Patch Adams

by Patch Adams, Maureen Mylander, Ibnu Setiawan (Translator)

Hunter Campbell “Patch” Adams lahir pada 28 Mei 1945 di Washington. Setelah menempuh Wakefield High School pada 1963, Patch Adams menyelesaikan pendidikan medisnya dan memperoleh gelar Doctor of Medicine dari Medical College of Virginia, Health Sciences Division of Virginia Commonwealth University. Pada akhir tahun 60-an, seorang sahabat dekatnya terbunuh. Percaya pada hubungan yang kuat antara kebaikan dengan lingkungan, dia yakin bahwa kesehatan seorang individu tidak bisa dipisahkan dari kesehatan keluarga, komunitas, dan dunia.

Patch, Linda, dan sahabat-sahabatnya mendirikan Gesundheit! Institute yang mengelola rumah sakit gratis. Dia dan Linda kemudian memiliki dua orang anak dan berpisah pada 1997. Setiap tahun dia mengorganisasi sekelompok relawan dari seluruh dunia untuk menjelajahi Rusia sebagai badut, untuk membawa harapan dan keceriaan kepada anak-anak yatim, para pasien, dan kalangan luas

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Health, Medicine, Humor, Medical, Memoir

310 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1992

About the author

Hunter Doherty "Patch" Adams (born May 28, 1945) is an American physician, comedian, social activist, clown, and author.

Reviews

[❥︎Benedetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥︎Un libro diverso dai soliti generi che leggo, ma altrettanto unico.
Una storia che vi cambierà il modo di vedere la vita, vi insegnerà quanto la felicità, il divertimento, il servizio, l'immaginazione, la creatività siano importanti per ogni essere vivente. La vita dell'autore è fonte di ispiazione, piena di gentilezza e voglia di aiutare il prossimo. Un uomo che vi farà capire che i sogni sono fondamentali e che realizzarli lo è ancor di più, non importa quanto essi siano buffi.♥︎

[Jeptha Davenport · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my guide to living the life of a loving doctor! I am helping Patch build the Patch Adams Teaching Centre and Clinic in 2008 -- you can help, too!

[Wouter van Noort · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book since watching Patch Adams starring Robin Williams, who portrayed Patch amazingly. Both Patch and Robin have a knack and passion for making people laugh. This book though, is not easy, it almost reads like a scientific/medical paper so you have to keep your head in the game. The Gesundheit! Institute is an amazing place and philosophy, wonderful to read about, and Patch is such an interesting, likable, and funny character!

[Saman]

درباره‌ي اين كتاب چندين بار متن‌هايي را نوشتم و باز پاكشان كردم؛ چرا كه ديدم جان كلام را نمي‌توانم بيان كنم. كتاب (پچ آدامز) نوشته‌ي دكتر (هانتر كمپبل پچ آدامز) از آن دست كتاب‌هايي‌ست كه من وقتي مي‌خوانم چيزي فراتر از عرق شرم از كوچكي و حقارت خود و با تواضع كامل در مقابل اين‌گونه افراد سر خم كردن و چيزي هر چند كوچك از اين فرشته‌هاي خداوند ياد گرفتن، برايم باقي مي‌ماند
اين كه فراتر از حد و اندازه‌هايي كه جامعه و محيط بر قالب ما مي‌دوزند را دريدن و به چيزي فراتر از خود و منافع خود پرداختن كه يكي از آن‌ها كمك به سلامت انسان‌ها و تا سر حد مرگ كمك به نجات جان انسان‌هاي ديگر است؛ آن‌هم بدون هيچ‌گونه چشم‌داشت مادي و فقط از روي مهرباني مطلق
وقتي اين دست انسان‌ها و يا بهتر است بگويم فرشته‌هاي خداوند را مي‌بينم، مي‌شنوم و مي‌خوانم، بي‌اختيار ياد اين شعر (شاملو) مي‌افتم كه حقيقتي‌ست درباره‌ي اين‌گونه افراد كه معني حقيقي (انسان) و (بار وظيفه بر دوش كشيدن)‌اند
كاشفان چشمه
كاشفان فروتن شوكران
جويندگان شادي
در مجري آتشفشان‌ها
شعبده‌بازان لبخند
در شبكلاه درد
با جا پايي ژرف‌تر از شادي
در گذرگاه پرندگان
در برابر تندر مي‌ايستند
خانه را روشن مي‌كنند
و مي‌ميرند

[Tanner Hawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joyful. Optimistic. Inspiring. The mutuality, intimacy, creativity, servant-heartedness, and just pure fun lived out by Patch Adams and the Gesundheit Institute are a beautiful picture of community and of the Kingdom of God. I also found many of his reflections on the ideal medical practice insightful for ministry.

"As a physician, I consider it a medical emergency if I perceive that an adult has allowed imagination to flounder and boredom to take hold" (91).

"Many communities get into trouble because they don't value group play as much as they value group work" (106).

"Wherever you go in life, friendliness will make your days exciting" (182).

"Passion, of course, implies glorious scenes: the grand opening of the future Gesundheit facility, or getting a bill passed in Congress that you worked for 10 years to push through. But this kind of passion needs no encouragement. The passion that tips the scale, the passion that makes the real difference, is the passion to endlessly hang posters--even one more time--or to call, yet again, another meeting where almost no one shows up, even though people promised to be there, and still find the ability to be feverishly enthusiastic for those two people who did show up" (187).

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Patch Adams. The real Patch Adams, who is 'way more interesting than the pale version played by Robin Williams in the movie. This book is about the real Patch Adams. I'd give it more stars, but it isn't exactly the best organized book around. It's more a compendium of ideas and experiences he's had in his life. I'd love it if a really good writer would do a definitive biography of him, and a very, very clear explication of his thought that really nailed who he is and what Gesundheit is all about. It's really a very wondeful orgnization.

[Cameron Kobes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot of good ideas. Having joy, humor, and interconnectedness be a fundamental part of healthcare seems like it would go a long way to helping heal the whole person rather than just treating symptoms. Those are things that can work on the smaller scale, between and among individuals. But, it all falls to pieces when we look at the larger scale plans, the free hospital and commune where everything stays open due to donations and the fact that staff contribute money they earn doing their other jobs. No matter how much the author talks about joy and purpose as an antidote for burnout, it's inevitable that this model will lead to burnout. In short, the author's ideas don't work in the real world. In fact, if you check on the organization's website, www.patchadams.org/gesundheit, you can see that the Gesundheit Institute hasn't seen any patients since 1984. It's instead been fundraising and doing education and global outreach, which are well and good, but they aren't what the author set out to achieve.
I also have to wonder if walking around dressed as a clown would spark joy and humor in 2024 the way that it did in the 1980s. I'm inclined to think not. Maybe the new century is too cynical for someone as joyful and idealistic as Patch Adams. But, if I take the perspective that Patch Adams's project's positive effect on the world is more important than whether or not he achieved all of his lofty goals, maybe I can be less critical.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I remember the 'Patch Adams' movie coming out when I was a kid, though I never took the opportunity to watch it. Since I tend to like the book better anyway, I figured I may as well read this before seeing the movie. That said, the book underwhelmed me. I expected it to be an autobiography of how Adams developed his breed of healing through humor. Instead, I learned that Adams doesn't really practice medicine anymore, instead devoting his time to raising funds to build his ideal hospital/living community, and the majority of the book was devoted to the philosophy behind community living and his vision for the hospital. Sadly, I couldn't really buy into his thinking, as a lot of it seemed like fluff, particularly when he was describing the physical construct of the hospital and the odd aesthetics he felt it needed that were more artistic than practical. Sure, hospitals tend to be boring and uncreative, but is it really that important that the opthamologist practices in an eyeball shaped room? I was not surprised to learn at the end of the book that 5 years after the book's original publishing, the hospital had yet to be built. The book is now 20 years old, and still no hospital. I admire Adams' vision, but it seems like the gap between vision and execution is wide.

[Kimball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. See, the thing is, I hate doctors and the medical establishment. But if they behaved more like Patch and the establishment he's cultivating then they wouldn't be as bad. Some doctors may have good intent but they soon fall into the rat race and do nothing to change it because they pretend their hands are tied. Which is why I hate them. They can do something like Patch Adams does. I love that he is against confidentiality because it doesn't provide an environment of openness and trust.

By not charging anything they completely sidestep the stupid malpractice insurance/fear tactical industry.

Work burnout happens when people don't have a connection or feel vulnerable to other people.

It's easiest to be funny when people are familiar with one another.

20 minutes of the book was silent. Must have even an error. Or maybe a joke by Patch!

[Vini · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Kau tahu apa penyakit paling gawat yang melanda masyarakat modern? Itu adalah kepalsuan. Sebab kepalsuan mirip seperti wabah : ia dapat membunuh." - Patch Adams.


Pernah nonton "Patch Adams" dengan aktor utama Robin Williams? Film yang sangat humanis, very recommended!

Nonton filmnya saya nangis kejer. Nah, sensasi baca bukunya lebih heboh lagi. Nangis kejer tiga ember *lebay*

Patch ini seorang dokter. Iya, yang biasanya pakai jas putih itu. Namun, dokter yang satu ini agak berbeda. Dia masih berjas putih dan bawa stetoskop, namun memakai hidung merah dan celana warna-warni, dan visite a.k.a mengunjungi pasien dan berkeliling dengan mengendarai sepeda roda satu.

Hei, kau ini sedang menggambarkan seorang dokter atau badut sih? Saya betulan sedang berbicara tentang seorang dokter. Dokter Patch.

Dokter Patch bukan dokter gadungan. Namun ia juga bukanlah dokter konvensional, tipe dokter yang keluar dari gerbang fakultas kedokteran dengan cetakan wajah serius dan stres tersembunyi akibat tekanan kesempurnaan tanggung jawab profesi; setelah bertahun-tahun melahap buku-buku setebal bantal dan berurusan dengan penyakit, kuman, darah, serta kematian.

Dokter Patch menyembuhkan orang bukan dengan metode 'kedokteran mekanikal,' dimana pasien lebih menyerupai 'sesuatu yang rusak dan harus diperbaiki dengan prosedur begini-begitu yang kerap kurang manusiawi.' Ia menekankan bahwa dokter juga manusia, mereka bukan kaum penyembuh dengan kekuatan titisan Tuhan yang dapat membuat Anda sehat dengan sekali sentuh.

Patch lebih memandang sistem pengobatan dan hubungan antara dokter dan pasien secara holistik. Tubuh, jiwa, dan pikiran sudah didesain sebagai sistem dengan keseimbangan sempurna lengkap dengan penyembuhan otomatis-jika dirawat dengan baik. Hubungan antara dokter dan pasien yang seharusnya adalah lebih dari kombinasi 'tukang reparasi' dengan 'mesin yang rusak.'

Dokter dan sistem kedokteran ideal seharusnya berperan menjadi pemandu pasien-dan manusia pada umumnya-untuk sadar dan peduli akan tubuh serta kesehatannya, yang dicapai lewat gaya hidup sehat dan pola pikir positif. Patch juga percaya bahwa tawa dan kebahagiaan adalah vitamin ampuh yang meredam segala penyakit. Bahwa tugas dokter yang ideal bukanlah melakukan sulap untuk melenyapkan borok, melainkan membuat Anda sadar dan tahu apa penyebab borok, cara pencegahannya, dan penanggulangan holistik terhadap borok itu. Dengan kata lain, dokter yang ideal adalah sahabat sejati Anda-terutama dalam urusan kesehatan. Ada rasa hormat, saling percaya, dan juga cinta, sehingga dapat terbentuk ikatan pemahaman yang memandang kedua pihak-dokter dan pasien-secara manusiawi dan wajar.

Dalam buku ini, Patch tidak hanya menyoroti kegelisahannya terhadap sistem kedokteran modern. Pemaparannya juga dapat membuka mata kita mengenai betapa beratnya tekanan dan tuntutan tanggung jawab yang diemban oleh para dokter. Pernahkah Anda berpikir jika tindakan malpraktik bisa jadi dipicu oleh tingkat stres dokter akibat tuntutan kesempurnaan yang akhirnya berujung pada kehati-hatian yang salah? Bayangkan, Anda yang sakit saja sudah stres, apalagi dokter yang dituntut mengobati penyakit Anda. Lebih-lebih ketika si dokter paham betul jika penyakit Anda super gawat, peluang sembuhnya kecil, pasien tidak mau tahu dan sadar diri terhadap gaya hidupnya yang mengerikan, namun ia maunya sembuh dan siap memperkarakan si dokter jika terjadi sesuatu yang di luar rencana.

Dokter Patch menuangkan seluruh visinya dalam buku ini. Terutama dalam bab Gesundheit-rumah sakit yang merupakan visinya untuk menjadi 'sahabat' kesehatan masyarakat. Pada akhirnya, visi Patch mengenai dunia kedokteran masa depan adalah sama seperti mimpi Hippocrates :

"Tujuan pendidikan kedokteran pada akhirnya adalah menghapus kebutuhan akan dokter. Sebab masyarakat akan telah memahami pentingnya kesehatan dan cara hidup yang sehat, sehingga para dokter dan tenaga medis lainnya tidak lagi berperan sebagai orang suci penyembuh, melainkan sahabat yang akan berjalan di samping Anda untuk memastikan bahwa Anda menghargai diri Anda-dan kehidupan."

Buku yang sangat menyentuh dan patut dibaca oleh semua kalangan-khususnya para dokter, pasien, dan mahasiswa kedokteran yang tengah membangun langkah mereka untuk menjejak ke dunia tersebut. Great book and very recommended!

[J]

Patch Adams devotes himself to something much bigger than just being a clown doctor. He's aiming at social transformation: I think I remember somewhere in the book his stated goal of world peace. That's why he's silly and loving all the time in all places, not just with his patients.

But he is a clown doctor, too, and has a principled practice. He
-- insists on house calls
-- refuses to accept third party reimbursement
-- refuses to purchase malpractice insurance
-- refuses to charge any patient any fee
-- embraces alternative modalities, like acupuncture and homeopathy
-- asks patients not for confidentiality but openness about their health status

Sounds impossible? He has been successful doing the above for decades. This book is all about that, the hospital he and his partners are building, their trips abroad, and more.

A couple excerpts:
pg 44
The instant a physician carries malpractice insurance, he or she sets up an adversarial relationship with patients and says, in effect, "I don't trust you." Even the most caring, conscientious health care professional enters that relationship in fear and mistrust. Fear is not the baseline from which to practice medicine.

pg 59
Under the present system, whatever is said or done between doctor and patient is held as totally private, never to be shared with others. This privacy is considered sacred in the medical profession. But often pain, especially very deep pain, can be relieved if shared, whereas "privacy" may reinforce or enlarge the weight of a secret burden.

[Fiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked his idealism in the book and several of his ideas about totally not just reforming, but changing, the healthcare system. I have to say though, even being an idealist myself, I found myself questioning his vision's practicality in the real world, particularly not charging for medical care but not giving much of any idea how to actually fund it then, except hoping random people will keep contributing.

I was glad to get insight into this real man and what he actually carried out, beyond seeing the movie years ago. I would like to now read up on what he did since the book was published, and if there is still a Gesundheit Institute in place, and if others have followed his lead. It's the kind of ideas I would LOVE to see taken to heart and incorporated into the current state of medical affairs, but not only done by a few who take that giant leap to go all the way with it. He makes mention of this in his book, that doctors and hospitals can take bits of it to work with, but he doesn't pose ways to actually do so. I would have liked to see more of that discussed, rather than a continuous reiteration of the premise and moving slightly back and forth in time on how their operations were going over and over. I feel the book would have been better served by being more chronological, and it got quite repetitive. I liked it best earlier on before I'd read the same thing expressed in slightly different ways repeatedly. However, it was a quick, easy, and overall interesting read.

[Jacob Greenmyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

.......Hm.......

Interesting to say the least. There were some refreshing, idealistic, and arguably revolutionary ideas presented in this book. I enjoyed the beginning and the ends much more than the middle. The middle seems to be more of a how to on idolatry than it does a reflection on medicine and society.

I think there is a niche for what Dr. Patch advocates at some parts of his book, especially for rehabilitation, long term care facilities, those seeking mental help, those experiencing severe yet non specific symptoms, those experiencing chronic not life threatening diseases, etc, and I applaud him for his vision and his diligence, but sometimes when I was reading this book I couldn't help but wonder what in the heck I was reading. I think he may be radical enough to prompt other practitioners to carefully consider how they can improve the purity of their service and the quality of their patient care, even within the current American healthcare paradigm.

The most surprising part of the book was the last two sentences, in which he discloses that he and his wife of 26 years got a divorce.

Some of the parts I enjoyed were Patch's insistence on house calls, incorporating family into the patients medical care, refusing to deal with insurance, the extensive degree to which he gets to know his patients (through detailed life and medical histories, and otherwise) and his unabashed denunciation of the AMA.

Pages 1-64, 119-193 are worth reading in some capacity.



I would not recommend this book to Michael Storandt.

[Jacinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book as a part of my endeavor to read more books that movies are based on. It was quite interesting reading this after very recently just having read a book from a NHS GP, which praised universal healthcare, only to then go to Patch Adams condemning it. As an Australian I have always struggled to understand America's resistance to what is fundamentally an awesome system. However Adams made his opinion of the way the American health system is being run very clear, far too many expensive tests being run in order to get payouts that would cripple Universal Healthcare. It's interesting that the NHS doctor also mentioned this as being a flaw with their system.

Adams instead recommends offering healthcare that includes holistic approaches on top of medical ones which I find interesting considering medicine is usually a wholly scientific field however he also mentions that if in offering holistic approaches one person benefits isn't that better than not? I guess the answer behind that is yes, so long as the holistic approach isn't making someone entirely rich of sketchy science. I do like, nay, love his approach that healthcare is more than just taking medicine; one that also includes having a happy community, being happy, enjoying exercise, eating healthily and getting out into nature. If nothing else I do feel these are things we should all aim toward in the pursuit of good health.

[Kate Savage · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is there something wrong with me if I can't bring myself to trust Patch Adams? All those beautiful ideas, and here I am with my arms folded and looking half away.

This book is a useful reminder to live with humor; a useful reminder that every dying person is actually a living person. But beyond this utility, Patch feels a little too bright for me. No shadows, no worries, no existential despair in the face of death. Humility, yes, but no self-doubt.

The book is a critique of not only modern medicine but also leftist attempts to improve it, along the track of Ivan Illich. And yet, Patch's non-dehumanizing solution is so fragile, tentative -- and as far as I can tell, still unbuilt. (In the meantime, what I wouldn't give for a little single-payer universal coverage . . .)

If eternal hope and a life without existential despair in the face of death sounds like just your thing: this is the book for you.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dream. Dream wild. Extremely wild dreams. Somewhere back there is a wild seed waiting. Of that, I am sure. Go and take a look. Take another look and bring your keenest sense. Sniff what you see. Hear what you feel. Grab a rake and a pail of water and ponder some. Pick up that wild seed and find a very very convenient place to plant it, for throughout your days here you will need to keep it much closer than you are used to. Do not worry about what it will become or how you will coax it there. Truly, it will grow from this moment on. It’s up to you.


Wonderful book about a truly inspiring man who has taken his dreams of free holistic health care and passionately pursued them with his life. Great insights on the health care system, health, and well-being in general.

[Feliz Jameela · Rating 4 out of 5]

living self sufficiently and living in laughter...my ultimate dream....someday..someday..

[Breanna (Ragsdale) Spires · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the movie starring Robin Williams and how Patch Adams revolutionized medical care by just CARING, putting humor into humorless situations. I knew Mr. Adams was mixed about the portrayal of his life on film and I really wanted to know who he is. So, I borrowed the audio book. A biography of sorts from the man himself.

Gesundheit! is about the Gesundheit Institute, a place created by Patch Adams and his crew that is FREE, home-style, and helps to give care not only to the patient but their families through genuine, holistic care; because the quality of life is important and essential for healing success. It is about a change in how medical care is given and the greatest disservice the current healthcare offers. Patch Adams shares about his personal life, the journey he took to realize how important people are – becoming a “journalist who didn’t take notes”, and how his desire for deeply personal medical care through humor and friendships has changed the lives of others, patient and physician, for the better. It’s more than that!

I loved listening to this autobiography. Patch Adams is just as expected: energetic, funny, empathetic, and so ahead of his time. He is a true pioneer in making medicine deeper than just research and sterile interactions in a medical setting, of breaking the system, less…clinical in the clinic. “Gesundheit” means “good health” and that is the goal. Patch Adams’ love for people and connection is contagious with every sentence. Patch leads the way in Christ-like character in healing others personally and generously in a very selfish, consumer-based/big pharma field. He implores and encourages physicians to be open to this approach in healing. He is asking for the medical relationship, and the financial hardships that typically go along with it, change to revolutionize healthcare today and I really recommend this book.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What dreams this man had! Part of me says, "I wish all future doctors had to read this book as part of their curriculum!". Part of me says, "Without religion, what's the point?". I pray Patch Adams finds Jesus before his demise. He definitely has done his "works" to earn his "rewards". He just needs to get onboard now with Jesus. I appreciate that he wants to be all inclusive, and that's TOTALLY Jesus's message. Problem is, aborting babies (even after counseling against) isn't in line with Jesus's message. And, if you've read the Bible, and believe in it, you know there's only so much we can accomplish in fighting the evil of this world before it all comes crashing down. The dream was nice, and I know Mr. Adams must have helped loosen some people up over the years. Unfortunately, time is not in his favor. Nor is future history (per the Bible).

I would still suggest this book to anyone wanting to look at another possibility for healthcare. A more open version where your doctor should be your friend. Try to take the lessons and influence anyone you know around you that would benefit from them as well. Doctors are not "better" than their patients and if that's the impression yours gives you, find a new one.

[Tamara aka SoMysteriousLee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could give it 3.5 stars, but only 3 seems harsh for my opinion on this book. I really like that he added a bibliography in the back of his own library. Interesting and impressive blend of materials. While I do wish his approach was viable, I find it a bit too idealistic, as there has to be a way to fund such an endeavor, and also, prepare for the inevitable onslaught of malpractice suits that would surely ensue. Lets face it, lawyers and people want perfect results along with lots of money in their own pockets as well as sometimes illnesses can take years to diagnose. I know this from having R.A., took years for a flair-up to show up on the blood work in a way that the insurance company would accept. I do agree with holistic practices mixed with science, especially since I won't take all the immune system drugs that are normally prescribed for R.A patients, the same they use for AIDS and Cancer, and well, they helped move along the lamented demise of Glen Frey. Back to the book, novel idea, not really practical but perhaps in a galaxy far far away we might be enlightened enough to actually make it work for the betterment of health care.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In cleaning out and throwing away all items not necessary now that I am retired, I found this book. I had read it in my early days as a Nurse Practitioner. I worked in rural clinics. This book by Patch Adams, MD focuses on his medical career in the mountains of West Virginia. That is why I picked it up in 1993 and I could not stop reading it this time. This book was originally released in 1993. Adams thoroughly explains the problems facing health care then. Shockingly to me many of the issues described in this book reflects what we still struggle with healthcare (as either a provider or patient) today. But it’s not all gloom. Adams also describes his dream for perfect healthcare through our lifespans. A lot of his dream could have been easily tested, tried or launched. His dream never came to be. Now after months of pandemic living, it will be interesting how the medical healthcare survives and maybe starts dreaming again. It’s worth reading this book. It’s a personal and professional insight of how we manage our health or better yet, how our health is managed by others. Now is a perfect time to dream. Stay well.

[Roger Smitter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book published in 1997 by Patch Adams, MD, raised issues that are relevant today in the medical field. The book takes us to a very strange medical staff that uses very unusual means for service and health. Adams was the doctor who created the unusual hospital that provides service using humor and joy as a means of recovery for patients.

He gives us a good bio about his unique medical strategies. There’s very little about traditional medical practices. He never knocks them. But he also doesn’t explain how the humor and play works with the traditional methods in medicine. “The most distressing health problem for many people is the combustion of boredom, fear, and loneliness.”

There’s a few pages on ethics near the end of the book. And, there’s a chapter, “Building on a Shoestring.” And so, there’s a chapter asking for money.

It’s a good read for a summer day and it’s something that says we could have (or perhaps we could have had) we would all have very different experiences at the doc’s office.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Health care as it ought be!
 Along with lots of other good life advice

" Mathematics the mother of all sciences enchanted me, it was so perfect and  so gloriously orderly that I spent day after day delving into  the smallest details."

" The most revolutionary act and anyone can commit is to be happy. I refer not to a moment of joy occurring during one of life's peak experiences but to a  basic continuing pattern of enduring happiness. It takes no greater effort to be happy every day than to be miserable."


" Nothing in life can approach the breath taking joy of the  shared journey into parenthood. Could there possibly be a greater gift to a child than the  Parents' happiness with one another during the child's development?"

(This entire section  on happiness is worth reading again and again)


" It is imperative that we regard world peace as attainable and work to achieve it. We must cast off fear and doubt and learn to love and care for all people without waiting for others to take the first step."

"Learn to like yourself because you are your most constant companion."

[Kimo · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing































































































































































































































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[Nate Hendrix · Rating 2 out of 5]

We watched the Robin Williams movie Patch Adams recently with Evie. It is an excellent movie, in this case better than the book. I enjoyed the part of the book about his life and the hospital community that he hoped to create. But that was just the first third of the book. The rest is his ideas on everything related to health care. It got a little tiresome. I gave up half way through.

[‧₊ júlia laís ‧₊ · Rating 3 out of 5]

um livro muito querido sobre um médico e palhaço em seu projeto de vida de humanizar a medicina (que ainda mais nos estados unidos onde a saúde não é pública, se torna um negócio e as pessoas que deveriam ser o principal, são facilmente deixadas de lado)

[Aline Gonzaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uma leitura rápida e divertida. Bom para presentar alguém querido.

[Lynn Coullard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read; Patch Adams has some great ideas about caring for people.

[Marji Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth your time! I heard him speak about 20 years ago and he's a peculiar guy, but has the heart of a servant leader. The memoir is funny, sad, uplifting and depressing--just like real life.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I watched the movie after many years with my son and thought I'd look up the book. He has so many interesting ideas about health care - especially a focus on humor and well being.