white coat question

[Rogue_Leader]

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So my program sent me an order form for our white coats, and the options frighten and confuse me. In my coat size, I can get either the long, or the extra long, which is about 4 inches different in length. Is there some unwritten rule about how residents get the short long coat, or is it just a matter of if you're tall, you get the extra long? And then it has the field which I think is what the monogram is going to be (It just says "training program"). Assuming that the field isn't already determined, what do I put here? Medicine? Internal Medicine? Department of Medicine? Department of Internal Medicine? Any help?

 

[Blade28]

Where are you going? Can you ask the residents (via email) that are already established there? Can the residency coordinator help you?

The answers to your questions vary by program, that's why.

 

[buckley]

Similar question: my program sent me a form where the smallest size is a 4...Would it be rude or demanding to ask if I can have a smaller coat? I was thinking I can float in a coat! It's meant to be loose anyway, right? Would it really matter?

 

[HCE]

Similar question: my program sent me a form where the smallest size is a 4...Would it be rude or demanding to ask if I can have a smaller coat? I was thinking I can float in a coat! It's meant to be loose anyway, right? Would it really matter?

does size really matter?

 

[orientedtoself]

if your program can't provide a smaller coat, there are uniform stores where you can pick out a coat and have it embroidered. mine cost about $30 and fits much better than the hospital-issued mens coats.

Similar question: my program sent me a form where the smallest size is a 4...Would it be rude or demanding to ask if I can have a smaller coat? I was thinking I can float in a coat! It's meant to be loose anyway, right? Would it really matter?

 

[Tired]

If you're short, get a really long coat so that it trails behind you.

Have your med students carry the end so you don't get it dirty.

 

[Kubed]

If you're short, get a really long coat so that it trails behind you.

Have your med students carry the end so you don't get it dirty.

does size really matter?

 

[Rogue_Leader]

One other question, how do you punctuate your name on coats, or in general?

John Doe, M.D.
John Doe, MD
John Doe M.D.
John Doe MD

Some other variant I'm not considering?

 

[orientedtoself]

Jane Doe, M.D.

 

[buckley]

yeah, i'll probably have one made...
ouch, it hurts to be short...don't rub it in!
my resident told me to put the longest name possible (like if you have two or three names) so the embroidery comes out very small and difficult to read!

 

[HCE]

One other question, how do you punctuate your name on coats, or in general?

John Doe, M.D.
John Doe, MD
John Doe M.D.
John Doe MD

Some other variant I'm not considering?

John; Doe?@ M,D............did you consider this?

 

[Winged Scapula]

yeah, i'll probably have one made...
ouch, it hurts to be short...don't rub it in!

You must be tiny if you'll "swim" in a size 4.

my resident told me to put the longest name possible (like if you have two or three names) so the embroidery comes out very small and difficult to read!

I have a coat like that - the problem is not so much the small writing but rather that the script starts out under my axilla. I practically have to lift my arm for my whole name to be seen.

 

[buckley]

Tiny doesn't count as rubbing it in? 🙄 So I went to this store which carries US sizes, tried on some blazers, I will not swim in a size 4! I actually liked the fit better with a four! When I had to buy boots there, I had to get it from the kids section! I know I'm small by US standards. And yes, I will practice wearing heels during rounds. Aaargh! "Dear Nike...please make some heeled soles for me..."
Enough about size.


so, I do have my own white coat that fits me perfectly, it would probably be of a different material than what the hospital issues, if so, would it be rude to wear this instead of what the hospital gives?

gosh! im embarassing myself. i feel like a kid praying to fit in here...hahahaha

good luck to all of us entering extended-adolescence-part-deux: aka internship!

 

[Winged Scapula]

Tiny doesn't count as rubbing it in? 🙄

Sorry, I honestly didn't see your comment above about not rubbing it in. No insult meant.

so, I do have my own white coat that fits me perfectly, it would probably be of a different material than what the hospital issues, if so, would it be rude to wear this instead of what the hospital gives?

I don't see why it would, as long as its white and the same length approximately as the other residents wear. My program let us go to the bookstore and pick out whatever style we wanted (I got a few 100% cotton with the frog closures and some poplin ones for warmer days).

 

[buckley]

I don't see why it would, as long as its white and the same length approximately as the other residents wear. My program let us go to the bookstore and pick out whatever style we wanted (I got a few 100% cotton with the frog closures and some poplin ones for warmer days).

mmmm...good idea!

 

[Tired]

One other question, how do you punctuate your name on coats, or in general?

John Doe, M.D.
John Doe, MD
John Doe M.D.
John Doe MD

Some other variant I'm not considering?

The one I bought says: "Tired, MD"

The two my program "encouraged" us to purchase say: "Tired, MD, USN"

Which is fine, and most people can understand. But my poor Army colleagues got "_____, MD, USA" which is really confusing, even to our active duty patients.

 

[ekydrd]

At 6' tall I ordered the extra long version of the mens coat (I'm a girl), and it hits me just at the knees. If you are average size the regular long coat should be fine. If you are short it should also be fine, but if you are very short (we have a couple of people like that here) you will need to have it hemmed.

Put the name you want on the coat - F.S. Smith, M.D.
First S. Smith, M.D.

As for the "training program" part, it is really up to you. Most people I know in IM have "Internal Medicine" on their coats. I am Med-Peds and have "Internal Medicine/Pediatrics" on mine. There are lots of variations.

And yes, size can matter. Coat too small you look dorky, and you rip out sleeve seams really really fast. Having a little room is good, especially during the winter when you may be wearing a bulky sweater under the coat.

 

[drbetty]

How many white coats would you recommend purchasing as a pediatrics or medicine intern?

 

[Winged Scapula]

How many white coats would you recommend purchasing as a pediatrics or medicine intern?

Three.

 

[silas2642]

does size really matter?

From a woman's perspective-- yeah, it really does. Take that as you will.

 

[silas2642]

So my program sent me an order form for our white coats, and the options frighten and confuse me. In my coat size, I can get either the long, or the extra long, which is about 4 inches different in length. Is there some unwritten rule about how residents get the short long coat, or is it just a matter of if you're tall, you get the extra long? And then it has the field which I think is what the monogram is going to be (It just says "training program"). Assuming that the field isn't already determined, what do I put here? Medicine? Internal Medicine? Department of Medicine? Department of Internal Medicine? Any help?

Get the extra long coat, go for it... do it... you know you want to. You know you want that bad boy to trail on the floor. Plus, you probably need to compensate for something.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Get the extra long coat, go for it... do it... you know you want to. You know you want that bad boy to trail on the floor. Plus, you probably need to compensate for something.

FYI...you are responding to a year old thread.

 

[MedObsession]

Well since it's been bounced. What is the typical length of the long coat? Online I've seen varying lengths.

 

[ScotchBonnet]

Do people typically add non-Phd advanced degrees in addition to MD/DO after their name (MS, JD, etc.)?

 

[Abram Hoffer]

Do people typically add non-Phd advanced degrees in addition to MD/DO after their name (MS, JD, etc.)?

I have seen residents at top programs with MBA after their name/MD. This looked silly. "Hi, I'm Dr. Gimme, and I am here to provide your medical care and take your money. I will invest it." 🙄 I have no plan to add my advanced degrees/other credentials, even though I use my training as a physician.