It isn’t often that American culture creates a new rite of passage for the world. But that’s just what has happened with the White Coat Ceremony.

The ritual is believed to have originated twenty years ago, in 1989, at the acclaimed University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine. Its purpose was to mark the transition between the initial science course curriculum and the beginning of their clinical and direct patient care training. It is a formal ceremony in which medical student’s don – for the first time – the traditional white lab coat that physicians have worn for more than a century. The primary elements in the White Coat Ceremony typically include: recognition of the students for completing pre-clinical studies, affirmation of a commitment to medical ethics, actual “cloaking” of the students in white lab coats, and recitation of the Hippocratic Oath. It is similar to a medical school graduation, in that parents and friends are encouraged to attend, in order to witness and recognize this important milestone.

From this modest beginning in 1989, the ceremony has evolved exponentially. Now, in addition to an ever increasing percentage of medical schools, the White Coat Ceremony is becoming a tradition at dental, podiatric, chiropractic, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and veterinary schools throughout the United States – and the world. Of course, there are variations among the different types of schools consistent with their curriculum. In some specialties, the student’s clinical work occurs earlier in their training than is typically the case for medical school students, and thus, the timing of the White Coat Ceremony is altered. Most pharmacy students, for example, go through the ceremony at the end of their first year, while some chiropractic schools conduct the ceremony at the start of the first year. Regardless of when the ceremony occurs, it has become an important event symbolizing the induction of the student into their chosen healthcare career.

One aspect of the White Coat Ceremony – the white lab coat itself – has also evolved over the years. While many of the ubiquitous shapeless, often shabby white lab coats can still be spotted in daily use, recent interest in higher quality lab coats has increased. This is partly a result of the growing percentage of women in medical and clinical healthcare programs, and partly due to higher standards being set for appearance and cleanliness in the healthcare setting. The very best of the medical uniform companies have recognized this increasing need for quality lab coats and have introduced new styles that utilize stain-resistant performance fabrics – features uniquely suited for the environment in which they are worn. One particular uniform company, Medelita, has even tailored a line of unusually high-quality lab coats specifically for female physicians, clinicians and students of all medical specialties. Just as the significance of the White Coat Ceremony has grown, so has the interest among these schools in presenting students with lab coats that appropriately reflect the achievement being recognized, and the commitment to quality care they are pledging to provide to future patients.

To view the best of the lab coats available for White Coat Ceremonies, visit www.medelita.com

Kimberly Green has worked in the medical field for years and has first hand experience wearing various types and brands of lab coats and medical scrubs

In the current economic climate, businesses are cutting back, but one company’s emphasis on customer service is winning raving fans.

At a time when the economy is forcing many companies to cut back on personnel and automate every aspect of customer service they deem practical, a few companies are maintaining their commitment to excellence in customer service. Virtually every industry has taken advantage of the efficiencies made available by the internet and computerized phone systems. In many instances, the technology available adequately performs the essential functions required. But all too often, this technology distances the company from the consumer, and can become a barrier to meeting all of the needs of the customer. Over time, it can create a corporate culture that undervalues the importance of a sincere commitment to the customer. These days, finding a company that combines the efficiencies of electronic ordering with a genuine interest in meeting the needs of their customers is a real challenge.

One of the rare exceptions we found was, ironically, in the medical uniform industry at a company called Medelita. The irony is that uniforms are supposed to be the same and sold en masse. But as this company likes to say, they’re “anything but uniform.” Their commitment to customer service, as well as their attention to quality — as seen in their lab coats and scrubs made exclusively for female physicians, clinicians and nurses — exemplifies their dedication to the customer.
When asked about the cost of providing such personal service, Medelita Founder, Lara Manchik, explained, “The cost is more than offset by customer loyalty. Great customer service is becoming a lost art. Consequently, differentiating ourselves by making that extra effort to accommodate every request possible is a challenge we actually welcome. Each time a new customer experiences our personal touch, they become an advocate and a life-long customer.”

The testimonials on the Medelita web site support precisely what she says.
“The order arrived yesterday, right before leaving for her birthday party – PERFECT TIMING! I want to thank you for getting the order ready so quickly. She really LOVED the gift, and she thinks once her friends at med school see it, they will too. Again, many thanks – you’ve gained a loyal customer.”
Alfredo R.
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

“Thank you so very much for expediting the lab coat order. The garments were received on time and made for a wonderful and timely gift. Customer service such as what you have demonstrated is rare and very much appreciated.”
Simon L., MD
Howard Beach, NY

“As promised, the medical scrubs arrived today and they are perfect! They fit perfectly, and are comfortable and beautifully made. Not a day goes by that I do not get a compliment on the lab coat I purchased. Although pricey, I am tempted to order a second one.”
Bonnie B., PA-C
Plano, TX

In a troubled economy, this company has pursued and benefited from a commitment to exceptional customer service that contrasts sharply with current corporate trends.

Kimberly Green is a personal shopper who is exploring the wonderful world of gender sensitive clothing, including lab coats, for one of the most important occupations in the world, medical care. Highlighting womens lab coats, womens medical scrubs and the fine manufacturers of these items.

For over a century women have been vital part in the medical field but it has not always been as comfortable a position as one would like. With today’s advancements in technology, women in medicine are getting a make over.On the morning of Tuesday, January 23, 1849, a woman stood on the platform of the Presbyterian Church in Geneva, N.Y., and received a diploma showing she had earned a degree of Doctor of Medicine. This woman was Elizabeth Blackwell and she became the first woman to complete a course of study at a medical college and receive the M.D. degree.

Since that day the door for woman Doctors has been wide open and today women lead in all fields from health care to research. They have been a driving factor in developing new medicines, cures and have saved countless lives along the way. Women have thrived in a world that once relegated them to nurses or caretakers but the world of medicine; one that was traditionally male dominated has struggled to keep up with the demanding needs of the female professional. Since 1849 women have been serving the public with their knowledge, skill and caring in the doctor offices and hospitals but the attire (the well known lab coat and medical scrubs) have been designed for the male practitioner.

Of course those medical scrubs have been given flowery patterns, silly designs and sometimes with demeaning connotations. If you were lucky you could find scrubs designed in a pale shade of pink but that has been as close as you could get to scrubs designed purely with women in mind.

With recently new advancement in technologies and with a renewed sense of female empowerment companies have been developing new scrubs that are designed fit the female body and that are designed for practicality and comfortableness while working those long shifts in the emergency room. A new generation of clothing has been put out on the market that has rejuvenated medical scrubs. No longer do you have to suffer with square scrubs made from uncomfortable materials.

Some manufactures have started using materials that effectively help to move moisture away from the body to help keep you cool on those busy days. Not only does this help to keep you dry he helps to repel any unwanted fluids that might otherwise get soaked into your scrubs. These manufactures have also designed scrubs that help repel odors from scrubs so they remain fresh. This helps them last longer so your investment ends up saving you money in the end because you will replace them less often.

With today’s changing tides in the medical fields it’s important to blend the traditions of yesterday with the new evolutions in technology of today and the world of medical scrubs is no different. Today’s scrubs for women are safer, longer lasting and flattering.