Keynote Speakers

Discover the inspiring voices helping shape the future of healthcare. Our keynote speakers bring bold ideas, deep expertise, and a shared commitment to driving change together.

  • Fondation Dr Clown © Eve Doyon 2018
  • Theodora Foundation © Annette Boutellier
  • Workshop Humor Hilft Heilen © Marina Weigl
  • © Operação Nariz Vermelho

Keynote Speakers

Piet Leroy

M.D., Ph.D., M.Sc.

Director of Pediatric Procedural Sedation unit at Maastricht University Medical Center

«They might play a major role in teaching other healthcare professionals.»

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Baruch Krauss

M.D., Ed.M., F.A.A.P

Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School Plenary

«Trust is the cornerstone of paediatric care, yet we don’t teach it.»

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Pina Marziliano

Ph.D.

Director of the Center for Biomedical Imaging (CIBM)

«We can't wait to share our results of the Brainsync and Smile project at HCIM 2026.»

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Solange Denervaud

Ph.D.

Developmental Cognitive Neuroscientist at the Center for Biomedical Imaging (CIBM)

«Let's unveil how the healthcare artist's magic sparks and ignites healing processes.»

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Natalie Porias

 

CEO at RED NOSES International

«When we meet patients with empathy, art, and humour, we awaken the courage that lives in all of us.»

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Mathieu Horeau

Ph.D.

Lecturer-researcher at Accademia Dimitri

«The work of the Giggle Doctors reminds us that art has always been, among many other things, a vehicle for understanding and regulating emotions.»

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Ilse Beckers

 

Director of CliniClowns Netherlands

«The true power in humanizing care lies in what artists, caregivers, researchers, and healthcare organizations can achieve together.»

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Anthony Staines

 

Patient Safety Program Director at Federation of Hospitals of Canton Vaud

«Quality care is about more than illness — it’s about what matters in a patient’s life.»

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Special Guests

Michael Christensen 

aka Dr. Stubs

Pioneer of the global Healthcare Clowning movement

«The most important thing a clown does in a hospital is to change the energy in the room.»

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  • Performing arts and clowning in healthcare

  • Art of connecting

  • Sustainable management and fundraising strategies

  • Research, impact and social sustainability

  • The future of humanizing care