When the Ford plant in Windsor was forced to lay-off workers a few years ago, longtime friends Pat Roma and Frank DiBiase suddenly found themselves without jobs. After years working the line, the pair was facing uncertain times. DiBiase had faced a similar situation in the past, after eight years at Windsor's Hotel-Dieu Grace hospital as a Pharmacy Technician; he was left jobless when the hospital suddenly shut down. Determined to take control of the situation this time, the pair made a risky decision and decided to go into business together.

Roma, whose mother runs “Uniform Closest” a specialty scrub shop in Windsor, was interested in opening a similar store outside of the city. The move to London was an easy one.

“Neither of us are married, no kids, so we could move,” explained Roma. Familiar with the business and how the store operated from helping his mother over the years, Roma was confident he and DiBiase could find their own success.

As it turns out, London was a perfect place to set up a specialty shop like this one; with no similar retailers in town, the market was wide open! London also has a huge medical community; there are three major hospitals, dozens of specialty treatment facilities and countless clinics across the city. In addition, Fanshawe and UWO students require scrubs for their co-op placements.

Within a year, the business was off the ground and Dr. Scrubs was born. When asked when the store officially opened, Roma proudly says “May 4, 2007” without a moment's hesitation. Like stating a child's birth date, this day seems to hold a special importance to him. A day that marked a new path, one far from the old assembly line in Windsor.

If you're shopping for scrubs for work or your co-op placement be sure to stop in to Dr. Scrubs. The shop is bursting with colour the second you walk in the door. The combinations of colour and patterns are endless throughout the store. The kind of dizzying choice that made me wish I were a medical student!

The store specializes first and foremost in medical scrubs. They carry all major name brands including Cherokee, Barco, MOBB, Koi, Professional Choice and Prestige Medical. And hey, who knew Grey's Anatomy had its own line of scrubs? With flattering cuts and fashionable colours you're sure to snag your own McDreamy. You'll also find a great selection of shoes and medical accessories like stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs and goggles.

Be sure to check out their collection of surgical caps in tons of colours and patterns to perfectly co-ordinate your look. Be sure to show your Fanshawe Student ID card when shopping to receive a 15 per cent discount!

Dr. Scrubs is located at 509 Highbury Avenue at Wilton (Take the 14 Highbury bus heading south), or phone 519-457-7020.