MeDiClown Academy in association with Saveetha Medical College, Chennai and ranked 25^th by National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is offering an accredited & certified Fellowship in the Art and Science of Medical Clowning (FASMC). This program offered through Saveetha Medical College and Hospital will integrate the therapeutic art and science of happiness, humour and healing through laughter, joy, play and love. The program has been designed for aspirants in health and wellness, education, social sector and corporate organizations, to facilitate a happy and healthy India for all.

Clowning in healthcare as a profession has been practised in the western world for over 30 years, and is now a global discipline and career. Medical Clowns are highly specialised, trained and qualified professionals. International scientific research has shown that Medical Clowning has a significant positive impact in improving mental, emotional and physical health. Stress, anxiety and depression decrease, along with a number of conditions and  illnesses including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and infertility, to name a few.

Founded in 2013, MeDiClown Academy is a registered activity of the Auroville Foundation, incubated as a social startup by Fif Fernandes and Hamish Boyd. The Academy aims to transform health and social well-being through Medical Clowning in rural and urban India. The winner of YES! i am the CHANGE 2018 Grant and Accelerator Award by the YES Foundation, MeDiClown Academy is utilising the grant to scale up operations and introduce this course for the first time in India.

The FASMC program will include workplace protocols, research, sustainable health and well-being techniques, theatre and theatrical practices, core academics and fieldwork such as shadowing International Medical Clowns, amongst other training modules. The duration of this full-time course is 6-months/600 hours. Criteria for application includes a Bachelors or Post-graduate degree in any discipline from a duly recognized University; or life experience. The course will open up avenues for graduates to venture into new career lines.

Speaking about the launch of the FASMC course, Fif Fernandes, Co-founder of MeDiClown Academy said, “We are extremely elated to collaborate with an esteemed university such as Saveetha University to introduce this unique fellowship program. This will help us to achieve our Vision of ‘Healing through Love, Laughter and Humour - A Healthy Happy India for All’. It will also develop job opportunities with a large pool of professionally trained MeDi Clowns.”

Hamish Boyd, Co-founder of MeDiClown Academy added, “Our course curriculum has been designed after thorough research and selection of the right teaching methodologies. We are confident that our students will deliver the desired impact of MeDi Clowning on health and wellbeing outcomes in healthcare, educational, corporate and community settings.”

Dr. Saveetha, Director, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital said, “As a renowned medical institution in India, we are happy to be the first to introduce this course along with MeDiClown Academy. With well documented research and studies, therapeutic clowning is now a global practice and career. Medical clowns add value in several work areas including private/government hospitals, schools, women self-help groups, traumatic and stressful environments such as in the Airforce, Army and Navy, amongst others.”