Meet Dr. Mary Lacaze, an oncologist and educator at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, who has found a unique way to blend her lifelong love for horses with her passion for medicine. In this inspiring video, Dr. Lacaze shares how working with horses has profoundly shaped her approach to patient care and teaching. Her journey began as an advocate for equine therapy for oncology patients, but it soon became a personal method of de-stressing and self-discovery.
“I just love the strength and grace of the horse,” Dr. Lacaze explains. “To be able to be one with it is amazing.” For her, horses symbolize trust and non-verbal communication, crucial components in building a strong doctor-patient relationship. “We learn from them,” she continues. “Their sensitivity teaches you to focus, listen, and really pay attention—because a lot of us don’t listen.”
At the ranch, these lessons in empathy and compassion are learned through the gentle guidance of horses, but Dr. Lacaze extends this wisdom into the classroom. As a professor, she brings her equestrian experiences into the Mission Medicine course, teaching future physicians about the importance of cultural humility, healthcare disparities, and patient-centered care. “The training of medical students is changing,” Dr. Lacaze reflects. “It really is about inner reflection and critical thinking in terms of what they bring to the table when they engage with a patient.”
First-year student doctors also share their thoughts on Dr. Lacaze’s impact. Catherine Patel appreciates how the course ties together “so many different aspects of the community,” noting the significance of seeing diverse experiences and backgrounds represented in the curriculum. “As a person of color, I think it’s really awesome that we have a course that incorporates all these different walks of life,” she adds.
Fellow student doctor Biola Eniola echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the essential role of empathy in healthcare. “As physicians, it’s essential to make sure that patients are provided with the compassion and empathy they need—not only to feel better, but to heal better as well.”
Back at the ranch, Dr. Lacaze continues to draw inspiration from her love of horses, helping shape the next generation of doctors. “I’m not saying everyone needs to work with horses,” she says. “But animals, particularly horses, teach us compassion, and I hope to use what I’ve learned to help my students gain insight into empathy for their patients.”
Join us in this video as Dr. Lacaze demonstrates how the lessons of trust, empathy, and effective communication—learned both in the saddle and the classroom—are shaping compassionate, thoughtful physicians who are ready to serve their communities.
