Medical Improv is the adaptation of improvisational theater principles and training techniques to improve communication, cognition, and teamwork in the field of medicine…
Wait…that sounds too intense. Medical improv is about health care providers coming together to share laughs, have fun, and learn about the basic principles of “Yes, and…”, “No questions!”, “Giving Gifts,” and “Knowing Everything.” All you need are comfortable shoes and a willingness to be open. A minimum sense of humor is also helpful.

Ninad Athale, MD is a family physician who has practiced in community health centers in Napa, Sonoma and Marin counties, and currently is working at Kaiser Permanente in Vallejo in Addiction Medicine.

His improv journey started in college at the University of Virginia, where he got to be in a workshop with none other than the great Tina Fey!  Since then, Ninad has taken improv workshops with San Diego Theatersports, the Upright Citizens Brigade, the Second City, the Pan Theater in Oakland, and the Sacramento Comedy Spot, where he was a regular cast member on their long-form improv show, “Anti Cooperation League”.  More recently, Ninad has performed with Evil Comedy in Santa Rosa, and briefly with North Bay Improv in Novato.  Ninad has also run improv workshops for medical professionals and students.