Patch Adams MD

Patch Adams is a Clown who Became a Doctor To Bring his Hospital to the World. After he graduated from the Medical College of Virginia in 1971, Patch began what would become his life-long mission: The Gesundheit Institute. The pilot project, which ran from 1971 through 1983, saw over 15,000 patients visiting his large 6-bedroom communal home, shared with friends, fellow doctors, and patients. To support this radical hospital, friends took outside work to support the love that comes from helping others. As the pilot drew to a close, Patch realized he needed to make his dream hospital a reality. He lectures and performs over 200 days of the year. He has traveled throughout the world delivering his message of peace and love while challenging the audience to love and care about themselves, their community, and our planet. Every year, Patch leads 9 different missions to lead clowns into impoverished communities, war zones, refugee camps, and disaster areas. Patch’s dedication to clowning has sparked a movement that has grown into independent clown groups in 120 countries.