Dr. Fockele Named Senior Medical Lead of DESC’s Opioid Recovery and Care Access Center
Dr. Callan Fockele has been named Senior Medical Lead for the DESC Opioid Recovery and Care Access (ORCA) Center. The ORCA Center, a leader in innovative addiction treatment and harm reduction practices, aims to transform care for individuals affected by opioid use disorder and those at risk of opioid poisoning.
“I am absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to step into the role of Senior Medical Lead for the Opioid Recovery and Care Access (ORCA) Center at DESC,” said Fockele. “DESC’s unwavering commitment to meeting people where they are and providing comprehensive support has been a constant inspiration to me throughout my career. Their innovative approach to harm reduction has set a new standard of care for our most vulnerable patients and serves as a powerful example for the broader field.”
In this role Fockele will oversee the ORCA Center’s clinical protocols and patient care while supporting the hiring and supervision of its medical staff. In addition, Fockele will work closely with other team members, including nurses, certified nursing assistants or medical assistants, peer specialists, and clinical engagement specialists, to ensure high-quality care and impactful clinical outcomes.
The position also emphasizes quality assurance and policy work within the public health and healthcare systems. Fockele will support DESC’s ongoing research and evaluation efforts to improve care delivery and contribute to innovative addiction medicine protocols.
“Seeing the difference DESC makes in the lives of clients—and the compassion and dedication staff bring to their work—has only reinforced how special this organization truly is,” said Fockele.
Fockele also acknowledged that her time at the University of Washington was instrumental in her journey. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at the University of Washington. The mentorship, collaboration, and support I’ve received have been instrumental in shaping my career. I appreciate the opportunity to explore remaining connected to the Department of Emergency Medicine, continuing to contribute to research, mentor trainees, and support initiatives like the 24/7 Telebuprenorphine Program.”
About DESC
DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center) is a Seattle-based multi-service agency providing permanent supportive housing, emergency shelter, residential crisis services, and comprehensive behavioral health outpatient care for individuals with extensive experiences of homelessness and significant behavioral health challenges. Through harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and a housing-first approach, DESC’s services prioritize flexibility and outcomes-oriented care to meet each client's unique needs. The ORCA Center represents an expansion of DESC’s successful opioid use disorder treatment programs and is poised to make a significant impact in the field of addiction medicine.
