In November of 1995, while "Damn Yankees" was playing in Louisville, Kentucky, Jerry Lewis received an intriguing letter from Clifford C. Kuhn, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Dr. Kuhn, whose research is in clinical applications of humor, invited him to an impromptu seminar at the medical school on the subject of laughter and healing. The seminar, chaired by Dr. Kuhn and featuring Jerry, was attended by 50 invited faculty, students, and patients. It was considered an unqualified success by all who were there.

Noting the unique nature of this event, the extraordinary dialogue that Jerry had achieved with the participants, and the remarkable "chemistry" between them, Jerry and Dr. Kuhn agreed to offer the experience to other medical schools and hospitals. The response has been phenomenal.

As of May 2, 1997, Jerry and Dr. Kuhn have presented the seminar 22 times throughout the United States.

The following is a list of the host institutions:

1. University of Louisville School of Medicine November 2, 1995

2. Wright State University School of Medicine May 9, 1996

3. Indiana University School of Medicine June 21, 1997

4. University of Texas, Southwest Medical Center June 26, 1996

5. Northwestern Medical School July 19, 1996

6. Oregon Health Sciences University August 2, 1996

7. Stanford University School of Medicine October 4, 1996

8. Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane, Washington October 17, 1996

9. Loma Linda University School of Medicine October 25, 1996

10. Jefferson Medical College November 22, 1996

11. SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine December 6, 1996

12. Georgetown University School of Medicine December 13, 1996

13. George Washington University Medical Center January 10, 1997

14. Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine January 24, 1997

15. Duke University Medical Center January 31, 1997

16. Michigan State University Medical School February 7, 1997

17. Wayne State University School of Medicine February 14, 1997

18. University of Michigan Medical Center February 21, 1997

19. University of Rochester School of Medicine April 4, 1997

20. Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Indiana April 11, 1997

21. Saint Louis University School of Medicine April 18, 1997

22. Long Beach Memorial Medical Center May 2, 1997

The seminar has never been the same twice. This is because the goal is to respond to the specific needs of each "audience." The content ranges from the basic philosophy of healthy humor, through the many extensions of humor in clinical work, to the practical application of a playful attitude "at the bedside," and everything in between. But the scope and content truly depend on the interests and needs of the participants.

If you would like to host a "Jerry Lewis Laughter & Healing Seminar with Dr. Clifford Kuhn," or learn more about this exciting collaboration, you may reach Dr. Kuhn at laffdr@aol.com.