Patch Adams

4 out of 5

Physician, Clown & Social Activist; Founder of Gesundheit Institute; Inspiration for the Robin Williams Movie "Patch Adams"

Champaign, IL, USA

Patch Adams Biography

Patch Adams, M.D., is an internationally known speaker on wellness, humor, and joy. He approaches the issues of personal, community, and global health with “zestful exuberance,” according to Time Magazine. Dr. Adams believes that “the most revolutionary act one can commit in our world is to be happy.”

“Extraordinary! A man I can look up to and respect,” “Incredibly mind blowing and memorable,” and “Inspiring, amazing human being- invaluable to hear first-hand,” are all testimonies of people who have had the chance to hear Dr. Patch Adams, the real man behind the hit Hollywood film "Patch Adams."

Adams is a medical doctor, a clown, and a social activist who has devoted 30 years to changing America's healthcare system. He believes that laughter, joy and creativity are integral parts of the healing process. 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 work side by side in Adams’s model. If you think that all sounds like a utopian impossibility, it isn't! Adams and his colleagues have practiced medicine at the Gesundheit Institute together in West Virginia that way for 43 years in what Adams refers to as their "pilot project.”

Through the success of this program at the West Virginia location, a model health care facility is being planned on 310 acres purchased in Pocahontas County, WV. The Institute will include a 40-bed hospital, a theater, arts and crafts shops, horticulture and vocational therapy. Over five years ago, Dr. Adams temporarily stopped seeing patients so that he could coordinate plans for raising the $5 million needed for the Institute's permanent and expanded home, a “model health care community.” When you bring Patch Adams to speak, you’re supporting this dream!

BOOK Patch Adams

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 11/19/2025.

Patch Adams Speaking Topics

  • Living a Life of Joy

    Exploring the audacious idea of never having another bad day! Patch discusses how to discover the incredible thrill of choosing to live everyday with joy. The focus of this lecture is life as a choice.

    "Living a Life of Joy" explores the power of compassion, humor, and human connection in fostering a fulfilling and joyful life. Drawing from his experiences as a doctor, clown, and social activist, Adams emphasizes the importance of kindness, playfulness, and a commitment to serving others. He challenges conventional healthcare models, advocating for a holistic approach that prioritizes emotional well-being. Through personal stories, interactive moments, and thought-provoking insights, Adams inspires audiences to embrace joy as a daily practice and a means to create positive change in the world.

  • The Joy of Caring

    A lecture on the thrill of helping others. This inspirational talk includes a dialogue to explore burnout prevention for caregivers. The focus of this lecture is the magic and the power of care, not only in the patient’s life, but also in the caregiver’s life.

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Patch Adams Videos

Patch Adams on "Patch Adams" (1999)

Patch Adams on "Patch Adams" (1999)

When people ask me about my thoughts on the film, I was disappointed. Time was compressed, events were jumbled around, and people I've known and...

Patch Adams London Human Playing Conference 2018

Patch Adams London Human Playing Conference 2018

Patch Adams London Human Playing Conference 2018. Corinne Cosseron International School of Laughter.

Gesundheit Institute: Patch Adams at TEDxUtrechtUniversity

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...

  • How do I book Patch Adams to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Patch Adams for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Patch Adams, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Patch Adams or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Patch Adams

    Speaking fees for Patch Adams, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Patch Adams are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Patch Adams, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Patch Adams speak about?

    Patch Adams is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Aging, Celebrity, College, Comedian, Health & Wellness, Healthcare, Inspirational, Medicine, Mental Health, Stress Management, Work-Life Balance
  • Where does Patch Adams travel from?

    Patch Adams generally travels from Champaign, IL, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Patch Adams’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Patch Adams for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Patch Adams for your next private or corporate function.
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Patch Adams is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Living a Life of Joy , The Joy of Caring , What is Your Love Strategy? and Medicine for Fun, not Funds . The estimated speaking fee range to book Patch Adams for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Patch Adams generally travels from Champaign, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Shannon Miller, Bob Harper, Amanda Gore, Loretta LaRoche and Dan Thurmon. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Patch Adams for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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