Media Invite
So glad that the kids had a chance to go for the 'Doctor For A Day' initiative organised by Parkway Medical at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital!
Basically, this is an initiative that allows kids to role-play as doctors in six different settings in a hospital, while learning many interesting things that doctors do and have to deal with on a daily basis. This first-of-its-kind programme aims at helping kids aged 5 to 12 years old better appreciate the medical profession and inspire them to join the healthcare industry when they grow up. I am very impressed with how well-organized and educational the entire programme was, and the kids had so much fun, seriously.
The kids were issued mini-size doctor's gowns and name tags at registration - They looked so cute! 
They were all excited to start their journey as a doctor at the first station - Anatomy, where they were taught how to put on their 'shower caps' and sterilize their hands properly and thoroughly before they began their 'doctorly' duties. They also learnt about different organs in the body. The kids were all very enthusiastic and attentive - Really good start!
At this station, the kids learnt how to use the stethoscope and thermometer. In pairs, they took each other's temperatures. By the way, the stethoscopes are NOT toys - they really work!
This must be a dream come true for them - they've always wanted to meddle with the doctor's stethoscope whenever they go to a clinic.
The next station was the A&E Department and I thought that was a really cool stop. I remember seeing all the emergency rescue scenes in drama serials where the doctor use a defibrillator to revive a dying patient, and he would go, '350... CLEAR!' The kids got to try it! No electricity of course, but that was really interesting! They were also taught how to take care of simple cuts & bruises, and helped to bandage each others' arms. =P
The kids' favourite station was however, the Nursery. At this station, they learnt how to feed, burp, bathe and change the diapers of a baby. With the way they handled their babies, the daddies & mummies watching were all very glad they were not real babies. =X
Kids being kids, they were giggling all the way while changing the diapers for their baby. I wish I could tell them that in real life, it is not half as fun. =P
At this station, the doctor revealed a dummy named 'Mr Smoke-too-much' lying on the bed. The kids learnt that smoking is harmful and can cause lung cancers and many other diseases. The kids also did a mini surgery together by removing black patches on the lungs of the patient and giving him injections. Because it's the operating theatre, the kids had to put on masks and gloves as well. It was one funny moment when one of the kids blurted out, 'Is the haze back?' =D
Finally they reached their last station, which was the Pharmacy. Here, they 'graduated' as doctors and changed into white doctor's robes.
They then proceeded to have their graduation photo taken!
What a precious experience it has been for the kids. :) At the end, they were presented with their graduation certificates and the graduation photo was printed out on the spot for them!
They also left with a goody bag each and inside the goody bag, there was a stethoscope (one that really works!) and a syringe pen. Love the thoughts put into this initiative and how well the whole programme was executed. (See the graduation photo? Jayne's face was cut off by the border, so the staff kindly allowed my kids to retake the studio shot. Very good service indeed!)
Thank you Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital & Parkway Medical for the invitation! Even though at press time, the entire programme is already fully booked, I am hoping that more slots can be opened up for more kids to have the experience. Keep a lookout on this website to see if more slots will be opened up. :)
