The Origin of Medical Students Wearing Scrubs
The practice of medical students wearing scrubs has evolved significantly over the years, starting from formal attire in lecture halls to the practical clothing worn in modern hospitals. This article explores the history of this tradition and its transition over time.
The Traditional Medical Education in the 19th Century
During the 19th century, medical education was a series of annual lectures given by faculty, who were often local physicians. These lectures were repeated year after year, and students purchased a book of 'lecture tickets' to attend them. Students were expected to wear suits and ties for each lecture, reflecting the formality and rigidity of the educational environment. There was no required hospital experience; many students availed themselves of this opportunity independently.
The Flexner Report and Its Impact
The Flexner Report, published in 1910, had a profound effect on medical education in the United States. This report was unique and has never been replicated in other professions, including medicine. It led to a more structured and evidence-based medical curriculum.
New Curriculum and Attire
Over the first two years, medical students were exposed to a broad range of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, bacteriology, and histology. At the University of Southern California, where the author was a student, the rule evolved to require all students to wear shirts and shoes for lectures. Pants, shorts, and skirts were seen as a 'given,' reflecting the shift towards practical and less formal attire.
The Shift to Hospital Experience
After five years of lectures and labs, students moved to the second part of their education, which focused on clerkships. Over the final two years, students worked on teams at affiliated hospitals, gaining hands-on experience in medicine, general surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, psychiatry, and pediatrics. This practical training was a fundamental shift towards a more applied approach to education.
The Introduction of Surgical Scrubs
The transition to surgical scrubs occurred during the third and fourth years of medical school when students began to work in hospital settings. Surgical scrubs were introduced as a practical and hygienic attire that was both comfortable and functional for working in a hospital environment. This marked a transition from the formal attire of the lecture hall to the practical, workwear of the hospital ward.
Adoption of Surgical Scrubs
The adoption of surgical scrubs by medical students can be attributed to the need for practical clothing that was easy to clean and allowed for the free movement required in clinical settings. The comfort and utility of scrubs quickly made them a standard part of the medical student's wardrobe. Scrubs are now recognized as a symbol of the medical profession and a practical solution to the challenges of hospital life.
Conclusion
From the formal attire of the 19th century to the practical and contemporary surgical scrubs of today, the evolution of medical students' attire reflects the changing nature of medical education. The transition from traditional lecture attire to practical hospital wear has provided medical students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the modern medical environment.