When it comes to gaining a patient’s trust and respect, the traditional white physician’s coat may make a big difference, according to a recent investigation, published July 30 in JAMA Network Open.From a survey of 487 adults, researchers found that respondents rated physicians wearing casual attire (such as fleece jackets and softshell jackets) as less professional and experienced than those wearing a white coat. Results were determined by participant response to photographs of male and female models wearing various types of physician attire (white coat, business clothes, and scrubs).Julie Parsonnet, MD, an infectious diseases specialist and professor of medicine at Stanford University, wasn’t surprised that white coats gained a patient’s respect.“First impressions do matter, but I think patient confidence is much more related to physician demeanor — their self-confidence, listening skills,…