Though alienating some and astounding many, he ultimately gains a valuable ally and convert in Mitch, who sees the effectiveness of Patch's style when he reaches the end of his own rope. Mitch is a control freak, and it gets the best of him. That's when he loses it and realizes he can't possibly become the best doctor in the world if he can't even convince someone to eat. He breaks down and goes to Patch and says, 'Listen, you're right, I'm wrong. The realization, and the continuing pursuit, of Patch's dream is the Gesundheit Institute, a picturesque clinic where each patient meets not only a doctor, but a friend.
People have less contact with doctors, nurses and orderlies.
My character refuses to surrender his belief in the importance of a gentle, caring bedside manner. He's the kind of doctor who by sheer presence makes you feel better. That knowledge didn't exist back in the '60s and '70s when Patch was forming his philosophy. It was a radical concept then. He's really a pioneer in the discovery of the medicinal values of laughter and compassion.