Moshe Twito – an Israeli medical clown has been making
his own rounds at various public hospitals in Manila to provide therapeutic
services through clowning. Twito is a senior member of the Dream Doctors
Project – an Israeli organization specializing in Clowning Therapy.
A real-life Patch Adams, Twito performed at the pediatric
wards of Philippine General Hospital, Ospital ng Maynila, Philippine Children's
Medical Center and Ospital ng Makati to spread joy and laughter for the
children and their families.
Moshe Twito poses with patients and their parents at the Philippine Children's Medical Center
He also spent time with the hospitals' medical officials
and staff in order to integrate or even start their own medical clowning
program and the benefits of medical clowning.
"Studies show that medical clowning helps pacify
young patients as they are more relaxed when undergoing a test or procedure.
Improvements in physiological and emotional health have also been noted,"
Twito said.
He adds: "for example, a child will need less
anesthesia for an operation after he spends some time with a medical clown. The
child is relaxed and can connect with the clown. The clown becomes his
friend."
Moshe Twito gives a lecture to the hardworking doctors, nurses and staff of
the Ospital ng Maynila
With a huge repertoire of tricks, jokes and musical fun, Twito
clearly enjoys what he does. The staff is delighted to see him and he greets
them all by first names.
The
Dream Doctors project integrates professional medical clowning into the medical
services provided at Israeli hospitals. Established in 2002, the Dream Doctors
Project is now operating at 20 hospitals throughout the country, with 70
medical clowns working in various pediatric wards and clinics.