THE DOCTOR IN R.M.WILLIAMS WILL SEE YOU NOW...
Here at The NSW Doctor, we pride ourselves on covering the issues big and small. This edition I’m hot on the trail of a mystery - when did it become mandatory for so many doctors to wear R.M. Williams boots?
MY INTEREST WAS PIQUED by a rumour that an unnamed neurosurgeon has a nine pair collection. Tucked away neatly, in order by colour, awaiting their turn on a fortnightly rotation. There are surplus sets for gardening and other household chores.
This sparked a very unscientific Instagram poll from the AMA (NSW) account which found 64% of participants voted yes to our question asking doctors if they wear RM Williams boots to work.
64% of our survey participants wear R.M.Williams boots to work (including our very own Dr Michael Bonning)
“The story of RMs for Australian doctors has been evolving for more than 20 years.”Michael Bonning, President AMA (NSW)
Now let’s just get this straight. I’m not talking about in every medical workplace. Although RMs are no stranger to the operating theatre, from my observations it’s Crocs that reign supreme in there, followed by runners. Some of our members have professed to wearing Wellington boots. Whatever gets the job done.
Maybe there’s a clue in the latter choice of footwear. Easy to pull on and off and extremely comfortable.
I decided to do some qualitative research, or in other words, I started asking doctors “What’s with the RMs?” “When did it start?” “What do the colours say about the wearer?”
I didn’t have to go far. AMA (NSW) President Dr Michael Bonning is rarely seen without his RMs. He’s
been spotted addressing media conferences, presenting awards, attending meetings and seeing patients in his classy old RM boots.
He has even been photographed riding a bike in the hospital in them! (Okay – it was a stationary one)
Dr Bonning tells us his current pair has lasted 22 years and they’re still going strong. “It’s simple” he tells me “Doctors love them because they are good boots and they have never let anyone down. The story of RMs for Australian doctors has been evolving for more than 20 years.” He goes on. “The trend was kicked off by male JMOs in rural hospitals and over the years has reached metropolitan hospitals across Australia.”
Asking around other doctors I find a range of responses. This one from a doctor at Royal North Shore Hospital “When I’m walking around
COLUMN
the hospital, I usually see about 70% of male doctors and 30% of female doctors wearing them. It’s about the time that doctors are on their feet and the support that their feet need.”
Another, from Blacktown Hospital tells me “Women have often worn ballet flats, but realistically it’s hard to wear them all day, your feet get too sore and there’s not enough support for the days moving around the hospital. The requirement of a closed toe shoe limits our options.”
This one comes from Dubbo. “We wear these boots because they are easy to throw on in the morning and easy for doctors who get a call during the night to come into the hospital immediately. The leather is flexible and durable for doctors who bend down to check on patients in hospital beds.”
Now, who wears what colour and why? I took my intrepid reporting into the world of DITS, and this is what one of our younger members told me “Doctors-in-training usually wear chinos, as they aren’t senior enough to be required to wear a suit. The chinos go much better with the brown boots. Consultants usually wear a suit in private practice and obviously black boots are the way to go with the suit.” dr.
Members can purchase a pair of RM Williams boots using the affiliate link in the member portal or by scanning the QR code on the left. The more RMs purchased by members through the link, the more likely we are to secure an exclusive discount code for our doctors.
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If you are a current member of AMA (NSW) you will receive an e-gift card for each new member you refer to join AMA (NSW).
As an AMA (NSW) member, for every new member you refer, we’ll reward you with a gift card. The more people you recommend, the more gift cards you’ll receive! Find out more at the QR code.