The Power of Humor on Patient Care and Physician Well-being
Humor in medicine? It might sound like an oxymoron in a profession where high stress and serious stakes are the norm. But humor has had a profound impact on how I care for patients, how I teach, and how I maintain my own well-being.
The benefits of humor are well documented, with physical, psychological, and social perks that make it an all-around win. Physically, laughter gets those muscles moving, improves respiration, and helps keep stress hormones in check. Mentally, it’s like a reset button, reducing anxiety, depression, and tension while boosting mood, self-esteem, and creativity. Socially, humor can work wonders for relationships, improving communication and building a sense of community (Pinnacle MAC et al. The use of humor in palliative care: a systematic literature review; Ling-Dahl LM et al. Humor assessment and interventions in palliative care: a systematic review). And the best part? The risks of using humor, when done right, are minimal.
One of my favorite uses of humor is in strengthening the bond between me and my patients. I’ll never forget a first-time visit with a patient complaining of abdominal pain:
Me: How long have you had stomach pains?
Patient: Four days.
Me: Does the pain get worse with eating?
Patient: No.
Me: When was the last time you passed gas?
Patient: (pauses) Just now.
Sure enough, the exam room suddenly filled with a pungent odor. After pinching my nose and cracking open the door, we both burst into laughter.
Patient (laughing): Well… you asked!
That moment of shared humor broke the ice, built trust, and made the whole experience a little less daunting for both of us.
On a personal level, humor is my secret weapon against the pressures of the job. It offers a mental breather, an emotional reset, and a way to create a positive work environment. Wearing multiple leadership hats in our department, I’ve seen firsthand how a good laugh can strengthen team dynamics, break down hierarchies, and create a more supportive, collaborative culture. After all, when everyone shares a laugh, it’s a lot easier to work together.
Of course, humor needs to be used thoughtfully and ethically. When done right, it can enhance the patient experience and workplace atmosphere, but misuse can cause discomfort or even harm relationships. It’s all about reading the room and considering factors like age, cultural background, and the nature of the situation.
Incorporating humor into healthcare isn’t about making light of serious situations — it’s about embracing joy, connection, and resilience. So go ahead, crack a joke about why we park on driveways and drive on parkways, or ask why you can’t hear a pterodactyl in the bathroom (because the “P” is silent), or ask what do you call a pig that practices karate (a pork chop), or what did the left eye say to the right eye (between you and me, something smells). Remember, you can’t tune a fork, but you can tuna fish!
About the Author Heading link
Dr. Kelvin Wynn is the Thomas and Ellen Foster Endowed Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine and Associate Professor of Clinical Family Medicine.