Doll hospital teaches comfort through stuffed animals

Andrew Collett made a tough decision Friday afternoon.

The 7-year-old allowed his 2-year-old black dog, Amigo, to go to the doctor’s office for a first-time checkup.

“Is he having trouble with his paws or is he limping?,” asked medical staffer Sascha Seide, a Dexter freshman.

Collett replied: “No.”

“Looks like everything is really well, he needs to drink more milk,” Seide said.

Collett’s stuffed animal was one of many dolls about 60 first-graders brought to Central Michigan Community Hospital on Friday for a “Doll Hospital” program.

The program allows children to learn about medical procedures through demonstrations with dolls to lessen fears about doctors and hospitals.

“Amigo wasn’t scared because he is always brave,” Collett said. “He gives me comfort.”

Deb Fahr teaches first grade at Pullen Elementary School, 251 S. Brown St., where many of the participating students attend.

She said the doll hospital program gives students a less fearful image of hospital visitations.

“It gives them a safe environment, bringing their stuffed animals and dolls,” Fahr said.

Student involvement

The program is intended for first graders in local elementary schools.

Five Central Michigan University students administer shots, x-rays and general checkups to the dolls at the doctor’s station.

Troy senior Jason Schnaidt manages the doll hospital project and said the program is valuable for children.

“I think the children will walk away with a great experience and they understand what each station actually does,” he said.

Juliet Kurtz, 7, stood patiently in line with her white sheep named Snowflake.

Kurtz was a little apprehensive about letting the doll receive a checkup.

“Snowflake was very scared because she thought it would really hurt,” Kurtz said. “But it didn’t hurt, I felt they were making her better.”

Kurtz immediately kissed her sheep after its checkup.

“It’s not that bad,” she said smiling.

Seide, a volunteer medical staff member, heard about the opportunity through her sorority — Alpha Sigma Tau.

“I just wanted to give back and I thought it would be fun to work with kids,” Seide said. “The kids are really creative and come up with stories and you go along with it. And if they understand what an X-ray does, it can make going to the doctor’s more comfortable.”

Alex Griffes, 7, brought in a brown wolf named Todd who needed medication for being sick.

“He had a cold and the doctors all made him better,” Griffes said. “He’s brave now.”

Griffes offered some advice to other children nervous about getting checkups.

“Be brave like Todd,” he said.