In Praise Of Folly
In the 19th century, the admiration and respect for the certainty of science was in stark contrast to the quackery and mysticism of medicine. A century later came about the evolution of medical practice to a more scientific approach; consequently, physicians felt the urgency to present themselves as scientists, to emphasize the shift. They began to wear the most familiar white laboratory coat associated with genuine scientists. Until now, white overcoats, which (I guess) were modified from the white laboratory coats or gowns scientists wear, are usually regarded as the distinctive dress of physicians, who have worn them for more than 100 years.
But, wait.
In Manila, we often see some medical students and interns (maybe some residents, too) stroll around the malls with their white overcoats on. Some even have their stethoscopes either hanging around their necks or popping out of their coat’s pocket while leisurely engaged in some chit-chats at coffee shops.
Why do they have to wear those overcoats outside the hospital’s premises? My guess: to flaunt so that everyone recognizes that them are doctors. What a folly!
Okay, there’s more.
In one study it was proven that the medical overcoat is a transmitting agent for bacterial pathogens [1]. Pathogens such as Staphylococci, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella and Coliforms were isolated from pocket mouths and hems of medical overcoats used for 4 to 7 days. More positive samples were from students followed by those from residents and doctors, an observation which, according to the study, can be attributed to the long hours of usage by students, their visits to various wards for learning purposes, irregular laundering, and their habit of carrying them outside while traveling. One recommendation of the study was to leave overcoats at the hospital to reduce the occurrence of bacterial contamination through overcoats.
We don’t know for sure if the medical overcoats worn by those students or residents strolling around the malls or killing time at coffee shops are the same overcoats they use while doing their routine in the hospitals. If they are, then it’s probable that they are carrying some of the mentioned pathogens which can be transmitted to shoppers, mallrats, or other coffee shop patrons. It is also possible that medical students or residents, through their overcoats, obliviously scoop pathogens from the crowded mall (or from outside, on their way back to their posts) which they can convey to the hospital.
But something funny happened.
In a coffee shop inside a mall in Manila, a lady in white medical overcoat was having a tête-à -tête over coffee with another lady, also in white medical overcoat. They were either medical students or interns, I guess. Both had stethoscopes popping out of their respective overcoat pockets. Lady No. 1 was very animated, though quite intimate, in the way she was sharing some stories to Lady No. 2. Occasionally, they would burst into controlled laughter. At one point, Lady No. 1, with all the hand gestures she was doing while eagerly imitating somebody in her story, accidentally hit Lady No. 2’s cup of espresso. The coverless paper cup tipped over, its contents spilled, crawled toward Lady No. 2’s direction, and finally hit its destination, poor Lady No. 2. The ladies screamed in unison as Lady No. 2 rose and vacated her seat; however, it was too late, her overcoat was already soiled with coffee stains. She took off the overcoat right away and found that the liquid didn’t seep through it. “Buti na lang, suot ko ito,” she said, referring to the overcoat. In agreement with her friend’s remark, Lady No. 1 smiled. Deep inside, I was giggling helplessly. All the while I was watching them.
Reference:
[1] Srinivasan, M., Uma, A., Vinodhkumaradithyaa, A., Gomathi, S. and Thirumalaikolundusubramanian, P. (2007): The medical overcoat – Is it a transmitting agent for bacterial pathogens? Japan J. Infect. Dis., 60, 121-122.
But, wait.
In Manila, we often see some medical students and interns (maybe some residents, too) stroll around the malls with their white overcoats on. Some even have their stethoscopes either hanging around their necks or popping out of their coat’s pocket while leisurely engaged in some chit-chats at coffee shops.
Why do they have to wear those overcoats outside the hospital’s premises? My guess: to flaunt so that everyone recognizes that them are doctors. What a folly!
Okay, there’s more.
In one study it was proven that the medical overcoat is a transmitting agent for bacterial pathogens [1]. Pathogens such as Staphylococci, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella and Coliforms were isolated from pocket mouths and hems of medical overcoats used for 4 to 7 days. More positive samples were from students followed by those from residents and doctors, an observation which, according to the study, can be attributed to the long hours of usage by students, their visits to various wards for learning purposes, irregular laundering, and their habit of carrying them outside while traveling. One recommendation of the study was to leave overcoats at the hospital to reduce the occurrence of bacterial contamination through overcoats.
We don’t know for sure if the medical overcoats worn by those students or residents strolling around the malls or killing time at coffee shops are the same overcoats they use while doing their routine in the hospitals. If they are, then it’s probable that they are carrying some of the mentioned pathogens which can be transmitted to shoppers, mallrats, or other coffee shop patrons. It is also possible that medical students or residents, through their overcoats, obliviously scoop pathogens from the crowded mall (or from outside, on their way back to their posts) which they can convey to the hospital.
But something funny happened.
In a coffee shop inside a mall in Manila, a lady in white medical overcoat was having a tête-à -tête over coffee with another lady, also in white medical overcoat. They were either medical students or interns, I guess. Both had stethoscopes popping out of their respective overcoat pockets. Lady No. 1 was very animated, though quite intimate, in the way she was sharing some stories to Lady No. 2. Occasionally, they would burst into controlled laughter. At one point, Lady No. 1, with all the hand gestures she was doing while eagerly imitating somebody in her story, accidentally hit Lady No. 2’s cup of espresso. The coverless paper cup tipped over, its contents spilled, crawled toward Lady No. 2’s direction, and finally hit its destination, poor Lady No. 2. The ladies screamed in unison as Lady No. 2 rose and vacated her seat; however, it was too late, her overcoat was already soiled with coffee stains. She took off the overcoat right away and found that the liquid didn’t seep through it. “Buti na lang, suot ko ito,” she said, referring to the overcoat. In agreement with her friend’s remark, Lady No. 1 smiled. Deep inside, I was giggling helplessly. All the while I was watching them.
Reference:
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