Patch Adams, M.D., is an internationally known speaker on wellness, humor, and joy. He approaches the issues of personal, community, and global health with “zestful exuberance,” according to Time Magazine. Dr. Adams believes that “the most revolutionary act one can commit in our world is to be happy.”
“Extraordinary! A man I can look up to and respect,” “Incredibly mind blowing and memorable,” and “Inspiring, amazing human being- invaluable to hear firsthand,” are all testimonies of people who have had the chance to hear Dr. Patch Adams, the real man behind the hit Hollywood film Patch Adams.
Current work
Patch is a medical doctor, a clown, and a social activist who has devoted 30 years to changing America's healthcare system. He believes that laughter, joy and creativity are integral parts of the healing process. 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 you think that all sounds like a utopian impossibility, it isn't! Patch and his colleagues have practiced medicine at the Gesundheit Institute together in West Virginia that way for 43 years in what Patch refers to as their "pilot project".
Through the success of this program at the West 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 temporarily stopped seeing patients so that he could coordinate plans for raising the $5 million needed for the Institute's permanent and expanded home, a “model health care community.” When you bring Patch to speak, you’re supporting this dream!
Talking Points
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.
What Is Your Love Strategy?
Living A Life of Joy
Two hour lecture or 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.
Living A Life of Joy
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.
The Joy of Caring
Humour and Health
One - to - three-hour look at the relationship between humour and the health of the individual, community or society. In this funny and inspirational lecture Patch discusses his 30+ years of clowning experience.
Humour and Health
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.
Medicine For Fun, Not Funds
