Dr. Bear’s Medical School Inspires Children “Doctors”

More than 90 children age 2 to 12 graduated from the inaugural Dr. Bear’s Medical School for Kids, held at Children’s National on May 30. In order to earn the prestigious medical or nursing degree, children rotated through various medical stations where they learned from the experts how to treat their patient—a stuffed animal or doll they brought along that day.

Children began by taking their stuffed animals’ vitals, then made casts with the orthopedics cast team, examined x-rays, worked to resuscitate a medical mannequin, and interacted with pet therapy dogs. They also got to perform laparoscopic surgery on their stuffed animals and learn how a phlebotomist performs a blood draw. The event was sponsored by the Grateful Family Program at Children’s National.

More than 60 parents looked on as Dr. Bear presented the degrees to their children. “My daughter had an amazing time and is still talking about it,” said Erika Wines, mother of Dr. Bear Medical School graduate Bianca Wines. “Everything was so thoughtfully set up and the staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable.”