HE MAY not have a stethoscope, or even a doctor’s licence, but Leon Teague has been practising his own brand of medicine on Melbourne children for the past seven years.

And he says it works.

The Footscray resident is part of a team of clown doctors bringing cheer to the lives of seriously ill kids.

Dressed in his signature colourful coat and flashing headlight hat, Mr Teague, affectionately known as “Dr Doctor”, regularly visits Melbourne hospitals to put on a show for his young patients.

Unlike other medical practitioners, Dr Doctor’s remedies do not involve painful procedures or bad-tasting pills.

He prefers to restore his patients with the healing powers of humour.

“Laughter really is the best medicine,” Mr Teague said.

“Hospitals can be pretty grim places and we often work with kids who spend their whole day getting stuck in the arm with needles, or going through chemotherapy.

“It’s a pretty harsh life for many of them.”

Mr Teague and his team of clown doctors are members of the Humour Foundation, a charity that operates across Melbourne and Sydney.

The entertainers keep kids amused with jokes, juggling and slap stick humour.

They are also a big hit with hospital staff.

“We’re in high demand with a lot of the nurses because they realise how effective we in helping them do their job,” Mr Teague said.

“They especially ask for us when they’re taking blood because we help keep kids’ minds off the pain and get them laughing in no time.”

The Foundation is urging businesses and individuals to help out by sponsoring a clown, or making a donation.

For more information, visit the website at www.humourfoundation.com.au.