This is Whole Health: Dr. Janice Knebl

Janice Knebl, Do, Mba
Janice Knebl, DO, MBA

“A longtime patient of mine is in her 90s with a large family. When she initially came to me, she wanted to be sure that I would follow her wishes, as she had colon cancer, breast cancer and multiple skin cancers, and was very clear about not wanting to have aggressive treatments. She also had other chronic conditions. She had lost her husband many years ago.

“Within the past year, the patient developed significant shortness of breath and diffuse swelling of her legs, abdomen and arms. She was diagnosed with some cardiac issues. She was seen by a cardiologist and decided she did not want to pursue aggressive treatments. She was referred to hospice care in collaboration with house calls. I conducted a family conference in the home with the patient and all of her children, along with the hospice nurse and hospice social worker.

“The family conference topics included addressing the patient’s diagnosis, symptom management, prognosis, mood and spiritual needs. She has been unable to attend Sunday mass because of her illness. I contacted the priest at her parish, and he came to administer the Sacrament of the Sick for her. The priest is continuing to see the patient weekly to provide communion and support for her. The patient appreciated the focus on her mind, body and spirit and also her right to make her own decisions about her health.”

Dr. Janice Knebl, DO, MBA

HSC Chief Medical Officer

 

What areas of whole health are part of this story?

  • Mental Health
  • Environmental Health
  • Community
  • Physical Health
  • Spiritual Health

To learn more about HSC’s Whole Health Initiative, go to unthsc.edu/wholehealth. If you have an example of how you have implemented one or more whole health areas and want to be featured in the “This is Whole Health” series, please email news@unthsc.edu.

Recent News

Kirk A. Calhoun Bio
  • Community
|Feb 5, 2025

Dr. Kirk Calhoun brings expertise and vision to UNTHSC

Kirk Calhoun, M.D., FACP, brings more than 30 years of experience in academic medicine and health care leadership to his new role as interim president of The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, a position he assumed on Feb. 1. Calhoun most recently served as president o...
Prayerbear Party With Robin
  • Community
|Feb 5, 2025

TCOM student takes volunteering to a new level at Cook Children’s Medical Center

When you see Kathryn Adkins scroll through her journal of 110 pages of meaningful and memorable experiences, you know why she’s been a volunteer at Cook Children’s Medical Center since 2017. When you hear her speak about being a volunteer, you hear the passion that surrounds her more than 1,100 ...
Con Holin Macklin Solo Shot Dsc 4085 (1)
  • Our People
|Feb 3, 2025

Carved out of curiosity and motivation, Hollin Macklin’s path through nursing never ends

Hollin Macklin’s nursing journey began earlier than most. When Take Your Child to Work Day came around, she would accompany her mother to the hospital where she worked as a nurse, leaving her with a lasting impression. “Watching her provide care and compassion to her patients while balancing ...
Jacqueline Ladesma
  • Community
|Feb 3, 2025

UNTHSC PA students bring hope through handwritten letters

First-year physician assistant students at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth are demonstrating their commitment to service by collaborating with Letters Against Depression, a national nonprofit that provides hope and encouragement to individuals struggling with mental...