OFC Teams Up With the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota for Teddy Bear Clinic

OFC partners with The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota to sponsor Teddy Bear Clinic.

Children and families filled the museum to take part in The Teddy Bear Clinic.

The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota presented the Teddy Bear Clinic which offered a fun, hands-on experience that aims to help children feel at ease in medical settings while promoting health and wellness education.

This unique event was facilitated by local medical staff from Mankato Clinic, The Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic (OFC), Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry, Javara and Monarch Healthcare Management. Children who attended the clinic received a new teddy bear to serve as the “patient”.

At the clinic, children had the opportunity to care for their teddy bear patient as they worked side-by-side with healthcare professionals to perform check-ups, administer treatments, and explore mock medical procedures. With child-friendly tools, miniature lab coats, and guided activities, children learned about healthy habits, regular check-ups, and routine dental care in a fun and welcoming space.

“The Teddy Bear Clinic is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate health care to children,” said Dr. Noelle Bach, Pediatrician, of Mankato Clinic. “We’re honored to participate in this event to help children build confidence and comfort with healthcare visits.”

Dr. Scott T. Allen, MD, FAAOS from OFC added, “It’s so rewarding to see kids light up as they learn and play. Events like this foster trust and understanding, making future doctor visits more comfortable for both children and their families.”

“The event not only focuses on medical care but also highlights dental health. “With a comfortable and kid-friendly environment, we introduce children to dental care in a fun and compassionate way to help alleviate any anxiety they may experience when visiting the dentist,” said Dr. Kristin Bothun, DDS at Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry. “We are thrilled to be a part of this meaningful experience.”

“The Teddy Bear Clinic is a collaborative event for our museum, bringing together play and education in such a meaningful way,” said Kim Kleven, VP of Play and Learning at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota. “It’s a joy to see children build empathy and curiosity while learning how to care for themselves and others. This is a heartwarming event that turns learning into fun.”

Smiles filled the museum as area families took part.