Austrian Teddy Bear Clinic aims to beat fear of hospital For a few days every year, Austrian medical students organise a Teddy Bear Clinic. By giving the cuddly companions a medical check-up, the students hope to help children lose their fear of hospitals and doctors. Some 1,000 children were expected to visit the clinic in Vienna on Monday and Tuesday, with over 200 volunteer students on hand to help them bandage and operate on everything from colourful caterpillars to tiny stuffed monkeys. The project, similar to several others around the world, has taken place in Austria since 2001. Images and soundbites.