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Therapy Dog
Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth began the application process with Canine Companions in mid-2022 . During that same time , the Foundation began fundraising for a full-time handler .
Kathryn Omarkhail , a behavioral health clinician with 20 years ’ experience working at Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth , was selected as Engle ’ s primary handler . The Foundation made it possible to launch this program and create her new role as the dog facilitator — supporting the location ' s continuum of care . Angie Fraticelli , director of oncology services , serves as secondary handler and provides respite and care for Engle when Omarkhail is not available .
“ Kathryn is a dedicated employee and incorporates Engle into her role as a clinician , and she also has the skills to see a variety of patients ,” Fraticelli said .
With her handlers , Engle sees patients for up to six hours a day , Monday through Friday . Whether offering a comforting paw during tough times , spreading smiles with her playful antics like playing cards , or simply being a warm presence to brighten someone ’ s day , Engle is ready to lend a helping paw wherever it ’ s needed .
The team visits patients with hospital consult orders and rounds on the infusion clinic . They also spend time mingling with visitors in the ICU and day surgery waiting areas . Extra-special attention is showered on oncology and transplant patients as they are enduring long hospital stays .
After work and on the weekends , Engle spends her time running around and playing catch at Omarkhail ’ s home with her two four-legged friends . But when weekday mornings come , and the vest is put on , Engle knows it ’ s time for work .
Looking ahead , Fraticelli and Omarkhail hope to expand Engle ’ s services to the entire hospital . “ We are first f cused on just a small population , like the oncology and transplant patients , but we certainly want to expand to more comprehensive medical and surgical patients ,” she said . “ You can imagine the impact Engle would have .”
Welcome , Engle . We are so glad you are here !
PHYSICIAN PROFILE
Yadro Ducic , MD
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Recognized as one of the nation ’ s top board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons , Dr . Yadro Ducic offers exceptional patientcentered care for adults diagnosed with head and neck cancers . With over two decades of experience , he has dedicated his professional journey to serving patients and advancing this field of medicine . Beyond his extensive contributions through numerous scholarly publications and writings , Dr . Ducic has mentored and guided scores of surgeons in techniques to help restore functionality and appearance for patients .
What encouraged you to pursue medicine as a career ?
I wanted to work with my hands and help people live better lives . Honestly , for me the choice was between construction work and surgery .
You have been called the preeminent authority for head and neck cancer and reconstructive surgery . How did you come to specialize in this area ?
I was initially attracted to the head and neck region for the reconstruction and cosmetic aspects , but as my training progressed , I enjoyed more and more the excision of cancers as well . Pairing the excision with reconstruction made it very rewarding professionally and opened a lot of doors into research . We have done extensive clinical research on head and neck cancer surgery and all aspects of head and neck reconstructive surgery to improve function and cosmetics .
What is most rewarding about your work with reconstructive plastic surgery ?
Seeing the patients alive and well and cured and able to see their children and
Dr . Yadro Ducic was recently recognized as a Top Doc 2024 by Fort Worth Magazine and Top Doc 2024TXTopDocs for his excellence in Facial Plastic Surgery
grandchildren grow up .
Where do you see the opportunity for the greatest advances in surgical treatments over the next five years ?
We continue to develop more minimally invasive techniques to improve cosmetic outcomes in all aspects of surgery .
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your professional or personal life ?
I am most proud of the hundreds of surgeons we have trained over the years .
What are your personal interests outside of medicine ?
I enjoy spending time with my children and traveling .
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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / SPRING 2024