White coats represent authority and confer more respect for doctors among older patients. However, pediatricians rarely wear them because children learn to associate white coats with unpleasant experiences. And white coats are more important in the east than the in the west. I'm a physician in California and "white coat ceremonies" are not part of the medical tradition here. It is true that the pockets are handy, but one can learn to live without them. White coats really aren't essential. Scrubs are much more efficient. But it is true that health care providers (broadly) don't change them as frequently as should happen.

I'm not sure why this would even be in debate? If there is the potential to transfer "harmful bacteria" that may cause illness, then there is no argument that something must change. If doctors feel compelled to wear a white coat...then it should be incumbent upon them to wear clean ones daily (as humans this cannot be left up to the honor system, perhaps hospitals could provide them at cost to the physicians). Public health must always come before such social trappings as status or recognition.

p.s. Scrubs could be redesigned to have additional pockets on the shirt sides for carrying more items.

White coats worn by hospital staff should be the most sanitary when correctly used. Only white cotton fabric can be bleached and washed regularly to ensure sanitization. Of course, if any bodily fluids such as blood, urine, pus, et cetera contaminate the coat, it should be removed immediately and a new, clean coat used. The only problem I see is the discipline to do so and the care needed to keep the coats clean.

I am with banning the white coats! if.............

I think we can always wear some protecting outfit/coat when we are doing procedures, cos to tell you the truth, the white coat is almost always not white (stained, not well ironed), and an extra addition, that's not making much sense..except for using the pockets for books and electronic material...any concrete subsitute to those?

have a great day!

My nephew just completed his first year of medical school in San Diego. Before the semester even began the University had a lovely "white coat ceremony" where all the young men and ladies were presented with white lab jackets. When I was in nursing school when we had a capping ceremony and the seniors received a white nurses cap. While RN's do not wear caps anymore it was a wonderful and meaningful rite of passage for me. I do agree that a place is needed for all our supplies throughout the day and lab coat pockets are usually huge and perfect for all my stuff. The coats I wear are usually colorful or contain a design to avoid "white coat syndrome". We need to find a better alternative if the lab coat cannot be washed or changed daily.