Aiden Masters is a third-year medical student at the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine.
In the following blog post, he reflects on how volunteering to play the part of Dr. Moo, the medical school mascot, has been one of the most unexpected, but rewarding adventures of his medical school journey.
“Mascot duty has an element of responsibility and pride. Wearing the costume means stepping into a character that represents something much bigger than myself—the UVM Larner College of Medicine.”
The Meaning of Becoming Dr.Moo
Being Dr. Moo, the medical school mascot, has been one of the most unexpected but rewarding adventures I’ve taken on in my medical school years. From the outside, it probably looks like nonstop silliness – waving hooves, stylish dance moves, the occasional stethoscope use, and endless photo requests. And while there’s plenty of that, mascot duty also has an element of responsibility and pride.
Wearing the costume means stepping into a character that represents something much bigger than myself – the UVM Larner College of Medicine.
One of the greatest joys of being Dr. Moo is the pure fun of playing the character. The costume gives you permission to be bold, goofy, and expressive in ways that everyday life rarely allows. Interacting with people without words pushes you to communicate through movement and energy, like a really long game of charades. When someone smiles, laughs, or lights up because of something you do, the instant gratification that you get from making their day just a little better is a reward in itself.
There’s also a deep sense of honor that comes with the role. Representing the UVM Larner College of Medicine is something I take great pride in. This is a school built on compassion, service, and dedication to health and community, and in a way Dr. Moo is a playful reflection of those values.
Wearing the costume means carrying that reputation with pride. Even when I’m joking around or dancing, I’m aware that I’m representing my classmates, faculty, and the institution as a whole. That responsibility gives the experience a deeper meaning.
Mascot Duty Isn’t All Smiles
Of course, mascot duty isn’t all smiles and high-fives. One of the biggest challenges is simply seeing where you’re going. Inside the bulky costume, vision is limited to a small slot—about four inches by two inches—covered by mesh. That narrow window becomes your entire view of the world. Depth perception is tricky, peripheral vision is basically nonexistent, and navigating crowded spaces requires constant focus.
Fortunately for me, Dr. Moo has a dedicated “handler” that helps with navigation and keeping small children out my blind spot (anything below my neck). The last thing we would want from Dr. Moo is a stampede accident!
The costume itself is also a physical endeavor. It’s heavy, warm, and restrictive, which means going out of your way to cool off and rehydrate. After a dehydrating experience last year, I now keep a hearty supply of electrolytes on me at all times – as well as a straw! The costume has a built-in fan that helps keep air circulating, but even with some extra flow the headpiece remains hot and humid.
Mascot duty requires stamina and grit, and posing as Dr. Moo for an afternoon definitely gives me a new appreciation for the performers behind the characters we often take for granted.
The Rewards: Unexpected and Meaningful
Perhaps the most unique reward playing as Dr. Moo during children’s day festivities for the UVM Rally Cat birthday celebration was having children tell me about their interactions with medical professionals. In this sense, Dr. Moo acts as a symbol that allows kids to interact with the medical system in a more accessible and lighthearted setting.
I was lucky enough to have multiple kids come up to me and share their significant medical experiences from the past – simply because I was a “doctor.”
There is beauty in the anonymity of Dr. Moo, as these children seemed to have no reservations telling a cow about past operations or times they were really, really sick. By portraying doctors in a fun and positive light rather than the intimidating atmosphere of a hospital, Dr. Moo creates a space where children feel comfortable sharing their fears and stories.
As a medical student, I have always felt honored by the trust patients place in me when discussing their most vulnerable moments. Experiencing that same trust extends beyond the hospital walls—and into a mascot costume—was both unexpected and deeply meaningful.
Being Dr. Moo is udderly cool—not just because it’s fun, but because it allows me to represent my school and connect with my community in a truly unique way.