The 2-year-old, accompanied by parents Sarah Cross and Ray Fitiao, took his 45-year-old heirloom teddy Elvis to have a medical check at the Dunedin Teddy Bear Hospital on Hanover St.
Noah explained to University of Otago third-year medical student Claire French how Elvis had hurt his leg while playing bicycle football. He then helped bandage Elvis' upper thigh, listen to the bear's heartbeat and answered questions about the toy's eating and hygiene habits.
Noah was one of about 80 children who took their soft toys to be examined by Otago medical students at the makeshift hospital within the Fraser Building from 9am to midday.
Overall about 200 teddies and other toys will be checked by budding doctors in Dunedin during a week-long initiative targeting children aged 3 to 5.
It aimed to reduce the anxiety toddlers felt when visiting a doctor as well as help medical students develop their interactive skills with children.
Teddy bear hospitals have been established overseas with support from the International Federation of Medical Students Association, and were first brought to Auckland and Dunedin last year. Otago students hoped the initiative could continue annually.
Those involved in Saturday's community session enjoyed showing Dunedin youngsters their medical equipment, X-ray images and biology models.
Children took home a medical certificate for their teddies, and booklets on basic health.
