Gesundheit!: Bringing Good Health to You, the Medical System, and Society through Physician Service, Complementary Therapies, Humor, and Joy Paperback – October 1, 1998

An engaging, comprehensive review of the vision and life-dreamof the "real life" Patch Adams, M.D. This, the good doctor'sfirst book, gives the reader the background leading up to, andthe progress of the dream made since, the 1994 Hollywood versionof this man's life, which starred Robin Williams. An easy, butenjoyable and informative read for anyone curious about whatthis amazing doctor is doing now, what he has learned from his"pilot project" clinic, and how the dream for a 40-bed freehospital had changed and grown over the years. A must foranyone interested in visiting the West Virigina site and workingas a volunteer. A joy for any reader who, like Patch, hassuffered the detriments of our current health care system,and who seeks to reform it into something that can actually heal.

I agree with Patch on the many issues facing managed care. I do think he should charge some amount...sliding scale. He is remarkable and interesting. It was a joy to read.

I had heard Patch Adams on the radio show with Art Bell and was very moved by this man. I believe no money went to his project from the movie in Hollywood. But, if you are interested in why would he choose to give FREE medical help to people, then you will want to purchase this book.The world needs more people like Patch Adams.

This book is slightly better than his House Calls book IMHO.It explains his thoughts on how to improve/change our medical system. Please look up my review on this book (House Calls).I well remember when I was growing up in the 1950's that the local docs still made - limited in scope - house calls. I vividly remember once when I was sick - maybe 5 or 6 - that the town/local doc made a house call and gave me a shot in the butt of penicillin. But then the office model took off and is far more efficient use of a MD's limited time.Patches views/opinions are interesting but not very practicable and I explain why in more detail in my Review of his other book.I would rate this book a good 8.0 to 8.5 - I would only recommend if you get it at your local library.

I believe people over the world have to learn how to be happy, how to help each other for free. Patch Adams has some good ideas and dreams how to build a healthier world and earth.One of my favorite quote from his book:"Common Misunderstanding: Many people think that Patch says that humor is the best medicine, Patch actually believes that friendship is the best medicine!"Be happy!

I enjoyed the movie Patch Adams, this book goes into a little more detail about what he was actually trying to do and what he thought

If I believed in Karma, I would say I was Patch Adams in a former life. I love his philosophy.

Patch Adams, MD, is clearly one of a kind. A man with a vision about changing health care. He has many good ideas. But, many are far too Utopian for times and the systems and the people.His book is almost all philosophy. Not much for stories. Which disappointed this reader. The few stories he shared were about trips to Moscow mostly made with groups of clowns, etc.This reader thinks Adams could have gotten his message across far more effectively and enjoyably if he had practiced his own medicine, so to speak, in authoring the book. I wish him better luck next time.