“What’s in a Doctor’s Bag” curriculum is a series of 10 lessons based on a book written by medical doctors to introduce children to the doctor’s office and all the sights and sounds they experience when going to the doctor. Elementary school age children are often frightened by doctor’s visits. The curriculum teaches basic health concepts and links these concepts to visiting the family doctor or primary health provider. It also introduces the child to the medical profession and gives him/her the opportunity to role-play being a doctor.

The Christian County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences and Hopkinsville Housing Authority partnered together for the 10-week curriculum which was taught to 16 children in an after school program. During the program the Agent observed what the children learned. Classroom observation relayed the children who participated in “What’s in Doctor’s Bag” learned: to identify instruments a doctor uses during a checkup; explain the use of each of the doctor’s instruments; properly wash their hands; and identify where germs come from and how to prevent spreading them.

All of the children who participated in “What’s in a Doctor’s Bag” expressed a decrease in fear and hesitation in relation to visiting the doctor for a checkup. Four of the children also expressed a new desire to become a doctor when they grow up. This program was a positive experience for each of the participants.