Nobody likes going to the hospital. According to my unscientific survey of people’s least favorite places to be, the hospital ranks right below the DMV and right above a sewage treatment plant during a heatwave.

And the reasons why nobody likes the hospital should be obvious. If you’re sick, you’re already miserable. If you’re just visiting, the hospital is a smelly, uncomfortable place where someone you care about is miserable. And if you work at a hospital, you’re surrounded by miserable people all day long. Basically, if you’re anywhere near a hospital, you’re probably not having a good time.

But as with most difficult things in life, a great way to deal with the hospital is with a sense of humor. Below, (via Bored Panda), check out 15 photos that show people finding a way to laugh despite trying circumstances. Whether it’s a doctor who manages to make patients crack a smile with a silly joke or a patient who’s just making the best of it, you’ll see why people say laughter is the best medicine.

 

1. Doctor’s notes don’t have to be boring.

Photo Credit: Reddit

2. Nurses have the best stories. But they’re not for the squeamish.

Photo Credit: Reddit

3. How much does it hurt, on a scale of one to bear attack?

Photo Credit: Reddit

4. “My wife is having a natural birth with no meds. Here’s our pain management plan.”

Photo Credit: Reddit

5. This E.R. sees a LOT of fishing injuries.

Photo Credit: Reddit

6. This fertility clinic has a spunky way of decorating the Christmas tree.

Photo Credit: Reddit

7. “I work in an operating room and we had a face painter come into work. This is what the patients saw as they came out of anesthesia.”

Photo Credit: Reddit

8. “I had my leg amputated. My brother visited me dressed as a pirate.”

Photo Credit: Reddit

9. “Had to get my blood drawn today. This was on the wall at the lab.”

Photo Credit: Reddit

10. Vasectomies are no fun…so make your own fun!

Photo Credit: Reddit

11. Nothing cuts the tension of a weigh-in like a good joke.

Photo Credit: Reddit

12. This doctor has heard ALL the Sonic the Hedgehog jokes.

Photo Credit: Bored Panda

13. “My grandma has three broken ribs and still knows how to keep her spirits up during hard times.”

Photo Credit: Reddit

14. “After crushing and fracturing his finger, this is how my boyfriend passed the time at the E.R.”

Photo Credit: Reddit

15. This children’s hospital patient is your new hero.

Photo Credit: Reddit

 

 

h/t: Bored Panda