Wir überwinden Grenzen

(April 2, 2026) From May 5 to 11, the 21st Teddy Bear Hospital, organized by Freiburg medical students in cooperation with hospital trainees, will take place in the park of the Medical Center – University of Freiburg.

Demonstrating in a playful way just how exciting a visit to the hospital can be and that children need not be afraid of it—more than 350 Freiburg medical students are once again taking on this task with great dedication this summer. In cooperation with trainees from the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, the Offene Fachschaft Medizin Freiburg e.V. is organizing the 21st Freiburg Teddy Bear Hospital from Tuesday, May 5, to Monday, May 11, 2026. Children aged approximately three to six years old can have their sick or injured stuffed animals examined at the Teddy Bear Hospital by specially trained students, the so-called “Teddy Docs.” The plush patients will be treated daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the park of the Medical Center – University of Freiburg.

Helping Children Overcome Their Fear of Medical Examinations

“Those who study medicine learn not only diagnostics and therapy, but also how to connect with people and build trust,” says Prof. Dr. Lutz Hein, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine – University of Freiburg. “The Teddy Bear Hospital conveys exactly this attitude in a particularly vivid way.”

“Our goal is to help children overcome their fear of medical exams and treatments,” says co-organizer Philipp Hafkemeyer. “When they accompany their stuffed animal during an X-ray, at the pharmacy, or in the operating room, uncertainty often quickly turns into curiosity.”

Daycare and kindergarten groups (five or more children) are warmly invited to visit the Teddy Bear Hospital during the week. Advance registration is required. Families can visit the Teddy Bear Hospital at any time. Registration is recommended and reduces wait times, but is not mandatory. Please allow about two hours for your visit to the Teddy Bear Hospital.

From Teddy School to the Dentist

During their visit to the Teddy Bear Hospital, the children pass through several stations modeled after a real hospital: After check-in, they learn about the human body at the Teddy School before the Teddy Docs examine their stuffed animals. Depending on the findings, they may proceed to X-ray, surgery, or the pharmacy—and finally, the dentist’s tent awaits. On some days, the children also enjoy a short activity program designed by physical therapy trainees. 

The patron of the Teddy Bear Hospital is Prof. Dr. Brigitte Stiller, Medical Director of the Department of Congenital Heart Defects and Pediatric Cardiology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg. The Teddy Bear Hospital is supported by the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, the Faculty of Medicine – University of Freiburg, and through donations.

For more information and to register, visit: www.freiburg-tbk.de 

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