Investing in the next generation of Clown Doctors on the Gold Coast
For more than 20 years, Clown Doctors have been making space for courage, resilience and hope to children, families and staff at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH).
Now, thanks to the generous support of the James Frizelle Charitable Foundation, we’re investing in the next generation of Clown Doctors with the recruitment of two new performers who are now undertaking an intensive Clownternship.
While a red nose may seem simple, becoming a Clown Doctor is anything but.
More Than Performance: Training for Hospital Care
A Clownternship is a specialised, on-the-job training pathway that takes a year to complete. It has been developed to prepare Clown Doctors in training (Clownterns) to engage safely, sensitively and professionally with children and families experiencing illness, treatment and uncertainty, within hospital environments.
Under the guidance of a senior Clown Doctor mentor, each Clowntern completes up to 50 supervised hospital visits. Alongside these practical experiences, they participate in structured supervision, trauma-informed training, professional development and formal assessment milestones.
Through this intensive training pathway, Clownterns develop not only the artistic skills required to create moments of joy, but also the emotional intelligence, adaptability and clinical understanding needed to work within complex hospital environments.
A Partnership That Helps Learning Come to Life
The longstanding partnership between Clown Doctors Australia and GCUH also plays an important role in this process. The hospital supports the Clownternship by providing access to clinical environments for observations, supervised rounds and key training milestones, helping ensure new Clown Doctors are equipped to work safely and effectively within the hospital setting.
While Clown Doctors Australia trains performers across its national network, support from the James Frizelle Charitable Foundation is enabling this targeted investment in the Gold Coast service, helping prepare two new Clown Doctors to support local children and families for years to come. at humour, creativity and human-centered care can have in healthcare, paving the way for a future where no one fears hospital visits or ageing alone.
Creating Lasting Impact for Local Families
This investment will help ensure children and families across the Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales continue to benefit from the Clown Doctors program, creating positive healthcare experiences and helping children face hospital visits, treatment and medical procedures with greater confidence and less fear.
As Associate Professor Susan Moloney, Medical Director of Paediatrics at GCUH, shared:
‘It is unbelievable what a difference the presence of the Clown Doctors makes on the days they are here. They are always bringing smiles to the faces of our patients, families, and staff.’
She also noted that Clown Doctors have become an important part of the hospital community, supporting children during procedures, helping make the hospital experience less daunting, and becoming ‘part of the ward family’ for many regular patients.
Through its support of the training and development of two new Clown Doctors, the James Frizelle Charitable Foundation is helping sustain this important work, ensuring children and families continue to experience moments of joy, connection and hope, while creating positive memories and providing relief and respite during challenging times.
