Oct 21, 2021
Aldo looks back with Dr. Patch Adams who founded the Gesundheit!
Institute 50 years ago. Patch shares the secret that has allowed
him to remain an energized optimist, always ready to make a change
for the better in this world and talks about the many do’s and
don’ts that fame can bring along.
Guest Introduction:
My next guest has made it his life’s mission to make Health &
Healthcare a human right for all people.
Even though this medical doctor, author, comedian, social activist
and clown had initially intended to ‘only’ change the healthcare
system in the United States, his message quickly amplified globally
with the publication of his book Gesundheit! in 1998 and the
Hollywood attention that followed resulting in the blockbuster
movie that carries his name.
Dr. Patch Adams believes that laughter, joy and creativity are an
integral part of the healing process and globally advocates for
hospitals, doctors and nurses to genuinely connect with their
patients, fully experiencing them as human beings that deserve the
promise of proper care.
Patch founded The Gesundheit Institute in 1971 to help everyone in
need of health care. Insurance or no insurance, Gesundheit! has
opened its doors to anyone who asks. First as a hospital until the
mid-eighties, now as a teaching centre and a community to continue
to bring the human side of healthcare to the forefront.
Dr. Patch Adams travels the world to spread his funny message of
care, love and most importantly happiness to all those who want to
hear.
These expeditions - also called Clown Missions are heartwarming
and versatile catering to the needs of people in
Ecuador, Russia, Mexico, Morocco, Guatemala and many more countries
to come in 2022 and beyond.
At age 76 - Dr. Adams seems to be more energised than ever, ready
to further spread his message of joy to the world. His endeavors
have not gone by unnoticed as earlier this year he was even
nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2021 - a light recurring theme
that he takes on with a big wink and a smile together with his son
Lars in the highly entertaining Podcast: “The Best
Day of My Life: Patch Adam’s Journey to the Nobel Peace Prize
Nomination”
In preparation for this interview I learned that Patch has made it
his personal goal to never have a bad day. A firm decision he made
at age 18, when he made the personal call to be 6 specific things:
happy, funny, loving, cooperative, creative, and
thoughtful.
And in every action he takes, he tries to keep these 6 things in
mind. By never having a bad day, he doesn't mean always being
happy, he means accepting sadness and anger and to always try to
channel those emotions into productive change.
Loads to talk about Patch! A very warm welcome to you!
You can find out more about Patch Adams and the
Gesundheit! Institute on his website: https://www.