Patients like a medic in a white coat, but often mistake female doctors for nurses

Female physicians ‘judged more on appearance than male counterparts’, global study finds

Patients see doctors in a white coat as professional and trustworthy but often mistake a female medic wearing one for a nurse or medical assistant, a study has found.

Female physicians are “unfairly judged based on appearance and attire, which affected patients’ perceptions of professionalism and competency”, according to a global review of the evidence around patients’ impressions of what doctors wear.

“Female physicians are often judged more on appearance than their male counterparts,” it said.

“The way female physicians dress significantly influences perceptions of competence and professionalism, highlighting the gendered expectations that patients hold.