Skip to Content

Trained dogs working inside hospitals help ease burnout among health care staff

Outside HCA HealthONE Rose medical center in Denver, the snow is flying. Inside, on the third floor, there's a flurry of activity at Labor and Delivery.

January 29, 2025
Canine Companion “Dogtor” Peppi at HCA HealthONE Rose in Denver, Nov. 8, 2024, with handler, Dr. Susan Ryan.

A pair of dogs, tails wagging, had come by a nearby nursing station, causing about a dozen medical professionals to melt into a collective puddle of affection. A yellow Lab named Peppi showered Fraser in nuzzles and kisses. "I don't know if a human baby smells as good as that puppy breath!" Fraser had said as her colleagues laughed.
 

Read the NPR article

Published:
January 29, 2025

Related Newsroom Articles

Colorado high school students learn if medical field is right for them through hands-on internship
April 15, 2025
HCA HealthONE Aurora's internships provide students insight into healthcare careers and foster connections with patients and professionals.
Colorado high school students learn if medical field is right for them through hands-on internship
April 15, 2025
HCA HealthONE Aurora's internships provide students insight into healthcare careers and foster connections with patients and professionals.
HCA HealthONE proud to be part of HCA Healthcare, a Fortune World's Most Admired Company
April 08, 2025
Recognition honors the commitment of all HCA HealthONE colleagues.
Four hospitals named among the Nation's 100 Top Hospitals®
April 04, 2025
HCA HealthONE demonstrated lower inpatient mortality rates, with fewer readmissions and complications.