By: Chloe Hart
Laughter is often called the best medicine, and for clown doctors, it’s their prescription of choice.
These special performers bring joy to hospitals, helping patients, families, and even medical staff cope with stressful environments. But what exactly is a clown doctor, and how do they make a difference?
What Is a Clown Doctor?
Dr. Scallywag, from the Humour Foundation, explains, “We dress in white coats, but with red noses and bright colours. Our role is to bring life to what can be a stressful, anxiety-inducing hospital environment.”
Clown doctors aren’t medical professionals. Instead, they are trained performers who use humour and play to uplift spirits in hospitals. The Humour Foundation has 65 clown doctors working across 21 hospitals in Australia, making sure laughter is never in short supply. Clown Doctors is The Humour Foundation’s flagship program, working in partnership with health professionals to divert, calm and encourage positivity during children’s hospital stays.
Do Clown Doctors Need Special Training?
Most clown doctors come from performing arts backgrounds. “A lot of us have qualifications in theater or comedy,” says Dr. Scallywag. “It’s rooted in theater clowning, which focuses on connection, innocence, and delight in small moments.”
Their training helps them adapt to hospital settings, using improvisation to engage with patients based on their mood and situation.
How Do Patients React?
While children are usually curious and open to interaction, adults can sometimes be apprehensive. “It’s more the grown-ups who are wary,” Dr. Scallywag admits. “But kids quickly see we’re there to bring joy, not perform medical procedures.”
Importantly, clown doctors respect patients’ boundaries. “If a child tells us to go away, we will. That sense of control can be empowering in a hospital setting.”
What Do Clown Doctors Do?
Instead of following a script, clown doctors adapt to each child’s needs. “If a child has a stuffed animal, we’ll create a game with it,” Dr. Scallywag shares. “Sometimes, if a child is upset, we might sing a lullaby instead of making them laugh.”
Their goal is to read the room and bring comfort in the best way possible. Medical staff even call on clown doctors to help ease anxiety before procedures.
How Long Have Clown Doctors Been Around?
The concept of medical clowning has been around for decades, but the Humour Foundation officially started in 1998.
“There are branches worldwide,” Dr. Scallywag explains. “There’s even a world medical clowning conference every year!”
Many people associate clown doctors with Patch Adams, the famous movie starring Robin Williams. While not all clown doctors have seen the film, they share its core message—laughter can be healing.
Celebrating Smile Month
In Australia, Smile Month is a time to recognise the power of laughter and joy in healthcare. Clown doctors embody this spirit every day, turning hospital hallways into spaces filled with smiles and play.
As Dr. Scallywag puts it, “It’s the best job in the world.”
Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.
Feature image: Supplied