La Plata native Donya Forohar, a medical student from the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), recently took part in the launch of the Teddy Bear Hospital at the 2024 Long Island Fall Festival. Designed to help children feel more comfortable with doctor visits, the Teddy Bear Hospital offered a hands-on introduction to healthcare, providing young participants with a unique opportunity to learn basic medical procedures using teddy bears as stand-ins for real patients.
The event, which took place at the annual Long Island Fall Festival, drew hundreds of families, with the Teddy Bear Hospital quickly becoming a favorite attraction. At the booth, Forohar and fellow NYIT students helped elementary and middle school students learn to use medical tools such as stethoscopes, reflex hammers, and thermometers. The children practiced taking “vital signs” on their stuffed animals, gaining an understanding of what happens during a routine medical check-up in a fun, supportive setting.
Forohar’s involvement highlights her dedication to both her studies and her community, particularly in introducing children to healthcare concepts in a way that makes them feel safe and cared for. As a La Plata native, Forohar understands the importance of making a positive impact on local communities and giving back through volunteer programs.
The Teddy Bear Hospital is part of NYIT’s TOUCH POINT volunteer program, a community outreach initiative that gives medical students the opportunity to serve while also practicing patient communication. For Forohar, this experience not only allowed her to give back to the community but also to connect with young children in a way that fosters empathy and compassion — skills critical to her future career in medicine.
Parents attending the festival praised the Teddy Bear Hospital, saying it made doctor visits less intimidating for children. By letting kids take an active role in the healthcare experience with familiar objects like teddy bears, organizers hope to demystify medical procedures and help reduce common fears associated with visiting the doctor.
The interactive, low-pressure approach of the Teddy Bear Hospital resonated with young participants and their families alike. Children learned the basics of health check-ups, from listening to the “heartbeats” of their stuffed animals to observing “symptoms,” all while under the guidance of Forohar and her NYIT peers.
As an aspiring medical professional, Forohar found the experience rewarding, as it allowed her to apply her knowledge in a practical setting while serving as a role model for young children. By encouraging kids to explore medical tools and procedures in a familiar context, Forohar and her fellow volunteers hope to inspire the next generation’s curiosity about healthcare and related fields.
The Long Island Fall Festival provided an ideal venue for this outreach effort, with the Teddy Bear Hospital blending seamlessly into the educational and family-friendly atmosphere. Festival organizers and NYIT volunteers alike expressed hope that the initiative will continue to grow, reaching more young children and helping them feel comfortable around healthcare providers.
NYIT’s Teddy Bear Hospital plans to continue its outreach efforts at community events throughout the year, with a focus on creating positive early experiences with healthcare for young children. For more information on upcoming TOUCH POINT volunteer opportunities, visit NYIT’s website.