Why Wear White?

As physicians, we wear white on a regular basis, specifically, our white coats. They symbolize quite a bit personally and professionally. However, on August 18, 2020, wearing white in any form symbolizes much more. 

The ratification of the 19^th Amendment to the United States Constitution took place on August 18, 1920, granting American women the right to vote. It took decades of work and struggle for this significant milestone to happen. Indeed, this initially seems unfathomable in today’s society. On further thought, however, this struggle still continues in contemporary culture. Passage of the 19^th Amendment empowered women to advocate for important issues including fair wages, equal rights, education, health care, job opportunities and more. These issues should look familiar as they are still challenges that women face in medicine and many other fields today.

When considering women physicians, this amendment surely contributed to our ability to don that white coat and wear it with pride as a part of the medical community. In celebration and acknowledgement of this important step in women’s rights, the American Association for Women Podiatrists (AAWP) encourages all podiatrists and all health-care professionals of any gender to wear white on August 18. Let’s show solidarity for this important event in history and commit to continue the journey of equality and diversity, not just for women, but for everyone in medicine and beyond. 

Post a photo of you wearing white on your preferred social media network. Spread the word about the 100^th anniversary of the 19^th Amendment and show your support to continue the fight. Tag #AAWPodiatrists and #AAWPWearsWhite. AAWP will be posting on their Facebook group, Twitter and Instagram in celebration on that day. Let’s show the profession and the world what we can accomplish together.

Dr. Spector is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and the Immediate Past President of the American Association for Women Podiatrists. She is the Associate Editor for Podiatry Today and previously practiced in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.