Enclothed Cognition

Although I personally did not know Damon C. Argento, it genuinely saddens me to know that the world has lost an amazing man - a man devoted to his family and to his career. In doing research to write this blog post, I came to understand how many people he touched in his life and how much of a gift he was to those who knew him. The Touro College School of Health Sciences PA program described Damon C. Argento, RPA-C as a true hero to everyone whose path he crossed in life.  An extraordinary Physician Assistant who was proud, dedicated, and devoted to his patients, coworkers, and students. In 2002, Damon graduated from the Physician Assistant program at Touro College's School of Health Sciences, and spent several years assisting surgeons at the famed Hospital for Special Surgery, part of New York Presbyterian/Weill-Cornell Medical Center. During this time, Damon taught the hospital's suture lab every Wednesday to students who needed practice with wound closure. Last year, he became the Associate Director of Professional Development of PAs, and was in the process of creating an education ladder for all PAs when he was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident earlier this year. The Damon C. Argento RPA-C Memorial Scholarship was founded to honor the legacy of a man whose love for life and enthusiasm for education stood as an example to all who knew him, and the first annual "PAve the Way" fundraising event was recently held by the Touro College School of Health Sciences PA program. As a PA founded company, Medelita is proud to support Physician Assistant students and the AAPA, and we were honored to donate gift certificates for a free lab coat and set of scrubs to the fundraising event. The event raised $6,500 for future PA students through The Damon C. Argento RPA-C Memorial Scholarship. Through this memorial scholarship, the Touro College School of Health Sciences PA program hopes to continue his mission to educate and help future students pursue their dreams of becoming Physician Assistants.

"Sugar is detrimental to both gums and teeth. We should limit it in our daily foods." It seems like common sense now, but in 1728, it was a revolutionary statement. The man credited with first recognizing that sugar was anything but sweet on teeth was Pierre Fauchard, known as "the father of modern dentistry." Born in 1678 in France, Pierre Fauchard joined the French Royal Navy at the incredibly young age of 15 and became a combat medic under the tutelage of Alexander Poteleret, a surgeon major who specialized in diseases of the teeth and mouth. The definition of an overachiever, Pierre Fauchard singlehandedly changed the face of dentistry. Like a dental MacGyver, he adapted tools from watch makers, jewelers, and barbers to make remarkable improvisations on dental instruments to combat the limitations of the primitive surgical instruments during the late 17th and early 18th century. He even discovered that teeth position could be corrected and introduced the first braces - initially made from gold and fastened with waxed linen or silk threads. Pierre Fauchard was considered a highly skilled surgeon by many of his colleagues at Angers University Hospital, where he worked after he left the Navy. At a time when dentists were called "Dentateurs" and generally only extracted teeth rather than treated them, Fauchard not only removed teeth but filled cavities, removed tartar from around the teeth and benign tumors of the gum, and even created 'false teeth', carved from blocks of ivory or bone. Pierre Fauchard often described himself as a "Chirurgien Dentiste" (Surgical dentist) - a term that would later become the title of his now-famous book.  At the age of 45, Pierre Fauchard completed the manuscript for "Le Chirurgien Dentiste". The book, published in two volumes in 1728, is said to be the first complete scientific description of dentistry. We chose to honor Pierre Fauchard with our own innovative and professional Medelita Men's Fauchard dental lab coat. Designed to resemble a men's suit jacket with a traditional collar and blazer pocket, the 40? length Fauchard dental lab coat is the most professional and tailored dental lab coat on the market.  The Fauchard dental lab coat is designed specifically to accommodate the exact range of motion and ergonomics required of dental practitioners, and features cuffed sleeves and snap closure to the neck for OSHA compliance. Comfort with movement in dental specific positions was the paramount consideration in this lab coat design, and an ergonomic design of the sleeves and upper back allows for full range of motion. Double back vent. Easy snap front closure. Underarm grommets for ventilation. Extra Smartphone pocket. The Fauchard dental lab coat also boasts breathable, 100% cotton pre-shrunk performance fabric that repels fluid, soil, and stains – including blood and impression material, while helping to maintain the bright white coat color that signifies prestige and professionalism. Learn more about the Fauchard dental lab coat.

Soldiers must take pride in their appearance at all times, in or out of uniform, on and off duty. A vital ingredient of the Army’s strength and military effectiveness is the pride and self discipline that American soldiers bring to their Service through a conservative military image. These words, issued by the United States Army reflect the practice of every branch of the US military to require its personnel to follow strict grooming standards, as part of their Dress & Appearance or Uniform regulations. Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Command Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Vegas states, “As Airmen serving in the Air Force, we are part of a professional military combat organization and professional image is important." Our own Founder's brother-in-law is a retired 'skysoldier' of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.  The 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team has a long and celebrated combat history, and has served four tours since 2000 in the Middle East in support of the War on Terror. Given the unflinching standard of excellence we strive for here at Medelita, we are proud to support our military and provide high quality medical garments consistent with military requirements. The United States military offers hundreds of medical jobs throughout the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, including medics, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and dentists. Each branch of the military has different needs and entrance requirements for medical professionals, but the standards are strict across the board. Medelita offers a 15% discount to any active member of the military - coupon code 'America'. As medical professionals save lives, military personnel protect them . . . and Medelita believes that no hero should be forced to wear ill-fitting, uncomfortable, and mediocre quality garments. A prestigious and pristine appearance is important to all branches of the military, and our exceptional quality lab coats and scrubs emulate the professional image required of our servicemen.

If you're purchasing a Medelita lab coat for the first time, you may feel overwhelmed by the choices available to you. After all, having a choice at all is a revolutionary concept for medical apparel. While all of our styles look great on any figure, we want you to look and feel perfect. Here are 5 tips to help you make the best decision. 1. Looking the Part One of the most important factors to determine which lab coat would be best for you is your professional title. The healthcare industry is a varied amalgam of high profile roles, often with specific standards and demands. If you're a female dentist, our dental coats, Elsie G. and Lucy H.T., were designed specifically to accommodate the exact range of motion and ergonomics required of you. During our design phases, we went so far as to test these coats against hours of sitting with arms in extension, to mimic the movement required of dental professionals. Medelita dental lab coats also feature snap closure and knit cuffed sleeves. If you're a student, the Elizabeth B. is a perfect fit. The hip-length lab coat is similar to our original Callia lab coat in design features and features feminine shaping and rounded lapels. The Elizabeth B. lab coat is also very popular with nurse practitioners. 2. Pants or a Skirt? Do you wear a skirt or slacks/scrub pants beneath your lab coat? Your typical style of professional dress is an important component of deciding how long your lab coat should be. Our longer 38" Callia and Estie styles are perfect with scrub pants, slacks, or longer skirts, while the 34" Ellody is a great length to pair with any skirt that falls at or above the knee. 3. Hourglass vs. Athletic As women, we've all had a moment or two of feeling as though the attention spotlight is a little lower than it ought to be. For bustier and curvier women, our Estie lab coat is designed to flatter curves with a professional subtlety. With pleating below the bust, slimming vertical princess seams, and defined waist detailing, the Estie lab coat is perfect for anyone with a C cup or greater. On the opposite side of the fence, women with more athletic frames will find that our Callia and Ellody styles accentuate a feminine touch while maintaining a professional look. 4. How Tall Are You? Your height is another important factor in determining the right length for your lab coat. Our Callia and Estie lab coats fall just above the knee on a woman of 5'6" height, and we recommend these styles if you're 5'6" or taller. The Ellody lab coat looks absolutely stunning on women who are 5'5" or shorter, or if you are a taller woman who prefers to wear skirts professionally. 5. Rounded vs. Straight Lapels Our clinician lab coats are designed with two very distinct lapel styles, and most women have a strong preference. For a more traditional look, the Estie lab coat features a straight lapel and collar, but with ideal placement higher on the clavicles for an updated look, as compared to traditional unisex styles.  In contrast, the rounded lapels of the Callia and Ellody lab coats offer a softer and more feminine appearance. For additional assistance in choosing a lab coat, please email us at contact.us@medelita.com or call 877-987-7979 for personalized service.

Today I'm going to talk about "the woman who pulls teeth." My favorite blogs to write are the ones in our 'Honoring a Pioneer' series. As an avid history buff, I find myself excited whenever I'm given the opportunity to research and write about the lives of historical figures - and Lucy Hobbs Taylor is an exceptional example. Lucy Hobbs Taylor was born on March 14, 1833 in Franklin County, New York, and like many of our pioneers, she faced a society that narrowly limited the role of women to motherhood, or more traditionally, female occupations such as teacher or nurse. After teaching school for 10 years, Lucy was determined to pursue advanced medical study. In 1859, she was rejected for admission to medical school based on her gender, but rather than be deterred, she pursued her studies as a private student under the guidance of the dean of the Ohio College of Dental Surgery. At the age of 28, Lucy Hobbs Taylor opened her own dental practice, and in time, she came to be known as "the woman who pulls teeth." After serving patients for four years in her own dentistry practice, the Iowa State Dental Society accepted her as a member and she was admitted to the senior class of the Ohio College of Dental Surgery. In February 1866, Lucy Hobbs became the first woman in U.S. history to earn a doctorate in dentistry.  Due (in large part) to the efforts of Lucy Hobbs Taylor, almost one thousand women were welcomed to the dental profession by the turn of the century. Since 1983, the American Association of Women Dentists has recognized outstanding females in the profession by annually bestowing the Lucy Hobbs Taylor Award. The AAWD describes this honor as "the highest and most prestigious award that the AAWD presents to one of its professional members. This award recognizes a woman dentist who has contributed to the advancement, enrichment, and betterment of the role of women in the field of dentistry through her achievements in civic, cultural, humanitarian and academic areas." We chose to honor this inspiring woman in our own Medelita way. The 34? length Lucy H.T. lab coat is named after Lucy Hobbs Taylor, and is designed specifically to accommodate the exact range of motion and ergonomics required of dental practitioners. The Lucy H.T. dental lab coat features cuffed sleeves, and snap closure for OSHA compliance. It boasts breathable, 100% cotton performance fabric that repels fluid, soil, and stains – including blood and impression material. With a slimming back waist-band, beautiful rounded pocket detail, finished inside seams, and softly rounded collar – the Lucy H.T. lab coat is ideal for any female dentist or dental surgeon, and we find it a fitting (and fitted) tribute to this amazing, prestigious, and accomplished woman. Learn more about the Lucy H.T. Medelita Lab Coat

Most of our longer lab coats feature traditional side slits, or side vents, and recently I wondered why. From a historical standpoint, double side slits made their first appearance in British tailored suit jackets.  In a suit jacket, these vents take the form of flap-like slits in the back bottom of the jacket. Originally,  these vents were designed as a sporting option, enabling the wearer to more easily ride a horse. For this reason, they became standard in hunting jackets before becoming a staple feature of most men's suit jackets. Today, suit jackets are available in double-vented, single-vented, and vent-less styles. The latter is rare and associated primarily with highly formal Italian suits, while the single vent is a popular and more casual American style. The double vented style has maintained its British roots, and is considered an ideal option for improving the hang of a suit jacket while sitting down or when accessing pant pockets. Never before has the Medelita motto 'Your lab coat is your suit' been more relevant than in the realization that this traditional lab coat feature was adopted and refined from the suit jackets of the past. Although I don't imagine that many people hunt or ride horses in their lab coats, side vents are still a popular and relevant feature of unisex or men's lab coats. Vents on lab coats evolved to sit along the side seam, allowing easy access to the pant pockets beneath while the coat is closed. This makes sense for men, whose pockets are generally aligned with pant seams, but for women, pocket placement is different and pockets often sit more towards the front of pants to reduce the bulk of a female silhouette. Additionally, a trend towards wearing a lab coat open seems to be growing. Interestingly, our dental lab coats do not have side slits. During our design stages, we interviewed hundreds of dentists, and the overwhelming majority didn't want them. These facts, combined with the knowledge that there are more pockets built into lab coats today than ever before, begs the question, "Are side slits a functional feature for women?" According to a Physician Assistant that recently wrote to us, the answer is no. "I discussed the importance of side slits with some colleagues. We do not feel that they would be missed," she told us. We'd love to hear from more of our colleagues on the topic of side vents. What is your opinion of this traditional (but perhaps outdated) feature?

We are grateful to work each day to improve the lives of deserving, accomplished, and professional individuals, and we give every Medelita customer the highest degree of effort and attention. What makes it truly worth it for the Medelita Team are the continual, unsolicited affirmations that we do make a difference. I'm proud to be able to share one of those recent emails.

“Dressing for work means dressing for your company and your responsibilities.  My company has a dress code – scrubs - and with Medelita I have been able to apply my "style" within my company's parameters. We see many patients and it is important to me to consider what they see and how they feel about me.  I always think about putting forth the best possible image when I am consulting and/or treating a patient.  The most important message for me is to draw attention to my profession and not my dress.  I am able to achieve this by wearing your current, professional and flattering scrubs and lab coats.  When I wear Medelita, I am confident - my posture and demeanor reflect this behavior.  I am able to focus on the patient and my work and not worry about my "look".  I am continuously complimented on my scrubs and lab coats.  The fabric, attention to detail and fit are true to size.  Thank you for providing me with an opportunity to be "in style" in my office.” --Charlotte McLachlan RN

We always love to hear feedback about our professional lab coats and high quality scrubs from our customers and colleagues. Feel free to email us at contact.us@medelita.com or call 877.987.779.  We’re here to serve you with respectful, dedicated, and personal customer service.

We are proud to offer our customers and colleagues the very best in quality and craftsmanship, not just in our own garments but in every product we sell. We originally chose to offer clogs because we wanted to provide a way to complete the professional look - wearing Medelita scrubs or a lab coat with any old shoes felt like it left a piece of the puzzle missing. We chose Sanita® specifically because they're best in class with an impressive and inspiring history.  Denmark has for generations been a clog nation, whose cultural unity is a way of life. In 1907, a visionary and the founder of Sanita®, Christian Meldgaard Andersen, created the first pair of hand carved wooden clogs.  And after 100 years, every clog is still handcrafted in Europe  - with the same tradition of craftsmanship and caring. In addition to their impressive century of history in business, the premium leathers, innovative designs, style, quality, durability, and comfort of Sanita® professional clogs emulate our philosophies at Medelita.  They represent the perfect blend of tradition and innovation that we ourselves strive to embody - offering a modern look infused with color and texture while remaining professional and traditional. Sanita® clogs have been awarded the "Seal of Acceptance" by the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) for their supreme quality and comfort. So for those healthcare practitioners on their feet in upwards of 2,000 hours every year, Sanita® professional clogs are a logical addition to your medical wardrobe.

We know that lab coats were adopted from scientists, but what is the origin of scrubs?  In the early 1900s, surgical procedures occurred in an operating theater - an amphitheatre with tiered seating that allowed people to watch doctors perform surgery. Unlike the white, formal uniforms long required of nurses, surgeons wore their own clothes well into the 20th century.  Most surgeons actually wore a butcher's apron. And the mark of a successful surgeon seemed to be defined by the quantity of bloody stains on his clothing, from operating with bare hands and non-sterile instruments. In those days, sutures were sold as open strands with reusable needles, and packing gauze came from the floors of cotton mills. The practice of ‘pretending to be a butcher’ by doing surgery for an audience thankfully stopped after the 1940s, when everyone realized that it was both dangerous and distasteful.  Scrubs as an official uniform didn't become popular until the 1970s, though, because they were easier to clean and more hygienic.  The first surgical scrubs were white to emphasize this new standard of cleanliness. However, the bright operating lights in an all-white environment caused eyestrain. So by the 1960s, most hospitals had switched to shades of green to provide visual contrast and make stains appear less obvious.  These green scrubs were originally known as "surgical greens" but came to be called "scrubs" because they were worn primarily in a "scrubbed" (sterile) environment. As far from bloody butcher aprons as you can get, Medelita scrubs are functional, professional, and perfectly matched to the task at hand. Medelita scrubs are made with a high-performance drirelease® with FreshGuard® fabric. This means that the fabric itself is moisture-wicking, quick drying, and soft. Drirelease® yarns pull moisture away from the skin and help to regulate skin temperature, minimizing sweat and discomfort.  FreshGuard® is bacteriostatic; it neutralizes and inhibits the growth of bacterial odors.

The number one question we hear at dental conferences is, "Does impression material stain your lab coats?"  I'm proud to say that the answer is no. Impression material is often used to obtain an impression of a patient's teeth and the surrounding oral tissues. A dental impression is created by placing the liquid impression material into the mouth, usually with a tray. As the material hardens, it creates a detailed reproduction. There are a wide variety of impression materials available each with their own properties, advantages and disadvantages, yet all of them are notorious for staining fabric. Medelita lab coats, however, are breathable 100% cotton treated with DuPont™ Advanced Dual Action Teflon® fabric protector, which repels and releases fluid, soil, and stains - including impression material. This ensures that your Medelita lab coat will remain clean and white with very little effort required. At the recent 2011 CDA Conference, Dr. Lam, DDS, asked us if he could put our claims to the test. In his words, "I came here and was very interested in the Medelita fabrics and the lab coats, but what does concern me is a lot of times, in our office, is that we get unwanted stains from impression material." We were happy to oblige his request, and the results are in the video below. Click on the video link to watch the ‘battle’ of impression material versus Medelita lab coats . . . and see for yourself who emerges victorious.

Impression Material vs. Medelita Lab Coats

Keep an eye out for our next upcoming ‘potential stain’ battle: Blood vs. Medelita Lab Coats