diff --git a/examples/patient-intake/server.py b/examples/patient-intake/server.py
index 347b17dbd..10ccfb3b7 100644
--- a/examples/patient-intake/server.py
+++ b/examples/patient-intake/server.py
@@ -10,12 +10,16 @@ import subprocess
 from contextlib import asynccontextmanager
 
 import aiohttp
+from dotenv import load_dotenv
 from fastapi import FastAPI, HTTPException, Request
 from fastapi.middleware.cors import CORSMiddleware
 from fastapi.responses import JSONResponse, RedirectResponse
 
 from pipecat.transports.services.helpers.daily_rest import DailyRESTHelper, DailyRoomParams
 
+# Load environment variables from .env file
+load_dotenv(override=True)
+
 MAX_BOTS_PER_ROOM = 1
 
 # Bot sub-process dict for status reporting and concurrency control