A teddy bear with a torn arm sits on the exam table. Next to it, a superhero waits for a “checkup,” while a stuffed bunny gets its ears checked. Around the Teddy Bear Clinic, children carefully guide their favorite toys from station to station, closely observing as each one is treated.
“Kids watch their teddy bear get an X-ray or a shot,” said William Moore, MD, a sports medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente Fremont, who has participated in the clinics since 2007. “It helps take away some of the fear they might feel when they come in themselves.”
At these events, physicians, nurses, and volunteers “treat” hundreds of stuffed animals, superheroes, and dolls, giving children a positive introduction to a doctor’s office. Dr. Moore said the goal is to help normalize the medical experience for children.
After a six-year hiatus, the Teddy Bear Clinic returned this past spring to the 4 Cs of Alameda County Children’s Fair in Hayward. Another one is planned in Oakland on August 1.
Building trust in the community
At the clinic, children move from table to table with their toys. Each “patient” goes through a different part of a checkup, just like a real doctor’s visit.
At one station, a toy might have its heartbeat listened to. At another, it might get a pretend shot or a bandage. Some toys even need “surgery,” where volunteers stitch up small tears.
Instead of using complicated medical terms, the clinic uses simple, fun language to help kids understand what is happening. Children can “treat” their toys while learning simple health habits, such as drinking water, staying active, and eating healthy foods.
“It was all designed at the level that kids could understand,” said Dr. Moore.
Kaiser Permanente teams in Oakland were inspired by the Hayward Teddy Bear Clinic. The Oakland clinic will be part of the Bless the Block community event, which brings health screening, school supplies, and other free resources and services to hundreds of families.
Nailah Thompson, DO, an internal medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente Oakland, who is helping lead the upcoming event, said she’s glad to see the return of these clinics.
“It’s powerful to see physicians out in the community, always committed to the whole community,” Dr. Thompson said.
