James McIntosh attends to Mount Sinai’s youngest patients and their families as a Patient Ambassador in the Department of Pediatrics at Mount Sinai Union Square. Serving them was uppermost in his mind when he noticed that the pediatric waiting area had only a fish tank and television to distract young patients and their siblings.
James remembered that as a child he enjoyed quiet activity games—crossword puzzles and connect-the-dot worksheets—and he thought, perhaps, today’s youngsters would enjoy them, too.
Patient Meia Joseph enjoys a game with James McIntosh.
In his spare time, James found free activity games online that would appeal to children of different ages. He printed them and created individual packets that patients could fill out while waiting for their appointments and also bring home, if they wanted. Individualized packets would also keep the children from spreading unwanted germs.
To appeal to older children and parents, James created a find-the-word puzzle with the names of the Pediatric Department’s physicians and their various subspecialties.
The response to the activity games has been gratifying, he says. Children in the waiting room are occupied with educational games and their parents are happy, too.
“Every day, I strive to bring value not only to the Pediatric practice but the Mount Sinai Health System,” James says. “Providing patients with a positive experience and top-notch care is very important to me. I enjoyed producing these activities, and it is rewarding to see the kids smiling and entertained, as a result.”