Training

Mastery of improvisation and entertainment techniques is the basis for eligibility to be a clown doctor. Among the essential qualities for this work are an ability to listen, sensitivity, emotional stability, dedication and professionalism.

A complete training programme, run in partnership with King’s College London, includes medical and artistic workshops. Medical knowledge covers hospital procedures, infection control, a range of physical and psychological illnesses, and the structure of hospital paediatric services. It is important to know how to approach a sick child, and also involve the family and hospital staff without being intrusive.

The candidates will already have many artistic skills such as magic, acting, story-telling, mime, balloon sculpture, and juggling, and they learn to develop these skills and adapt them to each child’s need in widely differing situations.