On Saturday, March 23, the University’s Virtuous Healer Honor Society (VHHS) hosted the inaugural Teddy Care Clinic at NEOMED.
The Teddy Care Clinic is one of many initiatives organized by institutions around the country that aims to familiarize children with health care initiatives. NEOMED’s VHHS chapter organized the event to build trust between children and health care providers and make checkups and health care visits less scary. Organizers believe this was one of the first events of its kind in Northeast Ohio.
At the event, children and their families brought their stuffed animals for a free check-up from medicine students. Services included vaccines, x-rays, eye exams, casting and art therapy. 46 children attended with their families and fuzzy friends, and over $900 was raised toward purchasing new stuffed animals for the patients at Akron Children’s Hospital.
Thank you to VHHS and the many student organizations that made this event possible!
The following is the case of Mr. Stuffy, a patient who visited the Teddy Care Clinic:
Case Report: A 6-year-old boy brought his beloved stuffed animal, affectionately named Mr. Stuffy, to the clinic. Mr. Stuffy presented with right knee pain. Patient stated that pain has been going on for one week.
Patient History: Mr. Stuffy has been a cherished companion for many years and volunteers as a comfort and emotional support to young children. Mr. Stuffy recently fell downstairs and has had right knee pain since. He feels it worsens when he walks and feels relieved when he can rest. He rates the pain a 7 out of 10.
Vital Signs:
- Blood Pressure: 120/80
- Heart Rate: 70 beats per minute
- Respiration Rate: 16 breaths per minute
Demographic Data:
- Address: Rootstown, Ohio
- Occupation: Volunteer for emotional support
Assessment and Plan:
- Differential diagnosis #1: Knee Trauma
- Differential diagnosis #2: Arthritis
Support with a knee brace covered in stickers. Monitor and follow up in 4 weeks.
Photo Gallery
Submitted by Sophie Tayade, first-year medicine student