Initiative
MHB Teddy Bear Clinic: How to heal cuddly toys and learn to cope with fear

Brandenburg an der Havel, 22 July 2024
Students of the Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane (MHB) organized a Teddy Bear Clinic at the community festival “Bergfest” in Brandenburg/Havel and again took children’s hearts by storm. The initiative was one of the highlights of the two-day event. The little visitors found a lovingly created ambience where they entrusted their cuddly toys to prospective physicians. The teddy docs displayed much dedication and empathy in healing broken arms or upset tummies, and generally made children’s eyes shine.
The explicit purpose of the teddy clinic is to create a playful context where children lose their fear of visits to the doctor and physical examinations. The focus is on their beloved cuddly toys which are examined and treated instead of the children themselves.
Exciting hospital tour
Accompanied by a teddy doc all the way, each child passes through various stages which correspond to a regular visit to the doctor. Every single step – from listening to the heartbeat and blood sampling to surgery and medication – is explained and made tangible.
The prospective doctors actively involve the children in examination procedures and explain everything so that children understand what is going on. Children learn important details about health and medicine in this playful context and lose fears they may have regarding an imminent appointment with a doctor. The teddy clinic is therefore more than short-term entertainment; it is a valuable experience and helps children to gain confidence and lose fear of the world of medicine.
It goes without saying that the festival offered far more than the teddy clinic. The ambitious program was designed to entertain the entire family with arts, music, sports and culinary delights. The MHB thanks all parties involved in making the Bergfest such a huge success. The MHB teddy docs are already looking forward to being part of this special event next year.