Pensacola Children’s Museum kid’s clinic exhibit opens with support from community

The University of West Florida Historic Trust and the Escambia County Medical Society Foundation have opened the Escambia County Medical Society Foundation Kid’s Clinic at the Pensacola Children’s Museum. The new, permanent exhibit is on the second floor of the museum and aims to make going to the doctor a familiar and pleasant experience for children.

“The many interactives in this exhibit allow children to learn through play and become comfortable around medical equipment,” said Ross Pristera, historic preservationist for the Trust.

The exhibit will feature “medical stations” including a child-sized ambulance, a doctor’s office, operating and exam tables, and a CT scanner among other medical-related items. Dolls will be available to serve as “patients.” Children can drive the ambulance which features lights and siren buttons and put their patient in the back of the vehicle. Visitors will also have the opportunity to wear a lab coat and move their patients through the different examination stations of the exhibit. 

The exhibit is a community effort, with nearly $100,000 funded by various local medical groups. Major donors include Escambia County Medical Society Foundation, who helped solicit donations and contributions, as well as Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart, Pensacola Pediatrics and Touchstone Medical Imaging.

“I am thrilled to see our organization’s commitment to fostering a positive healthcare experience for children come to life through this new exhibit at the Pensacola Children’s Museum,” said Ellen W. McKnight, M.D., Escambia County Medical Society Foundation President. “At the ECMS Foundation, we believe that nurturing a child’s comfort with the medical world from a young age is not only essential for their well-being but also for inspiring future generations of healthcare professionals. By making medical appointments and the healthcare process more approachable and engaging, we hope to spark curiosity and interest in young minds, potentially igniting a lifelong passion for healthcare careers. This exhibit embodies our dedication to creating a healthier, more informed, and empowered community, one child at a time.” 

For more information about the UWF Historic Trust and all of its properties, visit historicpensacola.org.