Welcome Letter
Letter From The Founder
I've always been quite perplexed at the "one style fits all" theory of clinician medical apparel, coupled with the use of scratchy fabrics and "crotch at my knees" unisex scrub pants. Folding over the waistband. Rolling up the sleeves. Chest pocket nearing my navel. My lower half protected by a flimsy, unraveling drawstring. All of these uniform issues have been commonplace to me (and my colleagues) as we've tackled 12+ hour shifts in the ER.
The real kicker of inspiration for Medelita came when our ER group manager attempted to purchase new scrubs and lab coats for the physicians and PAs. On the 3rd attempt the 96% male group finally settled on a scrub set not suitable (in my opinion) for pajamas. "So we're supposed to work 2000 - 3000 hours/year in these?" I said, begrudgingly. And that's what we did. Again - scratchy, abrasive fabrics. A scrub top that resembled a perfect square. And the best feature - a tapering leg that accentuated the droopy crotch. I was mortified to be presenting myself "professionally" in this manner.
And thus the idea for Medelita was born. Three years in development - learning about international sourcing, apparel manufacturing, design and pattern making, performance fabrics, web site development, and business plan writing - before it all really started to take shape. Having worn scrubs and lab coats for almost 9 years, this wasn't going to be just any business. I knew exactly what was important in a medical uniform - and I was determined to get the fit, drape, functionality and durability just right.
I'm super proud to say that clinicians absolutely love our products. Especially PAs. Every time I get an email testimonial from a PA, I cannot sit still. Nothing is more exciting than to receive positive feedback from a true colleague. I did this for us. To receive sincere comments and to see repeat orders coming through lets me know I've represented my fellow PAs well. At Medelita, we're on track to providing both women and men what we've long been looking for in professional medical apparel.
A big honor has been the invitation by AASPA to work closely together as an affiliate. We're committed to working together, as a team, to find ways to provide well-deserved benefits to AASPA members.
Please email me with your comments and suggestions at lara@medelita.com. Medelita is able to expand our offerings because of feedback and insight from extremely vocal customers - like you.
Lara Manchik, PA-C
San Clemente, CA
