Taya Fast

By Taya Fast

Dr. Bear and UNBC students launch medical program for children

Aug 27, 2021 | 4:57 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Two UNBC Medical Students Danielle, and Shianne, who are in the UBC Northern Medical Program, have started a new chapter in the Reading Bear Society here in Prince George. Dr. Bear introduces children to what it is like to go to the doctor. The team hopes to bring this initiative to classrooms and daycares in the community.

“We are really excited to be starting one back up in Prince George – the Reading Bear Society has two programs. One is a visit with Dr. Bear and teddy bear clinics at elementary schools, which is what we are starting with,” said Prince George Chapter Co-Chair for Reading Bear Society, Danielle Sidsworth.

The team has also had help from the local community to get the initiative going. Gingerbread Toys donated toy doctor kits to ensure stations are as interactive as possible.

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“It’s wonderful, we do quite a bit with the pediatrics ward at the hospital and schools. It always gives you a good feeling, doing anything like that,” said the Owner of Gingerbread Toys, Nancy Condon.

Dr. Bear along with his friends will take children through different stations that teach them about the tools used in a doctor’s office, what a regular check-up would look like, and vaccines, mask-wearing, and hand washing.

“Using the stethoscope to listen to their heart and what that feels like. We even have reflex hammers and tongue depressors so kids can play around with those. In the last station, one of the bears comes in with a hurt arm and goes through an x-ray machine. They learn what an x-ray is and what it looks like,” said Danielle.

Danielle also added that as we approach a new school year, still in a pandemic, that kids need to learn early on how to practice these necessary skills.

“It is really important – a lot of good habits start as a child. I think if children understand why they are doing something, like mask-wearing, and how to do it properly. Hand washing is also very important and instilling those habits in young children is a good part of the program,” added Danielle.

Danielle and Shianne have been in contact with the school district as well as the UNBC daycare in hopes that they will be able to visit classes this coming school year. As Northern Medical Students return to campus, they will be recruiting volunteers for the program.