3 minute read
Movie Review: Patch Adams
MA. CHANDESLINE KAYE ANNE ALVAR
The movie was released in 1998 based on the real life story of Hunter Doherty Adams. He was a doctor who believed that humor and laughter greatly contributes to the improvement of one’s health.
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Hunter Adams admitted himself to a Psychiatric Hospital due to his suicidal tendencies. After interacting with the patients, he slowly realized that he wanted to genuinely help them, unlike the government doctors who were not even paying attention to them during treatment.
Two years later, he decided to enroll in a medical school where he nurtured the value of kindness and service to other people as a form of laughter and comedy to his patients, even if he was still a student. He said, “You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you'll win, no matter what the outcome.”
Many people doubt his academic stance because they rarely saw him study but still managed to top this class. He also started the ‘hospital of joy’ wherein he gathered his med school friends and treated patients who have no money for hospital care.
Unfortunately, his girlfriend was killed by the patient they are treating. The patient was showing signs of mental instability but Patch saw something beyond this and he still utilized his emphatic side and still accepted him. One night, the patient called the hospital and his girlfriend was the only one on duty. He asked if she could come over because he was experiencing depression and having suicidal thoughts. The following day, Patch heard the news that Carin was murdered. This made him fall uphill. He lost his direction and wanted to give up. He blamed himself for what happened. “I wanted to become a doctor so I could serve others. And because of that, I've lost everything. But I've also gained everything.”
When the school found out about the unlicensed practices they were conducting, he was subjected for trial and was asked to drop out of the MD program. He needed to face and win over the judgment of the medical committee in order to remain in the school and graduate. Towards the end, he went back to his ‘why’. Why was he doing it in the first place? A wave of realization hit him so when the trial began, he passionately conveyed his beliefs and his reason- his vision on why he wanted and should stay and become a doctor. “If we're going to fight a disease, let's fight one of the most terrible diseases of all, indifference.”. He sees the world as a platform to give out kindness regardless of your social status. As a future medical practitioner, he is destined for goodness. Being of service to people not just physiologically but also their mental needs.
True passion is the key with a hint of humor, a dozen of kindness and a sprinkle of love. You may think that you are going nowhere, but let me tell you this: When you are at your downfall, there’s nowhere to go but up! Be grateful for everything. As medical students, we are part of this great preparation the world needs- people who serve with love and purpose. Be a Patch Adams in your own way. Nothing is too big to dream and no time is too late to achieve. The movie was beyond emotional. It was a powerful message of how medical practitioners view life. How we should be the day we become one. A solid 10 out 10 was deserved.
