Jessenius Med Students Host 'Teddy Bear Hospital' for Kids
In a heartwarming initiative aimed at demystifying medical procedures for young children, students from the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine at Comenius University in Martin visited the kindergarten in Dražkovce with their project, "Teddy Bear Hospital." This visit is part of a broader effort to make healthcare settings less intimidating for children.
During their visit, the medical students transformed the "Ladybugs" classroom into a series of makeshift clinics where they treated "patients"—stuffed teddy bears with various ailments. In the improvised surgical area, a teddy bear suffered from a broken leg, while the ear and eye clinic dealt with another bear's poor vision and hearing. In the general pediatric clinic, a teddy bear complained of a stomachache, and another was treated for a severe allergic reaction caused by a bee sting in the emergency room.
Under the guidance of future doctors, the children learned about various diagnostic methods and tried their hands at some basic medical procedures. The students demonstrated how to apply bandages, listen to heartbeats with a stethoscope, conduct eye examinations, perform elementary resuscitation techniques, and discussed healthy eating habits.
The "Teddy Bear Hospital" project is an ongoing endeavor by the Jessenius Faculty students, who visit various kindergartens free of charge. Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes, with activities tailored to the age of the children, ensuring that each interaction is both educational and comforting.