Western Texas College

SNYDER—Students in the Western Texas College Medical/Clinical Assistant program need your help gathering new teddy bears or plush animals.

“This is part of a new, inclusive, interactive teaching event for our program this year,” says Courtney Garcia, WTC’s Medical/Clinical Assistant Instructor.

“Part of our program training includes teaching our students techniques to make children comfortable during a medical appointment. We will be going into schools and hosting a ‘Teddy Bear Clinic’ where children can bring their teddy bear or favorite stuffed animal for a check-up.

“The Teddy Bear Drive ensures that each child will have a teddy bear for the clinic—if the child does not have one or it gets left at home.”

Garcia explains that the Teddy Bear Clinic plays two roles: it teaches WTC students how to make children feel comfortable during a doctor’s appointment and what to expect in a safe, non-threatening environment. The goal is to make a doctor’s appointment a less frightening experience for children.

“During the clinic, the child acts as the parent to the teddy bear during the ‘examination.’ Our students talk to the children while taking the teddy bear’s ‘temperature’ and listening to the ‘heartbeat.’”

After the exam, children receive a certificate stating that their teddy bear is healthy.

“This project exemplifies Project-Based Learning,” said Shawn Fonville, Dean of Career and Technical Education. “Our students learn by investigating and responding to complex problems or challenges. They will learn in a hands-on way that benefits the community.”

New/unused teddy bears can be dropped off at the WTC Library foyer during business hours on campus until March 3, 2023. Campus office hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Read more about the Medical/Clinical Assistant program at wtc.edu/med.

For more information, contact Courtney Garcia at 325-574-7659 or email courtney.garcia@wtc.edu.