Pediatric care requires a unique, gentle touch, and routine examinations like listening to the heart and lungs can often feel intimidating to young children. To help bridge this gap, the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) hosted its annual Medical Trick-or-Treat event on Thursday, Oct. 27, offering future physicians hands-on experience practicing pediatric exam skills in a fun, family-friendly setting.
Children from the ICOM community were invited to visit the Meridian-based medical school dressed in their Halloween costumes. Participants trick-or-treated through the upstairs halls and knocked on exam room doors to receive candy and experience non-invasive physical checkups. ICOM student physicians practiced essential techniques such as listening to hearts and lungs, checking reflexes, and performing abdominal exams in an environment that blended festive fun with medical learning. Following the clinic activities, families and student physicians enjoyed crafts and dinner in the atrium.
The event was organized and operated by leadership from ICOM’s Pediatric Interest Group (PIG), under the guidance of Dr. Suzanne Rogers, Chair of Primary Care, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, and PIG faculty advisor.
“Our PIG Trick-or-Treat is a beloved event for both student physicians, as well as children and families in our community,” said Emma Hammond, second-year student physician and PIG Executive Board member. “Student physicians get to practice their physical exam skills while costumed kids get to enjoy a fun, candy-filled ‘trip to the doctor’ in our OSCE suites, which look practically identical to a primary care office. We’re excited to spend time with these families, strengthen our clinical skills, and, most importantly, help children build positive, fun memories of visiting the doctor so they feel less nervous at their next appointment!”
By creating a welcoming, playful environment, the event highlighted the importance of positive early medical experiences for children while empowering student doctors to translate classroom knowledge into compassionate, patient-centered care.
