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Teddy Bear Hospital is a relatively new and exciting project for WAMSS and Interhealth. In only its second full year running, it promises to continue involving medical students in the community and aims to extend to rural centres and to more disadvantaged children. The program holds two main aims:
- To help alleviate young children’s (3-7yrs) anxiety toward doctors
- To enhance medical students’ communication and understanding of young children
 These are achieved through role-play, whereby a visit to the doctor is simulated; child brings their sick teddy to the medical student who plays the role of the teddy doctor. This fun, relaxed and interactive environment familiarises children with the process of ‘going to the doctor’ and the teddy acts as a surrogate for the child’s fear. The visits also promote healthy messages to the children through the use of activities and games, such as the importance of washing hands, eating healthy food and being active.
2009 saw over 160 medical students on the books, 5 fun-filled school visits and countless teddies cured of a range of ailments from a sore tummy to full-decapitation. In 2010, TBH has the opportunity to grow even further, with more visits planned and a rural excursion at the end of the year, it will ensure an exciting and rewarding experience for all involved!
To get involved:
- Sign up to the mailing list
- Sign up for Training Day & Visits
- Join the Teddy Bear Hospital (UWA) Facebook group
- Keep checking the Interhealth & WAMSS websites for updates
What you need to be a Teddy Doctor:
- A Working With Children’s Check
- Criminal Record Screening Card
- Training Day Attendance
- Energy & Enthusiasm
The 2010 Teddy Bear Hospital committee is:
- Mariana Dorkham (3rd year) - Co ordinator
- Kate Menkens (3rd year) - Secretary and Promotions
- Angel Dong (3rd year) - Resources and Treasurer
- Tom Bartlett (2nd year) - Training and Logistics
- TaS Gougoulis (3rd year) - Research and General Committee
Please contact us at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
if you have any questions! Looking forward to having you on the TBH team!
*In 2008/2009, Teddy Bear Hospital gained approval from the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, the WA Department of Education and Training, and the patronage of Australian of the Year; Dr Fiona Wood
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