Junior Hospital Doctors: A weighty issue

We designed a study to ascertain the weight and type of items carried by junior hospital doctors in their white coats. Sixty consecutive doctors entering the hospital residence were invited to participate, 54 agreed. White coat contents were itemised and weighed. Mean weight carried was 1.63 Kg. Interns and SHOs carried significantly more than registrars (P<0.01) & (P<0.05). Medical specialties carried significantly more than surgical specialties (P<0.05). There were no statistical difference between males and females. 33% carried cigarettes. Junior hospital doctors carry the equivalent of almost two 1Kg bags of sugar with them in their white coats, this added weight may contribute to increased fatigue during long hours on duty. As doctors become more senior they carry less.