The physician experience is about to get an unconventional and adorable boost. In a pilot program at four local facilities, Epic is training service dogs for a dual role of at-the-elbow emotional support and simple problem ticket resolution.

Industry insiders are optimistic that Epic is on the right track. Taylor Davis from KLAS, head of the company’s Arch Collaborative for physician experience was frank, “Look, it doesn’t matter who you are – sometimes, go-live can be ruff. This training feels like a step in the right direction.”

While reports from the field are still early, the canines have proven very effective in their emotional support role. The technical support side, however, is mixed. One nurse remarked, “I had a printer issue and the pup just kind of tilted his head at the screen. He ended up resting his chin on my knee until human support came. Even just that … it really helped!”