I usually try to write on topics related to the State Medical Board of Ohio and issues or problems that can lead to discipline by the Medical Board. Occasionally, however, I will write on a topic that I just find curious for medical professionals. Today, the issue relates to why many medical professionals wear their scrubs out of the hospital?
I have tried to figure out the whole, scrubs as casual wear issue. It makes sense to see medical professionals around the hospital or on the hospital grounds in their scrubs. I don’t find it unusual to see health care professionals grabbing a quick-lunch in their scrubs. However, the wearing of scrubs has gone way beyond that. Is the rationale for wearing the scrubs that “I could be called to the hospital at any minute, so I need to be prepared?” This might be it. However, yesterday, I saw someone cutting their grass in their scrubs! I hope they don’t wear that same outfit into the hospital if they are immediately called in for an emergency.
My father was a practicing anesthesiologist for over forty years. He left the house before 6am in a suit and tie and returned late each evening in a suit and tie. I can’t say that I ever saw him in scrubs. He certainly never went to dinner or cut the grass in scrubs.
Now, some may ask, “who cares what medical professionals wear”? While I agree that we live in a much more casual society than even 20 years ago, I do believe that it decreases the level of professionalism and respect for the profession when medical professionals are constantly wearing their “hospital uniform” outside of the work setting. Just something to consider.
(Wearing scrubs out of the hospital, even to cut your grass will NOT lead to discipline by the State Medical Board of Ohio.)
As always, if you have any questions about this post or about the State Medical Board in general, please feel free to contact me at 614-486-3909 or email me at beth@collislaw.com.
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