Umatilla 4th graders play doctor to help teddy bears
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA – Umatilla fourth grade students of Donell Rome left their desks and donned stethoscopes as they visited the Teddy Bear Clinic at Family Health Associates. Led by Dr. Derek Earl, the students got a look at what happens during a visit to the doctor’s office. The goal was to help shine a light on what happens during doctors’ appointments and hopefully calm some jitters.
Each student was given a stuffed animal who served as the patient. They rotated through several stations. With help from Family Health Associates nurses and student nurses from Umatilla High School, students learned a number of procedures.
They placed splints on their patients, weighed them, measured them, and learned how vital signs are taken. They checked their ears, eyes, and heartbeats. They also visited a station about immunizations and learned how vaccines can keep people healthy.
To cap it all off, the students came together to talk about developing healthy habits including dental care and avoiding germs.
By the time the Teddy Bear Clinic closes its doors at the end of February, all of the fourth grade students in the Umatilla School District will have taken care of their animals in a real doctor’s office.
Photo and information provided by Elizebeth Burres, Umatilla School District
