Clown Doctors
Serious about our silliness
Hear why our Clown Doctors program works
Clown Doctors Program in Westmead Children’s Hospital
In children’s hospitals across Australia, we are serious about our silliness – because we know it works.
Clown Doctors are trusted companions in care, transforming clinical spaces into places of courage, resilience and hope. With empathy, imagination and a deep understanding of the hospital environment, they help children navigate fear and pain through laughter, play and connection.
What We Do
Whether distracting a child during a painful procedure, easing anxiety in emergency departments, or being a joyful presence during long hospital stays, Clown Doctors bring warmth and wonder into moments that can otherwise feel cold and clinical.
Their humour is affirming, and they laugh with, never at. They seek permission, build rapport, and meet each child exactly where they are at. With empathy and expertise, they help children feel seen, heard and empowered – often making the difference between fear and calm, resistance and cooperation.
Their impact echoes long after their exit, leaving behind not just smiles, but strength.
Our Approach
Delivered by professional performers trained in healthcare settings
Embedded in hospital routines and responsive to clinical needs
Culturally safe and inclusive
Evidence based
What People Say
Paul Craven
Executive Director Children Young People and Families at Hunter New England Local Health District
At John Hunter Children’s Hospital there’s never a dull moment when those clown doctors are around. From stories, to music, magic to games, they are there to brighten the day of all.
Whether it’s a sick child in hospital, a family waiting for results or a staff member having a busy or stressful day, they light up the day and put a smile on your face.
When I see that white coat and red nose walking down the corridor, laden with toys and musical instruments, I know it won’t be long before there’ll be a crowd of laughter.
Thank you to the Clown Doctors for making every day sunny and bright, even when some clouds may be grey.
Family member or carer
Rather than associating medical interactions with pain, distrust, anxiety and loss of control she told me she now ‘feels safe because the Clown Doctors are there’. She has gained a friend and trusted companion in the space that she felt most vulnerable and afraid.
Parent of patient
My daughter’s experience with the Clown Doctors has transformed her entire healthcare journey and consequently our stress and health as a family. Rather than associating medical interactions with pain, distrust, anxiety and loss of control she told me she now feels safe because the Clown Doctors are there.
Meet some of the Clown Doctors
Dr Bananas grew up in the circus and began clowning at just five years old. From music and cabaret in his teens to producing Adelaide Fringe events and touring the world as a silent clown, he’s spent decades bringing laughter to audiences across Australia and beyond.
“Every interaction is unique, tailored to a child or family in that moment. It’s profoundly human.”
Whether through absurd movement, sound, or letting kids become the experts, Dr Bananas is serious about silliness – and about the power of humour to transform care.
Dr Hoopla brings extraordinary performance skills to her role as a Clown Doctor at Sunshine Coast University Hospital. After training with Flipside Youth Circus and the National Institute of Circus Arts, she toured internationally – even making history as the first solo female to win The People’s Choice Award at Canada’s Kingston Buskers Rendezvous in its 34-year history.
Now, she channels that artistry into one-on-one moments with children, families and staff – finding lightness in the hardest of times.
“What matters most are those small but powerful moments when parents feel a sense of relief, knowing their child is comforted and at ease.”
The Clown Doctors difference
Clown Doctors™ is Clown Doctors Australia’s flagship program – and we’re serious about our silliness.
Our performers bring more than just laughter; they bring connection, courage and care. Working alongside healthcare professionals, Clown Doctors help ease stress, reduce social isolation, and support emotional wellbeing in hospital environments that can feel overwhelming and unfamiliar. Through play, empathy and imagination, they create moments that matter – often making the difference between fear and calm, resistance and cooperation.
Expertly Trained Performers
Our Clown Doctors are professional performers with deep experience in performance, improvisation and human connection. They understand the sensitivities of hospital environments and work with empathy, creativity and care. Whether calming a child during a painful procedure, easing anxiety in emergency departments, or encouraging resilience during therapy, they help transform clinical moments into ones of courage and connection.
Grounded in Evidence
Laughter isn’t just uplifting – it’s clinically powerful. International research shows that humour can reduce fear, stress and pain, while supporting cardiovascular, immune and respiratory health. The Clown Doctors program is informed by this evidence, and by decades of experience in healthcare settings across Australia.
Reaching More Children
Clown Doctors regularly visit paediatric and neonatal intensive care units, emergency departments, waiting areas, adolescent mental health wards, and specialist clinics including burns, fractures and oncology. Wherever children need support, we aim to be there – with silliness, empathy and heart.
Growing Our Impact
Each year, Clown Doctors connect with over 300,000 children, families, carers and healthcare staff across Australia – and that number continues to grow.
From emergency departments to oncology clinics, our presence is expanding as more hospitals recognise the value of humour in care. Every visit is made possible thanks to the generosity of donors who believe in the power of play, empathy and connection.
VFPMS Pilot Program
In the Victorian Forensic Paediatric Medical Service (VFPMS) program, Clown Doctors accompany children who are being examined for suspected physical abuse or neglect. These are often highly stressful encounters for the children and adults involved. Clown Doctors work in partnership with medical and nursing staff to lift spirits; reduce fear and anxiety; and even to bring moments of joy and levity to these confronting situations.
Clown Doctors draw on their wide range of skills to attend to the unique needs of each child for the entire examination process which often takes over 2 hours, and sometimes much longer. They also support healthcare staff to make the overall examination process more effective and less traumatic for all involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Clown Doctors real doctors?
No – they are professional performers trained to work in healthcare environments alongside medical teams.
How do hospitals get Clown Doctors?
We partner with hospitals across Australia. If you’d like to bring Clown Doctors to your facility, get in touch.
Is the program funded by donations?
Yes – our work is made possible thanks to generous supporters who believe in the healing power of laughter.
