Dress in Clinical Settings
An even higher standard of dress is expected when in the clinical setting. This includes clinical rotations, standardized patient exams, and Applied Learning Experiences during the didactic year. In the event a clinical site has certain dress/attire requirements of personnel including students, students are expected to abide by all requirements of the clinical site. In addition to the classroom guidelines above, the following should also be observed:
A clean waist-length clinical jacket with name tag will be issued at the White Coat Ceremony. The lab coat is to be worn at all times in clinical and hospital settings.
Clothing must be clean and in good repair, allowing for freedom of movement without inappropriate exposure. No tank tops or spaghetti straps are permitted.
Acceptable dress for women includes blouses/sweaters and slacks or knee-length skirts/dresses.
Acceptable dress for men includes dress shirt, slacks or collared shirt and khaki pants with a tie (unless ties are specifically prohibited by the clinical site).
Dress length must be appropriate for a dignified and professional appearance, allowing room for modest movement without indecent exposure.
Clothing with “shed” potential (e.g., sequins, fur, glitter) is not allowed.
All shoes worn in a clinical setting must be closed-toe, clean, and polished. Tennis shoes are only allowed when wearing scrubs.
Hair must be kept well-groomed, clean, and neat, of a natural human color and must be in a professional, conservative hairstyle.
Fingernails should not extend beyond the end of the fingertip.
Makeup and jewelry must be kept to a minimum and must be of a conservative nature.
No tattoos or body piercings should be visible.
Excessively high heels are discouraged.
Hospital scrubs are worn when in the operating room and only when specified otherwise.
Good personal hygiene is to always be maintained. This includes regular bathing, use of deodorants/antiperspirants, and regular dental hygiene. Avoid perfumes or colognes, odors due to smoking, and halitosis that may precipitate allergic responses or be sensitizing or disturbing.