Update From the Office of the EVP for Health Affairs 

From Mitchell H. Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP, interim EVP for Health Affairs: “I am writing as a follow up to President Ryan’s communication Friday afternoon regarding his resignation as President of the University of Virginia. I sent my routine end-of-month health system update early Friday morning, only to be as stunned as you all were by the President’s decision which came later in the afternoon.” 

“Many of you have reached out to express your sadness and concern about Friday’s news. I share this sadness, and I hear of the anxiety around a leadership change during a time of great changes and many headwinds that we have to navigate. I know that there are many questions regarding plans for interim leadership, and I am committed to ensuring that I will share news as soon as I learn about next steps.” Read more on KnowledgeLink.  

Leadership 

Additional $50 Million Raised for Manning Institute of Biotechnology  

UVA Health has received two, anonymous, $25 million estate gifts to support UVA’s Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology. The $50 million of additional support for the institute enabled UVA Health to top its $1 billion fundraising goal in UVA’s Honor the Future campaign, which concludes this month.   

“These donations are vital to our continued ability to support the incredible work that happens here every day to serve the residents of Virginia and beyond,” says Mitchell H. Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP, interim Executive Vice President for Health Affairs.  

Read more on Connect. 

Closes Monday, June 30 | Listening, Learning, Improving: University Medical Center Survey  

University Medical Center team members are encouraged to take this one-minute survey to share with leadership what matters most to you. At the end of the survey, enter a drawing for the UVA Health swag of your choice! Options include UVA Health T-shirts, ball caps, duffel bags, sling bags, and much more. One in 20 people will win. Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your work as a UVA Health team member! 

Operations 

Impacts of July 4 Holiday 

Friday, July 4  

• All UVA Health clinics will be closed.  
• Team Member Gym will be closed.  
• Parking and Transportation Modifications:  
  • University Transit Service bus and the Health System Fontaine and Northridge shuttle service will not operate Friday, July 4. 
  • University Medical Center Courtesy Shuttle will operate on the weekend schedule, running every 60 minutes, 7:20 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.  
  • UtoCar will operate normally.  
  • Parking is available for team members in the South Garage on Crispell Drive and 11th Street Garage (level D and above only) Friday, July 4.  
  • University Transit Bus and Health System Transit shuttle will operate normally Monday, July 7.  
• Cafe and retail locations | Closed Friday:  
  • Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center Outtakes Cafe  
  • Fontaine Research Park Building 500  
  • Orthopedic Center at Ivy Road  
  • University Hospital, Operating Room Cafe  
  • West Complex Cafe 
• UVA Health Update will not be sent Friday, July 4. It will resume Monday, July 7. 

New Parking FAQs Website Now Available    

Parking questions? We've got answers! A new, easy-to-use parking FAQs website just for UVA Health team members has launched. Wondering where to park, how to get a permit, or where to find UTS bus routes and schedules? Visit the site. 

New Policy to Strengthen Vendor Oversight  

Begins Tuesday, July 1 | With more than 15,000 vendors supporting UVA Health, strong oversight is essential. To address gaps identified in recent audits, UVA Health launched the Third-Party Vendor Oversight and Management Project — a systemwide effort led by HIT and Procurement to improve how we assess, monitor, and manage vendor relationships. A key focus of this work is ensuring our data, and the data of our patients, is secure and properly managed across all third-party partnerships.    

Starting July 1, a new policy will require contract owners to follow standardized processes for documenting vendor information and closing out contracts — including confirming that all data is returned or destroyed. Learn more on Connect. 

Typenex Bands Going Away, New 'Type and Screen' Order for Pre-Transfusion Testing 

Implemented prior to 1984 and once the standard of care for labeling and tracking patient blood specimens, Typenex blood bands will no longer be used at UVA Health facilities effective July 15, 2025. The trifecta of Electronic Positive Patient Identification (EPPID), Blood Product Administration Module (BPAM), and Transfusion Time-Outs — all currently standard work across UVA Health — will continue to be used to ensure accurate labeling of patient specimens and delivery of the correct blood product to the patient.   

With the elimination of the Typenex band, we also will retire the “Type and Hold” (TYHD) order from Epic and replace it with a new “Type and Screen” (TASN) order for pre-transfusion testing, and a streamlined “Prepare” order to request the number of units to be crossmatched for the patient. Starting July 15, Ambulatory clinics will need to replace active collected or signed “Type and Hold” orders that contain a red blood cell (RBC) order with the new “Type and Screen” order and a separate “Prepare RBC” order.   

To prepare for change, please review the following tip sheets and visit Connect to learn more:    

• Blood Product Order Workflow Changes   
• Typenex Armband Elimination 

Block on Unapproved AI Transcription Apps    

To protect the confidentiality of sensitive information, UVA Health is blocking the use of unapproved AI transcription applications, including Otter.ai and Fireflies.ai. These tools are not approved for use in UVA Health’s environment due to data privacy and security risks. Instead, all meeting scheduling, recording, and transcription should be conducted using approved platforms: Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Thank you for helping us maintain a secure and compliant digital environment. 

Human Resources 

Health Plan Changes Coming 

Effective Tuesday, July 1 | UVA will update its health plan with a new CVS Weight Management Program, a shift to the Advanced Control Formulary, and changes to Zepbound coverage. Please review the full announcement for details and next steps. 

Happenings 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot  

McKim Hall | Ground Floor, Room G045 | No appointment necessary. Bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided. Photos taken in 10 minutes or less on: 

• Thursday, July 3 | 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  
• Wednesday, July 9 | noon-3 p.m.  
• Tuesday, July 15 | 8-11 a.m.  
• Tuesday, July 22 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.   
• Monday, July 28 | 9-12 p.m. 

New Wellness Class: SAIL  

Starting Monday, July 7 | Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m. | SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life) is a free, six-week strength, balance, fitness, and mindfulness class for adults. Each 45-minute session blends gentle movement, mindfulness, and strength-building exercises to support your physical and emotional health. View details and register.     

Healthy Streets, Healthy People!  

Saturday, July 12 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Booker T. Washington Park, 1001 Preston Ave. | Free to attend; all welcome! More than 40 booths and activities featuring raffle prizes, music, field day games for children, cooking demonstrations, free trainings including Stop the Bleed and Bystander CPR, free Narcan and safety supplies, free container gardening, and local community leaders. Sponsored by UVA Health’s WellAware Program, and Move2Health Equity. Contact healthystreetshealthypeopleva@gmail.com for more information.  

Appreciation 

Exceptional Patient Care and More 

The Brodie Medical Education Fund Committee annually recognizes up to five graduating residents from across all UVA medical and surgical residency programs with the Anne L. Brodie Resident Clinician Award. See this year’s inspirational awardees and a short excerpt from their nomination: 

• Michael Bates, Medicine: “I have never had a resident so engaged with care coordination.” 
• Jeremy “Brooks” Becton, Neurology: “Many, many outpatients come to mind with whom Brooks has provided incredible, longitudinal, compassionate care.” 
• Robyn Goodrich, Medicine: “She is stellar in clinic and devoted to her patients and always provides continuity with great attention to psychosocial issues.” 
• Collin Leibold, Family Medicine: “Dr. Leibold has been a huge asset to the Crozet clinic. A joy to work with!” 
• Lauren Yi, Dermatology: “Dr. Yi has relentlessly pursued effective treatments, ensuring that even the most challenging cases receive the innovative and compassionate care they deserve.” 

Congratulations to the 2025 awardees! Read more on Connect. 

Previous Updates

Friday, June 27

Advancing Patient Care Through Geographic Realignment — Unit Moves Scheduled for June 30  

From leadership: As shared last month, we are entering a pivotal phase in our efforts to better align patients with similar care needs in closer geographic proximity — an initiative that reflects our collective commitment to excellence in care delivery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and operational efficiency. 
 
On Monday, June 30, at 5:30 a.m., we will begin a series of strategic unit moves across University Medical Center. These relocations represent more than physical bed moves — they are part of a coordinated strategy to improve communication, enhance care coordination, and reduce preventable harm by addressing the longstanding challenge of non-geographic placement. 
 
All unit moves will conclude Monday, June 30, with the exception of ENT, which is now scheduled for mid-August. Some admissions may transition earlier to ease the moving process. Please ensure that Estimated Discharge Dates (EDDs) are entered for all patients. See details on KnowledgeLink. 

Leadership 

Additional $50 Million Raised for Manning Institute of Biotechnology 

UVA Health has received two, anonymous, $25 million estate gifts to support UVA’s Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology. The $50 million of additional support for the institute enabled UVA Health to top its $1 billion fundraising goal in UVA’s Honor the Future campaign, which concludes this month.  

“These extraordinary gifts will support the Manning Institute’s research and aid in developing new treatments for hard-to-treat or incurable diseases, which will change lives across the Commonwealth and beyond,” says UVA President Jim Ryan. 

“These donations are vital to our continued ability to support the incredible work that happens here every day to serve the residents of Virginia and beyond,” says Mitchell H. Rosner, MD, interim Executive Vice President for Health Affairs. 

Read more on Connect. 

‘Must-Watch’: Update on Integration With UVA Community Health 

On June 18, UVA Health School of Medicine faculty joined a special Faculty Forum hosted by Dr. Mitch Rosner, Interim EVP for Health Affairs. This session was hosted as part of an aim to increase transparency, engagement, and dialogue around health system strategy. 

The discussion spotlighted the purpose, progress, and opportunities specific to UVA Health’s integration with its community hospitals — UVA Community Health (UVACH). In addition to Dr. Rosner, speakers including UVA Health Chief Strategy Officer, Jason Lineen, Chief Administrative Officer, Mary Frances Southerland, CEO of UVA Community Health, Erik Shannon, Senior Advisor to the EVP of Health Affairs, Dr. Chad Hoyt, Chair of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Dr. Colin Derdeyn, and Chief of Breast Imaging Dr. Tim Rooney shared updates on how integration is strengthening our mission, expanding access to specialty care, and improving the patient experience.  

Key highlights:  

• Why UVA Health expanded: Mission alignment, improved care access, and health system sustainability.  
• What’s changed: Epic integration, shared services, specialty recruitment, and measurable quality gains.  
• Where we’re headed: Growing community-based specialty care, improving referral pathways, and deepening system-wide consistency, always with the patient at the center. 

This session is a must-watch for understanding where we’ve been, where we’re going, and how faculty are helping shape the future of integration with UVA Community Health. See the video. 

Vision and Voice | Get to Know the Team: Main OR Perioperative Services 

Periop spans hundreds of dedicated professionals across Outpatient Surgery sites and the Main Operating Room. In her blog — UVA Health University Medical Center CEO Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, takes a look behind the red line, starting with the Main Operating Room. Read more.  

Closes Monday, June 30 | Listening, Learning, Improving: University Medical Center Survey 

University Medical Center team members are encouraged to take this one-minute survey to share with leadership what matters most to you. At the end of the survey, enter a drawing for the UVA Health swag of your choice! Options include UVA Health T-shirts, ball caps, duffel bags, sling bags, and much more. One in 20 people will win. Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your work as a UVA Health team member! 

Operations 

Garages: Temporary Closures  

To allow for annual cleaning, the following parking garages will be closed temporarily:     

• McLeod Hall Garage | Friday, June 27, 8 p.m., through Saturday, June 28, 7 p.m.    
• Lee Street Garage | Friday, July 11, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 13, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed Friday, July 11, at 4 p.m., to allow the garage to empty prior to the washdown. Patients will be directed to park in the 11th Street Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.     
• 11th Street Garage | Friday, July 18, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 20, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed at 4 p.m. to allow the garage to empty prior to the cleaning. Patients will be directed to park in the South Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.  
• South Garage | Friday, July 25, 8 p.m., through Sunday, July 27, 6 p.m. | Team members must park in the 11th Street Garage. 

Block on Unapproved AI Transcription Apps   

To protect the confidentiality of sensitive information, UVA Health is blocking the use of unapproved AI transcription applications, including Otter.ai and Fireflies.ai. These tools are not approved for use in UVA Health’s environment due to data privacy and security risks. Instead, all meeting scheduling, recording, and transcription should be conducted using approved platforms: Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Thank you for helping us maintain a secure and compliant digital environment. 

Typenex Bands Going Away, New 'Type and Screen' Order for Pre-Transfusion Testing   

Implemented prior to 1984 and once the standard of care for labeling and tracking patient blood specimens, Typenex blood bands will no longer be used at UVA Health facilities effective July 15, 2025. The trifecta of Electronic Positive Patient Identification (EPPID), Blood Product Administration Module (BPAM), and Transfusion Time-Outs — all currently standard work across UVA Health — will continue to be used to ensure accurate labeling of patient specimens and delivery of the correct blood product to the patient.  

With the elimination of the Typenex band, we also will retire the “Type and Hold” (TYHD) order from Epic and replace it with a new “Type and Screen” (TASN) order for pre-transfusion testing, and a streamlined “Prepare” order to request the number of units to be crossmatched for the patient. Starting July 15, Ambulatory clinics will need to replace active collected or signed “Type and Hold” orders that contain a red blood cell (RBC) order with the new “Type and Screen” order and a separate “Prepare RBC” order.  

To prepare for change, please review the following tip sheets and visit Connect to learn more:   

• Blood Product Order Workflow Changes  
• Typenex Armband Elimination  

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• Dr. Drew Harris is featured in the New York Times for his work treating black lung among coal miners in Appalachia. (Non-firewalled version.) 

Patient Care 

• Genetic counselor Kaitlyn Amos appears on our weekly NBC29 segment to discuss genetic testing for heart conditions. 
• University Medical Center CEO Wendy Horton is featured in Becker’s Hospital Review discussing strategies to improve care access.   
• Pharmacy Supply Chain Director Jordan T. DeAngelis also is featured in Becker’s Hospital Review talking about efforts to better reach patients. 
• UVA School of Nursing Associate Dean Randy Jones appears on NBC29, CBS19, Richmond’s NBC12, WVTF and several more stations around the country discussing a new decision-making tool for patients with prostate cancer. 

Research  

• Mark T. Esser, Manning Institute Head and Chief scientific officer, speaks with Virginia Business and NBC29 about two $25 million estate gifts the institute has received. Becker’s Hospital Review and CBS19 also covered the story. 
• Professor Seham Ebrahim’s discovery of an unknown organelle inside our cells attracts the attention of Newsweek, NBC29, CBS19, Harrisonburg’s WHSV, Phys.org, and more. 
• Dr. Kathleen Noorbakhsh’s research into how best to keep kids with food allergies safe at summer camp is featured by MSN, CBS19, and others. 

Community 

• Dr. Tracy Downs discusses our plans for the Oak Lawn property with Charlottesville Tomorrow, appearing in C-Ville Weekly. 

Education 

• Dr. William Brady speaks with CBS19, WINA, and Richmond’s ABC8 about how to stay safe in extreme temperatures. 
• Dr. Chris Campbell is featured in Men’s Health setting expectations for what skin may look like after substantial weight loss. 

Happenings 

Summer Medical Leadership Program Distinguished Speaker: Vivian W. Pinn, MD   

Monday, June 30 | 3-4 p.m. | New Location: Pinn Hall Conference Center, followed by reception in lobby | Vivian W. Pinn, MD, former Senior Scientist Emerita, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health (NIH); former Director (retired), Office of Research on Women’s Health, NIH, will speak about “Towards Becoming a Physician Leader.” Reception at 4:30 p.m. in the Learning Studio (Room 1110). Presented by UVA School of Medicine. Register. 

Apply for a 2025 Nursing Degree Scholarship   

Submission deadline: Monday, July 21 | A total of $90,000 will be distributed to recipients in support of team members pursuing nursing degrees across all levels. Benefited UVA Health University Medical Center employees are eligible to apply for:   

• ADN degree programs    
• BSN degree programs and prerequisites    
• Higher nursing degree programs   

Applicants do not have to be an RN. Recipients will be announced in September. Learn more. Download a flyer to share.     

Appreciation 

‘You Rock!’ | Kudos to Our UVA Health Colleagues  

To best serve our community, UVA Health regularly surveys our patients on their healthcare experience. Below is a selection of feedback praising our team members:                           

• “Great experience, especially while not feeling my best. I absolutely loved how patients go back for initial assessment and then after all recommended services needed (blood work, X-ray machine, etc.), I was put back in waiting area for others to be seen. This rotation method is absolutely the key to getting patients seen in a timely manner. I appreciate the thought process behind this technique. You are absolutely a great facility!” 
• “Because of the diligence of Andrew the doctor and the protectiveness and care of the ENT team, [patient] is much farther down the diagnostic process. We are blown away by the support and care we received. We really appreciate everyone we met with and would like to recognize everyone for exceeding expectations by large margins. Hugest thank you!” 
• “Please tell Catherine Wied ... I am so grateful for her kind and professional care!” 
• “Jeni Benson has been the most exceptional RN that there is — she is very informative with all updates — always coming in to check on [patient] as well as our family. Very professional. Wonderful personality. You rock, my friend!” 

Thank you to our team members for providing outstanding, compassionate, and safe care! 

Wednesday, June 25

Listening, Learning, Improving: University Medical Center Survey

Closes Monday, June 30 | University Medical Center team members are encouraged to take this one-minute survey to share with leadership what matters most to you. 

At the end of the survey, enter a drawing for the UVA Health swag of your choice! Options include UVA Health T-shirts, ball caps, duffel bags, sling bags, and much more. One in 20 people will win. Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your work as a UVA Health team member!  

Operations 

Garages: Temporary Closures  

To allow for annual cleaning, the following parking garages will be closed temporarily:     

• McLeod Hall Garage | Friday, June 27, 8 p.m., through Saturday, June 28, 7 p.m.    
• Lee Street Garage | Friday, July 11, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 13, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed Friday, July 11, at 4 p.m., to allow the garage to empty prior to the washdown. Patients will be directed to park in the 11th Street Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.     
• 11th Street Garage | Friday, July 18, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 20, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed at 4 p.m. to allow the garage to empty prior to the cleaning. Patients will be directed to park in the South Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.  
• South Garage | Friday, July 25, 8 p.m., through Sunday, July 27, 6 p.m. | Team members must park in the 11th Street Garage. 

Traffic Impact: Emmet Street Closure  

Through Friday, Aug. 1 | Because of local construction, the intersection of Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA) and Emmet Street, continuing to Stadium Road, will be closed to all vehicular traffic for day and night work, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The City of Charlottesville and the construction project will install road closure and detour signage in advance of the closure. Map. Questions? Contact parking@virginia.edu.    

• Impact | This closure will impact patients and team members. Expect delays and longer commute times if you are traveling in this area.    
• Bus | University Transit Service (UTS) and Health System Transit Service (HSTS) bus routes from Northridge, Orthopedic Center Ivy Road, and Emmet/Ivy Garage will travel along University Avenue during this closure.    
• EMS | Emergency Medical Services has been notified to seek alternate routes.    
• Walking | The current pedestrian paths on Stadium Road, Emmet Street, and JPA will remain open during this time. 

Block on Unapproved AI Transcription Apps   

To protect the confidentiality of sensitive information, UVA Health is blocking the use of unapproved AI transcription applications, including Otter.ai and Fireflies.ai. These tools are not approved for use in UVA Health’s environment due to data privacy and security risks. Instead, all meeting scheduling, recording, and transcription should be conducted using approved platforms: Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Thank you for helping us maintain a secure and compliant digital environment. 

New Policy to Strengthen Vendor Oversight 

Begins Tuesday, July 1 | With more than 15,000 vendors supporting UVA Health, strong oversight is essential. To address gaps identified in recent audits, UVA Health launched the Third-Party Vendor Oversight and Management Project — a systemwide effort led by HIT and Procurement to improve how we assess, monitor, and manage vendor relationships. A key focus of this work is ensuring our data, and the data of our patients, is secure and properly managed across all third-party partnerships.   

Starting July 1, a new policy will require contract owners to follow standardized processes for documenting vendor information and closing out contracts — including confirming that all data is returned or destroyed. Learn more on Connect. 

Typenex Bands Going Away, New 'Type and Screen' Order for Pre-Transfusion Testing  

Implemented prior to 1984 and once the standard of care for labeling and tracking patient blood specimens, Typenex blood bands will no longer be used at UVA Health facilities effective July 15, 2025. The trifecta of Electronic Positive Patient Identification (EPPID), Blood Product Administration Module (BPAM), and Transfusion Time-Outs — all currently standard work across UVA Health — will continue to be used to ensure accurate labeling of patient specimens and delivery of the correct blood product to the patient. 

With the elimination of the Typenex band, we also will retire the “Type and Hold” (TYHD) order from Epic and replace it with a new “Type and Screen” (TASN) order for pre-transfusion testing, and a streamlined “Prepare” order to request the number of units to be crossmatched for the patient. Starting July 15, Ambulatory clinics will need to replace active collected or signed “Type and Hold” orders that contain a red blood cell (RBC) order with the new “Type and Screen” order and a separate “Prepare RBC” order. 

To prepare for change, please review the following tip sheets and visit Connect to learn more:  

• Blood Product Order Workflow Changes 
• Typenex Armband Elimination 

Human Resources 

Health Plan Changes Coming  

Effective Tuesday, July 1 | UVA will update its health plan with a new CVS Weight Management Program, a shift to the Advanced Control Formulary, and changes to Zepbound coverage. Please review the full announcement for details and next steps.  

Happenings 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot   

Friday, June 27 | 9 a.m.-noon | McKim Hall | Ground Floor, Room G045 | No appointment necessary. Bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided. Photos taken in 10 minutes or less. 

New Wellness Class: SAIL  

Starting Monday, July 7 | Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m. | SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life) is a free, six-week strength, balance, fitness, and mindfulness class for adults. Each 45-minute session blends gentle movement, mindfulness, and strength-building exercises to support your physical and emotional health. View details and register.  

Charles L. Brown Award  

Thursday, July 31 application deadline | 5 p.m. | The Charles L. Brown Award for Patient Care Quality is UVA Health’s annual award for a care team who has worked to move our quality and patient safety efforts forward. Sponsored by the Department of Quality and Performance Improvement, this award offers a $10,000 prize to a team or teams to recognize excellence in patient care. To receive an application, or to ask questions, contact Jeff Lucas, Director, Performance Improvement, at 434.243.1755.

UVA School of Nursing Admissions Info Sessions 

Take the first step in furthering your education — join a Zoom info session: 

• Tuesday, Sept. 2, 12 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. | PhD | With demand for nurse scientists and academics at an all-time high, UVA offers one of the nation's premier doctoral programs for future nurse scholars and scientists interested in contributing to the study of aging, healthcare technology, social determinants of health — and beyond. 
• Tuesday, Sept. 9, 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m. | Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) | A master’s program that prepares nurse leaders to use evidence-based practice to strengthen healthcare quality and efficiency, solve unit- and system-wide challenges, boost staff retention and collaboration, and improve patient care and satisfaction. 
• Wednesday, Sept. 10, 7:30 a.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m. | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | For clinicians who wish to become nurse practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists, the UVA’s DNP program empowers nurses to practice at the highest clinical level and offers robust preparation for one of eight certification exams of their choice. 
• Thursday, Sept. 18, 5:30 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m. | RN to BSN | Part-time, hybrid program offering working nurses who already have an associate's degree or nursing diploma — a pathway to earning personal, professional, and financial benefits of a BSN degree. In-person class once a month; balance of learning completed online. 

Appreciation 

Inaugural Aortic Symposium: A New Chapter in Collaborative Care 

We’re thrilled to share highlights from UVA’s inaugural Aortic Symposium, held under the direction of Behzad Farivar, MD, FACS, and coordination of Bernie Ammons, MSN, RN, VA-BC.  

This groundbreaking event brought together 79 attendees (including 29 virtual participants) and 16 expert speakers from across disciplines including vascular medicine, genetics, radiology, cardiac surgery, and more. With the support of seven industry partners and educational grants from Edwards Lifesciences and Gore & Associates — the event emphasized innovation, cross-specialty collaboration, and patient-centered care. 

We also welcomed Eileen Novins from the Marfan Foundation and heard a powerful patient perspective from Grace Barnhart — a fitting conclusion to a conference rooted in clinical excellence and human experience. Read more on Connect. 

Save the Date: the second annual UVA Aortic Symposium is May 30, 2026. And stay tuned for details about a patient-focused symposium in partnership with the Marfan Foundation.

Monday, June 23

UVA to Test Emergency Notification System  

Tuesday, June 24 | 10:50-11 a.m. | UVA will test all components of its emergency notification system. When the test is over, a “test complete” message will be issued. UVA’s siren and public address system will be included in the test. For details, please refer to the June 17 email from Jennifer (J.J.) Wagner Davis, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; and Timothy J. Longo Sr., Associate Vice President for Safety and Security and Chief of Police. 

Operations 

Block on Unapproved AI Transcription Apps  

Begins Monday, June 23 | To protect the confidentiality of sensitive information, UVA Health will block the use of unapproved AI transcription applications, including Otter.ai and Fireflies.ai. These tools are not approved for use in UVA Health’s environment due to data privacy and security risks. Instead, all meeting scheduling, recording, and transcription should be conducted using approved platforms: Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Thank you for helping us maintain a secure and compliant digital environment. 

Garages: Temporary Closures 

To allow for annual cleaning, the following parking garages will be closed temporarily:    

• McLeod Hall Garage | Friday, June 27, 8 p.m., through Saturday, June 28, 7 p.m.   
• Lee Street Garage | Friday, July 11, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 13, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed Friday, July 11, at 4 p.m., to allow the garage to empty prior to the washdown. Patients will be directed to park in the 11th Street Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.    
• 11th Street Garage | Friday, July 18, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 20, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed at 4 p.m. to allow the garage to empty prior to the cleaning. Patients will be directed to park in the South Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage. 
• South Garage | Friday, July 25, 8 p.m., through Sunday, July 27, 6 p.m. | Team members must park in the 11th Street Garage. 

New Parking FAQs Website Now Available   

Have parking questions? We've got answers! A new, easy-to-use parking FAQs website just for UVA Health team members has launched. Wondering where to park, how to get a permit, or where to find UTS bus routes and schedules? Visit the site.

New Policy to Strengthen Vendor Oversight

Begins Tuesday, July 1 | With more than 15,000 vendors supporting UVA Health, strong oversight is essential. To address gaps identified in recent audits, UVA Health launched the Third-Party Vendor Oversight and Management Project — a systemwide effort led by HIT and Procurement to improve how we assess, monitor, and manage vendor relationships. A key focus of this work is ensuring our data, and the data of our patients, is secure and properly managed across all third-party partnerships.  

Starting July 1, a new policy will require contract owners to follow standardized processes for documenting vendor information and closing out contracts — including confirming that all data is returned or destroyed. Learn more on Connect. 

Human Resources 

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor 

Wednesday, June 25 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | University Medical Center Dining Conference Room 3 | Ask questions and discuss your benefits with a Human Resources counselor. Walk-ins welcome. See monthly dates. 

Happenings 

Career Pathways in Research Computing and Data  

Tuesday, June 24 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom | Explore the many career pathways in research computing and data (RCD) — from technical roles in industry to strategic leadership positions in academia. Scott Yockel, PhD, Research Computing Officer, Harvard University, will share insights on developing institution-wide research computing strategies, collaborating with faculty and leadership, and contributing to national and regional RCD initiatives. Sponsored by UVA Research Computing. Register. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot  

Friday, June 27 | 9 a.m.-noon | McKim Hall | Ground Floor, Room G045 | No appointment necessary. Bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided. Photos taken in 10 minutes or less. 

Summer Medical Leadership Program Distinguished Speaker: Vivian W. Pinn, MD  

Monday, June 30 | 3-4 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, Room 3110 | Vivian W. Pinn, MD, former Senior Scientist Emerita, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health (NIH); former Director (retired), Office of Research on Women’s Health, NIH, will speak about “Towards Becoming a Physician Leader.” Reception at 4:30 p.m. in the Learning Studio (Room 1110). Presented by UVA School of Medicine. Register.  

Apply for a 2025 Nursing Degree Scholarship  

Submission deadline: Monday, July 21 | A total of $90,000 will be distributed to recipients in support of team members pursuing nursing degrees across all levels. Benefited UVA Health University Medical Center employees are eligible to apply for:  

• ADN degree programs   
• BSN degree programs and prerequisites   
• Higher nursing degree programs  

Applicants do not have to be an RN. Recipients will be announced in September. Learn more. Download a flyer to share.   

Appreciation 

Friend of Nursing Awards  

Congratulations to UVA Health team members honored recently with a Friend of Nursing Award: 

• Danny Theodore, MD, Anesthesiologist | "Dr. Theodore supports the care of patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) environment and consistently role models attributes of a committed partner with nursing. He provides outstanding clinical care and is dedicated equally to cultivating interprofessional collaboration. With individual patients, he partners with nursing to ensure nursing input is included in decision-making, team discussions, and critical decision points in care."

• UVA Health Pharmacy Medical Safety Team | "This team intersects with nursing in several key committees in which nurses and pharmacists come together to evaluate data and implement strategies to support safe medication practices. This organization-wide work requires IT knowledge, deep clinical understanding, and workflow perspective. It also requires extremely close collaboration with nurses and nurse leaders to consider the nuanced aspects of safety influenced by patient population and practice settings characteristics." (Pictured above right. From left: Medication Quality, Performance Improvement, and Safety Pharmacists Mary Pat Thomas, PharmD, Rachael Schortemeyer, PharmD, and Kara Thornton, PharmD, M.Ed.; and Pharmacy Manager, Medication Safety, Quality, and Compliance John Parker, PharmD, MS; with Jennifer “JT” Hall, MSN, RN, CNL, Director, University Medical Center Nursing Professional Practice, Magnet Recognition Programs.) 

Learn more about the 2025 Nursing Excellence Awards — planned by UVA Health University Medical Center Nursing Professional Governance Organization’s Awards and Recognition Committee and supported by the Nursing Governance Office.

Friday, June 20 

Garages: Temporary Closures 

To allow for annual cleaning, the following parking garages will be temporarily closed:   

• Emmet/Ivy Garage | Friday, June 20, 8 p.m., through Sunday, June 22, 8 p.m. | Vehicles that remain after work begins, will be able to exit the garage.  
• McLeod Hall Garage | Friday, June 27, 8 p.m., through Saturday, June 28, 7 p.m.  
• Lee Street Garage | Friday, July 11, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 13, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed Friday, July 11, at 4 p.m., to allow the garage to empty prior to the washdown. Patients will be directed to park in the 11th Street Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.   
• 11th Street Garage | Friday, July 18, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 20, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed at 4 p.m. to allow the garage to empty prior to the cleaning. Patients will be directed to park in the South Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.   
• South Garage | Friday, July 25, 8 p.m., through Sunday, July 27, 6 p.m. | Team members must park in the 11th Street Garage. 

Operations 

Improvements to Patient Dining 

To enhance the patient dining experience, University Medical Center Food and Nutrition Services will roll out several improvements later this month:  

• MyMeal Patient Ordering | Patients can conveniently select their meals using a QR code located on the bedside table, allowing them to order from their personal device at their own pace. 
• New Patient Menu | A refreshed menu featuring chef-inspired daily specials and a variety of always-available options to suit different tastes and dietary needs. 

Nutrition is an essential part of the healing process, and these enhancements are designed to give patients more choice, flexibility, and satisfaction with their meals. 

Maintenance on Safety Data Sheet 

Sunday, June 22 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Security updates to UVA’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) database provider may affect its accessibility for approximately six hours. Users attempting to access the SDS database will experience intermittent interruption in service during this period. During the downtime, team members should use an internet search engine (like Google) to search for a specific SDS. For example, if there is a problem with an infant heel warmer, search for "infant heel warmer safety data sheet." The SDS would show what actions should be taken to contain a spill or address an exposure. Team members also should refer to the Red Book in their areas. 

Upcoming Block on Unapproved AI Transcription Apps 

Begins Monday, June 23 | To protect the confidentiality of sensitive information, UVA Health will soon block the use of unapproved AI transcription applications, including Otter.ai and Fireflies.ai. These tools are not approved for use in UVA Health’s environment due to data privacy and security risks. Instead, all meeting scheduling, recording, and transcription should be conducted using approved platforms: Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Thank you for helping us maintain a secure and compliant digital environment. 

UVA to Test Emergency Notification System 

Tuesday, June 24 | 10:50-11 a.m. | UVA will test all components of its emergency notification system. When the test is over, a “test complete” message will be issued. UVA’s siren and public address system will be included in the test. For details, please refer to the June 17 email from Jennifer (J.J.) Wagner Davis, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; and Timothy J. Longo Sr., Associate Vice President for Safety and Security and Chief of Police. 

New Policy to Strengthen Vendor Oversight 
Begins Tuesday, July 1 | With more than 15,000 vendors supporting UVA Health, strong oversight is essential. To address gaps identified in recent audits, UVA Health launched the Third-Party Vendor Oversight and Management Project — a systemwide effort led by HIT and Procurement to improve how we assess, monitor, and manage vendor relationships. A key goal of ensuring our data, and our patients’ data, remains secure. 

Starting July 1, a new policy will require contract owners to follow standardized processes for documenting vendor information and closing out contracts — including confirming that all data is returned or destroyed. To learn more, visit Connect. 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• Dr. Mitchell Rosner is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing a donation from UVA President Jim Ryan to support Alzheimer’s research. 

Patient Care 

• Dr. Virginia Gallagher participates in our weekly NBC29 segment, discussing Alzheimer’s and brain health awareness month. 
• Dr. Cate Varney is featured in The New York Post and Yahoo discussing the rise in Wegovy use among American teens. 
• Claudette Grant and Ashley Banegas are featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing UVA Cancer Center’s expanded prostate cancer awareness campaign. 
• Becker’s Hospital Review highlights plans for UVA Health’s Pharmacy Centralized Services Center among its top pharmacy stories of 2025. 
• Dr. Kathleen McManus is featured in Fierce Healthcare and Healio discussing the potential impact of Medicaid funding cuts. 

Research 

• Dr. Christopher Kramer talks with Medscape about weight loss drugs. 
• Dr. Jonathan Crowe talks with WTOP (DC news radio) about his work developing an app that can detect heart attacks and strokes. 
• On HealthCentral, Dr. Daniel Cox and Dr. Catherine Varney discuss a potential treatment approach for type 2 diabetes that doesn’t use medication. 
• Dr. Christopher Holstege is featured on WFXR (Roanoke TV) and Yahoo discussing the risks of “gas station heroin.” 
• Dr. Marina Weiler discusses her research into out-of-body experiences with Earth.com. 
• Pearl Health names Lacy Heiberger one of the top 50 value-based care thinkers of 2025. 

Education 

• Mike Barkema talks with Inside NOVA about the Project SEARCH program at Prince William Medical Center. 
• In U.S. News & World Report, orthopedics resident Dr. John-Kevin Dolce discusses medical school abroad. 

Community 

• Ericca Facetti is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing the UVA Cancer Center Community Advisory Council’s roadmap for reducing the impact of cancer in Virginia and West Virginia. 

Human Resources 

University Medical Center PTO Accrual Rate Change 

Effective Sunday, June 22 | As part of our long-standing commitment to offer competitive benefits consistent with peer institutions, UVA HR is excited to announce adjustments to University Medical Center’s Paid Time Off (PTO) Accrual Plan, which will recognize and reward our dedicated UVA Health team members who have committed their careers to UVA Health. 

The changes increase the rate at which PTO accrues for individual contributors reaching their five and 15-year service anniversaries, adding an additional incentive for achieving these significant milestones. It is effective for those hired on or after July 7, 2002, defined as “Group B” in the Paid Time Off Medical Center HR Policy. 

The new rates, which can be found along with more information on this web page, come after University Medical Center leadership conducted an extensive PTO benchmarking review to ensure our time off practices remain competitive and aligned with industry standards. 

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor 

Wednesday, June 25 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | University Medical Center Dining Conference Room 3 | Ask questions and discuss your benefits with a Human Resources counselor. Walk-ins welcome. See monthly dates. 

Health Plan Changes Coming 

Effective Tuesday, July 1 | UVA will update its health plan with a new CVS Weight Management Program, a shift to the Advanced Control Formulary, and changes to Zepbound coverage. Please review the full announcement for details and next steps. 

Happenings 

Career Pathways in Research Computing and Data 

Tuesday, June 24 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom | Explore the many career pathways in research computing and data (RCD) — from technical roles in industry to strategic leadership positions in academia. Scott Yockel, PhD, Research Computing Officer, Harvard University, will share insights on developing institution-wide research computing strategies, collaborating with faculty and leadership, and contributing to national and regional RCD initiatives. Sponsored by UVA Research Computing. Register. 

Team Member Call for Artists: UVA Health Arts Program 

Submission window: June 28-July 15 | Art submissions will soon be accepted for the Team Member Art Exhibit. Guidelines:  

• No textile art or sculptures.  
• Art must be framed or on a canvas stretcher (so that it can be fitted with security hardware).  
• Submit no more than two pieces of art.  
• No oversized art. 

To submit: Mark your name, title of the piece (including medium), and price on the back of the art. Deliver your submissions to Anne Brown in McKim 3115a starting June 28. The exhibit will run July 17-Sept. 17. 

Summer Medical Leadership Program Distinguished Speaker: Vivian W. Pinn, MD 

Monday, June 30 | 3-4 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, Room 3110 | Vivian W. Pinn, MD, former Senior Scientist Emerita, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health (NIH); former Director (retired), Office of Research on Women’s Health, NIH, will speak about “Towards Becoming a Physician Leader.” Reception at 4:30 p.m. in the Learning Studio (room 1110). Presented by UVA School of Medicine. Register. 

New Wellness Class: SAIL 

Starting Monday, July 7 | Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m. | SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life) is a free, six-week strength, balance, fitness, and mindfulness class for adults. Each 45-minute session blends gentle movement, mindfulness, and strength-building exercises to support your physical and emotional health. View details and register. 

Apply for a 2025 Nursing Degree Scholarship 

Submission deadline: Monday, July 21 | A total of $90,000 will be distributed to recipients in support of team members pursuing nursing degrees across all levels. Benefited UVA Health University Medical Center employees are eligible to apply for: 

• ADN degree programs  
• BSN degree programs and prerequisites  
• Higher nursing degree programs 

Applicants do not have to be an RN. Recipients will be announced in September. Learn more. Download a flyer to share.  

Appreciation 

‘Friendly, Informative, and Efficient’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues  

To best serve our community, UVA Health regularly surveys our patients on their healthcare experience. Below is a selection of feedback praising our team members:                           

• “I cannot put into words how happy I was upon leaving. Everyone on the interventional radiology team, radiologist, and pathologist all went above and beyond. The staff treated my family member like their only patient. The radiologist and pathologist could sense how nervous I was about my family member’s biopsy and — after the samples were taken — reassured me that everything looked good, and I had nothing to worry about. Then, on the way out, the physicians came out again to reassure me. The valet even offered to find our car in the garage and bring it to us. Thank you, UVA Health, for making us feel like people rather than numbers.” 
• “Dr. Golub is the best doctor I have ever been to. He has literally saved my life on two occasions and made several life-changing recommendations for me. Last year I moved [out of state] and I refused to change my primary care to someone in [my new state]. I drive twice a year to Virginia just to see Dr. Golub.” 
• “First, the operational/administrative process of the entire procedure was excellent. No waiting, no downtime, extremely friendly, informative, and efficient. Second, the procedure itself was excellent. Melissa provided the very best IV I have ever had, and it was painless going in and staying in. Thank you! Jessica provided excellent communication before the procedure and all throughout the procedure and was extremely helpful with information flow and sedation information. The staff was great — informative and kind — during the procedure (Kim especially). Mike Mangrum was a steadying presence. He and the full team were patient to explain what was happening during the procedure. Last and most importantly, the procedure has been transformative in my day-to-day recovery as it — so far — appears to be sticking. I have felt better in the past few weeks than I have in the past few months. Thank you UVA Health Electrophysiology, for a great experience all around!” 

Thank you to our team members for providing outstanding, compassionate, and safe care! 

Monday, June 18 

Operations 

Improvements to Patient Dining 

To enhance the patient dining experience, University Medical Center Food and Nutrition Services will roll out several improvements later this month: 

• MyMeal Patient Ordering | Patients can conveniently select their meals using a QR code located on the bedside table, allowing them to order from their personal device at their own pace. 
• New Patient Menu | A refreshed menu featuring chef-inspired daily specials and a variety of always-available options to suit different tastes and dietary needs.  

Nutrition is an essential part of the healing process, and these enhancements are designed to give patients more choice, flexibility, and satisfaction with their meals. 

Impacts of Juneteenth Holiday 

Thursday, June 19 

• All UVA Health clinics will be closed. 
• Team Member Gym will be closed. 
• Parking and Transportation Modifications: 
  • University Transit Service bus and the Health System Fontaine and Northridge shuttle service will not operate Thursday, June 19. 
  • University Medical Center Courtesy Shuttle will operate on the weekend schedule, running every 60 minutes, 7:20 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. 
  • UtoCar will operate normally. 
  • Parking is available for team members in the South Garage on Crispell Drive and 11th Street Garage (level D and above only) Thursday, June 19. 
  • University Transit Bus and Health System Transit shuttle will operate normally Friday, June 20. 
• Cafe and retail locations | Closed Thursday: 
  • Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center Outtakes Cafe 
  • Fontaine Research Park Building 500 
  • Orthopedic Center at Ivy Road 
  • University Hospital, Operating Room Cafe 
  • West Complex Cafe 

Garages: Temporary Closures 

To allow for annual cleaning, the following parking garages will be temporarily closed:  

• Emmet/Ivy Garage | Friday, June 20, 8 p.m., through Sunday, June 22, 8 p.m. | Vehicles that remain after work begins will be able to exit the garage. 
• McLeod Hall Garage | Friday, June 27, 8 p.m., through Saturday, June 28, 7 p.m. 
• Lee Street Garage | Friday, July 11, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 13, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed Friday, July 11, at 4 p.m., to allow the garage to empty prior to the washdown. Patients will be directed to park in the 11th Street Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.  
• 11th Street Garage | Friday, July 18, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 20, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed at 4 p.m. to allow the garage to empty prior to the cleaning. Patients will be directed to park in the South Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.  
• South Garage | Friday, July 25, 8 p.m., through Sunday, July 27, 6 p.m. | Team members must park in the 11th Street Garage. 

Maintenance on Safety Data Sheet 

Sunday, June 22 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Security updates to UVA’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) database provider may affect its accessibility for approximately six hours. Users attempting to access the SDS database will experience intermittent interruption in service during this period. During the downtime, team members should use an internet search engine (like Google) to search for a specific SDS. For example, if there is a problem with an infant heel warmer, search for "infant heel warmer safety data sheet." The SDS would show what actions should be taken to contain a spill or address an exposure. Team members should also refer to the Red Book in their areas. 

EMS Information Integrated Into Epic 

Effective Tuesday, June 24 | 7 a.m. | Next week, information documented by EMS teams prior to arriving at UVA Health will be integrated into Epic. Once implemented, this change will improve access to critical pre-hospital care information without the need for team members to scan physical documents. Instead, EMS run sheets will file automatically into Epic for most patients. When an anonymous patient is transported, EMS providers will scan a UVA Health patient label to link their record to the visit and enable the run sheet to file into Epic. A copy of the run sheet then will automatically appear in Epic under the patient’s encounter (select Chart Review>Media tab). Pre-hospital flowsheet data also will be available in the chart. 

UVA to Test Emergency Notification System 

Tuesday, June 24 | 10:50-11 a.m. | UVA will test all components of its emergency notification system. When the test is over, a “test complete” message will be issued. UVA’s siren and public address system will be included in the test. For details, please refer to the June 17 email from Jennifer (J.J.) Wagner Davis, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; and Timothy J. Longo Sr., Associate Vice President for Safety and Security and Chief of Police. 

Coming Soon: Systemwide Expansion of Electronic Consents 

As part of UVA Health’s ongoing efforts to streamline workflows and enhance patient care, we’re expanding the use of electronic consents (e-consents) across our system. Currently, around 40% of perioperative cases use e-consents. Broader adoption has been limited since not all consent forms have been available electronically — until July 1. A new, system-wide initiative will complete our transition to e-consents and eliminate paper forms across key areas.  

Read more on Connect to learn what’s changing and when — and how you can prepare. 

Typenex Bands Going Away, New 'Type and Screen' Order for Pre-Transfusion Testing 

Implemented prior to 1984 and once the standard of care for labeling and tracking patient blood specimens, Typenex blood bands will no longer be used at UVA Health facilities effective July 15, 2025. The trifecta of Electronic Positive Patient Identification (EPPID), Blood Product Administration Module (BPAM), and Transfusion Time-Outs — all currently standard work across UVA Health — will continue to be used to ensure accurate labeling of patient specimens and delivery of the correct blood product to the patient.  

With the elimination of the Typenex band, we also will retire the “Type and Hold” (TYHD) order from Epic and replace it with a new “Type and Screen” (TASN) order for pre-transfusion testing, and a streamlined “Prepare” order to request the number of units to be crossmatched for the patient. Learn more about this change and how you can prepare on Connect. 

Windows 11 Upgrade for All PCs Across UVA Health  

UVA Health HIT is upgrading all devices from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as part of our commitment to providing the best tools and technology for enhanced productivity and security. With Microsoft retiring Windows 10 at the end of October, HIT is upgrading existing devices across the health system until the end of November.    

In most areas, the upgrade will be deployed to computers automatically and completed after business hours. For departments operating 24/7, the upgrade will be scheduled during slower shifts, affecting only a limited number of computers at a time. For areas where any computer downtime is not feasible, HIT will collaborate with stakeholders to minimize potential disruptions. To prepare, team members are encouraged to back up critical files to network locations like the F: drive or departmental folders. While no data loss is expected, this precaution ensures data safety in case of upgrade issues. For more details on interface changes, visit the HIT intranet site or refer to the ServiceNow article. 

Leadership 

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Service Awards Recap: 10, 15, and 20 Years 

In her latest Vision and Voice blog, Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, celebrates team member anniversaries. Read more. 

University Medical Center Survey: Leadership Is Listening 

Survey closes Monday, June 30 | University Medical Center team members are encouraged to take this one-minute survey to share with leadership what matters most to you. At the end of the survey, enter a drawing for the UVA Health swag of your choice. Options include UVA Health T-shirts, ball caps, duffel bags, sling bags, and much more. One in 20 people will win. Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your work as a UVA Health team member! 

Happenings 

Career Pathways in Research Computing and Data 

Tuesday, June 24 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom | Explore the many career pathways in research computing and data (RCD) — from technical roles in industry to strategic leadership positions in academia. Scott Yockel, PhD, Research Computing Officer, Harvard University, will share insights on developing institution-wide research computing strategies, collaborating with faculty and leadership, and contributing to national and regional RCD initiatives. Sponsored by UVA Research Computing. Register. 

Summer Medical Leadership Program Distinguished Speaker: Vivian W. Pinn, MD 

Monday, June 30 | 3-4 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, Room 3110 | Vivian W. Pinn, MD, former Senior Scientist Emerita, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health (NIH); former Director (retired), Office of Research on Women’s Health, NIH, will speak about “Towards Becoming a Physician Leader.” Reception at 4:30 p.m. in the Learning Studio (room 1110). Presented by UVA School of Medicine. Register. 

Deadline Extended: Charles L. Brown Award 

New deadline: Thursday, July 31 | 5 p.m. | The Charles L. Brown Award for Patient Care Quality is UVA Health’s annual award for a care team who has worked to move our quality and patient safety efforts forward. Sponsored by the Department of Quality and Performance Improvement, this award offers a $10,000 prize to a team or teams to recognize excellence in patient care. To receive an application or for questions, contact Jeff Lucas, Director, Performance Improvement, at 434.243.1755. 

17th Annual Therapeutic Apheresis Academy 

Oct. 2-4 | Pinn Hall Conference Center | An immersive two-and-a-half-day, multidisciplinary program designed to foster interprofessional collaboration through innovative teaching approaches. UVA faculty and staff: take advantage of the special discounted rate of $315 by signing in with your UVA computing ID to register. Offer available through Aug. 15. Details and registration. Questions? Contact Monica McCommon, CMP. 

Appreciation 

UVA Health Prince William Medical Center Receives Donation of Patient Care Kits from Safford Brown Subaru of Manassas 

Safford Brown Subaru of Manassas joined hands with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) in a compassionate endeavor, delivering care kits to patients undergoing cancer treatment at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center.  

The donations comprised 80 blankets and 10 patient care kits, each adorned with heartfelt handwritten messages of hope. This gesture was part of the esteemed Subaru Loves to Care® initiative, a nationwide effort dedicated to offering solace and support to individuals and families affected by blood cancer. Notably, this marks the tenth consecutive year of Subaru of America's collaboration with LLS in providing these essential care packages.  

“We are truly appreciative of Safford Brown Subaru’s steadfast support and compassion for our patients,” said Mike Barkema, Assistant Vice President, UVA Health Prince William Medical Center. “Their generous donation of blankets and care kits — accompanied by thoughtful messages from both their team and customers — makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Their partnership with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society continues to demonstrate a deep and genuine commitment to uplifting our community and supporting individuals and families affected by blood cancer.” Read more on Connect. 

Monday, June 16 

Improvements to Patient Dining 

To enhance the patient dining experience, University Medical Center Food and Nutrition Services will roll out several improvements later this month: 

• MyMeal Patient Ordering | Patients can conveniently select their meals using a QR code located on the bedside table, allowing them to order from their personal device at their own pace. 
• New Patient Menu | A refreshed menu featuring chef-inspired daily specials and a variety of always-available options to suit different tastes and dietary needs. 
  • Taste the New Menu | Tuesday, June 17 | 1-2 p.m. | Dining Conference Rooms 1-3 | Stop by for a food expo and sample selections from the new menu. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Nutrition is an essential part of the healing process, and these enhancements are designed to give patients more choice, flexibility, and satisfaction with their meals. 

Operations 

Foodworks Launches in Main Cafeteria 

Service starts Monday, June 16 | Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2p.m. | Foodworks is a dining platform that creates community through food by partnering with the best local restaurants and showcasing them to build connections. Its mission is to celebrate culinary creativity, culture, and community. This service will provide a weekly rotation of local restaurants, beginning with Ace Biscuit and Barbecue. Foodworks will be in the Chopp’d location in the main cafeteria. 

Impacts of Juneteenth Holiday 

Thursday, June 19 

• All UVA Health clinics will be closed.  
• Team Member Gym will be closed.  
• Parking and Transportation Modifications:  
  • University Transit Service bus and the Health System Fontaine and Northridge shuttle service will not operate Thursday, June 19.  
  • University Medical Center Courtesy Shuttle will operate on the weekend schedule, running every 60 minutes, 7:20 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.  
  • UtoCar will operate normally.  
  • Parking is available for team members in the South Garage on Crispell Drive and 11th Street Garage (level D and above only) Thursday, June 19.  
  • University Transit Bus and Health System Transit shuttle will operate normally Friday, June 20.  
• Cafe and retail locations | Closed Thursday:  
  • Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center Outtakes Cafe  
  • Fontaine Research Park Building 500   
  • Orthopedic Center at Ivy Road  
  • University Hospital, Operating Room Cafe  
  • West Complex Cafe 

Maintenance on Safety Data Sheet 

Sunday, June 22 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Security updates to UVA’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) database provider may affect its accessibility for approximately six hours. Users attempting to access the SDS database will experience intermittent interruption in service during this period. During the downtime, team members should use an internet search engine (like Google) to search for a specific SDS. For example, if there is a problem with an infant heel warmer, search for "infant heel warmer safety data sheet." The SDS would show what actions should be taken to contain a spill or address an exposure. Team members should also refer to the Red Book in their areas. 

New Parking FAQs Website Now Available  

Have parking questions? We've got answers! A new, easy-to-use parking FAQs website just for UVA Health team members has launched. Wondering where to park, how to get a permit, or where to find UTS bus routes and schedules? Visit the site. 

Human Resources 

FY25 Year-End Review for UVA Health 

We are less than two weeks away from the June 30 due date for FY25 UVA Health manager evaluations. Managers should hold their 1:1s and complete the ‘Acknowledgement’ step by this date. Resources and additional details about the FY25 performance process can be found on the UVA Health Performance website. 

Health Plan Changes Coming 

Effective Tuesday, July 1 | UVA will update its health plan with a new CVS Weight Management Program, a shift to the Advanced Control Formulary, and changes to Zepbound coverage. Please review the full announcement for details and next steps. 

Happenings 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot 

McKim Hall | Ground Floor, Room G045 | No appointment necessary. Bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided. Photos taken in 10 minutes or less on: 

• Tuesday, June 17 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 
• Friday, June 27 | 9 a.m.-noon 

Juneteenth Blood Drive 

Tuesday, June 17 | noon- 5 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | Join us to celebrate Juneteenth and recognize World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. Please consider donating. For appointments, contact Sharon Jones. Swag Alert:Donate through June 30 to receive a $15 gift card and a chance to win a $7K prize! Details. 

New Wellness Class: SAIL 

Starting Monday, July 7 | Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m. | SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life) is a free, six-week strength, balance, fitness, and mindfulness class for adults. Each 45-minute session blends gentle movement, mindfulness, and strength-building exercises to support your physical and emotional health. View details and register. 

Appreciation 

Video | Cataract Surgery: Kelly's Story 

After years of neglect — and with newfound support from sister Donna Werge — Kelly Burke came to UVA Health in need of a challenging cataract surgery. Ophthalmologist Albert Jun, MD, was up for the challenge.  

Thank you to Dr. Jun and the Ophthalmology team who provided outstanding care! Watch Kelly's amazing recovery. 

Friday, June 13 

UVA School of Nursing Seeks Preceptor-Mentors for Advanced Practice Nursing Students

UVA School of Nursing is seeking nurses with a penchant to teach the next generation of advanced practice nursing students on their units. UVA graduate nursing students are experienced, fun, brilliant, and eager to learn from you and your colleagues. Curious about paying it forward in 2025? Learn more about being a preceptor and get started. 

Operations 

Improvements to Patient Dining 

To enhance the patient dining experience, University Medical Center Food and Nutrition Services will roll out several improvements later this month: 

• MyMeal Patient Ordering | Patients can conveniently select their meals using a QR code located on the bedside table, allowing them to order from their personal device at their own pace. 
• New Patient Menu | A refreshed menu featuring chef-inspired daily specials and a variety of always-available options to suit different tastes and dietary needs. 

Nutrition is an essential part of the healing process, and these enhancements are designed to give patients more choice, flexibility, and satisfaction with their meals. 

Typenex Bands Going Away, New 'Type and Screen' Order for Pre-Transfusion Testing 

Implemented prior to 1984 and once the standard of care for labeling and tracking patient blood specimens, Typenex blood bands will no longer be used at UVA Health facilities effective July 15, 2025. The trifecta of Electronic Positive Patient Identification (EPPID), Blood Product Administration Module (BPAM), and Transfusion Time-Outs — all currently standard work across UVA Health — will continue to be used to ensure accurate labeling of patient specimens and delivery of the correct blood product to the patient. 

With the elimination of the Typenex band, we also will retire the “Type and Hold” (TYHD) order from Epic and replace it with a new “Type and Screen” (TASN) order for pre-transfusion testing, and a streamlined “Prepare” order to request the number of units to be crossmatched for the patient. Learn more about this change and how you can prepare on Connect. 

Maintenance on Safety Data Sheet 

Sunday, June 22 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Security updates to UVA’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) database provider may affect its accessibility for approximately six hours. Users attempting to access the SDS database will experience intermittent interruption in service during this period. During the downtime, team members should use an internet search engine (like Google) to search for a specific SDS. For example, if there is a problem with an infant heel warmer, search for "infant heel warmer safety data sheet." The SDS would show what actions should be taken to contain a spill or address an exposure. Team members should also refer to the Red Book in their areas. 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• More than 100 outlets across Virginia, and nationally feature Dr. Cate Varney talking about the rise in Wegovy use among American teens. 

Patient Care 

• More than 100 outlets across Virginia, and nationally feature Dr. Cate Varney talking about the rise in Wegovy use among American teens. 
• in our weekly NBC29 segment, Carol Schenck, LCSW, discusses a new cancer survivor wellness seminar. 
• In Becker’s Hospital Review, Lisa Badeau, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, shares how health systems build trusted brands. 
• Stephanie Schnittger is featured in two HealthLeaders articles discussing her upcoming move to UVA Health as Chief Financial Officer and sharing leadership tips. 
• Dr. Costi Sifri talks with Richmond NPR-affiliate VPM about measles. 
• Dr. Jeff Wilson is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally talking about a tick-borne disease spreading in Virginia. 
• AHA features Carrie Kovacik, PharmD, MSHA, discussing UVA Health Pharmacy’s paper pill bottles. 

Research 

• Dr. Gerald Teague talks to Newsweek about research into the prevalence of long COVID in children. 
• Dr. Boris Kovatchev is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing an interactive artificial pancreas. 
• Dr. Marina Weiler is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally talking about her research showing that out-of-body experiences may be a reaction to trauma. 
• How can research into the gut-brain axis lead to new treatments? Learn more from Dr. Melanie Rutkowski in AAMCNews. 
• Dr. Bruce Greyson talks to Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown podcast about his near-death experiences research. 

Community 

• Dr. Madhu Misra is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing the Charlottesville Media Group’s radiothon for UVA Health Children’s. 

Education 

• Dr. David Kaufman and Olivia’s Light Co-founder and President Jenna King are featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing the Olivia’s Light Rare Disease Conference. 

Happenings 

Student Art at University Hospital 

Through November 2025 | The UVA Health Arts Committee and Albemarle County Schools Arts Programs are collaborating to bring student art to the health system. The art will hang in the lobby of University Hospital alongside our scheduled rotating fine artists. Stop by and check it out! 

Faculty Needed to Provide Shadowing Opportunities 

Deadline: Friday, June 13 | Summer Medical Leadership Program (SMLP) welcomed the 2025 cohort on June 2 and is seeking faculty to provide clinical shadowing opportunities for our scholars. SMLP is a medical enrichment program for pre-med students who attend colleges in Virginia and across the nation. Scholars gain a great deal from shadowing UVA Health physicians, and it consistently ranks as one of the program’s highlights. If you are willing and available to host our scholars for shadowing opportunities, please complete this form. 

Juneteenth Blood Drive 

Tuesday, June 17 | noon- 5 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | Join us to celebrate Juneteenth and recognize World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. Please consider donating. For appointments, contact Sharon Jones. Swag Alert:Donate through June 30 to receive a $15 gift card and a chance to win a $7K prize! Details. 

Summer Medical Leadership Program Distinguished Speaker: Vivian W. Pinn, MD 

Monday, June 30 | 3-4 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, Room 3110 | Vivian W. Pinn, MD, former Senior Scientist Emerita, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health (NIH); former Director (retired), Office of Research on Women’s Health, NIH, will speak about “Towards Becoming a Physician Leader.” Reception at 4:30 p.m. in the Learning Studio (room 1110). Presented by UVA School of Medicine. Register. 

New Wellness Class: SAIL 

Starting Monday, July 7 | Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m. | SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life) is a free, six-week strength, balance, fitness, and mindfulness class for adults. Each 45-minute session blends gentle movement, mindfulness, and strength-building exercises to support your physical and emotional health. View details and register. 

Appreciation 

‘Small Things Make a Difference’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues 

To best serve our community, UVA Health regularly surveys our patients on their healthcare experience. Below is a selection of feedback praising our team members:                          

• “Gavin McCleary, PA, is amazing. He has a rare, invaluable combination of thorough assessment, technical knowledge in his field, and utmost respect for his patients. What a privilege to have his eyes on my situation. He is trustworthy and smart. Please recognize him!” 
• “Small things make a difference. Your patient tables are chair height. Your patient gowns are warm, actually provide coverage, and — in the Breast Center — are pink. As a patient, I appreciate your thoughtful attention and the respect it shows. I feel like you care about my comfort. Dr. Greenwalt — after a quick greeting — always follows with: 'Let me wash my hands.’ I know it's required and the right thing to do, but again, simply stating he's doing it shows respect for my care and me as a patient.”  
• “Excellent presentation of caring and being professional. I was very impressed with the whole section, especially with Ms. Annette. I have never felt more success in myself and in learning how to navigate mobility and emotions of self-worth/esteem being boosted up! Thank you kindly to you all!”  

Thank you to our team members for providing outstanding, compassionate, and safe care!

Monday, June 9 

2025 National Nursing Assistant Week

June 12-18 | Recognizing the dedicated work of nursing assistants who provide basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). UVA Health University Medical Center Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) will honor nursing assistants on June 17, 3:30 to 5 p.m., in Pinn Hall Auditorium during the 2025 Nursing Assistant Awards. RSVP required. Keep an eye on Connect for an upcoming list of winners. To see more activities, visit Nursing Assistant Week 2025: Nursing Center for Excellence. 

Operations 

Traffic Impact: Emmet Street Closure 

Through Friday, Aug. 1 | Due to local construction, the intersection of Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA) and Emmet Street, continuing to Stadium Road, will be closed to all vehicular traffic for day and night work, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The City of Charlottesville and the construction project will install road closure and detour signage in advance of the closure. Map. Questions? Contact parking@virginia.edu.   

• Impacts | This closure will impact patients and team members. Expect delays and longer commute times if you are traveling in this area.   
• Bus | University Transit Service (UTS) and Health System Transit Service (HSTS) bus routes from Northridge, Orthopedic Center Ivy Road, and Emmet/Ivy Garage will travel along University Avenue during this closure.   
• EMS | Emergency Medical Services has been notified to seek alternate routes.   
• Walking | The current pedestrian paths on Stadium Road, Emmet Street, and JPA will remain open during this time. 

Typenex Bands Going Away, New 'Type and Screen' Order for Pre-Transfusion Testing 

Implemented prior to 1984 and once the standard of care for labeling and tracking patient blood specimens, Typenex blood bands will no longer be used at UVA Health facilities effective July 15, 2025. The trifecta of Electronic Positive Patient Identification (EPPID), Blood Product Administration Module (BPAM), and Transfusion Time-Outs — all currently standard work across UVA Health — will continue to be used to ensure accurate labeling of patient specimens and delivery of the correct blood product to the patient.

With the elimination of the Typenex band, we also will retire the “Type and Hold” (TYHD) order from Epic and replace it with a new “Type and Screen” (TASN) order for pre-transfusion testing, and a streamlined “Prepare” order to request the number of units to be crossmatched for the patient. Learn more about this change and how you can prepare on Connect. 

Leadership 

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Strengthening Our Foundation: How the TCV ICU Team Is Transforming Blood Culture Use 

In her latest Vision and Voice blog, Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, shares how the TCV ICU team put their heads together to rethink blood culture use. Read more. 

Human Resources 

Health Plan Changes Coming 

Effective Tuesday, July 1 | UVA will update its health plan with a new CVS Weight Management Program, a shift to the Advanced Control Formulary, and changes to Zepbound coverage. Please review the full announcement for details and next steps. 

Happenings 

Faculty Needed to Provide Shadowing Opportunities 

Deadline: Friday, June 13 | The Summer Medical Leadership Program (SMLP) welcomed the 2025 cohort on June 2 and is seeking faculty to provide clinical shadowing opportunities for our scholars. SMLP is a medical enrichment program for pre-med students who attend colleges in Virginia and across the nation. Scholars gain a great deal from shadowing UVA Health physicians, and it consistently ranks as one of the program’s highlights. If you are willing and available to host our scholars for shadowing opportunities, please complete this form. 

2025 Service Awards 

June 13 and June 23 | Congratulations to UVA Health team members who have milestone anniversaries with UVA Health this year! In recognition of their many contributions, team members with 10, 15, and 20 years of service are being celebrated at a luncheon on June 13, and team members with 25+ years of service are being celebrated at a dinner on June 23. Invitations have been sent to eligible team members. If you are celebrating a milestone anniversary and have not received an invitation, please contact AskHR@virginia.edu. 

Juneteenth Blood Drive 

Tuesday, June 17 | noon- 5 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | Join us to celebrate Juneteenth and recognize World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. Please consider donating. For appointments, contact Sharon Jones  Swag Alert: Donate through June 30 to receive a $15 gift card and a chance to win a $7K prize! Details. 

Career Pathways in Research Computing and Data 

Tuesday, June 24 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom | Explore the many career pathways in research computing and data (RCD) — from technical roles in industry to strategic leadership positions in academia. Scott Yockel, PhD, Research Computing Officer, Harvard University, will share insights on developing institution-wide research computing strategies, collaborating with faculty and leadership, and contributing to national and regional RCD initiatives. Sponsored by UVA Research Computing. Register. 

Summer Medical Leadership Program Distinguished Speaker: Vivian W. Pinn, MD 

Monday, June 30 | 3-4 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, Room 3110 | Vivian W. Pinn, MD, former Senior Scientist Emerita, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health (NIH); former Director (retired), Office of Research on Women’s Health, NIH, will speak about “Towards Becoming a Physician Leader.” Reception at 4:30 p.m. in the Learning Studio (room 1110). Presented by UVA School of Medicine. Register. 

Deadline Extended: Charles L. Brown Award 

New deadline: Thursday, July 31 | 5 p.m. | The Charles L. Brown Award for Patient Care Quality is UVA Health’s annual award for a care team who has worked to move our quality and patient safety efforts forward. Sponsored by the Department of Quality and Performance Improvement, this award offers a $10,000 prize to a team or teams to recognize excellence in patient care. To receive an application or for questions, contact Jeff Lucas, Director, Performance Improvement, at 434.243.1755. 

Appreciation 

Video Series | Research in Motion  

Have you been keeping up with this weekly series? Researchers answer three questions: What do you do? What do you love about your research? How will it impact human health? View the latest: 

• Lu Le, MD, PhD (pictured) | "Our lab studies cancer biology and stem cell biology. We’re very interested in understanding how cancer hijacks normal development to their advantage; we specifically focus on neurofibromatosis, a group of genetic conditions that cause tumors to grow on the nerve." 
• Larry Borish, MD | "I study the interaction of the common cold virus with asthma. Something like 80% of all hospital admissions from asthma exacerbations are caused by the common cold virus. And we’re just fascinated by trying to figure out what it is about this otherwise fairly innocuous virus that makes asthmatics’ lives so miserable." 
• Mark Beenhakker, PhD | "My lab studies the basic mechanisms of epilepsy. We’re trying to understand where in the brain seizures begin and how they evolve, and we’re using electrodes that are implanted in the brain to try to track the seizures across time." 
• Fern Hauck, MD | "My research involves saving the lives of countless infants from sudden infant death syndrome, also known as SIDS, and other infant deaths that may occur suddenly and unexpectedly during sleep." 

Thank you to these researchers — and all our colleagues who advance medical knowledge — for conducting research that shapes the medicine we deliver tomorrow, and how we deliver it. Watch new Research in Motion videos every Friday on Connect! 

Monday, June 9

Medical Students Blood Drive in Recognition of Blood Advocacy Week 

Tuesday, June 10 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | Improving patient access to blood transfusions on ambulances will significantly improve our nation’s emergency medical response capabilities. Please consider donating. For appointments, contact Sharon Jones or visit RedCrossBlood.org. Swag Alert: Donate through June 30 to receive a $15 gift card and a chance to win a $7K prize! Details. 

Operations 

Traffic Impact: Emmet Street Closure 

June 9-Aug. 1 | Due to local construction, the intersection of Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA) and Emmet Street, continuing to Stadium Road, will be closed to all vehicular traffic for day and night work, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The City of Charlottesville and the construction project will install road closure and detour signage in advance of the closure. Map. Questions? Contact parking@virginia.edu.  

• Impacts | This closure will impact patients and team members. Expect delays and longer commute times if you are traveling in this area.  
• Bus | University Transit Service (UTS) and Health System Transit Service (HSTS) bus routes from Northridge, Orthopedic Center Ivy Road, and the Emmet/Ivy Garage will travel along University Avenue during this closure.  
• EMS | Emergency Medical Services has been notified to seek alternate routes.  
• Walking | The current pedestrian paths on Stadium Road, Emmet Street, and JPA will remain open during this time. 

Monthly Epic Update 

Changes go live Tuesday, June 10 | This month’s Epic updates will impact ambulatory and inpatient licensed independent practitioners, nurses, and therapy services, as well as all Epic users, Access/Patient Access Teams, and the Emergency Department. Details about the latest changes can be found in the Epic Update Bundle. Contact the Service Desk: fill out a form or call 434.924.5334. 

New Parking FAQs Website Now Available 

Have parking questions? We've got answers! A new, easy-to-use parking FAQs website just for UVA Health team members has launched. Wondering where to park, how to get a permit, or where to find UTS bus routes and schedules? Visit the site. 

Apply Now to Be an Epic Super User 

Deadline: Friday, June 13 | Are you passionate about supporting your team and enhancing patient care through Epic optimization? The Epic Training Super User Program is looking for dedicated team members to serve as trusted resources and leaders within their units. Super Users are essential members of the Health Information Technology (HIT) program who bridge the gap between frontline staff, training, and clinical informatics. They are nominated by their manager, director, or peers based on their professionalism, teamwork, and willingness to go the extra mile. To learn more, visit Connect. 

Happenings 

3rd Annual UVA Health Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement/Patient Safety (QI/PS) Showcase 

Tuesday, June 10 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Education Resource Center, Room A | Recognizing local improvements in QI/PS from all disciplines. Schedule:  

• 11:30-11:55 a.m. | Poster viewing  
• 11:55 a.m.-1 p.m. | Oral presentations  
• 1-1:30 p.m. | Keynote speaker, Louise Knabe — an early member of the leadership team of surgeon and author Atul Gawande, MD, MPH, for eight years with Ariadne Labs — will share how she helped to shape the lab’s solution development methodology and build out and implement medical quality improvement solutions around the globe. 

FEAP | Braving the Arena: Leading Ourselves With Empathy, Self-Compassion, and Courage 

Tuesday, June 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Learn strategies — based on best-selling author Brené Brown’s groundbreaking research — to enhance your emotional awareness, resilience, connection, and growth. Presented by Rose Markey (pictured), Senior Learning and Development Consultant. Reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot 

McKim Hall | Ground Floor, Room G045 | No appointment necessary. Bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided. Photos taken in 10 minutes or less on:         

• Wednesday, June 11 | 7-10 a.m. 
• Tuesday, June 17 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 
• Friday, June 27 | 9 a.m.-noon 

Faculty Needed to Provide Shadowing Opportunities 

Deadline: Friday, June 13 | The Summer Medical Leadership Program (SMLP) welcomed the 2025 cohort on June 2 and is seeking faculty to provide clinical shadowing opportunities for our scholars. SMLP is a medical enrichment program for pre-med students who attend colleges in Virginia and across the nation. Scholars gain a great deal from shadowing UVA Health physicians, and it consistently ranks as one of the program’s highlights. If you are willing and available to host our scholars for shadowing opportunities, please complete this form. 

Appreciation 

UVA Health University Medical Center Earns Environmental Excellence Award 

In recognition for innovation in advancing health care sustainability, UVA Health University Medical Center has received a 2025 Partner Recognition Award from Practice Greenhealth, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to environmental sustainability in healthcare — delivering environmental solutions to more than 1,700 U.S. hospitals and health systems. 

The award recognizes facilities that have a commitment to environmental improvements and achieved progress in several areas of the organization. At University Medical Center, this includes landfill waste reduction and energy efficiency.  

According to the Chief Financial Officer Michael Marquardt, CHFP: “Numerous projects have led to this award: our Sustainable Clinics program is helping us decrease energy expenditures; the pharmacy has begun using recyclable coolers and cooler packaging instead of Styrofoam and plastic; and the anesthesia team, led by our Medical Director of Sustainability and Associate Professor of Anesthesiology Dr. Matthew Meyer, has eliminated desflurane in order to save costs and reduce greenhouse gas pollution. I am very proud of the initiative taken by individual team members, as well as department leaders.” Read more on Connect.

Friday, June 6

Traffic Impact: Emmet Street Closure 

June 9-Aug. 1 | Due to local construction, the intersection of Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA) and Emmet Street, continuing to Stadium Road, will be closed to all vehicular traffic for day and night work, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The City of Charlottesville and the construction project will install road closure and detour signage in advance of the closure. Map. Questions? Contact parking@virginia.edu.  

• Impacts | This closure will impact patients and team members. Expect delays and longer commute times if you are traveling in this area.  
• Bus | University Transit Service (UTS) and Health System Transit Service (HSTS) bus routes from Northridge, Orthopedic Center Ivy Road, and the Emmet/Ivy Garage will travel along University Avenue during this closure.  
• EMS | Emergency Medical Services has been notified to seek alternate routes.  
• Walking | The current pedestrian paths on Stadium Road, Emmet Street, and JPA will remain open during this time. 

Operations 

Monthly Update: Clinical and Operational Documents 

Having a working knowledge of policies and other clinical and operational documents relevant to your role and responsibilities at University Medical Center supports quality patient care and regulatory compliance. Learn What’s New in Clinical and Operational Documents. This month’s highlights include:  

• Updates to Care and Management of Patients with a CentriMag Device Guideline  
• Updates to Dofetilide (Tikosyn) Management Guideline  
• Updates to Chemotherapy or Hazardous Intrathecal Medications SOP, and many more.  

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

Monthly Epic Update 

Changes go live Tuesday, June 10 | This month’s Epic updates will impact ambulatory and inpatient licensed independent practitioners, nurses, and therapy services, as well as all Epic users, Access/Patient Access Teams, and the Emergency Department. Details about the latest changes can be found in the Epic Update Bundle. Contact the Service Desk: fill out a form or call 434.924.5334. 

Apply Now to Be an Epic Super User 

Deadline: Friday, June 13 | Are you passionate about supporting your team and enhancing patient care through Epic optimization? The Epic Training Super User Program is looking for dedicated team members to serve as trusted resources and leaders within their units. Super Users are essential members of the Health Information Technology (HIT) program who bridge the gap between frontline staff, training, and clinical informatics. They are nominated by their manager, director, or peers based on their professionalism, teamwork, and willingness to go the extra mile. To learn more, visit Connect. 

Safety and Security Update 

At University Medical Center, we're reinforcing our culture of safety with a focus on trust, transparency, and shared responsibility. Our systemwide initiatives are designed to protect patients, team members, and visitors while fostering an environment where healing and professional growth can flourish. Key efforts include enhancing access control with a shift to role-based access, expanding our security camera network, and strengthening protocols around interactions with correctional and law enforcement authorities.   

We're also investing in both on-Grounds and off-site safety — with increased security staffing, improved emergency planning, and enhanced training. New developments include a Visitor Management System launching next fiscal year and a covert weapons detection system planned for FY26. These measures are part of our ongoing commitment to creating a secure and welcoming space for all.   

Click here for more details on what’s ahead and how you can support a safer UVA Health. 

Leadership 

ACS Survey Complete — Thank You for Your Work 

University Medical Center recently completed a Trauma Verification Survey, conducted by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This survey fully assessed our organization’s commitment and resources for providing outstanding trauma care, as well as our institutional capability and performance. While we still have several weeks before we receive the final report from the ACS, we wanted to share that preliminary feedback we heard from surveyors was extremely positive. Read more on KnowledgeLink. 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• Charlottesville’s burgeoning biotech scene — and the role of the Paul and Dianne Manning Institute of Biotechnology in supporting that growth — is featured in Virginia Business. 

Patient Care 

• Dr. Leigh Ann Lather participates in our weekly NBC29 segment, discussing scoliosis. 
• Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton talks with The Washington Post about non-hormonal treatment options for hot flashes. 
• Dr. Cate Varney talks with Reuters (a story picked up by NBCNews.com and U.S. News & World Report) about the rise in Wegovy use among American teens. 
• Dr. Karen Rheuban will discuss how the internet and broadband have helped improve healthcare in ThoughtWaves, a soon-to-be-released documentary.   
• Stephanie Schnittger talks with HealthLeaders about her new role as UVA Health’s chief financial officer. 
• Dr. Jonathan Hemler talks with the VHHA podcast (broadcast on radio stations across Virginia) about pediatric food allergies. 

Research 

• Dr. John Lukens is featured locally, across Virginia, and on more than 60 TV stations nationally discussing his research into a potential Alzheimer’s solution. 
• Dr. Ariel Gomez and Dr. Madhu Misra are featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing UVA Health Children’s pediatric research symposium. 
• Dr. James Stone is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing a grant he received for research to protect the brain health of soldiers. 
• Dr. Kathleen Noorbakhsh talks with Healio about a study showing that unassigned epinephrine appears to be the most cost-effective strategy for treating anaphylaxis at summer camps. 
• Dr. Melanie Rutkowski talks with The Scientist about how bacteria from the microbiome could help breast cancer researchers better understand tumor growth. 

Community 

• Claudette Grant, Outreach Specialist, and Monica Hershey, Nutritionist, talks with NBC29 and CBS19 about the health benefits of produce and a gardening workshop co-sponsored by UVA Cancer Center. 

Education 

• Dr. William Horton talks with MedPage Today about key takeaways from the recent American Association of Clinical Endocrinology annual meeting. 

Human Resources 

Spring PTO Cash Out 

• University Medical Center team members: If your PTO balance is over 40 hours as of May 25, you may request a PTO cash out between now and June 8. The June 14 paycheck will include the cash out payments. For details and step-by-step instructions on how to request PTO cash out, please refer to the May 29 email from UVA Payroll.     
• UPG team members: The PTO cash out window is open until June 8. Check your PTO balances by clicking on Absence Balance in Workday and selecting 5/24/25 in the “As Of” field. 

Happenings 

Professional and Enrichment Programs to Support Growth 

Are you in an administrative or research administration role and looking to enhance your skills? UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers programs that can help you develop in your current field or build skills to move into a new one. Programs can be funded by UVA education benefits for eligible employees. Learn more about:  

• Higher Education Program for Professional Level Assistants  
• Research Administration Program for Higher Education Professionals  
• Leadership and Excellence for Administrative Professionals Academy 

Medical Students Blood Drive in Recognition of Blood Advocacy Week 

Tuesday, June 10 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | Improving patient access to blood transfusions on ambulances will significantly improve our nation’s emergency medical response capabilities. Please consider donating. For appointments, contact Sharon Jones or visit RedCrossBlood.org. Swag Alert: Donate June 1-30 to receive a $15 gift card and a chance to win a $7K prize! Details. 

3rd Annual UVA Health Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement/Patient Safety (QI/PS) Showcase 

Tuesday, June 10 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Education Resource Center, Room A | Recognizing local improvements in QI/PS from all disciplines. Schedule:  

• 11:30-11:55 a.m. | Poster viewing  
• 11:55 a.m.-1 p.m. | Oral presentations  
• 1-1:30 p.m. | Keynote speaker, Louise Knabe — an early member of the leadership team of surgeon and author Atul Gawande, MD, MPH, for eight years with Ariadne Labs — will share how she helped to shape the lab’s solution development methodology and build out and implement medical quality improvement solutions around the globe. 

FEAP | Braving the Arena: Leading Ourselves With Empathy, Self-Compassion, and Courage 

Tuesday, June 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Learn strategies — based on best-selling author Brené Brown’s groundbreaking research — to enhance your emotional awareness, resilience, connection, and growth. Presented by Rose Markey (pictured), Senior Learning and Development Consultant. Reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Faculty Needed to Provide Shadowing Opportunities 

Deadline: Friday, June 13 | The Summer Medical Leadership Program (SMLP) welcomed the 2025 cohort on June 2 and is seeking faculty to provide clinical shadowing opportunities for our scholars. SMLP is a medical enrichment program for pre-med students who attend colleges in Virginia and across the nation. Scholars gain a great deal from shadowing UVA Health physicians, and it consistently ranks as one of the program’s highlights. If you are willing and available to host our scholars for shadowing opportunities, please complete this form. 

Career Pathways in Research Computing and Data 

Tuesday, June 24 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom | Explore the many career pathways in research computing and data (RCD), from technical roles in industry to strategic leadership positions in academia. Scott Yockel, PhD, Research Computing Officer, Harvard University, will share insights on developing institution-wide research computing strategies, collaborating with faculty and leadership, and contributing to national and regional RCD initiatives. Sponsored by UVA Research Computing. Register. 

Team Member Call for Artists: UVA Health Arts Program 

Submission window: June 28-July 15 | Art submissions will soon be accepted for the Team Member Art Exhibit. Guidelines: 

• No textile art or sculptures. 
• Art must be framed or on a canvas stretcher (so that it can be fitted with security hardware). 
• Submit no more than two pieces of art. 
• No oversized art. 

To submit: Mark your name, title of the piece (including medium), and price on the back of the art. Deliver your submissions to Anne Brown in McKim 3115a starting June 28. The exhibit will run July 17-Sept. 17. 

Summer Medical Leadership Program Distinguished Speaker: Vivian W. Pinn, MD 

Monday, June 30 | 3-4 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, Room 3110 | Vivian W. Pinn, MD, former Senior Scientist Emerita, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health (NIH); former Director (retired), Office of Research on Women’s Health, NIH, will speak about “Towards Becoming a Physician Leader.” Reception at 4:30 p.m. in the Learning Studio (room 1110). Presented by UVA School of Medicine. Register. 

Appreciation 

‘The Absolute Best Birth Experience and Hospital Care’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues 

To best serve our community, UVA Health regularly surveys our patients on their healthcare experience. Below is a selection of feedback praising our team members:                         

• “I cannot thank Natoshia H. (nurse) enough. She was exactly what I needed that morning and I was grateful to have had her with me before, during, and after the procedure. She was kind, caring, funny, patient, and of course: skilled and competent. The circumstances that led me to that procedure are not what I would like, but Natoshia was just the right nurse! By the time I left, I felt like I had known her for years. I know I will have to have the same procedure again soon and I hope I am in her care again. Thanks, Natoshia!” 
• “Prior to having my cochlear implant, I gave much thought to how I would handle any device issues or questions. Well, that was time wasted on my part, as Cynthia and Dr. Kesser were both there and remain there for me! Cynthia shares her expertise openly and willingly. She is a blessing in my life — I'm ever so grateful!” 
• “This was the absolute best birth experience and hospital care I've ever experienced! My husband and I couldn't stop thanking the staff for being so kind, knowledgeable, and helpful during our entire labor and delivery and postnatal care! We will be back for our second birth!” 

Thank you to our team members for providing outstanding, compassionate, and safe care! 

Wednesday, June 4

Spring PTO Cash Out 

• University Medical Center team members: If your PTO balance is over 40 hours as of May 25, you may request a PTO cash out between now and June 8. The June 14 paycheck will include the cash out payments. For details and step-by-step instructions on how to request PTO cash out, please refer to the May 29 email from UVA Payroll.    
• UPG team members: The PTO cash out window is open until June 8. Check your PTO balances by clicking on Absence Balance in Workday and selecting 5/24/25 in the “As Of” field. 

Operations 

Traffic Impact: Emmet Street Closure 

June 9-Aug. 1 | Due to local construction, the intersection of Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA) and Emmet Street, continuing to Stadium Road, will be closed to all vehicular traffic for day and night work, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The City of Charlottesville and the construction project will install road closure and detour signage in advance of the closure. Map. Questions? Contact parking@virginia.edu. 

• Impacts | This closure will impact patients and team members. Expect delays and longer commute times if you are traveling in this area. 
• Bus | University Transit Service (UTS) and Health System Transit Service (HSTS) bus routes from Northridge, Orthopedic Center Ivy Road, and the Emmet/Ivy Garage will travel along University Avenue during this closure. 
• EMS | Emergency Medical Services has been notified to seek alternate routes. 
• Walking | The current pedestrian paths on Stadium Road, Emmet Street, and JPA will remain open during this time. 

Monthly Update: Clinical and Operational Documents 

Having a working knowledge of policies and other clinical and operational documents relevant to your role and responsibilities at University Medical Center supports quality patient care and regulatory compliance. Learn What’s New in Clinical and Operational Documents. This month’s highlights include: 

• Updates to Care and Management of Patients with a CentriMag Device Guideline 
• Updates to Dofetilide (Tikosyn) Management Guideline 
• Updates to Chemotherapy or Hazardous Intrathecal Medications SOP, and many more. 

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

Apply Now to Be an Epic Super User 

Deadline: Friday, June 13 | Are you passionate about supporting your team and enhancing patient care through Epic optimization? The Epic Training Super User Program is looking for dedicated team members to serve as trusted resources and leaders within their units. Super Users are essential members of the Health Information Technology (HIT) program who bridge the gap between frontline staff, training, and clinical informatics. They are nominated by their manager, director, or peers based on their professionalism, teamwork, and willingness to go the extra mile. To learn more, visit Connect. 

Safety and Security Update 

At University Medical Center, we're reinforcing our culture of safety with a focus on trust, transparency, and shared responsibility. Our systemwide initiatives are designed to protect patients, team members, and visitors while fostering an environment where healing and professional growth can flourish. Key efforts include enhancing access control with a shift to role-based access, expanding our security camera network, and strengthening protocols around interactions with correctional and law enforcement authorities.  

We're also investing in both on-Grounds and off-site safety — with increased security staffing, improved emergency planning, and enhanced training. New developments include a Visitor Management System launching next fiscal year and a covert weapons detection system planned for FY26. These measures are part of our ongoing commitment to creating a secure and welcoming space for all.  

Click here for more details on what’s ahead and how you can support a safer UVA Health. 

Leadership 

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Wendy’s Book Club: Multipliers 

In her latest Vision and Voice blog, Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, shares three takeaways that stand out from the Liz Wiseman book. Read more. 

Be Heard Breakfast 

Wednesday, June 11 | noon-1 p.m. | Telemed Conference Room | There are still spots open for Wendy Horton’s Be Heard Breakfast, at lunch! Come together and chat with colleagues from across UVA Health University Medical Center. Sign up. 

University Medical Center Survey: Leadership Is Listening 

Survey closes Monday, June 30 | University Medical Center team members are encouraged to take this one-minute survey to share with leadership what matters most to you. At the end of the survey, enter a drawing for the UVA Health swag of your choice. Options include UVA Health T-shirts, ball caps, duffel bags, sling bags, and much more. One in 20 people will win. Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your work as a UVA Health team member! 

Happenings 

Professional and Enrichment Programs to Support Growth 

Are you in an administrative or research administration role and looking to enhance your skills? UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers programs that can help you develop in your current field or build skills to move into a new one. Programs can be funded by UVA education benefits for eligible employees. Learn more about: 

• Higher Education Program for Professional Level Assistants 
• Research Administration Program for Higher Education Professionals 
• Leadership and Excellence for Administrative Professionals Academy 

Medical Students Blood Drive in Recognition of Blood Advocacy Week 

Tuesday, June 10 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | Improving patient access to blood transfusions on ambulances will significantly improve our nation’s emergency medical response capabilities. Please consider donating. For appointments, contact Sharon Jones or visit RedCrossBlood.org. Swag Alert: Donate June 1-30 to receive a $15 gift card and a chance to win a $7K prize! Details. 

3rd Annual UVA Health Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement/Patient Safety (QI/PS) Showcase 

Tuesday, June 10 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Education Resource Center, Room A | Recognizing local improvements in QI/PS from all disciplines. Schedule: 

• 11:30-11:55 a.m. | Poster viewing 
• 11:55 a.m.-1 p.m. | Oral presentations 
• 1-1:30 p.m. | Keynote speaker, Louise Knabe — an early member of the leadership team of surgeon and author Atul Gawande, MD, MPH, for eight years with Ariadne Labs — will share how she helped to shape the lab’s solution development methodology and build out and implement medical quality improvement solutions around the globe. 

FEAP | Braving the Arena: Leading Ourselves With Empathy, Self-Compassion, and Courage 

Tuesday, June 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Learn strategies — based on best-selling author Brené Brown’s groundbreaking research — to enhance your emotional awareness, resilience, connection, and growth. Presented by Rose Markey (pictured), Senior Learning and Development Consultant. Reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Faculty Needed to Provide Shadowing Opportunities 

Deadline: Friday, June 13 | The Summer Medical Leadership Program (SMLP) welcomed the 2025 cohort on June 2 and is seeking faculty to provide clinical shadowing opportunities for our scholars. SMLP is a medical enrichment program for pre-med students who attend colleges in Virginia and across the nation. Scholars gain a great deal from shadowing UVA Health physicians, and it consistently ranks as one of the program’s highlights. If you are willing and available to host our scholars for shadowing opportunities, please complete this form. 

Celebration | 2025 Service Awards 

June 13 and June 23 | Congratulations to UVA Health team members who have milestone anniversaries with UVA Health this year! In recognition of their many contributions, team members with 10, 15, and 20 years of service are being celebrated at a luncheon on June 13, and team members with 25+ years of service are being celebrated at a dinner on June 23. Invitations have been sent to eligible team members. If you are celebrating a milestone anniversary and have not received an invitation, please contact AskHR@virginia.edu. 

Continuing Medical Education: Free Training in LGBTQ+ Patient Centered Care 

Deadline: Friday, Dec. 19 | As a participant in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index, UVA Health team members have access to more than 200 free, on-demand, CME-accredited LGBTQ+ training options. These include interactive eLearning courses and webinars (live and recorded) from the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center. To register for courses, use Facility ID: 55856 after clicking here.  

All team members have access to participate in these free trainings (don’t forget to use our facility ID!) to improve care provided to patients seeking care at UVA Health. For more information, contact Bizz Glover. 

Summer Medical Leadership Program Distinguished Speaker: Vivian W. Pinn, MD 

Monday, June 30 | 3-4 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, Room 3110 | Vivian W. Pinn, MD, former Senior Scientist Emerita, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health (NIH); former Director (retired), Office of Research on Women’s Health, NIH, will speak about “Towards Becoming a Physician Leader.” Reception at 4:30 p.m. in the Learning Studio (room 1110). Presented by UVA School of Medicine. Register. 

Appreciation 

Upholding the Highest Ideals

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a U.S. Department of Defense office, is honoring Andrew Muck, MD, MBA, with the Patriotic Employer Award. The U.S. Air Force veteran is the Marcus L. Martin Distinguished Professor and Chair of UVA School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine, which hosted a surprise ceremony to announce the national recognition and demonstrate collective appreciation. 

"I'm honored to receive the Patriotic Employer Award, as supporting our colleagues serving in the National Guard and Reserve is deeply personal and meaningful to me,” says Dr. Muck. “Their commitment deserves our full support, and I'm proud UVA shares this dedication. This recognition also reflects UVA's longstanding commitment, along with generations of our graduates, to upholding and supporting the highest ideals of our country.” 

Pictured above from left: Chuck Boles, MA, ESGR Ombudsman, presented the award; Brendan Byrne, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, and Captain, U.S. Navy Reserves Medical Corps, nominated Dr. Muck for the award; and Dr. Muck’s daughter Anna Beth Muck, proudly attached an ESGR pin to her father’s suit during the ceremony. 

Congratulations and thank you for your service, Dr. Muck — and thank you to all service members as well! 

Monday, June 2

Traffic Impact: Emmet Street Closure 

June 9-Aug. 1 | Due to local construction, the intersection of Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA) and Emmet Street, continuing to Stadium Road, will be closed to all vehicular traffic for day and night work, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The City of Charlottesville and the construction project will install road closure and detour signage in advance of the closure. Questions? Contact parking@virginia.edu.  

• Impacts | This closure will impact patients and team members. Expect delays and longer commute times if you are traveling in this area. 
• Bus | University Transit Service (UTS) and Health System Transit Service (HSTS) bus routes from Northridge, Orthopedic Center Ivy Road, and the Emmet/Ivy Garage will travel along University Avenue during this closure. 
• EMS | Emergency Medical Services has been notified to seek alternate routes. 
• Walking | The current pedestrian paths on Stadium Road, Emmet Street, and JPA will remain open during this time. 

Operations 

New Parking FAQs Website Now Available 

Have parking questions? We've got answers! A new, easy-to-use parking FAQs website just for UVA Health team members has launched. Wondering where to park, how to get a permit, or where to find UTS bus routes and schedules? Visit the site. 

Safety and Security Update 

At University Medical Center, we're reinforcing our culture of safety with a focus on trust, transparency, and shared responsibility. Our systemwide initiatives are designed to protect patients, team members, and visitors while fostering an environment where healing and professional growth can flourish. Key efforts include enhancing access control with a shift to role-based access, expanding our security camera network, and strengthening protocols around interactions with correctional and law enforcement authorities.  

We're also investing in both on-Grounds and off-site safety — with increased security staffing, improved emergency planning, and enhanced training. New developments include a Visitor Management System launching next fiscal year and a covert weapons detection system planned for FY26. These measures are part of our ongoing commitment to creating a secure and welcoming space for all.  

Click here for more details on what’s ahead and how you can support a safer UVA Health. 

Monthly Update: Clinical and Operational Documents 

Having a working knowledge of policies and other clinical and operational documents relevant to your role and responsibilities at University Medical Center supports quality patient care and regulatory compliance. Learn What’s New in Clinical and Operational Documents. This month’s highlights include:   

• Updates to Care and Management of Patients with a CentriMag Device Guideline 
• Updates to Dofetilide (Tikosyn) Management Guideline 
• Updates to Chemotherapy or Hazardous Intrathecal Medications SOP, and many more. 

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org 

Apply Now to Be an Epic Super User 

Deadline: Friday, June 13 | Are you passionate about supporting your team and enhancing patient care through Epic optimization? The Epic Training Super User Program is looking for dedicated team members to serve as trusted resources and leaders within their units. Super Users are essential members of the Health Information Technology (HIT) program who bridge the gap between frontline staff, training, and clinical informatics. They are nominated by their manager, director, or peers based on their professionalism, teamwork, and willingness to go the extra mile. To learn more, visit Connect. 

Leadership 

Frank Abreu Named Administrator of Ambulatory Access 

Francisco “Frank” M. Abreu, MHA, will join UVA Health as Administrator of Ambulatory Access on June 23. In this role, Frank will oversee the administrative, operational, and financial performance of UVA Health scheduling, call centers, and referrals — and guide initiatives to help us fulfill our strategic goal of enabling easy patient access to care. Read more on KnowledgeLink. 

Human Resources 

Spring PTO Cash Out 

• University Medical Center team members: If your PTO balance is over 40 hours as of May 25, you may request a PTO cash out between now and June 8. The June 14 paycheck will include the cash out payments. For details and step-by-step instructions on how to request PTO cash out, please refer to the May 29 email from UVA Payroll.    
• UPG team members: The PTO cash out window is open until June 8. Check your PTO balances by clicking on Absence Balance in Workday and selecting 5/24/25 in the “As Of” field. 

FY25 Year-End Review for UVA Health 

Reminder: FY25 UVA Health manager evaluations are due on June 30. Managers should hold their 1:1s and complete the "Acknowledgement" step by this date. Resources and additional details about the FY25 performance process can be found on the UVA Health Performance website. 

Happenings 

June Is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month 

This month is dedicated to shining a light on the 40 million Americans living with headache and migraine disorders. Despite its widespread impact, headache disorders remain severely underfunded and underrecognized. June is a time to raise awareness, fight stigma, and push for policy change to ensure that migraine and other headache disorders are recognized, researched, and properly treated. This year, a groundbreaking National Mall Installation will feature thousands of flags, creating a powerful visual representation of those affected by headache and migraine disorders, alongside the illumination of over 40 landmarks across the country in purple throughout the month. Whether you wear purple, share your story, get involved, or help educate others — every action brings us closer to a world where no one suffers in silence. To learn more or act, visit the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy. 

June Is Pride Month 

Across UVA Health, we’re pleased to recognize LGBTQ+ Pride Month throughout June. During Pride Month, we celebrate and commemorate the significant impact the LGBTQ+ community has had on our society, culture, and history. By putting our patients at the center of everything we do, we provide compassionate and inclusive care regardless of their backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. Thank you for being united in fostering an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered. Together, we will continue our commitment to cultivating healthy communities and creating a sense of belonging for all — a key component of UVA Health’s 10-year strategic plan. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot 

McKim Hall | Ground Floor, Room G045 | No appointment necessary. Bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided. Photos taken in 10 minutes or less on:        

• Thursday, June 5 | 8-11 a.m.  
• Wednesday, June 11 | 7-10 a.m.  
• Tuesday, June 17 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  
• Friday, June 27 | 9 a.m.-noon 

FEAP | Braving the Arena: Leading Ourselves With Empathy, Self-Compassion, and Courage 

Tuesday, June 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Learn strategies — based on best-selling author Brené Brown’s groundbreaking research — to enhance your emotional awareness, resilience, connection, and growth. Reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

3rd Annual UVA Health Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement/Patient Safety (QI/PS) Showcase 

Tuesday, June 10 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Education Resource Center, Room A | Recognizing local improvements in QI/PS from all disciplines. Schedule:   

• 11:30-11:55 a.m. | Poster viewing  
• 11:55 a.m.-1 p.m. | Oral presentations  
• 1-1:30 p.m. | Keynote speaker, Louise Knabe — an early member of the leadership team of surgeon and author Atul Gawande, MD, MPH, for eight years with Ariadne Labs — will share how she helped to shape the lab’s solution development methodology and build out and implement medical quality improvement solutions around the globe. 

Appreciation 

‘Commitment to the Community’

UVA Health recently served as a sponsor of Washington, D.C.’s “ABC7 On Your Side: Feeding the DMV” campaign supporting the Capital Area Food Bank.  

A peanut butter drive took place May 16 in the parking lot of UVA Health Prince William Medical Center in Manassas, Virginia. Capital Area Food Bank reports that about 1,400 pounds of peanut butter, jelly, and other non-perishable food items were collected, including more than 135 jars of peanut butter from team members at UVA Health Prince William, Culpeper, and Haymarket Medical Centers.  

“We recently completed our community health needs assessment which showed that food insecurity is a major issue facing families here in Manassas,” Mike Barkema, Assistant Vice President of Operations, Prince William Medical Center, told ABC7 reporter Joy Wang.  

“There are serious concerns for families paying their rent and having enough money for food. We want to be there for them and be a good neighbor and a good friend,” says Community Engagement Manager Rozlyn Giddens. 

Monetary donations can still be made to the campaign.  

Read more on Connect. Thank you to all who participated! 

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