If you see a doctor on Grounds wearing not only a white lab coat but a red clown’s nose, he’s probably Patch Adams, whom actor Robin Williams portrayed in the 1998 film of the same name. The real McCoy will visit the University Feb. 26 to spread his message of “bringing fun, friendship and the joy of service back into health care.”

Brought to U.Va. by the University Programs Council as this year’s Thomas Jefferson Visiting Lecturer, Adams will work with health professionals and students that day and present a comedy show, free and open to the public, at 8 p.m. in Old Cabell Auditorium. A book signing will follow.

Founder of the Gesundheit! Institute, a free health-care clinic in Arlington, Adams and his staff have stopped seeing patients to focus on the institute’s new home in Pocahontas County, W.Va., where they plan to resume patient services within the next two years.