“I’m not afraid of seeing a doctor anymore”
Tzu Chi Great Love PreSchool in Singapore was transformed into a “Teddy Bear Hospital”. Children brought their "injured" or "ill" dolls to seek medical treatment at the Teddy Bear Hospital on this day. The Teddy Bear Hospital is an international children’s health programme that helps children understand the medical treatment process and relieve their fear of the medical environment through fun interactions and imaginative medical role-play.
Li Junyi, Preschool student: Because its hand is injured, so, I’m bringing it to see the doctor.
Bringing dolls “in discomfort” to see a doctor, this was the Teddy Bear Hospital of Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool in Singapore. Members of TIMA Singapore and medical students role-played as doctors to let children experience the process of seeking medical treatment.
Lee Qin Yi, Doctor: The aim of the programme is actually to reduce any nervousness and anxiety which the children may have when they go to the hospital. We also aim to teach the children about body organs such as the heart, lungs and a healthy diet lifestyle.
Toh Ethel, Oral Health Therapist: At the dental station, we actually introduce different kinds of treatment that children will expect when children first visit a dentist. Very simple things like scaling, filling or even things like extraction, but we try to make it as friendly as possible.
Zachary, PreSchool student: Were you afraid when you saw the dentist? Yes (Why?) Because I was afraid that they might remove my teeth. (Will you still be afraid after today’s activity?) Not anymore (Why not?) Because they’ve explained to me.
Using a stethoscope, children learned how to diagnose X-rays and turned into little assistants to doctors. The medical students also gained a lot through casual interactions with the children.
Jolene Lee, Medical student: I think I learnt to like kind of wait for them physically, then like just to wait for them open up to me. I think it would be helpful next time when you have to see kids and anything else.
This international medical outreach programme aims to help children eliminate the fear of seeing a doctor and make medical facilities a friendly place.
