Patch Adams

Speakers - Health - Patch Adams, M.D., is a nationally known, speaker on wellness, laughter, humor and life as well as on the subjects of health care and health care systems. He approaches the issues of personal, community, and global health with 'zestful exuberance' (Time Magazine). Dr. Adams believes that 'the most revolutionary act one can commit in our world is to be happy.'

Dr. Adams is founder and director of the Gesundheit Institute, a free health facility in operation for fifteen years. Over 15,000 people have been provided with free medical care at the Institute. Through the success of this program at the Arlington, Virginia location, a model health care facility is being planned on 310 acres purchased in Pocahontas County, WV. The Institute will include a 40-bed hospital, a theater, arts and crafts shops, horticulture and vocational therapy. Over five years ago, Dr. Adams and staff temporarily stopped seeing patients so that they could coordinate plans for raising $5 million needed for the Institute's permanent and expanded home, a 'model health care community.' Currently planned is an immediate phase of this dream, a $400,000 WV facility so that their medical service to patients can resume within the next two years.

The Institute addresses, by action, four major issues in health care delivery: the rising cost of care, dehumanization of medicine, malpractice suits, and abuses of third- party insurance system.

Dr. Adams, also known as Patch, adds to his training as a physician, his experience as a street clown. In working with health and mental health professionals, he explores the relationship between humor and therapy using his unique blend of knowledge, showmanship and' hands on' teaching techniques. Says Dr. Adams, 'I interpret my experience in life as being happy. I want, as a doctor, to say it does matter to your health to be happy. It may be the most important health factor in your life.' He joyfully believes that 'the most revolutionary act one can commit in our world is to be happy.'

Speech Topics:

Medicine for Fun, Not Funds
1-3 hour lecture on the history, philosophy, and future of the Gesundheit Institute, as described above. It includes a deep dialogue with audience/participants. When Susan is present, she introduces Gesundheit as one example and helps the audience design, explore and implement their own dreams.

The Joy Workshop
Living a life of joy. 1-hour lecture or 3-4 hour workshop using an hour of exercises, an hour of ideas on being happy and the remainder to explore the audacious idea of living happy. Susan and Patch explore discovering one's interests and performing ones desires. It's life as a choice.

Humor and Health
1-3 hour look at the relationship between humor and the health of the individual, community or society. Funny and inspirational. Patch tells of his over 30 years of clowning experience, of building the first silly hospital, even using humor in violence prevention. With Susan, we add the element of teaching the audience performance and a sweet stage clown show (15 minutes) at the end.

Patch Adams can be available for lectures, seminars and personal appearances for your special event - contact us today to arrange an appearance.

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