What do physicians think about the white coat, about patients' view of the white coat, and how empathetic are physicians toward patients in hospital gowns? An enclothed cognition view.

The receipt of the white coat by medical students is a significant milestone. Extensive research has focused on the white coat, its purity, representation of authority and professionalism, its role in consolidating a medical hierarchy, and the professional status attributed to physicians wearing it. Studies suggest that the white coat is a symbol of medical competence, and patients expect physicians to wear it.