VCU Pediatrics Spring Conference Features Workshops on Magic and Clowning

By Jessica Ferreira
VCU Communications and Public Relations

Magic and laughter were in the air on April 17 when the School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics held its spring conference for first- and second-year medical students.

Held in the Hermes A. Kontos Medical Sciences Building, the conference gave students the opportunity to attend magic and medical clowning workshops. Students also were able to network and learn more about what awaits them during a pediatrics residency.

The 60 participants at the conference included students from various schools in the region, including the University of North Carolina, George Washington University, the University of Virginia, Georgetown University and VCU.

The day began with a welcoming address and presentation by the keynote speaker, Chris Woleben, M.D, assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and associate dean for student affairs.

His discussion provided information for students on the basics of the National Resident Matching Program and offered them advice on how to become more competitive in their first and second years of medical school.

The magic workshop was led by Bruce Rubin, M.D., chair of VCU’s Department of Pediatrics. Rubin demonstrated the principles of magic with props that would normally be found in an examination room, including everything from tongue depressors to gloves and ear speculums.

As a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Rubin proved his expertise and finesse by making even the simplest items appear magical.  

“I create magic effects just by looking at the things you have in your pockets,” Rubin said.

Upstairs, students took part in a clowning workshop with John Glick, M.D., a 1978 graduate of the VCU School of Medicine and director of outreach for Patch Adams’ Gesundheit! Institute.

Glick led the group in exercises on amplification— the ability to mirror and amplify children’s fears and frightening experiences to make them available to them in play.

“Being able to join kids in a playful way, that’s healing gold,” Glick said.

Participants put their clowning skills to the test in a battle of men versus women where each team tried to top the other with outrageous faces and gestures. They were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones by listening to various pieces of instrumental music and embodying the character of the music through dance and movement.

“The only way to learn how to play is to actually play,” Glick said

Glick and his colleagues embark on up to 10 international service trips a year. This summer, he will be making his way to Guatemala and Peru to spread humor and laughter as the best medicine.

Sheldon M. Retchin, M.D., vice president of Health Sciences at VCU and CEO of VCU Health System, made an appearance at the conference as did several other School of Medicine faculty and community physicians.

“The response was very heartening and we had great support from the VCU pediatrics department,” said Linh Bui, a VCU medical student. “Dr. Rubin stresses keeping in touch and we are all going to be colleagues at some point, so this is a great way for us to get to know each other.”