More Than Medicine: Small Touches, Big Comfort

Medical procedures can feel intimidating for anyone, regardless of age. At Mississippi Valley Surgery Center (MVSC), comfort isn’t just a courtesy, it’s a priority built into every interaction, room and step of the surgical experience.

For Sally Oberlander, Certified Surgical Technologist at MVSC, creating a calming, reassuring environment for every patient is equally as important as preparing, sterilizing and assisting procedures. From thoughtful comforts and kid-friendly touches to communication that builds trust, she and the team help patients of all ages feel supported and at ease throughout their visit.

MAKING SURGERY FRIENDLIER FOR KIDS

Pediatric patients often arrive with fears, and understandably so. MVSC’s team works hard to replace those worries with warmth, familiarity and fun. Each child is greeted with a stuffed teddy bear, named Dr. BEARmeister, inspired by ENT physician Dr. Burmeister. The bear gets to accompany the child to the operating room and back to their recovery room.

“The kids love it,” Sally said. “It becomes a little buddy who stays with them through every step.”

If the pre-op wait runs a little long, the team brings out coloring pages, stickers or a tablet to keep kids occupied. And when it’s time for anesthesia, children pick a ChapStick scent that’s added to the mask, softening the plastic smell and making falling asleep easier.

“It makes the experience so much gentler,” Sally shared.

Even small choices help children feel more in control. They can walk or ride back to the OR – sometimes on a cart reimagined as a race car or transformer – and they often pick out a sticker from MVSC’s “sticker store” before heading in. In the OR, the team frequently wears playful scrub caps featuring characters like Spider-Man or Hello Kitty.

Individually, these moments are small. Together, they transform a clinical environment into one that feels safe, friendly and approachable for young patients.

SMALL TOUCHES THAT GO A LONG WAY

For Sally, these comfort measures aren’t just part of the job, they’re also personal. As a mom of two children who have both undergone ENT procedures, she knows firsthand the worry that comes with sending your child into surgery.

“Both of my kiddos have had ENT procedures, so helping the children here feel as comfortable as possible really hits close to home,” she said.

In pediatrics especially, emotional comfort is intertwined with clinical care. A silly doodle on the anesthesia circuit bag can turn fear into fascination. A calm voice, slow pacing and letting kids make simple decisions all help build trust. Some of Sally’s most memorable moments come from hearing children laugh as they fall asleep.

“They won’t remember it, but in that moment, they weren’t crying,” Sally said. “They felt safe.”

Parents feel that difference as well. A relaxed child sets the tone for the entire family, creating a more peaceful, reassuring experience from start to finish.

COMFORT FOR EVERY PATIENT

While MVSC takes special care with pediatric patients, the commitment to comfort extends to everyone who walks through the door. Adults receive the same thoughtful touches: warm blankets, clear communication and a team that takes time to answer questions without rushing. Staff members learn about a patient’s concerns, preferences or previous surgical experiences to create care that feels personal and supportive.

MVSC’s environment is also designed to ease anxiousness. Private pre-op and recovery rooms help minimize unnecessary noise and movement, creating space to breathe and relax. The team maintains a steady, calm pace because the tone they set directly influences how patients feel.

Just like kids, adults are encouraged to bring personal comfort items, such as a favorite blanket, headphones or a support person when appropriate. Whether someone is six or 60, the goal is the same: an experience that feels safe, supportive and personalized.

COMMUNICATION THAT BUILDS TRUST

Physical comforts matter, but MVSC also understands that how the team communicates can make the biggest difference of all.

“We talk quiet and slow,” Sally explained. “We want patients to feel like they’re part of what’s happening, not just having things done to them.”

For kids, that might mean choosing their popsicle flavor after their tonsil procedure or chatting about pets, siblings or school on the way to the OR. For adults, it looks like simplified explanations, step-by-step guidance and taking moments to check in before moving forward.

Regardless of age, communication at MVSC isn’t scripted – it’s personal. It helps patients feel understood, reduces anxiety and builds trust that carries through the entire surgical experience.

Patients may not recall each moment of their time at MVSC, but they remember the comfort and confidence the team provides. Through intentional communication, thoughtful comfort measures and personalized care for both children and adults, MVSC creates an experience where patients feel protected, informed and cared for from start to finish.