White coat
White Coat
White coat (pronunciation: /waɪt koʊt/) is a term commonly used in the medical field to refer to the traditional attire worn by healthcare professionals, particularly doctors and medical students. The term is derived from the English words "white" (etymology: Old English "hwit") and "coat" (etymology: Old English "cot").
History
The use of the white coat in the medical profession dates back to the 19th century. It was introduced as a symbol of cleanliness and purity, replacing the black coats that were previously worn. The white coat ceremony, a ritual in which medical students receive their white coats as a symbol of their commitment to the medical profession, is a tradition that continues to this day.
Symbolism
The white coat is often seen as a symbol of the medical profession's commitment to scientific rigor, cleanliness, and the ethical practice of medicine. However, it can also be associated with the so-called "white coat syndrome", a phenomenon in which patients experience higher blood pressure in a medical setting due to anxiety.
Related Terms
- White coat ceremony: A ritual in which medical students receive their white coats as a symbol of their commitment to the medical profession.
- White coat hypertension: Also known as "white coat syndrome", this refers to a phenomenon in which patients experience higher blood pressure in a medical setting due to anxiety.
- White coat effect: The influence that the presence of a doctor in a white coat can have on a patient's perception of care and trust in the medical professional.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on White coat
- Wikipedia's article - White coat
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