“According to a recent study from The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, patients report identical levels of satisfaction regardless of how their doctors were dressed. While no doctors wore bell bottoms or leisure suits, the study did track 20 doctors in a variety of dress: [surgical] uniform scrubs, casual attire, or formal business attire with white lab coats. 1,116 patients were surveyed after their visits with the physicians. All the doctors were new to the patients to avoid bias from previous encounters and relationships. The patients were asked about the doctors’ competence, professionalism, their sense of comfort and confidence in the physician, and whether they would return to or recommend the doctor to others. No questions were asked about the doctor’s clothing. At the end of the study, patients reported identical levels of satisfaction with their doctors in scrubs, casual attire, and professional white coats. Had they extended the study, they would also have found much higher levels of germs on the physicians wearing white coats and ties.” - Scienceblogs.com

Some patients may find their doctors dressed in more relaxed clothing versus uniform scrubs, such as khakis and a casual shirt, and have a more relaxed approach overall, such as introducing themselves by their first name, which is more than likely a tactic to make the hospital visit more comfortable and relaxing. This can be considered a good practice for a doctor as it helps lessen the impact of the 'white coat syndrome.'

According to scienceblogs.com, some patients have reported a disconnect with doctors dressed particularly spiffy and prep-like, and 'extremely nervous' with those in a lab coat and tie. Uniform scrubs or appropriate street clothing seem to be the consensus to what patients respond the best to.

Times have surely changed from what may have been the norm in surgical fashion and uniform scrubs today versus further back in time.