Beyond the White Coat: Building Trust in Medicine

Cancer doctors deal with patients who need support in many ways. For the past 25 years, one doctor has chosen not to wear the traditional white coat. This choice was made to remove a barrier between the doctor and the patient. The white coat is often seen as a symbol of knowledge and authority. However, the doctor believes that building a strong relationship is more important than wearing a uniform. When patients are first diagnosed, they often feel scared and unsure. They need a human connection, not someone standing over them in a white coat. The tradition of wearing white coats started in the 19th century. Doctors wanted to be seen as scientific and knowledgeable. The white coat was a way to show this. In medical schools, the white coat ceremony marks the beginning of a student's journey. But some see this ceremony as more of a religious event than a medical one. Over time, the white coat has lost its practical use. Doctors no longer carry as many tools in their pockets. The coat has become more of a symbol than a necessity. Patients want a deeper relationship with their doctors. They want to be seen as people, not just their diagnosis. The white coat can create unnecessary anxiety, known as "white coat syndrome. " It can also create a power imbalance between the doctor and the patient. The doctor believes that patients deserve to be seen as individuals with unique stories. They should not be defined by their illness. The white coat can be a barrier to building this kind of relationship. Instead of wearing the white coat, doctors should focus on building trust and understanding with their patients. This can lead to better care and a stronger partnership.