Patch Adams

Patch Adams is the founder of the Gesundheit Institute. His life was the template for the plot of the movie "Patch Adams" with Robin Williams as leading actor.

Patch Adams graduated as a medical doctor in 1971, convinced of the powerful connection between environment and wellness. He holds the belief that the health of an individual cannot be separated from the health of the family, community and the world. In consequence, Patch and some friends founded the Gesundheit Institute, which ran as a free community hospital for 12 years.

The new-look Gesundheit Institute is a free, full-scale hospital and health care eco-community which is now being built in West Virginia. Its goal is to integrate a traditional hospital with alternative medicine--acupuncture, homeopathy, etc. Care will integrate medicine with performing arts, crafts, nature, agriculture, and recreation.

Patch Adams is also a social activist, citizen diplomat, professional clown, performer and author. For example, each year he organizes a group of volunteers from around the world to travel to Russia as clowns, to bring hope and joy to orphans, patients and the people. In 1998 he also visited Bosnia.

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Patch Adams