It makes more sense that doctors wear white coats to make it obvious when they've come into contact with blood, dirt or other contaminants. Patients see a clean-looking garment and can relax. Doctors know when it is time to change the outer layer.

Problem is, bacteria can collect in porous materials (including these coats) invisibly. We figured this out decades ago, but hospitals have been slow to apply the knowledge to probably one of their biggest disease vectors, doctors' clothing. So neckties are under pressure. Lab coats and other non-disosable clothing should be too.

I observed a medical procedure not too long ago where the doctor and nurses all wore gloves, masks, disposable gowns and hair coverings, but also tennis shoes with stretchy nylon fabric that must have been like the Holiday Inn for whatever bugs they came across, from home, to the grocery store, to the parking lot, to the waiting room, to the surgery. We have a way to go still.

Did they perform the procedure with their feet?

Yes. It was a refreshing change from the way most doctors use their noses and lips.

is this not obvious to everyone? since any clothing is subject to bacteria and such, clearly the answer is naked doctoring.

Just as long as naked nursing is included in the deal.

How many of those nurses are male? Things don't change from med school where all the social events were mixers with the nursing school. Thank God I found a non-doctor to marry!