Mt Gambier campus SARM Program students brought healthcare to life in a playful and engaging way at the Teddy Bear Hospital, held during the Mount Gambier Combined Farmer and Artisan Market on Saturday.

South Australia Rural Medical (SARM) Program MD1 & 2 students welcomed local children to a vibrant and inviting stall. Armed with enthusiasm and a simple health checklist, they guided each young visitor through a hands-on “check-up” for their much-loved teddy bears.

From bandaging paws to checking heartbeats, the experience transformed what can often feel like a daunting healthcare setting into something familiar, friendly, and fun. Through play, the students helped children explore common medical scenarios in a safe, low-pressure environment—an approach designed to build confidence and reduce anxiety around visiting doctors or hospitals.

The Teddy Bear Hospital initiative is grounded in an important purpose: to reduce stigma, foster early understanding of healthcare, and empower children to feel comfortable seeking care when they need it. For the students involved, it also provides a valuable opportunity to develop communication skills and practice delivering care in a way that is both compassionate and accessible.

Beyond the teddy bear check-ups, the brightly branded Flinders stand attracted strong interest from the broader community. Visitors had the chance to learn more about the SARM Program and its Mount Gambier campus, sparking conversations about rural medical education and pathways into healthcare careers.

Events like this highlight the unique role SARM students play in their communities—not only as future doctors, but as approachable ambassadors for health and wellbeing.