The words connection, friendship, and laughter probably don't describe the relationship you have with your doctor. A recent Gallup poll found that most people feel dismissed or ignored by their doctors. They just don't have the time or interest in getting to know their patients.
Then there are the excessive costs, which leave many unable to get the healthcare they need. But our guest today has spent his entire medical career putting into practice the idea that healing should be a loving human connection, not a business transaction. He has traveled throughout the world delivering a message of peace, friendship, love, and many of you may recognize his name from the Golden Globe award-nominated film Patch Adams, starring Robin Williams.
Dr. Patch Adams graduated from the Medical College of Virginia in 1971. From there, he opened the Gesundheit Institute, a pilot project that has helped over 15,000 patients in a large six-bedroom communal home. This embarked him on a journey to build a hospital that would eliminate the outrageous healthcare costs and allow doctors to connect.
In this episode, we'll hear about his upbringing, depression as a symptom of loneliness, the power of friendliness in medical diagnosis, and his plans for a holistic hospital.
Featuring:
Dr. Patch Adams
After he graduated from the Medical College of Virginia in 1971, Patch Adams 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.
No one was going to “give” him a hospital – Patch had to go out into the world and find the hospital of his dreams. After 36 years, Patch remains energized and ready to take on the medical cure-focused for-profit industry.
Patch 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 toward clowning has sparked a movement that has grown to independent clown groups in 120 countries.
Come, join the fun!
