A new student organization at ASU aims to introduce an international method of health education to local schools, using stuffed animals as stand-in hospital patients.
Teddy Bear Hospital USA was initially an international concept that was later implemented in various other countries, including the United States. It is a medical education initiative designed for children in order to reduce their fear of healthcare procedures and foster a positive relationship with the healthcare system.
On a typical day at Teddy Bear Hospital, kids will become doctors or nurses for their favorite stuffed animals, experience what medical procedures look like and learn about anatomy under the guidance of student staff.
A similar program, in the form of a student organization called Teddy Bear Hospital USA at ASU, was brought to the University this fall by Reagan Campbell, a senior studying nursing at ASU.
For Campbell, the Teddy Bear Hospital club is a combination of her academic work for Barrett, the Honors College and her passion for pediatrics.
"Reflecting on (the thesis project), I wanted to do something I was really passionate about. … I stumbled across a study about Teddy Bear Hospital, and I just went down the rabbit hole, and now this is our first semester of Teddy Bear Hospital at ASU," Campell said.
With the Teddy Bear Hospital USA at ASU officially up and running, and with a full officer board selected recently, the organization's goal for this year is to run its first education session in a local school.
"Our ultimate goal, obviously, is to go into schools and put on our little Teddy Bear Hospital," Campell said. "It’s a little tricky because it’s hard, we need to get a clinical agreement to go into schools, so we’re still working on that."
Despite the logistical challenges, the club is still preparing for its first demonstration, although the exact date has not been announced.
The hands-on experience of Teddy Bear Hospital not only introduces children to essential concepts in the medical field in an engaging and fun way, but it also benefits the student staff.
Noemi Rodriguez is a freshman studying nursing and a member of the club. Her primary motivations for joining the club are exploring career interests and gaining experience working with kids in a supportive and hands-on environment
"I wanted more experience with kids because I’m not sure if I wanted to work with kids or not," Rodriguez said. "It was the approach to it, to see if I would like working with kids more than I would like to work with adults."
For students interested in the organization and eager to contribute, getting involved with the Teddy Bear Hospital USA at ASU is easy.
"First step is obviously Sun Devil Sync. You can go request to be part of the club there," said Campell. "We’re most active on Instagram."
Edited by River Graziano, Sophia Ramirez and Natalia Jarrett.
Reach the reporter at hhuynh18@asu.edu.
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