Hunter Doherty “Patch” Adams (born May 28, 1945) is an American physician, comedian, social activist, clown, and author. He founded the Gesundheit! Institute in 1971. Each year he organizes a group of volunteers from around the world to travel to various countries where they dress as clowns in an effort to bring humor to orphans, patients, and other people.[1]
Adams is currently based in Urbana, Illinois. In collaboration with the institute, he promotes an alternative health care model not funded by insurance policies.[1] As of April 2015, he serves on the Green Shadow Cabinet of the United States as “Assistant Secretary of Health for Holistic Health”