Doctors and nurses are actually encouraged to inject a dose of humor into their dealings with patients. Done the right way, it can not only help lift the spirits of sick people, but can also have a positive effect on the wellbeing of the healthcare workers too. The benefits of laughter have been widely reported, including by Bored Panda.
But just to recap, here’s what the University of Illinois College of Medicine says about a good chuckle: “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.”
Of course, there’s a time and place for certain types of humor, warn the experts. A paper published in the AMA Journal of Ethics notes that “laughter-related interventions” will appeal differently to different patients at different times.
“Fun, or good-hearted humor, is contagious and has a positive impact on other people’s moods. Benevolent humor can be useful in facilitating social interactions and building social bonds. The darker comic styles, however, also have their place,” reads the paper, titled Virtuous Humor in Healthcare.
The authors, Dr. René T. Proyer and Dr. Frank A. Rodden explain that irony and satire can help health care professionals cope with stressors they encounter.
For example, when they’re dealing with admin issues or general regulations that can influence patient care. Those forms of humor might also help when talking to patients about taboo topics or behavior.
The paper does warn though, that healthcare workers should use sarcasm and cynicism with caution, as they are often used as weapons to hurt people’s feelings.
“They can, however, help patients cope with adversity and be helpful in certain situations (eg, when interacting with someone who shares a sarcastic and cynical worldview or view of a particular topic),” add the experts.
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 at the University of Illinois. He says he doesn’t shy away from using humor in his job, adding that in the past, it’s helped to break the ice, build trust, and make certain experiences a little less daunting for both him and his patients.
“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,” reveals Wynn. “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.”
Wynn agrees that humor must be used thoughtfully and ethically, and that health professionals should read the room before cracking a joke. They should consider factors like age, cultural background, and the nature of the situation. The misuse of humor, says Wynn, can cause discomfort or even harm relationships.
Wynn believes that incorporating humor into healthcare isn’t about making light of serious situations. But rather, about embracing joy, connection, and resilience.
“So go ahead," writes the doctor, who seems to have a penchant for dad jokes. " 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!”
