Gesundheit Institute: Patch Adams at TEDxUtrechtUniversity

Patch is both a medical doctor and a clown, but he is also a social activist who has devoted 30 years to changing America's healthcare system, a system that he describes as expensive and elitist.
He believes that laughter, joy and creativity are an integral part of the healing process and therefore, true health care must incorporate those aspects of life. Doctors and patients in his model relate to each other on the basis of mutual trust and patients receive plenty of time from their doctors. Allopathic doctors and practitioners of alternative medicine will work side by side in Patch's model. Ifyou think that all sounds like a utopian impossibility, it isn't. Patch and his colleagues practiced medicine at the Gesundheit Institute together in West Virginia that way for 12 years in what Patch refers to as their "pilot project." In that time they saw 15,000 patients. From that experience onward Patch Adams has devoted his life to the study of what makes people happy.

[@Mirrorgirl492]

I saw Patch speak back in the 1980's. He said to write to him and he would respond...so I did. And within a week of sending my letter I received a 5 page handwritten response from him. One of the most incredible humans this world has ever seen.

[@12z120]

hello! how are you doing?:)

[@tclmac1]

Any wise quote you would deem appropriate to share?

[@dreamdoctour]

You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person and I guarantee you win, no matter the outcome. -Patch Adams.

[@yesyesyes1926]

dreamdoctour movie patch adams

[@shady9044]

Nope that’s from the cliche and falsified, but still sweet, Robin Williams movie

[@DDELE7]

Give this man a Nobel prize. I wish to shake this man's hand.

[@GooglFascists]

LISTEN TO PATCH, everybody. He was spared suicide to be a GIFT to the world; a chosen man. If we're lucky we may get ONE Patch Adams every 100 years. Love you Patch!

[@eralindberg6590]

thus is very true!

[@mariannejohannessen9751]

Well said 👌

[@nsaadverse8794]

Our doctor is like you. He is a family friend. My wife is an RN and when we retire we are moving to West Virginia and both of us are going to join your cause.

[@mariamariamaria283]

Patch Adams did end up taking 10 veterans on a clown trip to Guatemala in 2015. The VA has not yet approved or funded this healing treatment for veterans. A doctor/retired military officer funded the trip with the insurance funds from the suicide death of his son. Patch mentioned the suicide numbers for US military veterans and there is no formal number for the suicide stats for dependants of veterans or active military service personnel. Patch and his community are amazing. If you are in a giving mood, donate to his organization so they can continue doing what they do.

[@zestytacos5959]

+Maria Casanova where can i donate tho

[@teresamcmillan4837]

maybe if we can't all have these hospitals we should all do what old time churches used to do. GO VISIT SICK PEOPLE

[@BBC0669]

Thank you Patch for waking up humanity. You are truly an inspiration.

[@Moethelock]

A lot of people still sleeping...

[@Bassium08]

@@Moethelock narrow is the way, and few who find it.

[@quentinbjensen5430]

Came here after watching the 1998 Robin Williams film. So glad I found this video, truly inspiring.

[@MadMansCosplay]

I was there this day, and it was a dream come true to hear Patch speak in real life and being able to talk with him myself about social change, healthcare and clowning in the hospitals and nursing homes...

[@madisonwilliams18]

i watched the movie Patch Adams for my High School Psychology class and wow. i was astonished and now because of Patch Adams I want to be a Psychologist. I want to help people like he did.

[@dgdivoky1]

The more I listen to Patch, the more I love him! He’s absolutley right…he took 90% out of the cost of healthcare by changing the model and living communally. We need to address the elephant in the room; it’s not supply cost, implant costs, or even pharmaceutical costs…certainly they contribute but they’re not the issue; the REAL issue is a system that fosters greed by denying care to those that need it by making it expensive. We clearly have an elitist model of care.

[@themishmish101]

patch should have won the nobel peace prize for his love and dedication for those that otherwise would never see the time of day ,let alone the light of day.unfortunately he doesn't belong to a church ,nor to a politically correct third word country , where handing out a prize makes racists feel good about themselves .like white rich actors adopting African kids from Africa while black and white Americans so desperately await a home ,or just a hug

[@dannycolombo90]

what a wonderful man... a life dedicated to help others... and this only because he need love...

[@bonniepoddany6111]

Happy, Funny, Loving, Cooperative, Creative and Thoughtful!

[@barbclark3625]

The best Rx in my life! I saw him in Toronto approximately 10 years ago. As a Brain Cancer Survivor/Warrior I follow his laughter and words of wisdom. Love you Dr. Patch Adams Xx

[@orchidpanda2253]

Just donated to his institute. It makes me so FREAKIN' happy this man exists in this world. I've often received scorn for too much joy and this man's joy revolution in the face of a worlwide toxic culture is such an inspiration, an elixir, a godsend. Love him!!!!

[@inspirednow2]

Love this guy. "Once you love yourself, what anyone ever says about you doesn't matter."

[@lidiastanciu6242]

Foarte frumos și plin de adevăr și înțelepciune, ceea ce ați spus!

[@DeyaIV]

It was awesome that his mother encouraged him and instilled self esteem in him. Imagine all the accomplishments humankind can achieve! if everyone has the right kind of self esteem to help others and the right mental attitude to accept the help one can give them 💖 Lovely talk.

[@remonhossny7067]

The more I listen to Patch, the more I love him! He’s absolutley right

[@witsrsly]

I came here from the Nostalgia Critic's review of Patch Adams. This man is amazing. So full of love and life and is always looking for a way to spread it to others. I really wish that there are other medical establishments consider and appreciate what Adams is doing instead of just saying that pills are the way to cure everything.

[@michaelpaulus3830]

Such an inspiration!! Why do more people not think like this?

[@kimtruthseeker5000]

Oh my dear Dr. Adams...your heavenly Father is very very proud of you! You, your patients, your staff...Your Mission is now on my Prayer List sir...and I lift it often! I love you! 💙✨💙

[@aussieman3021]

This video really touched my heart. The way Patch Adams was ranting on about death and the injustices of life was filled with real, pure emotion from the way he said it and bought tears into my eyes. I certainly agree with Patch on all of what he said about life and the reason why he likes to be funny and make people laugh and smile through pure sweetness and kindness. This is why I like Patch Adams, he is a guy who likes to dedicate his life to promote open positivity and help for others.

[@ivanm2687]

+AussieMan you have noticed it because you have the truth in your heart. I don't know any greatest way to live your life, other than going through it with the light inside of you. we have a mission in this life, let yours become the inspiration

[@superdr88]

What an amazing human being!!

[@RioNuevoIzabal]

I just saw the movie Patch Adams, very touching and inspiring. God Bless you Mr. Patch. Que Dios lo Bendiga.

[@sharonazar1]

WOW!!! a few more like him and we could save the world!!!

[@abrara321]

The way he recited the poem is AMAZING!!

[@zawwiUtube]

The one at 1:41?..

[@aatayyab]

Living example of "Life With A Purpose". A very humble salute (and Salam) to you Patch Adams!!! There's actually a movie made with the same name. That's what brought me towards finding and being part of such a great revolution called "being human in a brotherhood and sisterhood"

[@samar3634]

Beautiful.Thanks for being yourself 💐❤️

[@ZenaBattaglia]

What is left to be said, you are pure love!

[@MpaYn]

If people is so inspire by a person,then be your own version of that person. Other words,be your own Patch Adams in your Community. You may not be a doctor,but put a smile on ones face or just be positive . Positive energy is rubbed off on others the more to are positive every day. Universe bounce off you energy . What you put out ,you get back.

[@mariannejohannessen9751]

I Really Love you Patch Adams.

[@samar3634]

Hard is doing what you aren't. Hard is working in a job you hate and in a marriage that sucks. so true 💐

[@Jedum]

GENIUS! Such an inspiration!

[@pixelpusher3589]

Patch........you inspire me.... Thank you! Really thank you!

[@brendapowell5511]

Just wanted to say how much I appreciated you picking WV to build Gesundheit Institute. I was born and raised in WV and healthcare has been so needed for people here. I drove to Gesundheit Institute after seeing the movie never knowing until then it existed. I would love to meet you and would like you to give me a tour of the facility. Thank you for all that you have done snd continue to do for others.❤

[@rebeccaatkinson1927]

THE UNITED STATES NEEDS TO.LISTEN TO HIM

[@emilywaterman5061]

Patch Adams you are my hero!

[@themishmish101]

+Emily Waterman really ? he denies the existence of Israel wasserman

[@k.b.9716]

Appreciate your kind and strong spirit Dr. Patch Adams.

[@urosjokovic9955]

da je srece da ima mnogo vise ovakvih ljudi kao sto je ovaj predivni covek. neka te Bog cuva

[@hilal9898]

I'm so upset because I learned the Gesundheit Institute still couldn't be build. The movie's end very happy and it is made in 1998. It is all 22 years and there is no enstitute. I hope Patch see the Gesundheit Institute when before he die 😔 p.s: I study Child Development for my licence. And we watch Patch Adams movie for our Sick Child lesson. Patch is 75 years old now. But everybody learns from him. Thank you Patch for all that 💜

[@pikachu5188]

God bless you Hunter "Patch" Adams !

[@YearOfCam]

If... no, when... humanity surmounts the obstacles ithas made for itself, and both survives and thrives into the future... it will have been because of Patch and people like him.

[@marythompson9222]

Such a fantastic man. I wish my daughter could find a dr like him but there are none. This world needs .... more love

[@anaaraia9384]

This is the most humbling TEDx Talk I`ve ever watched. 💖

[@NefariousDreary]

this man is amazing. tutelage inspirational. I want to live in the kind of world he does.

[@aroidaddiction]

This is an amazing human being ! I wish more doctors were like him!

[@stevo6572]

What a gift to humanity this man is...

[@nicklespale22]

We need more people with a convicted commitment to who they truly are in this world, for this world, like him.

[@1805movie]

He's an amazing human being. He's like Pinkie Pie, fully realized.

[@airinom]

Love all the Loving comments... saying what i'm thinking as listening

[@kailashpathigujari]

I dived into the ocean of gratitude and never found the shore -> Patch Adam’s quote

[@bashir1980]

After first learning of Dr. Patch Adams from the 1998 film, followed by reading his motivational articles and listening to his motivational speeches, I have discovered some better ways on how to live a better, healthier life, both mentally and physically, without having to frequently visit hospitals, psychiatrists or medical clinics that don't necessarily provide you adequate treatment (especially for mental health concerns) and that are very costly. For example, his thoughts and beliefs have inspired me to frequently attend many fun social gatherings and events consisting mostly of people who kind of resonate with my overall nature or persona, combined with interesting activities that may be involved (e.g., games, entertainment, etc.). This has turned out to be the best fun activity that makes my life live, spiritually. From this, I have learned that interesting, favorite or motivational activities, when performed with interesting fellow participants/partners, bring its people, including strangers, closer, hence possibly forming a friendship or two with the fellow participants/partners in the process. What a great feeling it brings to the mind, heart and soul! Thank you so much Doc for helping me change or improve my life! You are a true hero! Stay blessed!

[@Inadace]

I think this is by far the best ted talk I've ever seen. And I've seen hundreds. I feel like he represents everything I ever dream of being. Like he is some part of me, the best part. How does he do it? Thank you Patch Adams, you're a thousand times better than the movie.

[@daynasenechal6245]

Patch you r an inspiration to humanity! TRUELY! YOU MADE MY EVENING, U MADE ME LAUGH, THANK YOU FOR CLOWNING AROUND!

[@DJNicke]

I LOVE THIS MAN!

[@rrocorry]

I love you Patch!

[@stevecl8275]

I too am an extravert! After my father was divorced 13 times mother 7 times. My father beat me a sexually molested me. Abused still Suffer from those traumatizing days. I am an author now and have written 6 books. The world is fundamentally flawed. Change the system change the world. God bless you Patch. Steve

[@josephelias9081]

Steve I'm really struggling with life. Sounds like you've been through stuff. Contact me if you can, I'm in real need of good quality advice / mentors. [e-mail]

[@christinegao3763]

What a great human being! ❤

[@1003JustinLaw]

I need to meet this man in person!

[@rebeccaatkinson1927]

I SERIOUSLY LOVE PATCH. VERY SMART KIND FUNNY GIVING MAN

[@junbug1love]

We Love U Patch!!

[@user-tb8sz6xr2b]

I love him. I love his work

[@theamazinj]

thank you Patch Adams for your Social Model of Disability thinking tearing up the Medical model :)

[@shirleymeyerblankenship8345]

THANK YOU PATCH!

[@joshnagenmurugiah4531]

Incredibly action filled life.

[@brithannyreid3641]

We love you patch 💖💖🌻

[@pixelpusher3589]

Awesomeness in human form 👍😜

[@DaffaBun]

Such a beautiful beautiful man! :')

[@MrOphachew]

Haven't seen the movie but I've heard alot about him. Thank you for caring.

[@teresamcmillan4837]

the movie is really good mostly true facts they added a few untrue things for effect like Corrin Fisher his love interest may be added and what happens to her actually it's a good friend not her that it happened to.

[@dashingdecentkhan]

Patch Hunter Adams, we Love you

[@saralu0707]

That was quite enticing and eye-opening to watch!

[@janhanger]

Laughter is the best medicine and that is a medical fact. I really hope hospitals will have playful music in the background and have comedy movies on tv instead of local channels.

[@Tarukeys]

I love this human sooooo much!

[@andrewsherwood324]

What an amazing and truly inspiring man!

[@boggbabe8193]

I wish he was my doctor! He could probably change my life!

[@joyceraguskus4591]

On this rather vacant Sunday with gray overcast skies…I moved towards watching the film w Robin Williams, 'Patch Adams"…..Having been lost in the sadness of depression….for starters several years prior…I could identify immediately with this starving human being who discovered he had the ability to laugh…be silly….and share an epidemic of smiles with living souls… I've been asleep in so many ways these recent years and starving the spirit of joy which I know still has the ability to open and share in another with another… As I write this I am hearing your vibrant voice inviting me to write you….me, write you…and add to the your 600 hand written letters ?…. " Food and a Friend" …"learning to love yourself…anything anyone else says about you does not matter"…What matter's is how to spend what you love about yourself….and not be afraid to admit the gifts given…. Courage to be….and be for other's cause I am good enough. I believe listening to you and your ability and fearless joy to go for it ….has today this Sunday of gray, opened perhaps an excitement that fell asleep to a new awakening…I wonder if I will fit visiting at some point this Summer….I know it will bring a smile. Thank you so very much for this opportunity Dr. Patch Adams, loving Father & Mother to many….ox Joyce Acebo~Raguskus

[@themaskedninja763]

I love that no one disliked this :)

[@rahard]

now there are. but who cares. patch is our hero.

[@BigEBikes]

He's completely right...

[@momlulu66]

Amazing person. Ty for upload.

[@shimonmagic1]

i love you pach!!!!! when i'll finish my D.M.D I WILL COME!!!!

[@matveybossis]

Much crazier than in the film!

[@matveybossis]

Daria Lapina помнишь фильм о нём?

[@dennisnicolle2728]

I look forward to seeing you very soon

[@pixelpusher3589]

Bravo mate...bravo

[@sahar1usa]

I really admire Patch. But at least you had the money to finish the med school, nowadays it s impossible to finish it due to the financial obstacles and loan.

[@ironman2326]

Absolutely agree. His model is generally not sustainable. I graduated PT school which costs less than med school and there's no way I could afford to work for free and pay my loans and take care of a family.

[@TheZealousNobleman]

BEST TED TALK! Ever!

[@tenagliac]

Not religious? But such a ministry ! Amazing.

[@larissamantovani6963]

Por favor, coloquem legenda em portuguêss 🙏🏼

[@elenapolenichkina6460]

Such a beautiful message!

[@mahdiomidvar564]

I Love you Patch... .

[@martinkennard2580]

Where in W Virginia is the institute?

[@OrteOliv56]

Se puede ! Te amo doctor. Mi padre siempre decia de los doctores los MATASANOS pero mi papito no tuvo la oportunidad de conocer a este gran SER. Este si es un medico, un shaman

[@lioness7792]

I think it would be great to watch Patch Adams' talks with correct subtitles... Because these 'automatic' are... hmm... let's say, not always correct... ;) Although I love English, it's not my native language after all... So I not always grasp everything only from listening... But I'd really love to! :)

[@krliiitoos]

thank you patch :)

[@BubblegumSoup]

Patch Adams for president!

[@malebee7523]

Patch Adams you are fascinating.

[@edithchiani1262]

i need this hospital so bad. can i go...... before life is taken from me

[@edithchiani1262]

+Edith Chiani also i have worked as a cna as well. and i tried showing love and happynes and i lost my job cuz i was told i cared to much. it hurt me more that any thing

[@u2s2e2r2]

love him!

[@chandusharma3745]

Perfect human being!

[@damondavies8708]

So beautiful. Pure love in action.