Why do doctors wear white coats?

[woodyear99]

I always thought it was to make sure they were clean with no blood etc. on them.

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http://slate.com/id/2220925/?GT1=38001

The American Medical Association voted Tuesday to recommend that hospitals ban doctors' iconic white lab coats, citing evidence that the garment contributes to the spread of infection. Indeed, a number of studies have shown that the coats harbor potentially harmful bacteria (and may cause "white coat hypertension"). If white coats are so bad, why do doctors still wear them?

[Nephilim]

for the same reason they kick a fuss when you call them sir/mister, is part of the way they want to be seen

[UltimateGamer]

Why do doctors where white coats?

Um to get to the other side... no thats the chicken crossing the road