Residents’ pumpkin carving contest, 2026

The spookiest noon conference of the year was held earlier this week for the internal medicine residents. Giving their surgery colleagues a run for their money, these physicians made short work of their gourds even with tools unapproved by OSHA or the FDA.

The residency Humanities and Wellness committee organized the event, decorating the Bean Conference room with leaves, spider web lights, and a seasonally inspired soundtrack to serenade them while they worked. Four teams came up with designs for their pumpkins and then took turns scooping and carving.

One team opted for a three-faced pumpkin making use of the ample space. Two went Hawkeye-themed, one with a tigerhawk and another put a glowing heart at the center of an IOWA. The fourth pumpkin titled “A face only a father could love” sported horns and a pair of ogling eyes.

At the end of the hour, Chair & DEO Upi Singh, MD, came in to judge the teams’ efforts, declaring the intricate Iowa / heart design the winner. The foursome posed with their trophy before all the carvers came forward with their creations.