The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.

SMJ // Article

Perspectives

The Scrub Revolution: From Hospital Uniform to Public Attire

Authors: Bahinah C. Callahan, BS, Ali Seifi MD, FACP

Abstract

Wander into a coffee shop in the heart of a medical center around 3 PM and you will find many people wearing ‘‘scrub’’ uniforms as they order their afternoon pick-me-up. These people may be physicians, nurses, or surgical assistants, but they also could be technicians, receptionists, veterinarians, or even individuals who have no connection to health care at all. The growing trend of people wearing scrubs outside the clinical setting has sparked a debate about the propriety of this conduct, particularly when the individual wearing scrubs is a physician.

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