Patch Adams, M.D.

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"Incredibly inspiring," "an amazing human being," and "invaluable to hear him first hand," are among the words heard from participants after experiencing Patch Adams, M.D., the real man behind the hit movie starring Robin Williams. Adams is a social revolutionary who has devoted his life to changing America's healthcare system. Medical doctor, clown, man of many hats, Adams is the founder of the Gesundheit Institute, a home-based medical practice in West Virginia that has treated more than 15,000 people for free. He believes that laughter, joy and creativity are an integral part of the healing process and therefore, true health care must incorporate those aspects of life.

Whether it means putting on a red clown nose for sick children or taking a disturbed patient outside to roll down a hill with him, Adams does whatever is necessary to help heal. In his frequent lectures and performances, Adams's irrepressible energy cuts through the businesslike facade of the medical industry to address how the need for a caring relationship between doctor and patient is at the heart of true medicine.

SPEAKER TOPICS
ABOUT Patch Adams, M.D.   (+/-)

A New Model for Healthcare

Patch Adams' lifetime quest is to transform the healthcare system. Doctors and patients in his model relate to each other on the basis of mutual trust and patients receive plenty of time from their doctors. Allopathic doctors and practitioners of alternative medicine work side by side in Patch's model. If that all sounds like a utopian impossibility, it isn't. Patch and his colleagues practiced medicine at the Gesundheit Institute together in West Virginia that way for 12 years in what Patch refers to as their "pilot project." In that time they saw over 15,000 patients. From that experience onward, Patch Adams has devoted his life to the study of what makes people happy.

Engaging, Enlightening, Inspiring

Additionally, Dr. Adams adds to his training as a physician his experience as a street clown. In working with health care and mental health professionals, he explores the relationship between humor and therapy using his unique blend of knowledge, showmanship and "hands on" teaching techniques. Dr. Adams says, "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."

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SPEAKER TOPIC DESCRIPTIONS    (+/-)

Please note that for some topics, Dr. Adams is joined by Susan Parenti, PhD, his performing partner.

Living A Life of Joy

Two-hour lecture or three-four hour workshop using an hour of exercises, an hour of ideas on being happy and the remainder to explore the audacious idea of never having another bad day. Patch discusses how to discover the incredible thrill of choosing to live everyday with joy. The focus of this lecture/workshop is life as a choice.

The Joy of Caring

One - to - three hour lecture on the thrill of helping others. This inspirational talk includes much dialogue to explore burnout prevention for caregivers. The focus of this lecture/workshop is the magic and power of care, not only in the patient's life, but also in the caregiver's life.

Humor and Health

One - to - three hour discussion of the relationship between humor and the health of the individual, community or society. In this funny and inspirational lecture, Patch discusses his 30+ years of clowning experience.  When Patch and Susan are hired as a team, they teach the audience performance and perform a wonderful clown stage show (15 minutes at the end).

What Is Your Love Strategy?

One - to - three hour lecture on the importance of having a strategy for loving yourself, the planet and others. Patch provides insights into the need for such a strategy and also takes a close look at the conception of "love" and the theory of "strategy." Patch offers his approach and helps the audience design, explore and implement their own love strategy.

Living In Community

One hour lecture that introduces a healthy community life. Patch explores what constitutes a healthy community, how one is created, maintained and the responsibilities of its members.

Medicine For Fun, Not Funds

One-to-three hour lecture on the history, philosophy, and future of the Gesundheit Institute and includes a deep dialogue with audience/participants. Patch introduces Gesundheit as an example of "medicine for fun, not funds" and helps the audience design, explore and implement their own dreams.

Magic Elixirs of Life

One - and - one - half - hour Vaudeville wellness show followed by a 30-minute discussion period. Susan and Patch clown, tap dance, play piano and accordion, and inspire the audience to participate. This provocative, informative and funny show focuses on what the audience can do to feel healthier. (Dr. Parenti required)

Poetry and Music

One - hour - and - 15 - minute performance with Susan on the piano playing Chopin as well as her own inspirational compositions. Patch performs seven cycles of poetry. The idea harkens back to the days when live entertainment was at the heart of home and community. (Dr. Parenti required)

Passion and Persistence

80 - minute show in nine acts on having passions and the persistence to carry them out followed by a 40 - minute discussion. Because both Patch and Susan have organized and sustained their separate communities for over 20 years, it is still a delight for them and they want to inspire others and share some of what they've learned. (Dr. Parenti required)

Desire and Design

Two - hour performance on how to create designs to accomplish one's desires. Lecture followed by a 40 - minute discussion. (Dr. Parenti required)

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