Top Ten Costume Ideas for Medical Students
Elizabeth Baltaro, M’12
It’s almost time for Halloween, and we all know what that means! Whether it’s the medical school party or just an excuse to wear a wacky outfit all day, this is your big chance to get creative and shine. Now that you’re in medical school, don’t settle for any normal costume ideas. That’s right, you know it’s time to impress your friends by showing off your medical knowledge. It’s easy and cheap, and to get you started here are my top ten costume ideas.
1. Doctor: If you’re feeling lazy or maybe not that “into” Halloween, this is especially for you. You have a white coat with an official badge, and maybe you even have a stethoscope and scrubs. This is the perfect costume just waiting to be, and feel free to spice it up by mixing clothes and make-up with the coat. For example, “sexy” doctor, doctor clown, zombie doctor, or pirate doct-ARRR!
2. Exam-Taking Rebel: Grab your favorite hoodie or hat, turn your cell phone on high, and bring your OWN writing utensil. Stuff some note-cards into your pocket, or write notes all over your hands. All your friends will think you’re hilarious when you explain this.
3. Schizo: Close your eyes and grab a few crumpled clothes from your laundry basket (perfect for the person who doesn’t have time to do laundry often). Just put on whatever clothes you get regardless of what you chose. Your pajamas? 2 pairs of pants without underwear? Perfect! Now smear some food in the corner of your mouth. If you normally shave, then don’t for a few days beforehand. To complete this costume, act socially awkward and ramble about anything that comes to mind.
4. Gram Negative/ Gram Positive Bacteria: This costume is perfect for a couple. One person wears something dark purple or blue, and the other person wears red or pink. Now, see who gets it. These people will be your real molecular buddies.
5. The Swine Flu: What’s more popular than H1N1? Buy or make a pig snout, grab some tissues, and sneeze all evening long. If you want to be really obnoxious wear a sombrero because everybody knows that Swine Flu is Mexican.
6. Frank Netter: We all have his book, so let’s pay tribute to our favorite artist and author. Wear a collared shirt and borrow some glasses. Pack some pencils and brushes into your pockets. If you own any Netter’s flash cards, use safety pins to attach your favorite pictures to your shirt, such as cross-sections of genitalia or the head. Brilliant!
7. Health Reformer: Such a hot political issue should never be left out of a Halloween celebration. First , read the 3 bills and decide what kind of reformer you want to be. Then make some signs. This costume idea is great for a group because each person can represent a different type of reformer. It’s such a complex issue that the variations are almost endless. Make sure somebody in your group carries a picture of Obama with a Hitler mustache!
8. Neuron: The human body is the perfect shape to be… a neuron! Your head will be the cell body. This costume requires a little preparation, so if you’re feeling crafty this is for you. You’ll need a bike helmet or a hat, and some pipe cleaners. Attach the pipe cleaners to your head piece to form dendrites. Your body will be the axon, so pin little circles of paper with the correct proportion of neurotransmitters onto your shirt. Don’t forget about the important receptors and G-proteins. Use any extra pipe-cleaners to twist around your limbs and make dendritic spines. If you have anything that collects static, such as a wool sweater, then you can shock people too! You’ll be the “spark” of the party.
9. Dermatomes: This is for the person who is bold and warm-blooded. First you’ll need to buy a cheap pair of spandex leggings and a sports bra, or guys could get away with just a speedo. Then, ask a medical student friend to help you with the drawing. Using sharpie markers, outline the dermatomes on your body and carefully label them with the proper spinal levels. It might help if you get down on all fours (like a doggy) while your friend draws on you from head to toe. Remember that there is a lot of confusion below the waist, so just follow whatever feels best to you. This costume will get you lots of attention all night long!
10. Peanut Butter Bandit: This is a TUSK joke, so make sure that you’ll be around your TUSM buddies. First, buy (or steal, if you want to be authentic) three packages of peanut butter crackers, and stuff all of the crackers into your pockets. Make a black mask to wear, and cut out the letters “PB” to tape on your shirt. You can also make a big cape with a black garbage bag and some scissors. To complete this outfit, occasionally run around eating a cracker and yell “Om-nom-nom-nom!” Ask people to give you your ransom money or they’ll never see their crackers again.