Q&A with Dr Whoops-a-Daisy
Laughter and play are powerful tools, especially in a hospital setting. We sat down with Clown Doctor Dr Whoops-a-Daisy (Kayla Hamill) to talk about their journey, the impact of their work, and why Clown Doctors are an essential part of healthcare.
What inspired you to become a Clown Doctor?
Full disclosure, I had no idea Clown Doctors existed before I started working here! But through my training and experiencing the work during the audition process, I quickly realised the depth of what we do and the incredible impact it has. Finding a job where you can make people laugh while also alleviating anxiety, fear, and supporting the healing process is something truly special.
How do you think your presence is making a difference in the healing journey of a sick child?
Hospitals can be scary and confusing for kids. We bring a sense of safety, comfort, and silliness to an otherwise clinical environment. A lot of the time, a child’s sense of control is taken away because of the medical treatments they need. Clown Doctors help shift that dynamic—we give kids the power to be the boss of the world we create together, the leader in the play, and the smartest person in the room. This not only empowers them but also helps ease their fears about the unknown, making it easier for medical staff to do their incredible work.
Can you describe a moment where you saw a significant positive impact on a child because of the Clown Doctors’ work?
We visit the Burns unit every Wednesday morning and have built strong relationships with the staff there. I remember one child who had already had a few visits and was initially very worried and upset. But the following week, I saw them eagerly waiting for me to arrive so we could chat and play. That moment really showed me the transformative power of what we do. The joy and comfort we bring extend beyond a single visit—it helps make future hospital experiences less daunting for the child, the staff, and their family.
In what ways do you support and engage with the parents and medical team, and how do they respond to your presence?
I like to think that Clown Doctors help parents see their child as their vibrant, inquisitive, and funny self, even in a hospital setting. Often, parents tell us how much easier things feel when we’re around. I also think our presence gives parents permission to express their stress and worries in a safe space. Clown Doctors open up a new door for people to be whatever they need to be in that moment.
Medical staff are some of the smartest and most dedicated people in the world, and it’s a privilege to work alongside them. Our skills in distraction and play help them do their jobs more effectively, ensuring a smoother experience for the child and ultimately leading to better healing outcomes.
What message would you like to share with the public about the importance of Clown Doctors in healthcare?
Clown Doctors are an integral part of a child’s healing journey. Pairing play with medicine is genius—and it works. We help kids form positive associations with their hospital experience, which directly supports their recovery. I feel incredibly proud to be part of a team that brings laughter where it is unexpected, yet most needed.
See Dr Whoops-a-Daisy in action in a recent 9 News piece .
