About the Institution

The Juntendo University School of Medicine Juntendo Hospital Anesthesiology and Pain Clinic, a division of the School of Medicine, is a distinguished department with a long history, founded in 1963. Its work is guided by four central pillars: operating room anesthesia, pain clinic, obstetric anesthesia, and intensive care, with specialists leading medical care in each area. Beyond the operating room, anesthesiologists are also responsible for preoperative examinations and post-operative management. The team is known for its open atmosphere, which fosters collaboration and minimizes hierarchy among its members. While specialists often work in different locations throughout the hospital, a strong sense of teamwork unites everyone in the department.

A Conversation with Clinic Head, Dr. Izumi Kawagoe

We decided to adopt Classico scrubs due to a pivotal moment in our hospital's JCI (Joint Commission International) certification. Our facility holds JCI certification, a recognition of our adherence to international standards for medical quality and patient safety.

 Previously, we used traditional cotton surgical gowns, but during our certification renewal, we were advised to switch to a material that would not shed fibers in the surgical field, such as a synthetic blend. It was at this time that we established a positive relationship with Classico, leading to our decision to introduce their uniforms. 

 At our hospital, the rule is that scrubs are not to be worn in the outpatient department except for treatment. Previously, our team wore personal scrubs and lab coats for outpatient procedures, but now they wear Classico scrubs, which have been well-received by patients. When we first presented the scrubs to the hospital director, he praised their professional appearance and refined style, granting us permission for their introduction

 With just under one hundred members in our department, including part-time staff, we operate across different departments, from the pain clinic to the ICU. Wearing the same uniform has created a cohesive visual identity, allowing everyone to easily recognize that these scrubs belong to anesthesiology. This also helps patients feel confident that they are being cared for by a member of our team.

 I am particularly fond of the design; it looks polished whether the fit is tailored or relaxed. Initially, I was concerned the darker color might appear somber, but I was surprised by how much it brightened my appearance when I wore it. The scrubs look good on everyone, from doctors in their twenties to those over sixty.

 The embroidery on the back is also a thoughtful detail. In addition to the Juntendo logo, it includes the department name, 'Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine,' to ensure all staff members, including outpatient doctors, feel included. After we decided on the design's outline, we were presented with several color patterns and chose this final look. Even the pants feature the same meticulous embroidery.

While our JCI certification was the initial catalyst, our primary goal was to find a new uniform that everyone would genuinely like and be proud to wear. We wanted to choose something that people would want to wear and take pride in, rather than something they were forced to wear by a rule. With Classico scrubs, we were able to achieve that goal.

A Conversation with Operating Room Chief, Dr. Maho Kakemizu

There are far more scrub options available now than ever before, with a wide variety of designs, colors, and materials. We enjoyed the process of selecting the right product for our team.

 At first, I thought the ones we chose would only look good on a specific body type, but when we tried them on, everyone looked exceptionally sharp. Wearing them gives me a sense of poise, and I find that my posture naturally improves. Doctors from other departments have also commented on how professional they look.

 The previous scrubs had a wider fit in the pants, which sometimes looked unpolished. In contrast, the slim design of these scrubs can be worn in the outpatient clinic and ensures they do not get caught or become a hindrance during procedures. Our team is grateful for this thoughtful design detail.

I also wear my scrubs when I am on duty. I appreciate having something comfortable and easy to wear for long periods. Lab coats are essential as a symbol of the doctor, but I often sleep in my scrubs while on duty.

 With my previous scrubs, they would get quite wrinkled, and I would sometimes worry if I looked presentable when I was suddenly called to an emergency. These new scrubs, however, are resilient and hardly wrinkle, so I can always maintain a polished appearance for my patients.

A Conversation with Ward Chief, Dr. Kawachiyama Saisen

"It's comfortable because I no longer have to worry about the rough texture or trouble tying strings."
Same department, [Operating room department] Ward chief, Kawachiyama Saisen Teacher

I knew about Classico before and thought of them as a fashionable brand of lab coats. I had seen them at a booth at an academic conference, but I wasn't particularly picky about what to wear at work, so I'd never touched or tried them on.

This is the first time I've worn Classico scrubs, and what I like most about them is how they feel against the skin. The fabric of the previous ones was a bit stiff, but that's gone now, and they're comfortable. Also, the scrub pants I wore before had a drawstring that would sometimes come loose while I was moving, but the new ones have full elastic waist, so they're very comfortable to wear. So it's easy. 

At our hospital, the rule is that the anesthesiology department wears green scrubs, so I was shown all the green products and decided on these scrubs. There were light green options, but the opinion was that a darker color would be more subdued and would make a better impression on patients, so we went with these.

Although they are in the same green color, the scrubs we had up until now were true green, so the impression has changed quite a bit and become more stylish. 

"These are scrubs that I've always wanted to try, and they've brought a fresh look to the medical department."
Same department [Operating Room Department] Anesthesiology Specialist
Dr. Ikuka Hasegawa

This was my first time wearing Classico scrubs. They are very comfortable to wear and feel nice against the skin. They are stretchy, so it is very easy to stand and sit. I also like that the fabric is not too thin but smooth, so you don't have to worry about sweating, and that the pockets are doubled so you can put things that tend to fall out.

I have never bought scrubs, and I don't have an environment where I can freely choose scrubs at work, so I have secretly wanted to try wearing something stylish like this at least once. I occasionally heard my university classmates say, "I bought Classico scrubs," so...

It may be because I am wearing something different from before, but the atmosphere in the medical department has changed a little. Everyone, even the older generation of doctors, is wearing the same new scrubs, so I talked to the younger doctors about how the medical department feels fresh.

I've only been here for about a year, so some unfamiliar faces exist. But even if I work in a different ward, I can tell the anesthesiologist by the scrubs, so I feel a little happy when I pass by doctors in the same scrubs in the hospital. 

Related Links

Juntendo University School of Medicine Juntendo Hospital Anesthesiology and Pain Clinic Official Website

Products introduced by the team

Q03: Unisex Classico nurse:Smooth touch scrub tops
Q04: Unisex Classico nurse:Smooth touch scrub pants

Click here for information on implementation.