The American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted Patch Adams for a seminar entitled “Patch Adams” “Dance with Humanity” or a “Love Revolution,” on May 26th 2015, the event was open to the public. The seminar was interactive and about health, happiness, and fun. Dr. Adams spoke to a packed house about his life and how he incorporated fun into it from the age of 18. Most of us are familiar with the great Patch Adams from the self titled 1998 movie starring Robin Williams as Patch. The movie was based on the life of Patch Adams and highlighted Patches alternate methods of infusing fun and laughter into medicine. He did this by dressing as a clown and entertaining children as well as medically supervising them.
Every year Patch Adams organizes a group of volunteers from around the world to visit countries, dress as clowns, and bring joy to orphans, patients, and anyone that can use it. His group was recently in Armenia and visited multiple orphanages and children’s hospitals in 4 cities over the course of a week.
Hunter Doherty “Patch” Adams graduated Virginia Commonwealth University (Medical College of Virginia MCV) in 1971. He believed that the health of an individual was inseparable from the health of the family, community, and world. He was convinced of the direct relationship between environment and health therefor he did his best to provide a safe, happy, and fun environment for his patients. In 1971 very soon after graduation he co-founded the free community hospital called Gesundheit Institute, originally known as Zanies to many in the area.
