Healthcare Clowns
Healthcare clowns—sometimes called medical clowns or clown doctors—are trained performers who work in hospitals to bring humor, lightness, and emotional relief to patients, especially children. Their presence can ease anxiety, reduce stress, and create moments of joy in environments that often feel frightening or overwhelming. By using play, improvisation, and gentle humor, healthcare clowns support not only patients but also families and medical staff, reminding everyone that healing involves both body and spirit. The history of healthcare clowns traces back to the long tradition of using humor as a companion to healing. In ancient Greece, jesters and comedic performers were sometimes present in healing temples, reflecting the belief that laughter had restorative power. Medieval court jesters and travelling performers continued this link between humor and well-being. The modern concept of the “medical clown” began to take shape in the late 20th century. In the 1980s, Amer...