A symbol of purity and cleanliness, the color white is the standard color for coats worn by doctors. While this has been the case for well over 100 years, it hasn’t always been so. In fact, before the late 19th century, doctors wore formal black attire, which was similar to that worn by clergymen. Black was chosen for practical reasons—it hid stains from medical procedures and presented a sense of seriousness.
The major reason for the color change of the doctor’s coat was to distinguish qualified, professional doctors from those with little or no medical training. Since medical science was not as advanced or reliable as it is today, many of those practicing medicine offered advice that was often unhelpful or even harmful. Unlike doctors, research scientists, who wore white coats, were held in high regard for their contributions to the field. This association with scientists helped improve the reputations of doctors.
In addition to upgrading doctors’ images by making it easier to identify them, the white coats have another benefit: They help promote hygiene. As the idea of antisepsis was raised, doctors started to pay attention to preventing bacterial contamination. As long as the white coat appears dirty, it’s a reminder for doctors to change into a new one. As time has passed, white coats have remained the standard clothing for doctors, and their significance goes beyond practicality. There’s even the white coat ceremony in many medical schools. It marks the beginning of the students’ journeys as professional doctors.
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Some studies reveal that patients find doctors in white coats more dependable and knowledgeable. However, a white coat is not necessarily mandatory for all doctors now. Depending on their medical specialties, doctors are allowed to wear different clothing.
作為純淨和乾淨的象徵，白色是醫師穿的外衣的標準顏色。雖然一百多年來都是如此，但並不是一直都是這樣的。事實上，在十九世紀末之前，醫師穿的是正式的黑色服裝，類似神職人員穿的衣服。選中黑色有實際的原因----黑色能隱藏手術造成的汙漬，還能呈現一種嚴肅感。
醫師袍顏色會改變的主要原因，是要區分出合格的專業醫師和那些只受過一點醫療訓練或沒受過訓練的人。因為以前的醫學不如現在發達或可靠，許多行醫的人提供的建議通常沒有幫助或甚至是有害的。與醫師不同，穿著白袍的研究科學家因為對其領域的貢獻而受到高度的尊重。這種與科學家的關聯有助於提升醫師的名聲。
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除了讓醫師更好被認出以提升他們的形象，白袍還有另一項好處：它們有助於促進衛生。隨著消毒這個概念的興起，醫師開始注意要避免細菌汙染。只要白袍看起來髒了，就是在提醒醫師要換一件新的。隨著時間的過去，白袍一直是醫師的標準服裝，且白袍的重要性遠超過其實用性。許多醫學院甚至還有授袍儀式。該儀式標誌著學生作為職業醫師的開始。
有些研究揭示，病患覺得穿白袍的醫師更可靠且博學多聞。然而，現在並沒有強制所有醫師都要穿白袍。依據醫學專業的不同，醫師被允許可以穿著不同的服裝。
Word in Use
1. procedure n. 手術
After the completion of the procedure, the patient was moved to the recovery room.
該手術完成後，那位病患被移至恢復室。
2. seriousness n. 嚴肅性
There was a sense of seriousness in the meeting room as the CEO entered the room.
執行長一走進會議室，裡頭就有一股嚴肅感。
3. qualified a. 具備（……）資格的
Only qualified workers are allowed to operate the complex machines.
只有合格的工人得以操作那些複雜的機器。
4. professional a. 專業的，職業的
As a professional athlete, Ethan trains daily to maintain his performance.
身為職業運動員，伊森每天都訓練以維持表現。
5. reliable a. 可靠的
A reliable partner is crucial in business.
做生意時，有個可靠的夥伴是很重要的。
Practical Phrases
1. distinguish A from B 區分∕分辨 A 和 B
distinguish vt. 區分，分辨
It’s hard to distinguish an authentic painting from a cleverly crafted forgery.
要區分出真畫和巧妙打造的贗品是很難的。
＊forgery n. 贗品，偽造物
2. practice medicine 行醫
Doctors need to undergo rigorous training before they are licensed to practice medicine.
醫師需要經歷嚴格的訓練後才能取得證照行醫。
3. hold sb in high regard 對某人十分
Scott’s friends hold him in high regard because of his achievements.
史考特的朋友因為他的成就而敬重他。
4. as long as... 只要……
You are free to use any of the gym’s facilities as long as you pay the membership fee.
只要繳會員費，你就可以自由使用該健身房的任何設施。
5. depending on...
依據……，視……而定（為片語介詞 Prices vary depending on the room size
and number of people.
依據房間大小和人數，價格各有不同。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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