The Doctor Is In – Elementary School

The weather may have been gloomy outside, but inside the Children’s Center in Titusville it was all fun and education. Children received a special teddy bear who was their patient for the day. As the “doctors”, the children able to take vitals on the patient and see an x-ray of him. They bandaged his wounds and make their own first aid kit to take home just in case it is needed. They were able to see the tubes and bag of fluids for an IV, but of course no needles in this fun clinic. During the visits to the clinic the teddy bear had his immunization, and the doctors were able to test Mr. Potato Head for Covid with the real Covid machine. We are happy to report that Mr. Potato Head’s results were negative.

The young doctors learned about eye exams and glasses, and the importance and instructions on brushing their teeth. They were able to take home a fun tooth brush to help them master their skill.

A child life section helped them express their creativity with squirting paint, decorating rocks and learning about a special camp here in Florida for children with special needs. The therapy dog team of Steve and Sparky were there to remind us that we all need to have fun relax sometimes.

The Titusville Fire Department reminded us who to call in an emergency and brought along the ambulance for tours, because they first time a child sees one should not be scary. After learning about wearing bike helmets and safety harnesses the children received their very own firefighter hat.

The Parrish Medical Center Children’s Center was the perfect place for the first St. Francis Reflections Pediatric Palliative Care Teddy Bear Clinic. We appreciate their team working alongside ours to bring this dream to reality. We would also like to thank Bear Givers who donated the teddy bears, the team from Orlando Health, Dr. Camila Dunn, the office staff of Titusville Smiles and Sunshine Smiles Dental teams who graciously donated pediatric toothbrushes, Cathy Vogel, and the many volunteers from St. Francis Reflections, Parrish Medical Center and our community.

The goal for the day was to bring children education in a fun way that helps ease the fear of medical exams and procedures. Our young “doctors” walked away with huge smiles some exclaiming times “this is the best day ever”. Parents were all smiles and surprised by the education the children received. The day was a great success and we look forward to the next one!