About Jacki

Practicing HA!HA!LOGY
Modern day medicine is a story of pioneers—pathology dates back to at least the 17th century. Oncology became a recognized part of medicine in the mid-1870s. And radiology came along in 1895 with Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen’s discovery of x-rays.

Then, around the turn of this century, the face of modern medicine changed forever with the ground-breaking new specialty of HA!HA!LOGY—a multi-faceted Therapeutic Humor Program created by world renowned HA!HA!LOGIST, Jacki Kwan.

In the years since the landmark discovery, healthcare providers have been quick to open their hearts and minds to HA!HA!LOGY as a specialty.

Strange new sounds—known in the medical profession as guffaws—were heard in antiseptic hallways. Patients exhibited new symptoms, including an engagement of the zygomaticus major muscle (for all the non-doctors out there, that’s the muscle that raises the corners of the mouth when a person smiles). And even better, specialists were able to touch hearts without risky, invasive procedures.

From the Latin hahae! medicines, HA!HA!LOGY is the study of bringing the universally recognized benefits of good humor into the healing process. Laughing helps, but a true HA!HA!LOGIST evokes the healing power of a deeper joy.

Paging the on-call HA!HA!LOGIST

If you thought Pasteur was a firecracker in his day, you haven’t met Jacki Kwan, the Chief of HA!HA!LOGY and experienced her effervescent, vibrant personality yet.

As a clinical social worker since 1989, she has been bringing a positive state of mind to senior communities, long-term care facilities and hospitals. She’s been teaching her practice of good humor to healthcare providers, illness-specific organizations, philanthropic groups and corporations. In 2000, after traveling to China with Patch Adams, she began focusing on her sub-specialty, working with Alzheimer’s patients and those in their final stages of life.

And, yes, she’s a clown. A Caring Clown.