Patch Adams

Through his pioneering work as the director of Gesundheit! Institute, a free health facility, Patch Adams has dedicated his life to the belief that "healing should be a loving human interchange, not a business transaction." Patch is a warm, witty medicine man who is simultaneously a healer, teacher, clown and entertainer.

The motion picture "Patch Adams" starring Robin Williams was released in 1998 by Universal Studios. In working with health and mental health professionals, he explores the relationship between humour and therapy using his unique blend of knowledge, showmanship and "hands on" teaching techniques. Since 1985 Patch has led an annual two-week clown tour of Russia visiting hospitals and orphanages. He has also taken clowns to Bosnia.

Patch Adams' dynamic lectures provide creative solutions to major issues in health care delivery. He also speaks about wellness, laughter, humour and life. His multimedia presentations are guaranteed to be provocative, exuberant, challenging and fun.

• K. Celebrity Division

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• J. 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)

• I. Passion and Persistence

  Eighty 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)

• H. 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)

• G. 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)

• F. 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.

• E. 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 what the responsibilities are of its members.

• D. 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.

• C. Humor and Health

  One to three-hour look at 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).

• B. 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.

• A. 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.

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  November 1999