Teddy clinic in Witten: Children become doctors for their cuddly toys!

Teddy clinic in Witten: Children become doctors for their cuddly toys!

On May 22, 2025, the Teddy Clinic took place at the University of Witten/Herdecke (UW/H), an extraordinary project that attracted over 150 preschool children. The event offers the little participants the opportunity to “treat” their stuffed animals. Here, the children take on the role of “assistant doctors” and go through various stations that are based on real medical processes. This includes registration, examination, surgery and aftercare. This playful learning experience is accompanied by more than 60 students from medicine, dentistry and psychology.

The aim of the Teddy Clinic is to introduce children to medical procedures in a carefree way and at the same time reduce fears. At various stations, for example, children can practice brushing their teeth with a stuffed crocodile in the dental ward, analyze X-ray images of their cuddly toys in radiology or assist in surgery while splinting their animals' paws. Symbol cards are also used in the psychological ward to make it easier for children to express their feelings. The event is under the umbrella of the Witten University Society (WUG) and is financed through donations.

Diverse offers and support

Another highlight was the visit to an ambulance from ASB KV Witten e.V., which the children were able to explore. Participation in the Teddy Clinic is free, making it even more accessible to everyone. The next teddy clinic is already planned for autumn 2025, and kindergartens can register to take part by sending an email to teddyklinik@uni-wh.de.

In addition to the Wittenherdeck Teddy Clinic, there is the Teddy Clinic at the University Hospital in Frankfurt, which pursues similar goals. There, 1,100 children from 45 Frankfurt kindergartens bring their stuffed animals to be examined. This initiative is also initiated by medical students and is part of a comprehensive project intended to give children a clear insight into hospital processes. In Frankfurt, the children experience treatment rooms, an operating room and a pharmacy, which helps them to reduce their fears of the hospital. The event in Frankfurt is organized by the Kinderhilfestiftung Frankfurt e. V. supports and has proven to be an enrichment for the little patients, as Dr. Michael Henning, the chairman of the foundation, emphasizes.

Both projects show how important it is to take away children's fears of visiting the doctor and staying in hospital. They not only provide an educational and entertaining experience for the children, but also a platform for medical students to develop their communication and psychological skills. For many aspiring doctors, involvement in such projects is a valuable experience that prepares them for their future careers.

The combination of play and learning that both teddy clinics offer is a striking example of how creative approaches can be used in medical education and pediatric medicine. While the events introduce children to medicine in a positive way, they also promote an understanding of health and medical processes in a relaxed atmosphere. uni-wh.de reports that the teddy clinic is not only educational, but also a great joy for children and parents.

Provide further information about the Teddy Clinic Wissensschule.de and kinderhilfestiftung.org, both of which highlight the positive impact of such events.