Marcus & James

Who is Marcus?

Marcus Engel speaks from experience.

Blending personal narratives with evidence based research, Marcus helps put an unforgettable name and face to the patient experience movement.

As a college freshman, Marcus Engel was blinded and nearly killed after being struck by a drunk driver. Through two years of rehab, over 350 hours of reconstructive facial surgery and adaptation through a multitude of life changes, Marcus witnessed the good, the bad and the profound in patient care.

Marcus holds a B.S. in sociology from Missouri State University and a Master’s in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University in the City of New York. He was granted a 2014 fellowship by the Narrative Medicine program and is currently an adjunct faculty member at University of Notre Dame.

Marcus has authored four books which are being used by scores of nursing schools, med schools and allied health care programs to teach strategies for excellent patient care.

Marcus is a Certified Patient Experience Professional through The Beryl Institute and is proud to be a member of the inaugural class of CPXPs.

Marcus is a Certified Speaking Professional through the National Speakers Association — a designation that has only been achieved by 1,000 professional speakers since the certification’s inception over 30 years ago.

In 2017, the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine awarded Marcus an honorary doctorate for his contributions to the field of healthcare.

Marcus lives in Orlando, Florida with his wife, Marvelyne, and his Seeing Eye dog, James.

Who is James?

James D. Engel is a 2023 graduate of The Seeing Eye, Inc. in Morristown, New Jersey, the oldest guide dog school in the country. His breed is officially known as a Cross 2, which means he’s mostly black lab with some golden retriever thrown in.

His academic honors include guiding and navigation, sweetness and preventing Marcus from getting hit by trucks. His extra-curricular activities include belly rubs, playing fetch and playing with his best border collie friend, Ax.

James, having the name of a nobleman, has been nicknamed King James. He prefers it when people pronounce his name with a British accent; an inside joke with his trainers based on an episode of Impractical Jokers. While all this sounds quite dignified, James’ personality is NOT reserved. He is the most loving and affectionate dog on earth. He loves to give kisses, sit on Marcus’ feet and lap and is constantly playing with toys.

James enjoys belly rubs from his adoring fans, interacting on his Instagram (@JamesDWalkafella) and lots of cat naps.

To learn more about the Seeing Eye, Inc., to volunteer as a puppy raiser or to make charitable contributions to this worthy cause, please visit: www.SeeingEye.org

Who is James?

James enjoys belly rubs from his adoring fans, interacting on his Instagram (@JamesDWalkafella) and lots of cat naps.

To learn more about the Seeing Eye, Inc., to volunteer as a puppy raiser or to make charitable contributions to this worthy cause, please visit: www.SeeingEye.org

Without a doubt, Marcus is one of the best speakers in the area of healthcare that I have ever heard. I recommend him to anyone looking for a speaker who can inspire new healthcare professionals, seasoned health professionals, or anyone facing adversity (and that would be all of us!).

Norma Stephens Hannigan, DNP, MPH, FNP-BC, DCC, FAANP Clinical Professor of Nursing at the Columbia University School of Nursing New York
I’ve invited Marcus to the two facilities where I’ve served as CNO. This decision is one of the best I’ve ever made for my nursing staff.

Constance Schmidt DNP, MHA, FACHE CNO, COO St. Anthony North Health Campus
After Marcus’ presentation, there was an immediate improvement in morale and teamwork among our employees. The messages from his keynote and books are still being echoed around the office weeks later!

Tim W. Walkenhorst Renaissance Financial Corp
Marcus’ presentation was one of the key factors in the success of our regional conference. Employees were riveted by his message and responded enthusiastically to his challenge not to accept excuses, but overcome obstacles and achieve excellence. Marcus is simply unforgettable!

Shannon O’Toole Kuhlman Agency Management Resource Group / Securian
Marcus’ inspirational story and excellent presentation skills held the audience spellbound at our national conference. He may just be the best speaker we've ever had!

Enid Borden, CEO Meals on Wheels Association of America
Marcus’ captivating story, easygoing personality and ability to relate to the audience combine to make him one of the best speakers we’ve ever had.

Kara Miller Coordinator for Greek Affairs, University of Miami
Marcus’ has opened the heart and mind of nurses and health professionals around the world. His tender message of how ‘human touch’ altered his dramatic and traumatic journey continues to awaken us to the profound significance of simple compassionate presence as a foundation for healing.

Jean Watson, PhD, RN, AHN -BC, FAAN Founder/Director Watson Caring Science Institute
Marcus’ keynote is the most profound and inspiring healthcare presentation I have ever witnessed. He gave us practical tools and tactics that we can use every day to advance the patient experience. Marcus is a master story-teller who drives to the core why we entered the healthcare profession in the first place – to improve the lives of the patients and families we serve through healing and meaningful connections. Your staff will remember his message for a lifetime.

Patrick Swift, PhD, CSSBB, FACHE Director, Patient Experience RWJBarnabas Health
Marcus is a master of changing culture. Every healthcare institution needs to hear his message.

Scott Ellner, DO, MPH, MHCM, FACS President and CEO Centura Health Physician Group at Centura Health
Marcus is awesome on every level. His message resonated deeply with our emergency nurses and we are still applying his concepts.

Jeff Solheim, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, CFRN, FAEN President Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)

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