Whether it’s in a laboratory or an office setting, we can expect to see our colleagues each day working to advance our institution. But many of us have special interests outside of work, too. The HSC News is pleased to introduce “After Hours,” a feature section in the newsletter that spotlights Health Science Center employees and the particularly unique things they do when the workday ends… If “laughter is the best medicine,” why don’t we all take advantage of it more often? Kimatha Oxford Grice, M.O.T., O.T.R., associate professor of occupational therapy, has found a way to incorporate humor not only into her everyday life, but into thousands of other lives, as well. In fact, after hours at the Health Science Center, Grice is often referred to as “Tutti Frutti” – she is a clown.
“While working in a clinic, I learned that there are often moments when patients are uncomfortable,” Grice said. “So, when I lived in Houston and learned of a program involving clowns who use humor to provide cheer to patients and the community, I wanted to get involved.”
Grice began “clowning” in Houston hospitals in 1992. She later moved to San Antonio to work at the Health Science Center and in 1996, she started a similar clowning program in San Antonio.
“I missed the hospital clowning that I did while I lived in Houston,” she said. “I wanted to be able to continue to bring cheer and humor to people who needed it most.”
As an act of charity, “Tutti Frutti” performs for various organizations throughout the community, including nursing homes, churches and non-profit organizations. In 1996, she established the clown visitation program at the Methodist Hospital. The members of the program visit patients once a month.
“We call our group the TLC – Tender, Loving Clowns,” she said. “Both children and adults enjoy the entertainment. And, when I see patients smile, it is so rewarding to me. Visiting patients in hospitals is my favorite type of clowning.”
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Grice found clowning to be so effective that she began teaching an elective in the School of Allied Health Sciences about understanding the importance of humor.
“Laughter is the best medicine – that is the name of the course,” Grice said. “We have had the elective for about four semesters and students love it. It isn’t labor intensive. It is fun and the students learn how to use humor as a stress reliever for themselves and as a great communication tool for their patients.”
After 15 years of clowning, Grice continues to enjoy it. “I love giving back to my community and use my clowning to do this for people who need a bit of humor in their lives.”
Grice said the smiles “Tutti Frutti” brings to faces are the best payment she could receive.
To submit a unique story to “After Hours,” please contact HSC News Editor Jacquelyn Spruce: sprucej@uthscsa.edu.
