Coastie]

are you kidding me? wearing scrubs to orientation? residents should not wear scrubs unless they are on call or post call. thats is the only time they are allowed.

lol....call or post call?

I'd hate to be your medical student!

 

[Winged Scapula]

lol....call or post call?

I'd hate to be your medical student!

You have to look at the specialty. Rad Onc is an office based specialty with lots of patient contact and you need to be dressed professionally. In many places, scrubs are not considered as such. I trained in a place that allowed us to wear scrubs, on most rotations, on the floors, but had to change into business attire for the clinics. History has it that in the old days, before the Chairman we had when I was there, scrubs were never allowed outside the OR and trauma bay.

 

[Mumpu]

The person at the bar wearing scrubs is much more likely to be an allied health professional than a physician.

Why would you show up to your orientation in scrubs (unless your residency orientation is the morning of your first work day, in which case "ouch baby, really ouch")? At this point, you are aleady in the program. It doesn't matter how you look to the administration but your co-residents will form an initial impression of you based on your looks. Casual is the perfect balance between suit/tie and sweatpants/scrubs.

 

[Coastie]

I understand, but let's be real..This guy was talkin about any specialty.

Oh, and I've seen lots of rad onc guys in scrubs plus a white coat. Nothing non-professional about that.

You have to look at the specialty. Rad Onc is an office based specialty with lots of patient contact and you need to be dressed professionally. In many places, scrubs are not considered as such. I trained in a place that allowed us to wear scrubs, on most rotations, on the floors, but had to change into business attire for the clinics. History has it that in the old days, before the Chairman we had when I was there, scrubs were never allowed outside the OR and trauma bay.

 

[radonc]

I understand, but let's be real..This guy was talkin about any specialty.

Oh, and I've seen lots of rad onc guys in scrubs plus a white coat. Nothing non-professional about that.

i did IM before going into radonc and at my program we were to wear ties anytime we were not on-call or postcall. im not sure where you trained, but it was engrained in us that being a physician was about being a professional (in addition to everything else). this was the case in med school, IM, and now radonc.

and yes, we wear scrubs when we go into the OR...for us, its a novelty. so, personally, i dont change into a shirt/tie afterwards, because its not every often that i get to wear scrubs (less than once every 1-2 months).

yes, i was talking about any specialty. go ahead and wear scrubs to orientation. people may not say anything, but they are just gonna shake their heads. there is an ample amount of time in residency to wear scrubs...why wouldnt you want to wear 'normal clothes?' hell, any chance i get, i am wearing jeans and casual clothes...

do what you want...wear scrubs to orientation...i just posted my opinion, even though you (and others) may not agree.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I understand, but let's be real..This guy was talkin about any specialty.

Oh, and I've seen lots of rad onc guys in scrubs plus a white coat. Nothing non-professional about that.

Obviously we differ on what is considered professional attire.

I wear scrubs in the operating room and afterwards if I'm just floating around the hospital. I do not wear them in the office when I am seeing patients. I do not plan on wearing them to my first day at a new hospital or to any committee meetings. Perhaps its the institutions I trained at and the field which expects a little more business attire. This does not go for all fields, all communities or all physicians - I imagine patients are a little more comfortable with trauma surgeons wearing scrubs in the office.

But back to the topic of orientation. I KNOW what people say about others who wear scrubs in "non-scrub" situations. I KNOW what it is like to wear them day in and day out. As a medical student, it is not likely that you do. As radonc says, we don't really care what you (or the OP) wear to orientation, but since our advice was asked, and there is not uncommonly a negative first impression when seeing people wearing scrubs in a situation which doesn't call for them, it seems fit to recommend being a little less casual (or "more professional" for those who seem to understand what that phrase means), especially on the first day.

Eh...this is getting tiring. If you don't like the advice/opinion that more senior, seasoned people are giving...just ignore it. We are not that concerned about it.

 

[Coastie]

lol..

I'm sorry, but there were so many hidden barbs and jabs in that post I don't know where to start..so I won't.

Beach and coronas til intern year!

Obviously we differ on what is considered professional attire.

I wear scrubs in the operating room and afterwards if I'm just floating around the hospital. I do not wear them in the office when I am seeing patients. I do not plan on wearing them to my first day at a new hospital or to any committee meetings. Perhaps its the institutions I trained at and the field which expects a little more business attire. This does not go for all fields, all communities or all physicians - I imagine patients are a little more comfortable with trauma surgeons wearing scrubs in the office.

But back to the topic of orientation. I KNOW what people say about others who wear scrubs in "non-scrub" situations. I KNOW what it is like to wear them day in and day out. As a medical student, it is not likely that you do. As radonc says, we don't really care what you (or the OP) wear to orientation, but since our advice was asked, and there is not uncommonly a negative first impression when seeing people wearing scrubs in a situation which doesn't call for them, it seems fit to recommend being a little less casual (or "more professional" for those who seem to understand what that phrase means), especially on the first day.

Eh...this is getting tiring. If you don't like the advice/opinion that more senior, seasoned people are giving...just ignore it. We are not that concerned about it.

 

[Winged Scapula]

lol..

I'm sorry, but there were so many hidden barbs and jabs in that post I don't know where to start..so I won't.

Beach and coronas til intern year!

Sorry, they weren't meant to be hidden. I'll try to be more forthright next time.

 

[ChildNeuro]

are you kidding me? wearing scrubs to orientation? residents should not wear scrubs unless they are on call or post call. thats is the only time they are allowed.

I think that students are advised to wear scrubs only when post-call or on-call. Everywhere I go it seems that residents wear scrubs like their official uniform, whether or not they are on call. On the first day when I doubt I would recommend wearing a shirt an tie for the guys, and the equivalent for the ladies. I would avoid wearing scrubs when I don't have to, because I think a patient wouldn't like if they were rounded on someone who look liked they wanted to take them to the OR.

 

[IFNgamma]

Obviously we differ on what is considered professional attire.

I wear scrubs in the operating room and afterwards if I'm just floating around the hospital. I do not wear them in the office when I am seeing patients. I do not plan on wearing them to my first day at a new hospital or to any committee meetings. Perhaps its the institutions I trained at and the field which expects a little more business attire. This does not go for all fields, all communities or all physicians - I imagine patients are a little more comfortable with trauma surgeons wearing scrubs in the office.

But back to the topic of orientation. I KNOW what people say about others who wear scrubs in "non-scrub" situations. I KNOW what it is like to wear them day in and day out. As a medical student, it is not likely that you do. As radonc says, we don't really care what you (or the OP) wear to orientation, but since our advice was asked, and there is not uncommonly a negative first impression when seeing people wearing scrubs in a situation which doesn't call for them, it seems fit to recommend being a little less casual (or "more professional" for those who seem to understand what that phrase means), especially on the first day.

Eh...this is getting tiring. If you don't like the advice/opinion that more senior, seasoned people are giving...just ignore it. We are not that concerned about it.

are you getting mad at me or Coastie? I already said I'll follow your advice, I'm not wearing scrubs to orientation.

 

[Winged Scapula]

are you getting mad at me or Coastie? I already said I'll follow your advice, I'm not wearing scrubs to orientation.

My comments were in response to Coastie who seems intent on arguing with radonc and I that scrubs are professional attire. It had nothing to do with you but I was probably a tad too invested in what he/she says...I don't really care.

 

[Medical123]

There are worse things than wearing scrubs out in public---like forgetting that you have your stethoscope around your neck when going from work to the mall and I have actually seen that one happen!

Back to the original topic, I received an e-mail from my program today. We were told to wear business casual to orientation! I guess that the scrubs will have to wait until my first night on call!

 

[VALSALVA]

My institution states that the dress code for orientation is "comfortable casual." What sort of clothes would fall in that category? Are we talking t-shirt and shorts???

 

[werewethere]

My institution states that the dress code for orientation is "comfortable casual." What sort of clothes would fall in that category? Are we talking t-shirt and shorts???

It sounds like the next step down from business casual, so athletic shoes are probably ok, jeans are probably ok, T shirts depending as long as it isn't a standard white one, with an offensive message, or really warn out. Shorts, sandals, and tank tops are probably best left for the beach, regardless of what they tell you is ok (unless orientation is on the beach). They are also probably trying to make sure people don't come in their interview suits.

 

[DrDawg]

Always wear a shirt and tie. Your a professional and should look it. Remember first impressions count. Many of my attending wear a suit every day even to see a patient in the middle of the night.

 

[deleted109597]

No, the worst thing to wear to the bar isn't scrubs (although it comes pretty close). The worst thing is your f'ing name tag.

Although Mickey Mouse print pink scrubs with fucshia pants might beat it.

 

[superspec]

As embarrassing as this is, I can actually say that I have had days crappy enough that I beelined to the bar immediately after work, scrubs still on. Of course, at least I made sure to have a hoodie on top, and went to the skankiest dive bar I could find. AND sat in the back. AND refused to walk to the bar to get the drinks.

Sometimes when a cold beer is calling your name, you just have to go. Clothes changes be damned. 😀

 

[sophiejane]

Always wear a shirt and tie. You're a professional and should look it. Remember, first impressions count. Many of my attendings wear a suit every day, even to see a patient in the middle of the night.

I think the proper attire is very program-dependent.

What's wrong with calling the program coordinator (or whomever sends you all your stuff about orientation) and simply ask?

Nah..forget it. SDN is way more entertaining.

Thank god we have people here to tell us to brush our teeth and wear clean clothes. Where would we be without SDN??

 

[oldbearprofessor]

Thank god we have people here to tell us to brush our teeth and wear clean clothes.

and always wear clean underwear.😀

This thread is rather odd. For any training/orientation you wear nice pants (no jeans or shorts) and a nice shirt unless told otherwise.

This is rocket science?🙄

 

[tibor75]

Oh, I wasn't talking about going home first and changing, that's pretty silly (although I cannot imagine why it would be vain). I do that too, on the way home from work, perhaps the better example would be someone wearing scrubs out to a bar or other social event.

Gotcha. Although if something suddenly came up at work (people going unexpectedly to a bar and you're wearing scrubs that day), I'd go out in scrubs to a bar. Probably never to a sit-down restaurant. Unless it was Denny's.

 

[tibor75]

Always wear a shirt and tie. Your a professional and should look it. Remember first impressions count. Many of my attending wear a suit every day even to see a patient in the middle of the night.

Wear a shirt and tie. And if you take a quick glance and see that hardly anybody is wearing a tie, just duck into the bathroom and take it off.

 

[johnthestreak]

to the OP.
i rarely post on here but seriously, who cares.
please post a ******ed question on sdn because you need someone to hold your hand thru life. hard to believe that you will be a physician making real decisions some day....

 

[Tone2002]

I think seriously we are out of the "tshirts and shorts" phaze especially going into residency.

 

[Adcadet]

I think the proper attire is very program-dependent.

Yup. I went to my "pre-employment health inspection" in a suit and was not out of place. And I expect to be in a suit during my entire 2 week orientation (we do ACLS before orientation, and I'll have had my ID photo taken before as well).

 

[hulbdo]

Anyone know what the attire is just for the ACLS class? I'm guessing probably just casual?

 

[Adcadet]

I went in khaki pants, a polo shirt, and tennis shoes. There were nurses in scrubs, students in shorts, and many in jeans and t-shirts. The head instructor, a paramedic, was wearing semi-nice pants and a polo shirt or something, and all of the physician instructors were in suits (guess where this was). Just make sure you're wearing loose enough clothing that you can get down on the ground, give chest compressions, etc.

Oh, and make sure your shoes will allow you to jump over the burning tires while firing an AK-47. That's an essential ACLS skill.

 

[tibor75]

Anyone know what the attire is just for the ACLS class? I'm guessing probably just casual?

Are you next going to ask if it's ok to take bathroom breaks?

Geesh, think for yourself. I shudder to think that in a few weeks you'll be on call as an intern. "Mr. Resident, should I run the normal saline at 80 cc/ hour or 100?"

 

[IFNgamma]

so I'm done w/ orientation. Just to answer my own Q, the attire of the guys ranged from very sloppy/informal to shirt + tie. Most people showed up dressed very nicely while a few came wearing t-shirt and jeans looking like they just woke up w/ disheveled hair. No one wore a suit and no one wore scrubs. As for the ladies, most were dressed rather casually and no one wore a business suit. I guess basically you can wear whatever you want, just depends on whether you care about how you are perceived.

 

[danielmd06]

No, the worst thing to wear to the bar isn't scrubs (although it comes pretty close). The worst thing is your f'ing name tag.

Although Mickey Mouse print pink scrubs with fucshia pants might beat it.

I've got that beat. Last week at my apartment pool I saw I very tanned guy who had previously questioned my wife about why she was wearing scrubs to the apartment gym (she happens to be a dental hygienist). Got the context? Now, a couple days after this at the pool this guy was actually wearing scrub cut-offs with pager.

Two days later...he was by the pool again in a different color of srub cut-offs.

As for the original question, I would wear a polo shirt and khaki pants. If in doubt you can always ask others.

 

[tibor75]

I guess basically you can wear whatever you want, just depends on whether you care about how you are perceived.

yeah, what you wear at orientation matters more than whether you need your hand held at 3 AM as an intern.