"My Teddy Bear Has a Heartbeat": The 2024 PRP Teddy Bear Clinic
In a heartwarming display of community engagement and healthcare education, Pleasure Ridge Park High School (PRP) hosted its second annual Teddy Bear Clinic for kindergarten students from Greenwood Elementary School on December 18, 2024. This innovative event, spearheaded by PRP teacher Mrs. Erin Ferguson, brought together high school students, medical professionals, and eager young learners in a unique educational experience that demystified healthcare and inspired future generations.
A Collaborative Effort
The Teddy Bear Clinic was made possible through a collaborative effort between PRP High School, the University of Louisville School of Medicine, and Greenwood Elementary School. The UofL School of Medicine generously donated 92 teddy bears, which became the focal point of the day's activities. Key participants included 33 PRP HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) students, kindergarten students from Greenwood Elementary, and three representatives from UofL School of Medicine.
“My students are learning that there is nothing scary about going to the doctor. The care they receive is safe and trustworthy.”
Learning Through Play
The clinic was designed to teach young students about healthcare in a fun and interactive way. PRP students manned various stations, each focusing on a different aspect of medical care:
Neurology
Hand washing techniques
Stethoscope use
Blood pressure measurement
Eye examinations
Community helpers in healthcare
Healthcare-related storytelling
Temperature taking
Mrs. Barbara Revels, a kindergarten teacher at Greenwood Elementary, observed, "My students are learning that there is nothing scary about going to the doctor. The care they receive is safe and trustworthy." She noted that the hands-on experience with medical equipment like blood pressure cuffs and thermometers helped make these concepts tangible for her young students.
Inspiring Future Healthcare Professionals
The Teddy Bear Clinic served a dual purpose: educating young children about healthcare while providing valuable experience for the PRP HOSA students. This innovative approach, now in its second year, was the brainchild of Mrs. Ferguson, who explained, "My main objective is to teach the students that healthcare isn't scary. Our HOSA students are using the skills they have learned to teach the elementary school students."
The event's impact extended beyond the immediate participants, as noted by the attending medical professionals. Dr. In Kim, Executive Vice Chair and Professor of Pediatrics at UofL School of Medicine, emphasized the long-term benefits: "These students are our patients. There is unlimited potential in this room." His words underscored the event's role in nurturing future healthcare workers and fostering early positive associations with medical care.
Dr. Faye Jones, Associate Vice President for Health Affairs / Diversity Initiatives at UofL School of Medicine, highlighted the importance of community connection and representation in healthcare. She observed, "We've taken care of the children of the West End of Louisville," and praised the innovative use of teddy bears as "a brilliant way to help students envision themselves as both doctors and patients."
The commitment to community engagement was further exemplified by Mrs. Sharon Gordon, Program Manager/Life Coach at the Office of Community Engagement & Diversity, UofL School of Medicine. Instrumental in coordinating the teddy bear donations, she shared her vision for the event: "I want the students to learn they shouldn't be afraid of medicine." Throughout the day, her hands-on interaction with the students demonstrated the School of Medicine's dedication to fostering positive relationships between healthcare providers and the community they serve.
A Lasting Impression
As the day concluded, kindergarten students left with more than just knowledge; they took home their very own teddy bears, newly named and "treated" during the clinic. Names like Aubrey, Fred, and Bearhart echoed through the room as students embraced their new furry friends. The success of the 2024 PRP Teddy Bear Clinic demonstrates the power of community partnerships in education. By bringing together students of different ages, educators, and medical professionals, this event not only demystified healthcare for young children but also inspired a new generation of caregivers and medical professionals.
As Dr. Kim aptly put it, the clinic was an investment in the future, giving young students the opportunity to see their potential careers in healthcare. With the enthusiasm and dedication shown by all participants, it's clear that the PRP Teddy Bear Clinic will continue to be a cherished and impactful event for years to come.
