LUCOM hosts teddy bear clinic for local children

The Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) chapter of the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (ACOP) partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lynchburg to host a community teddy bear clinic on Saturday. LUCOM student-doctors helped children become familiar with what to expect when they visit the doctor by acting as doctors themselves and caring for their patients (stuffed animals). Student-doctors taught them how to use a stethoscope and gave lessons in first aid and safety.

In its only second year, ACOP has received significant interest with over 50 members.

Kaitlyn Kuntzman, Class of 2019 and ACOP president, said more exciting events are in the works.

”LUCOM is still a young college, and so are its chapters, but we are already actively engaged with the community. For ACOP, we are planning our second annual Autism 101 seminar for September. We are inviting police, EMS, firefighters, and families from our community to talk about the importance of Autism awareness,” she said. ”Both physicians and emergency personnel need increased knowledge concerning how to best interact with and help both children and adults with autism.”

ACOP continues to strengthen and grow its relationship with the Boys & Girls Club, the Jubilee Center of Lynchburg, the Court Appointed Special Advocates Chapter of Virginia, and the Special Olympics to support events that help educate both adults and children on living healthier lives.

• Read more about this event on LUCOM’s website.