Vanessa Esquer has always maintained a deep-seated passion for fashion, which she actively incorporates into her professional life as a doctor. When preparing for her shifts at the clinic, she takes pleasure in selecting chic and stylish outfits that reflect her personal taste. However, she never anticipated that her fashion choices would ignite a fierce debate across social media platforms.
Viral Video Sparks Intense Criticism
The 28-year-old medical practitioner from San Diego, California, recently faced significant backlash after posting a clip of herself walking through her workplace wearing a pair of distinctive Louboutin heels. The video featured her striding down clinical corridors in a sophisticated ensemble comprising a black turtleneck and a high-waisted green maxi skirt, complemented by the designer footwear.
Accompanied by the caption 'POV: Your doctor walked in wearing Louboutins,' the footage rapidly amassed over a million views. This exposure led to substantial criticism, with numerous viewers labelling Esquer as 'tone deaf' for showcasing expensive shoes in a healthcare environment.
Doctor's Response to the Controversy
In an exclusive discussion with the Daily Mail, Esquer firmly addressed her detractors. 'I believe there's room in medicine for individuality and professionalism to coexist,' she asserted. 'As long as someone shows up with respect, responsibility and intention, personal expression doesn't take away from the seriousness of the role. We don't stop being human simply because we're in a clinical setting.'
She elaborated on her lifelong interest in fashion, which she 'inherited from her mother.' During her demanding medical school years, fashion became a crucial creative outlet—a means to express her identity beyond intensive study schedules. 'Now, even in a clinical setting, it's how I carry confidence into my day and show up as my best self,' she explained.
Public Outcry Over Luxury Items in Healthcare
The online response was sharply divided, with many commenters expressing strong disapproval:
- 'You should definitely not dress in flashy, high end, expensive items. It's tone deaf. Some of your patients may be struggling to put food on the table, choose between medicine or dinner that day. And here comes your doctor wearing $1k shoes so she "feels more confident."'
- 'Eh. Healthcare being what it is, a doc walking in in the world's most uncomfortable expensive shoes might be kinda tone deaf.'
- 'Yeah… this is going to be a no for me. In a time when access to even basic healthcare is a luxury wearing flashy brand names IN FRONT of patients, it's not just tone deaf it's downright offensive. Save it for after work.'
- '[This] would put me off as there would immediately be a status gap between patient and doctor.'
Fashion as Professional Confidence
Esquer clarified that heels have consistently been part of her work attire, helping her feel 'polished, confident, and present.' 'It's not about impressing anyone - it's about honoring who I am. When I feel put together, I'm able to show up more fully and with intention for the people around me,' she stated.
She regularly shares 'outfit of the day' videos online and was genuinely surprised by the overwhelming reaction to this particular post. 'It wasn't meant to be controversial or make any kind of statement. It was just a lighthearted, authentic glimpse into my everyday life at work - me being myself in my everyday life,' she reflected.
Addressing Healthcare Inequality Concerns
Regarding the criticism, Esquer approaches feedback with understanding rather than defensiveness. She acknowledges the valid concerns about healthcare access and financial inequality, noting these are serious issues she encounters through her clinical work, including with underserved communities in San Diego.
'These are conversations that matter and that I take seriously through my training and clinical experiences,' she affirmed. 'That said, my personal style doesn't define my values or my commitment to medicine. Regardless of what I'm wearing, I approach my training and clinical work with the same level of professionalism, responsibility and respect.'
She recognises that luxury items can hold different meanings for different people, and without context, assumptions can easily be made from brief moments. 'But my intention was never to divide - it was simply to share a genuine part of who I am,' she concluded.
Support Amidst the Criticism
Despite the negative reactions, many supporters defended Esquer in the comments section, which she finds encouraging. 'I hope [the video] also encourages women in medicine to feel comfortable expressing themselves and embracing what makes them unique,' she said, emphasising her belief that personal expression and professional dedication are not mutually exclusive in the medical field.
