Hello future doctors! If you have just started with MBBS or are planning to join soon, you must know that every college has a set of rules – including a dress code. It is not the same across India. MBBS dress codes range from casual to very strict.
While some colleges allow relaxed casual outfits others make it compulsory to wear formals. But, what do we mean by formals and casuals? What is allowed and what is prohibited? Let’s break it down.
Clothes: Casuals and Formals
As I already mentioned, not every college enforces the same strictness. Some colleges, like GMC Mumbai, are relatively lenient. Here, we are allowed to wear casual T-Shirts and jeans, even loose cotton wear to suit the weather. The only rule here is to not expose a lot of skin.
But, it is not the same across the country. In many other states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh the dress code is much more strict.
Here are the common expectations in a strict college:
- Boys: Ironed formal shirts and pants, with a belt, polished shoes and socks (no slippers or crocs).
- Girls: Long kurtis with loose palazzos and a three-pinned dupatta (not hanging loose), socks and shoes (no sandals or crocs).
It is also important to know that colleges which allow casual clothing like jeans and t-shirts for daily lectures, also make formals compulsory for clinical postings and exams.
Hair and Grooming
Your dress code does not limit to your clothes, it includes a lot more: most importantly hair.
- Boys: Hair should be trimmed, short, and neatly combed back. No funky haircuts or messy
- Girls: Hair should be braided or tied up in a neat ponytail. You should also tuck it under your white coat.
The idea here is to look professional and well-groomed.
The White Coat: Your Professional Badge
One thing that is constant in every college, regardless of how strict or lenient it is, is the white coat. Every medical student is required to wear a clean, ironed white coat. Some colleges also make it compulsory to have the college logo on the white coat.
- In some colleges, the buttons of your apron must be buttoned at all times. A loose or unbuttoned apron might get you in trouble. Make sure to button up your coats especially before going to the hospital.
- Do not use “Dr” Tags before you complete your MBBS. Remember, you’re not a doctor yet. Having a nameplate that says ‘Dr.’ before internship might also get you in trouble.
The white coat is the ultimate symbol of professionalism in medicine, you will be expected to wear it properly.
No Stethoscope Show Off
You are not allowed to wear a stethoscope around your neck until you get to internship. If you do wear it around your neck, you might get in trouble with your seniors for being ‘arrogant’.
And please do not get a Littman in the first year. In some colleges it is a big no-no too. The unsaid rule is that you need to earn the Littmann. Until then, stick to cheaper brands.
This brings me to my next point.
Stay Humble
Humility is an unsaid (or sometimes said) rule in medical colleges. While the dress code is a visible sign of professionalism, it’s also about how you carry yourself.
Always greet your seniors and professors. Do not disrespect anybody. Do not make fun of your seniors, peers or juniors.
Most important of all, follow the unsaid rules.
Why So Strict?
Dress codes are often a tradition followed in the college and seniors help enforce them.
In some colleges, seniors enter the class on day 1 and instruct juniors on the dress code and common rules. In some colleges, you will be expected to find out all the rules that you have to follow.
In the medical field, appearance and professionalism matters. Think about the patients you’ll eventually interact with.
However, some of these rules might seem a bit vague. They might feel arbitrary but the people around you will insist that it is to maintain ‘professionalism’.
How much of it is for professionalism is up to debate, but the best way to stay happy in a medical college is to abide and nod your head. Unless, of course, the rules start harming you.
Final Thoughts: Tradition and Professionalism
The MBBS dress code might seem like too much hassle in the beginning, it feels unnecessary sometimes. But don’t worry, you will get used to it in a while.
Always remember that how you present yourself is just as important as what you learn. Especially in a field like medicine.
So, wear your white coat with pride and don’t forget to follow the rules.
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