30 January 2025
Nine New Giggle Doctors Join the Theodora Foundation

After a year of training combining art and healthcare, nine new Giggle Doctors have officially received their Certificate of Advanced Studies. These “Junior Giggle Doctors” now visit hospitals and specialist care centres across Switzerland, bringing moments of joy and escape to children.
Their names are Dr. Gugus, Dr. Principessa Wilma, Dr. Coccola, Dr. Zigzag, Dr. Wizzz, Dr. Schnürli, Dr. Palomîta, Dr. Hitzgi, and Dr. Wipp. These nine new Giggle Doctors of the Theodora Foundation officially graduated on January 23 and are now beginning their mission with children in hospital and those in specialist care centres. As a reminder, Giggle Doctors are employed and compensated by the Theodora Foundation. These nine talented artists, now “Junior Giggle Doctors,” are spread across Switzerland to meet the growing needs of the Foundation’s partner healthcare institutions.
A High-Quality Training at the Crossroads of Art and Healthcare
The nine new Giggle Doctors, selected from over 200 applicants, underwent a rigorous year-long training program comprising four theoretical and practical modules. This training, organized in partnership with the Institute et High School of Health La Source and the Accademia Dimitri, aimed to adapt their artistic skills to the specific requirements of the healthcare sector, including strict hospital hygiene protocols.
Daniel Bausch, teacher at the Accademia Dimitri and trainer of the Giggle Doctors, reflects on the experience: “The training, which started in April 2024, took place under ideal conditions. To be a Giggle Doctor, very specific skills are needed. Improvisation, for example, was a key element of the training. When entering a hospital room, one must be able to immediately sense what the child needs.”
In addition to theoretical and practical courses, participants completed between 14 and 20 supervised visits in hospitals and specialist care centres. This hands-on experience allowed them to immerse themselves in practice while applying the lessons learned, all with the support of experienced Giggle Doctors.
A Globally Recognized Diploma
The nine artists are now holders of a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in “the art of Giggle doctoring”, awarded by the Accademia Dimitri. This institution is part of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) and offers programs in creative and artistic practice. This internationally recognized diploma certifies their ability to work professionally in healthcare settings.
A Stronger Team for an Essential Mission
The Theodora Foundation continues to grow to meet the increasing demand from hospitals and specialist care centres. Patricia Bohle, Director of the Programs Department, highlights the importance of this expansion: “The Theodora Foundation is committed to bringing smiles back to children in difficult situations. Our Giggle Doctors play a crucial role in this mission, and we are delighted to expand our team across Switzerland to bring moments of joy to even more children.”
The new Giggle Doctors are distributed as follows: two in French-speaking Switzerland, five in German-speaking Switzerland, and two in Italian-speaking Switzerland. Thanks to this expansion, the Foundation can offer comfort and joy to more children while also supporting their families and healthcare staff.
An Emotional Graduation Ceremony
After completing their final training module, the nine artists presented their research projects to an audience on Thursday, January 23. Their presentations were followed by a moving graduation ceremony. Theodora Foundation staff, along with several experienced Giggle Doctors, were present to warmly welcome these new recruits into the team.
Freshly graduated, Dr. Wizzz shares his experience: “The enthusiasm and creativity with which everyone presented their work truly reflect the energy we have all put into this training. This journey has been incredible, and this day, bringing together all the participants, was filled with emotions and sharing.”
The next step for these young graduates? Creating their personalized Giggle Doctor coat in collaboration with Lydia Pfister, Theodora Foundation’s talented seamstress. This eagerly awaited moment symbolizes their official entry into their new mission.
So, keep your eyes open the next time you visit a hospital—you might just meet Dr. Gugus, Dr. Principessa Wilma, Dr. Coccola, Dr. Zigzag, Dr. Wizzz, Dr. Schnürli, Dr. Palomîta, Dr. Hitzgi, or Dr. Wipp, ready to spread magical and unforgettable moments!