Physicians Vs. Lawyers, who dress better?

Originally Posted by mafoofan

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Perhaps the difference is in the fact that corporate clients expect their lawyers to be making money if they're any good.
That's pretty well put.

As a physician, I am the harbinger of often devastating news - the death of a loved one, cancer or some other incurable illness. Just as a priest should be expected to dress appropriately, so too should a physician. It makes it easier to earn the trust of patients and nursing staff alike.

I think it is an insult to show up in khakis and t-shirt to say "your wife/husband/mother/father has incurable cancer". The nursing staff mention that my patients compliment the professionality of my attire. Also, I often deal with elderly patients who expect immaculate presentation from a professional.

^^^ Oh, I agree that that's the way it should be. But there is some truth in the fact that people today are as likely to distrust a man in a suit as they are to see him as a credible professional.

Originally Posted by mafoofan

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^^^ Oh, I agree that that's the way it should be. But there is some truth in the fact that people today are as likely to distrust a man in a suit as they are to see him as a credible professional.

People who are anti-dress often express such sentiments. Yet practical experience (and studies too) suggests that even those who claim to be least susceptible still subconsciously put greater trust in someone who looks like a professional. Heck, conmen take advantage of this all the time by showing up in a suit and tie. You just get less crap from patient's anxious (often mistrustful) relatives, up-start junior staff and nurses if you dress properly. It's just not worth it giving in to the anti-dress propaganda. It only makes your life hell.

Originally Posted by Sator

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People who are anti-dress often express such sentiments. Yet practical experience (and studies too) suggests that even those who claim to be least susceptible still subconsciously put greater trust in someone who looks like a professional. Heck, conmen take advantage of this all the time by showing up in a suit and tie. You just get less crap from patient's anxious (often mistrustful) relatives, up-start junior staff and nurses if you dress properly. It's just not worth it giving in to the anti-dress propaganda. It only makes your life hell.

I tend to agree. It seems like you potentially lose either way, so you might as well lose looking your best.

Originally Posted by mafoofan

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I tend to agree. It seems like you potentially lose either way, so you might as well lose looking your best.

I would agree in theory with you but, for doctors at least, the extra material of the ties, the folds, collars, cuffs of a shirt are a way of moving bacteria from patient to patient. And its slippery in hospitals (no leather soles).

No excuses for lawyers though.

Originally Posted by mmm

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I would agree in theory with you but, for doctors at least, the extra material of the ties, the folds, collars, cuffs of a shirt are a way of moving bacteria from patient to patient. And its slippery in hospitals (no leather soles).

So too are ball point pens, lab coats, and stethoscopes. Let's ban them too. They have all been shown to be act as "fomites". In fact doctors are fomites. Let's ban them from hospital.

The floors of many a law court are equally as slippery.

Both professions are under the consistent assault of business casual dressing-down, so neither's sartorial standards are what they once were. Leaving aside those on the junior rungs who both racing about the place, tearing their hair out and generally don't have time to think and focusing on those in more slightly senior positions, I'd say a larger percentage of lawyers understand that tailored clothing still carries with it a certain imbued authority, which can be very helpful when interacting with clients/patients in both professions. It can also be damaging in other contexts

As a shrink, I tend to try to be aware of the dynamic in a room. How people dress affects that hugely. Other aspects of my personality and my mode of interaction allow me to dress fairly sharply without negatively impressions. In fact, on the whole, taking those other aspects into account, I think my style of dress enhances my interactions with patients (but of course, I would say that, wouldn't I).

This goes back to what Sator is saying above - he knows his manner of attire affects the interaction with patients and for him, it's a postive... but not every doctor (or indeed, lawyer) would find that. For instance, if someone can be quite peremptory and strident, a Huntsman-esque tailored suit would actually magnify that image and probably be damaging. Dressing more softly would be a smarter option. For those with a paternalistic but gentle style, a sportsjacket and tie combo can be used tactically to add to the authority without creating conflict. For the laid-back and relaxed, a suit can add an air of professionalism that reassures patients that behind the relaxed style, there is a serious side to them that understands the gravity of the situation (I fall more into that last category, I'd say).

Originally Posted by Sator

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Doctors in the past, both physicians and surgeons, dressed immaculately.

Great pictures, Sator - I will try to live up to them!

I have recently tried to vary between wearing lab coat and Jacket...it makes for some interesting compliments from patients. Most doctors in houston dont dress well. My wife for one is always in scrubs...even a home!!

Regards.

Originally Posted by Sator

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I think it is an insult to show up in khakis and t-shirt to say "your wife/husband/mother/father has incurable cancer".

I think they have other things on their minds. I have no idea what my doctors have worn in the past...I was busy with other things.

Dr. Rey FTW

I have seen a big decline in dress among physicians in 15 years since I started working in the hospital. When I started I was impressed with the dapper presentation and courtly demeanor of many older physicians. Now those are retired and most of the doctors I work with seem to be trying to dress as informally as they can get away with.
Mafoofan is right that dressing 'flash' will not necessarily make a good impression with patients, but there is plenty of room for understated professional dress.
I work almost exclusively with older patients, and I get a lot of compliments on my attire (sportcoats and ties) from them. I've even been criticied for not wearing a tie clip and pocket square!

Originally Posted by Sator

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So too are ball point pens, lab coats, and stethoscopes. Let's ban them too. They have all been shown to be act as "fomites". In fact doctors are fomites. Let's ban them from hospital.

The floors of many a law court are equally as slippery.

Nice straw man you have there. I guess since you care so much about appearance and so little about reducing risks to patients maybe doctors should stop using gloves as well. Nitrile looks ridiculous and latex almost as bad.

Originally Posted by mafoofan

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^^^ Oh, I agree that that's the way it should be. But there is some truth in the fact that people today are as likely to distrust a man in a suit as they are to see him as a credible professional.

This is very true. I'm a therapist, soon to be psychologist who works mostly with patients of a lower socioeconomic stratum. While my coworkers wear polos and khakis to see patients, I insist on wearing a SC, shirt and tie. My outfits are usually pretty subdued in terms of color combinations but I try to make up for it with impeccible fit and finish. In the hospital, its safe to say that I dress better than all of the psychiatrists and have, at times, had a "talking to" about how my style of dress might effect the therapeutic alliance. Over time I have learned that it is relatively inconsequential and that my therapeutic style and strong clinical skills amongst other things allow me to connect with my patients in a positive way and leads to good outcomes. I still see it as a sign of respect that if someone comes in to receive services I owe it to them to present myself as a professional.

dl

In my experience, lawyers are better dressed more often, but when doctors are dressed up, they dress better.

Lawyers also tend to be cheaper.