Complimentary Thanksgiving Meal 

Thursday, Nov. 27 | University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-8 p.m., 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | Thank you to all team members who will be working on Thanksgiving Day. To celebrate the holiday, stop by University Hospital cafeteria to enjoy a turkey feast including roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy, smashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry compote, and assorted pie slices (apple, pumpkin, and sweet potato). Bon appétit! 

Thanksgiving Blessings 

From UVA Health leadership: “As we enter a season of gratitude, we want to take time to reflect on the extraordinary work happening across UVA Health every day. This time of year, as millions of Americans prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, reminds us how fortunate we are to serve alongside such committed colleagues whose work doesn’t stop for the holidays. Every day, we have patients walking through our doors in need of our care, and every day you deliver with compassion and without hesitation.” 

“Because of your unwavering dedication, UVA Health continues to advance our mission to transform health and inspire hope for all Virginians and beyond. We are grateful for your contributions every day, and we hope that you feel our appreciation year-round.” Read the full message. 

Operations 

Impacts of Thanksgiving Holiday | Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28  

• All UVA Health clinics will be closed. (Dialysis clinics will remain open.)     
• 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, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28.   
  • 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, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28.   
  • University Transit Bus and Health System Transit shuttle will operate normally Monday, Dec. 1.  
• Cafe and retail locations | Closed Thursday and 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, Nov. 28. It will resume Monday, Dec. 1. 

Happenings 

A Month of Giving Opportunities: Blood Donations Urgently Needed 

Blood shortages are worldwide, and demand increases during the holiday season. Make a lifesaving difference — please donate and encourage your teammates to join you. To register, contact Sharon Jones to donate in Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor, on: 

• Monday, Dec. 1 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Swag: Pac-Man socks | Details 
• Monday, Dec. 8 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Swag: $15 Amazon gift card | Details 
• Monday, Dec. 22 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Swag: Red Cross long-sleeve T-shirt | Details 
• Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Swag: Red Cross long-sleeve T-shirt | Details 

UVA School of Nursing Admissions: PhD Info Session 

Tuesday, Dec. 2 | 5:30 p.m. | 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. 

Medical Center Hour | Innovation and Moral Distress in the History of Neonatology 

Wednesday, Dec. 3 | noon-1 p.m. | MR6, Room 2502 and Zoom | Johanna Schoen, PhD, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Professor, Department of History, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, discusses the use of aggressive treatment and the lack of anesthesia and analgesia that made many NICUs a fraught ethical place in the 1970s through the 1990s. It analyzes the moral distress felt by clinicians and parents about the care neonates were receiving and describes the parent-initiated reform movements that led to changes in NICU care by the turn of the 21st century. Lunch provided. 

Lights of Love Tree Lighting and Caroling 

Thursday, Dec. 4 | 1 p.m. | University Hospital lobby | Enjoy music of the season by the Charlottesville High School choir. Our guests of honor, the Saul family, will kick off the season by lighting the tree. Sponsored by the UVA Hospital Auxiliary. To help the Hospital Auxiliary continue their service of giving, consider making a tax deductible donation to support programs that directly benefit our patients and their families such as flowers for patients, pet therapy, music therapy, and more. 

Appreciation 

In Case You Missed It: Team Members Share Their Gratitude and Traditions This Holiday Season 

Connect recently reached out to all UVA Health team members to share their favorite Thanksgiving traditions, must-have foods, and what they are grateful for this year. Check out their responses. Thank you to all who sent in submissions.    

Whether you’re at home with family and friends, caring for patients at the hospital, or working elsewhere in the health system, we wish all UVA Health team members a happy and healthy Thanksgiving! 

Previous Updates

Monday, Nov. 24

Roll Up Your Sleeve: Donate Blood (and Get Pac-Man Socks!) 

Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | Blood shortages are worldwide, and demand increases during the holiday season. Make a lifesaving difference — please donate and encourage your teammates to join you. To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: In celebration of the 45th anniversary of Pac-Man, when you donate Nov. 17-Dec. 7 you will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross Pac-Man socks (while supplies last). Details. 

Operations 

Impacts of Thanksgiving Holiday | Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28 

• All UVA Health clinics will be closed. (Dialysis clinics will remain open.)    
• 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, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28.  
  • 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, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28.  
  • University Transit Bus and Health System Transit shuttle will operate normally Monday, Dec. 1. 
• Cafe and retail locations | Closed Thursday and 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, Nov. 28. It will resume Monday, Dec. 1. 

Spotlight on Specialty Psychiatry Clinics 

The Department of Psychiatry offers several specialty clinics designed to support patients with specific diagnostic needs and treatment goals. These programs provide clear referral pathways and evidence-based care: 

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Clinic: Evaluation and treatment for intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. 
• Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Clinic: Diagnostic clarification and medication management for adults with attention and organization challenges. 
• Deprescribing Clinic: Focused review of psychotropic regimens to reduce polypharmacy and improve safety. 
• Second Opinion Clinic: One-time consultations for complex diagnostic or treatment questions, including a written report to guide care. 
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) (15+): Noninvasive neuromodulation for treatment-resistant depression. 
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Service: Outpatient treatment for severe mood disorders, including depression with psychosis, schizophrenia, and mania. 

Referrals can be placed in Epic under Psychiatry Referral, selecting the appropriate clinic. For questions, contact Access at 434.924.2241 or Pamela Byrnes. 

Leadership 

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall 

Tuesday, Dec. 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | Please join UVA Health leadership for our final town hall of the year. It will begin with remarks by Mitchell Rosner, MD, CEO, UVA Health, followed by an open question-and-answer session with leadership for the remainder of the hour. You’re invited to submit questions in advance to YOURTOWNHALL@uvahealth.org. Questions also will be accepted live during the event. We look forward to your participation as we close out 2025 together. 

Recruiting: UVA Schwartz Center Rounds 

The UVA Health Office of Team Wellbeing is recruiting two clinical leaders (one staff, one LIP) for UVA Schwartz Center Rounds — regular, multi-disciplinary programs for healthcare staff to discuss the emotional and social challenges of patient care. These sessions provide a safe space for all to share their experiences, reflect on the human side of medicine, and build community. The goal is to support staff wellbeing, enhance compassion, and ultimately improve patient care. Read more about the evidence to support the benefits of UVA Schwartz Center Rounds. Interested? Send a brief synopsis of experience and interest and a CV to Teamwellbeing@uvahealth.org. 

Human Resources 

Team Member Discount Available From UVA Health LASIK Northridge 

All UVA Health and UVA academic team members and all UVA students are eligible for a 10% discount on LASIK procedures from UVA Health LASIK Northridge. LASIK is not covered by most insurance plans (including the UVA Health Plan). The out-of-pocket cost is $2,500 per eye, so UVA employees and students can save $250 per eye. To receive the discount, simply inform the scheduling team that you are a UVA employee or student when you schedule your initial evaluation with the clinic. To make an appointment, call 434.982.2010. 

Happenings 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider 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:  

• Monday, Nov. 24 | 10-1 p.m. 
• Tuesday, Dec. 2 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Culpeper Medical Center | Cafeteria Conference Room 
• Friday, Dec. 5 | 10-11 a.m. and 2:30-4:30 p.m. 
• Thursday, Dec. 11 | noon-3 p.m. 
• Tuesday, Dec. 16 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Complimentary Thanksgiving Meal 

Thursday, Nov. 27 | University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-8 p.m., 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | Thank you to all team members who will be working on Thanksgiving Day. To celebrate the holiday, stop by University Hospital cafeteria to enjoy a turkey feast including roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy, smashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry compote, and assorted pie slices (apple, pumpkin, and sweet potato). Bon appétit! 

Nominate: Research Achievement Awards 

Deadline: Monday, Dec. 1 | 5 p.m. | The Research Achievement Awards recognize UVA faculty every year for their excellence in research and scholarship. Learn more about the awards and eligibility criteria. 

Medical Center Hour | Innovation and Moral Distress in the History of Neonatology 

Wednesday, Dec. 3 | noon-1 p.m. | MR6, Room 2502 and Zoom | Johanna Schoen, PhD, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Professor, Department of History, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, discusses the use of aggressive treatment and the lack of anesthesia and analgesia that made many NICUs a fraught ethical place in the 1970s through the 1990s. It analyzes the moral distress felt by clinicians and parents about the care neonates were receiving and describes the parent-initiated reform movements that led to changes in NICU care by the turn of the 21st century. Lunch provided. 

Lights of Love Tree Lighting and Caroling 

Thursday, Dec. 4 | 1 p.m. | University Hospital lobby | Enjoy music of the season by the Charlottesville High School choir. Our guests of honor, the Saul family, will kick off the season by lighting the tree. Sponsored by the UVA Hospital Auxiliary. To help the Hospital Auxiliary continue their service of giving, consider making a tax deductible donation to support programs that directly benefit our patients and their families such as flowers for patients, pet therapy, music therapy, and more. 

Organizational Leadership Coaching Program 

Registration deadline: Monday, Dec. 15 | Are you a healthcare professional looking to deepen your leadership impact? In just four months, UVA’s online Organizational Leadership Coaching (OLC) program equips you with evidence-based coaching tools and 88 contact hours required for the International Coaching Federation’s Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential. You’ll hone active listening, ethical practice, and resilience-building skills — empowering you to support your teams, reduce burnout, and lead change. Learn more. 

Introduction to Mindfulness 

Thursdays, Jan. 15-Feb. 19 | 6:15-7:45 p.m. | Zoom | Carwood Fitzhugh teaches this six-week course. Register. 

Appreciation 

Team Members Share Their Gratitude and Traditions This Holiday Season  

Connect recently reached out to all UVA Health team members to share their favorite Thanksgiving traditions, must-have foods, and what they are grateful for this year. Check out their responses. Thank you to all who sent in submissions.   

Whether you’re at home with family and friends, caring for patients at the hospital, or working elsewhere in the health system, we wish all UVA Health team members a happy and healthy Thanksgiving! 

Friday, Nov. 21

Feedback Needed: What Are Your Thanksgiving Traditions? 

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 21 | As Thanksgiving approaches (Nov. 27), we’d like to hear about your favorite traditions. To participate, email answers to any (or all!) of the below questions to the Connect team at uvaconnect@virginia.edu:  

• What is your name, title, and department/unit/work area?  
• What is an absolute must-have food on the table? (Share the recipe!)  
• What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?  
• What does Thanksgiving mean to you? What are you giving thanks for this year?  
• Send a photo if you have one handy!  

We will collate all responses and share them in a special Thanksgiving article on Connect on Nov. 24. 

Operations 

Impacts of Thanksgiving Holiday | Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28 

• All UVA Health clinics will be closed. (Dialysis clinics will remain open.)   
• 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, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28. 
  • 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, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28. 
  • University Transit Bus and Health System Transit shuttle will operate normally Monday, Dec. 1.    
• Cafe and retail locations | Closed Thursday and 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, Nov. 28. It will resume Monday, Dec. 1. 

SCM Data Integrity Team: Updated Mailbox Information 

The Supply Chain Management (SCM) Data Integrity Team (DIT), which provides oversight for the Vendor File and Item File functions, has implemented updated mailbox addresses to enhance communication efficiency and strengthen data governance across UVA Health. Updated Mailboxes: 

• Vendor File: vendorfile.DIT@uvahealth.org 

• Item File: itemfile.DIT@uvahealth.org 
  Please note: The Item File mailbox is designated for internal UVA Health use only and should not be shared externally. 

Vendor File Team: Responsible for vendor master data management including vendor onboarding, compliance, remit-to and tax identification updates, maintenance activities, and inactivation/reactivation processes. 

Item File Team: Responsible for item master data management including item creation, description and pricing updates, inactivation procedures, and maintenance. 

We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to advance data integrity standards and operational alignment within Supply Chain Management. 

Shop Safely This Holiday Season 

Prepare for the upcoming holiday shopping season by learning about common holiday scams and how to best protect your accounts and data. Learn more. 

Keep Us Safe by Minimizing Decorations in Your Area (and Know the Guidelines) 

State and federal regulatory agencies prohibit decorations in healthcare occupancies unless certain guidelines concerning decorations are observed to ensure the safety of us all. Should you have any fire safety questions concerning decorations please contact HSPP Compliance at 924.9389; for infection control, please contact 924.0260. Read the guidelines on Connect. 

Leadership 

Recruiting: UVA Schwartz Center Rounds 

The UVA Health Office of Team Wellbeing is recruiting two clinical leaders (one staff, one LIP) for UVA Schwartz Center Rounds — regular, multi-disciplinary programs for healthcare staff to discuss the emotional and social challenges of patient care. These sessions provide a safe space for all to share their experiences, reflect on the human side of medicine, and build community. The goal is to support staff wellbeing, enhance compassion, and ultimately improve patient care. Read more about the evidence to support the benefits of UVA Schwartz Center Rounds. Interested? Send a brief synopsis of experience and interest and a CV to Teamwellbeing@uvahealth.org. 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills is featured in more than 1,000 outlets nationally and internationally — including The New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Associated Press, CNN.com, NPR, and The Washington Post — highlighting the first death linked to a meat allergy spread by ticks. 

Patient Care 

• Dr. Thomas Shin appears on our weekly NBC29 segment to discuss weight loss surgery. 
• Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton talks with Women’s Health about hot flash treatment myths. 
• Dr. Kirsten Greene is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing focused ultrasound as a treatment option for prostate cancer. 
• Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Schnittger talks with HealthLeaders about how CFOs can harness the power of their shifting roles. 
• Becker’s Hospital Review highlights the expansion of a partnership between UVA Health and Riverside Health to include liver transplant services.  
• Dr. Michael Engel is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing a donation from Carter Myers Automotive to support transportation needs for UVA Health Children’s cancer patients. 

Research 

• Dr. Mark Esser talks with Modern Healthcare about the Manning Institute of Biotechnology. 
• Dr. Harald Sontheimer’s research into why patients with Alzheimer’s forget loved ones is featured in The Independent and Yahoo. 
• Dr. Pamela Mason talks with Scientific American about irregular heartbeats. 
• Dr. Anita Clayton talks with Fast Company and LAist (Los Angeles NPR) about sexual dysfunction in women and the development of treatments for the condition. 
• Dr. Chris Holstege shares with The Independent what items lurking in your home could make you sick during the winter months. 
• UVA School of Medicine is featured in an OncoDaily story on the top growing medical universities in the United States and Canada. 
• Dr. Jennifer Payne’s research into a potential blood test for postpartum depression is featured in dozens of outlets nationally, including Yahoo. 

Community 

• Population Health Project Manager Vickie Marsh and Administrator Novella Thompson are featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing a community partnership to donate bicycles, bike locks, bike helmets, and bike racks for kids in a Charlottesville apartment community. 

Education 

• Senior Director of Perioperative Services Travis Chaney, Dr. Joseph Magalski, and Program Manager for Workforce Pipeline Development Pamela Bertone talk with InsideNOVA about an event at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center for local high school students to learn about robotic surgery technology. 

Human Resources 

Fall PTO Cash Out 

• University Medical Center team members: The PTO cash-out window closes Nov. 23. Log into Workday and review your total PTO balance by clicking on Absence Balance and selecting 11/8/25 in the “As Of” field. The amount in the "Balance As of Date" field is your total PTO at the time of cash-out. To cash out PTO, visit Workday and search “Cash Out” in the search bar at the top of the screen. From there, enter the amount of hours you’d like to cash-out (the maximum you’re eligible to cash-out appears in a note below the hours field). Validate the information is correct and then click Submit. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu.   
• UPG team members: The PTO cash-out window opens Nov. 27. Eligible employees will have until Dec. 7 to submit their request. You will not be able to access the cash-out information before or after these dates. Those who elect this option will see the payout on their Dec. 12 paycheck. Check your email for additional information or reach out to llr6v@uvahealth.org with questions. 

Happenings 

Expressive Color: The Art of Karen Rosasco 

Through Wednesday, Jan. 14 | University Hospital Lobby | UVA Health Arts Program is pleased to present “Expressive Color: The Art of Karen Rosasco.” Pictured: “The Trout Stream.” 

National Caregivers Week 

November is National Caregivers Month — and this is National Caregivers Week — honoring the role of caregivers in healthcare, and their challenges and resources. UVA Health Office of Community Engagement and Health Outcomes and UVA School of Medicine Office of Medical Sciences Outreach is raising awareness of caregivers. Register to join this virtual presentation: 

• Friday, Nov. 21 | noon-1 p.m. | Registration Required to Receive Link | UVA Health Director of Healthcare Leadership Education and Community Wellness Melody Pannell, D. Min., MSW, M.Div., MACE, GC, speaks on “Caring for the Caregivers.” Providing healthy environments in which caregivers can share experiences and receive support and recognition to develop resiliency and sustain well-being.  

Join the conversation: if you’re caring for a loved one with a health issue, how are you coping? Email your thoughts, in 150 words or fewer, to uvaconnect@virginia.edu by Nov. 24, 5 p.m., to be considered for inclusion in an upcoming National Caregivers Month article on Connect.  

Volunteers Needed: Turkey Trot 

Nearly 2,000 runners and walkers of all ages will gather at Boar’s Head Resort to kick off Thanksgiving with a 5K to raise money for UVA Health Children’s. Money raised from the Turkey Trot supports patient care and support services. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities leading up to and on the day of Turkey Trot. Assist with packet pick up (Nov. 22, 25, 26), race set up (Nov. 26-27), on-site support (Nov. 27), or post-event breakdown (Nov. 27). View all volunteer opportunities and sign up. 

Roll Up Your Sleeve: Donate Blood (and Get Pac-Man Socks!) 

Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | Blood shortages are worldwide, and demand increases during the holiday season. Make a lifesaving difference — please donate and encourage your teammates to join you. To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: In celebration of the 45th anniversary of Pac-Man, when you donate Nov. 17-Dec. 7 you will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross Pac-Man socks (while supplies last). Details. 

Complimentary Thanksgiving Meal 

Thursday, Nov. 27 | University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-8 p.m., 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | Thank you to all team members who will be working on Thanksgiving Day. To celebrate the holiday, stop by University Hospital cafeteria to enjoy a turkey feast including roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy, smashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry compote, and assorted pie slices (apple, pumpkin, and sweet potato). Bon appétit! 

Organizational Leadership Coaching Program 

Registration deadline: Monday, Dec. 15 | Are you a healthcare professional looking to deepen your leadership impact? In just four months, UVA’s online Organizational Leadership Coaching (OLC) program equips you with evidence-based coaching tools and 88 contact hours required for the International Coaching Federation’s Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential. You’ll hone active listening, ethical practice, and resilience-building skills — empowering you to support your teams, reduce burnout, and lead change. Learn more. 

Appreciation 

‘Exceptional in Every Way’ | 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:         

• “Team members are exceptional in every way. I especially want to recognize Angie (I believe that was her name), my radiology technician. She was outstanding — knowledgeable, highly skilled, and incredibly compassionate. What is normally a very stressful procedure for me was made so much easier because of her calm, kind demeanor. She put me at ease from the moment I arrived, and her thoughtful care truly made a meaningful difference.” 
• “My hygienist, Sarah McLaughlin, is excellent. She is friendly, communicates well, and is very thorough in her cleaning and her observations about my teeth. UVA Health Dentistry and the patients she serves are fortunate to have such a professional on the team.” 
• “The care from the nursing staff was outstanding. From Ryan in recovery — to Emma and John in surgical observation and Camille, Tina, and Kayla on 5 Central — all were outstanding. They all deserve recognition. And, to my doctors who realized that the medication was not helping me get up and get moving: they took charge and fixed it.” 

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

Wednesday, Nov. 19

National Caregivers Week 

November is National Caregivers Month — and this is National Caregivers Week — honoring the role of caregivers in healthcare, and their challenges and resources. UVA Health Office of Community Engagement and Health Outcomes and UVA School of Medicine Office of Medical Sciences Outreach is raising awareness of caregivers. Register to join virtual presentations:  

• Wednesday, Nov. 19 | noon-1 p.m. | Registration Required to Receive Link | Deborah Ross, LPC, certified journal therapist, presents "Caregiver Burnout,” a user-friendly exploration of what happens to our brains when we're burned out. Go beyond the usual self-care tools to learn how to lower stress and support wellbeing. Hosted by Fairfax Area Agency on Aging.  
• Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 1-2 p.m. | Registration Required to Receive Link | “Plug-in to Care: Turning Caregiver Experience into Action” features Marvell Adams Jr., Caregiver Action Network; Jason Resendez, National Alliance for Caregiving; Rep. Paul Tonko; and Mary Bono, Mothers for Awareness and Prevention of Drug Abuse. Takeaways from the new “Caregiving in the United States” report.  
• Thursday, Nov. 20 | noon-1 p.m. | Registration Required to Receive Link | Richard W. Lindsay, MD, Emeritus Professor of Internal Medicine and Family Practice, and former Head, Section of Geriatric Medicine, UVA Health Sciences Center, leads “Caregiving: A Major U.S. Crisis” on the growing healthcare needs of the aging population; the role of healthcare providers, nursing homes, and family members; and the health impact of the issues experienced by caregivers. 
• Friday, Nov. 21 | noon-1 p.m. | Registration Required to Receive Link | UVA Health Director of Healthcare Leadership Education and Community Wellness Melody Pannell, D. Min., MSW, M.Div., MACE, GC, speaks on “Caring for the Caregivers.” Providing healthy environments in which caregivers can share experiences and receive support and recognition to develop resiliency and sustain wellbeing.  

Join the conversation: if you’re caring for a loved one with a health issue, how are you coping? Email your thoughts, in 150 words or fewer, to uvaconnect@virginia.edu by Nov. 24, 5 p.m., to be considered for anonymous inclusion in an upcoming National Caregivers Month article on Connect.  

Operations 

Central Clinical Orientation 

Monday, Nov. 24 | 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Central Clinical Orientation | Master Orientation Grid | Thanksgiving will impact Central Clinical Orientation for the Nov. 24 hiring cycle. The Master Orientation Grid has been updated to reflect the holiday adjustments. Please visit Orientation Planning Resources - Nursing Center for Excellence for more holiday adjustment information and the orientation email templates. Questions? Email NPDServices@uvahealth.org. 

Shop Safely This Holiday Season 

Prepare for the upcoming holiday shopping season by learning about common holiday scams and how to best protect your accounts and data. Learn more. 

Keep Us Safe by Minimizing Decorations in Your Area (and Know the Guidelines) 

State and federal regulatory agencies prohibit decorations in healthcare occupancies unless certain guidelines concerning decorations are observed to ensure the safety of us all. Should you have any fire safety questions concerning decorations please contact HSPP Compliance at 924.9389; for infection control, please contact 924.0260. Read the guidelines on Connect. 

Leadership 

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall 

Tuesday, Dec. 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | Please join UVA Health leadership for our final town hall of the year. It will begin with a brief update on the state of UVA Health, followed by an open question-and-answer session with leadership for the remainder of the hour. You’re invited to submit questions in advance to YOURTOWNHALL@uvahealth.org. Questions also will be accepted live during the event. We look forward to your participation as we close out 2025 together. 

Human Resources 

Fall PTO Cash Out 

• University Medical Center team members: The PTO cash-out window opened Nov. 13. Log into Workday and review your total PTO balance by clicking on Absence Balance and selecting 11/8/25 in the “As Of” field. The amount in the "Balance As of Date" field is your total PTO at the time of cash-out. To cash out PTO, visit Workday and search “Cash Out” in the search bar at the top of the screen. From there, enter the amount of hours you’d like to cash-out (the maximum you’re eligible to cash-out appears in a note below the hours field). Validate the information is correct and then click Submit. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu.  
• UPG team members: The PTO cash-out window opens Nov. 27. Eligible employees will have until Dec. 7 to submit their request. You will not be able to access the cash-out information before or after these dates. Those who elect this option will see the payout on their Dec. 12 paycheck. Check your email for additional information or reach out to llr6v@uvahealth.org with questions. 

Happenings 

Book Fair 

Daily, through Thursday, Nov. 20 | 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily | Link outside Primary Care Center | Come out and grab a refresh for your young reader’s home library or find a gift for the holidays while also helping raise funds for UVA Hospital Auxiliary. Discover amazing books, games, and more. 

UVA School of Nursing Admissions Info Sessions 

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

• RN to BSN | Thursday, Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m. | 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. 
• PhD | Tuesday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. | 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. 

Building a Program of Research Addressing Violence Against Women and Adolescents 

Thursday, Nov. 20 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | Research from Melissa Sutherland, PhD, has advanced knowledge of interpersonal violence among young women and provided evidence of the multiple, system-level factors that act as barriers or facilitators of healthcare providers' violence-screening behaviors. Details.   

Feedback Needed: What Are Your Thanksgiving Traditions? 

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 21 | As Thanksgiving approaches (Nov. 27), we’d like to hear about your favorite traditions. To participate, email answers to any (or all!) of the below questions to the Connect team at uvaconnect@virginia.edu: 

• What is your name, title, and department/unit/work area? 
• What is an absolute must-have food on the table? (Share the recipe!) 
• What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? 
• What does Thanksgiving mean to you? What are you giving thanks for this year? 
• Send a photo if you have one handy! 

We will collate all responses and share them in a special Thanksgiving article on Connect on Nov. 24. 

Volunteers Needed: Turkey Trot 

Nearly 2,000 runners and walkers of all ages will gather at Boar’s Head Resort to kick off Thanksgiving with a 5K to raise money for UVA Health Children’s. Money raised from the Turkey Trot supports patient care and support services. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities leading up to and on the day of Turkey Trot. Assist with packet pick up (Nov. 22, 25, 26), race set up (Nov. 26-27), on-site support (Nov. 27), or post-event breakdown (Nov. 27). View all volunteer opportunities and sign up. 

Roll Up Your Sleeve: Donate Blood (and Get Pac-Man Socks!) 

Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | Blood shortages are worldwide, and demand increases during the holiday season. Make a lifesaving difference — please donate and encourage your teammates to join you. To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: In celebration of the 45th anniversary of Pac-Man, when you donate Nov. 17-Dec. 7 you will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross Pac-Man socks (while supplies last). Details. 

Complimentary Thanksgiving Meal 

Thursday, Nov. 27 | University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-8 p.m., 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | Thank you to all team members who will be working on Thanksgiving Day. To celebrate the holiday, stop by University Hospital cafeteria to enjoy a turkey feast including roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy, smashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry compote, and assorted pie slices (apple, pumpkin, and sweet potato). Bon appétit! 

Nominate: Research Achievement Awards 

Deadline: Monday, Dec. 1 | 5 p.m. | The Research Achievement Awards recognize UVA faculty every year for their excellence in research and scholarship. Learn more about the awards and eligibility criteria. 

Organizational Leadership Coaching Program 

Registration deadline: Monday, Dec. 15 | Are you a healthcare professional looking to deepen your leadership impact? In just four months, UVA’s online Organizational Leadership Coaching (OLC) program equips you with evidence-based coaching tools and 88 contact hours required for the International Coaching Federation’s Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential. You’ll hone active listening, ethical practice, and resilience-building skills — empowering you to support your teams, reduce burnout, and lead change. Learn more. 

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: 

• Carrie Cowardin, PhD (pictured) | "My lab studies how nutrition and the gut microbiome control immune development in early life." 
• Josh Colston, PhD | "I’ve dedicated my research career to understanding the complex and interrelated health challenges that children and their families face in low resource and tropical regions of the globe."  
• Ilya Levental, PhD and Kandace Levental, PhD | "We’re focused on the immune system and understanding how the membranes in immune cells survey our bodies to regulate pathogens and cancers." 
• Lian-Wang Guo, PhD | "When an artery is clogged, doctors can insert a balloon catheter to re-open it or use open graft to bypass a clogged artery to resume blood flow. But the problem is the disease will come back, so-called restenosis. My lab investigates why it happens and how to prevent it."  

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, Nov. 17

Winter Weather Safety  

To keep everyone as safe as possible, please begin preparing for winter weather events. When severe enough, these events may cause us to modify our operations, alter parking locations and bus service schedules, and require some team members to remain in or near our patient care facilities after their shift ends. Learn more about winter weather preparedness on Connect.  

• Report an icy patch or area that needs clearing at a UVA Health facility by calling 434.924.2267.  
• Walk Like a Penguin: Keep yourself safe when traversing slippery or icy surfaces. Shane Anderson, Director of Emergency Management, advises keeping your feet under you and taking small steps (like a penguin!) to avoid falling.   
• The UVA Health Status Board is an online hub that communicates team member reporting status and local-level operations status detail for UVA Health medical centers, clinics, and other locations across the health system. 

Operations 

Central Clinical Orientation 

Monday, Nov. 24 | 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. |Central Clinical Orientation | Master Orientation Grid | Thanksgiving will impact Central Clinical Orientation for the Nov. 24 hiring cycle. The Master Orientation Grid has been updated to reflect the holiday adjustments. Please visit Orientation Planning Resources - Nursing Center for Excellence for more holiday adjustment information and the orientation email templates. Questions? Email NPDServices@uvahealth.org. 

Shop Safely This Holiday Season 

Prepare for the upcoming holiday shopping season by learning about common holiday scams and how to best protect your accounts and data. Learn more. 

Leadership 

Recruiting: UVA Schwartz Center Rounds 

The UVA Health Office of Team Wellbeing is recruiting two clinical leaders (one staff, one LIP) for UVA Schwartz Center Rounds — regular, multi-disciplinary programs for healthcare staff to discuss the emotional and social challenges of patient care. These sessions provide a safe space for all to share their experiences, reflect on the human side of medicine, and build community. The goal is to support staff wellbeing, enhance compassion, and ultimately improve patient care. Read more about the evidence to support the benefits of UVA Schwartz Center Rounds. Interested? Send a brief synopsis of experience and interest and a CV to Teamwellbeing@uvahealth.org. 

Human Resources 

Fall PTO Cash Out 

• University Medical Center team members: The PTO cash-out window closes Nov. 23. Log into Workday and review your total PTO balance by clicking on Absence Balance and selecting 11/8/25 in the “As Of” field. The amount in the "Balance As of Date" field is your total PTO at the time of cash-out. To cash out PTO, visit Workday and search “Cash Out” in the search bar at the top of the screen. From there, enter the amount of hours you’d like to cash-out (the maximum you’re eligible to cash-out appears in a note below the hours field). Validate the information is correct and then click Submit. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu. 
• UPG team members: The PTO cash-out window opens Nov. 27. Eligible employees will have until Dec. 7 to submit their request. You will not be able to access the cash-out information before or after these dates. Those who elect this option will see the payout on their Dec. 12 paycheck. Check your email for additional information or reach out to llr6v@uvahealth.org with questions. 

Happenings 

ID Needed: Socktober Box 

Many team members and departments delivered socks for Socktober — thank you for your participation! It was a resounding success! As boxes of socks are being delivered and other containers are returned to their respective areas, the Socktober team found a lovingly decorated box (see photo) that they would like to return to the correct department — but they do not know to whom it belongs. If this box is yours, please visit the nutrition offices (G602) in University Hospital to claim it. Thank you. 

Book Fair 

Nov. 17-20 | 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily | Link outside Primary Care Center | Come out and grab a refresh for your young reader’s home library or find a gift for the holidays while also helping raise funds for UVA Hospital Auxiliary. Discover amazing books, games, and more. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider 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, Nov. 18 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. 
• Monday, Nov. 24 | 10-1 p.m. 

ROSE Program Gives Office Supplies New Life 

Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 9:30 a.m.-noon | University Hospital Dining Conference Rooms 1-2 | Reusable Office Supply Exchange (ROSE) Program is a free service that collects new or gently used office supplies. Drop off or take what you need monthly. 

Labored Care: The 1926 Nurse Strike in Colonial Korea 

Tuesday, Nov. 18 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Speaker Sonja Kim, PhD, is a professor at Binghamton University, part of the SUNY system. She finds medicine and its related practices instructive in revealing lived experiences of individuals and shifts in modes of governance, social relations, cultural beliefs, economic stratification, political rights, and exercise of citizenship. Details. 

Thriving Beyond Cancer: Reclaiming Wellness, Intimacy, and Strength 

Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Battle Building Quayle Auditorium | UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Department of OB/GYN’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology invite you to a special symposium featuring leading researchers’ latest insights on the unique challenges faced by female cancer survivors, with a focus on gynecologic cancers, menopause, and sexual health. Learn more and register. 

Medical Center Hour | Staying Human in Healthcare 

Wednesday, Nov. 19 | noon-1 p.m. | Leonard Sandridge Auditorium and Zoom | Burnout shouldn’t be an expected outcome in healthcare, yet it often feels inevitable. Jessi Gold, MD, a practicing psychiatrist, will share her personal journey with burnout, beginning with her experiences as a trainee. Details. 

National Caregivers Week  

November is National Caregivers Month — and this is National Caregivers Week — raising awareness of the key role of caregivers in healthcare, educating communities about the challenges faced by caregivers and the support they need, connecting caregivers with trusted resources, and honoring them for their commitment, resilience, and support. UVA Health Office of Community Engagement and Health Outcomes and UVA School of Medicine Office of Medical Sciences Outreach is raising awareness of caregivers. Join virtual presentations:  

• Thursday, Nov. 20 | noon-1 p.m. | Registration Required to Receive Link | Richard W. Lindsay, MD, addresses “Caregiving: A Major U.S. Crisis.” 
• Friday, Nov. 21 | noon-1 p.m. | Registration Required to Receive Link | UVA Health Director of Healthcare Leadership Education and Community Wellness Melody Pannell, D.Min, MSW, M.Div., MACE, GC, speaks on “Caring for the Caregivers.”  

Building a Program of Research Addressing Violence Against Women and Adolescents 

Thursday, Nov. 20 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | Research from Melissa Sutherland, PhD, has advanced knowledge of interpersonal violence among young women and provided evidence of the multiple, system-level factors that act as barriers or facilitators of healthcare providers' violence-screening behaviors. Details. 

Feedback Needed: What Are Your Thanksgiving Traditions? 

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 21 | As Thanksgiving approaches (Nov. 27), we’d like to hear about your favorite traditions. To participate, email answers to any (or all!) of the below questions to the Connect team at uvaconnect@virginia.edu: 

• What is your name, title, and department/unit/work area? 
• What is an absolute must-have food on the table? (Share the recipe!) 
• What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? 
• What does Thanksgiving mean to you? What are you giving thanks for this year? 
• Send a photo if you have one handy! 

We will collate all responses and share them in a special Thanksgiving article on Connect on Nov. 24. 

Roll Up Your Sleeve: Donate Blood (and Get Pac-Man Socks!) 

Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | Blood shortages are worldwide, and demand increases during the holiday season. Make a lifesaving difference — please donate and encourage your teammates to join you. To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: In celebration of the 45th anniversary of Pac-Man, when you donate Nov. 17-Dec. 7 you will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross Pac-Man socks (while supplies last). Details. 

Volunteers Needed: Turkey Trot 

Nearly 2,000 runners and walkers of all ages will gather at Boar’s Head Resort to kick off Thanksgiving with a 5K to raise money for UVA Health Children’s. Money raised from the Turkey Trot supports patient care and support services. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities leading up to and on the day of Turkey Trot. Assist with packet pick up (Nov. 22, 25, 26), race set up (Nov. 26-27), on-site support (Nov. 27), or post-event breakdown (Nov. 27). View all volunteer opportunities and sign up. 

Organizational Leadership Coaching Program 

Registration deadline: Monday, Dec. 15 | Are you a healthcare professional looking to deepen your leadership impact? In just four months, UVA’s online Organizational Leadership Coaching (OLC) program equips you with evidence-based coaching tools and 88 contact hours required for the International Coaching Federation’s Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential. You’ll hone active listening, ethical practice, and resilience-building skills — empowering you to support your teams, reduce burnout, and lead change. Sign up for the Nov. 19 information webinar. Learn more. 

Appreciation 

Important Work: Making Vital Technology Upgrades  

UVA Health University Medical Center has launched an initiative to address ongoing performance and reliability concerns impacting the Epic electronic medical record (EMR) system. This work follows feedback gathered from the 2025 KLAS EMR Experience Survey, which received nearly 2,000 team member responses. It revealed that about 1,000 PCs across University Hospital required attention to improve Epic access speed and reliability. 

In response, Health Information Technology (HIT) deployed a focused rounding team to make immediate performance improvements across inpatient units. From Oct. 23 to 31, the six-member team — working in pairs — rounded across inpatient units from the 8th floor to the ground level. 

Each pair included a network engineer performing infrastructure closet cable patches, and a Client Services Support PC technician identifying PCs running at 100 Mbps or relying solely on Wi-Fi for connectivity. 

“We must never stop improving and optimizing the technologies that support our people and patients,” says Robin Parkin, MPA, CPHIMS, CHCIO, Chief Information and Technology Officer, UVA Health. “Every delay, extra click, or cumbersome workflow creates frustration for our operational users — and it’s our responsibility to address these challenges head-on.” 

“This upgrade is part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the electronic health record (EHR) experience for our care teams and patients,” says Zeb Elliott, MSIT, MBA, Chief Technology Officer, UVA Health. “It reflects our dedication to addressing feedback and driving meaningful change.” 

The teams will continue proactive system monitoring and schedule quarterly workstation audits to ensure long-term performance stability — and maintain partnership with KLAS and frontline team members to assess experience improvements post-upgrade. 

Friday, Nov. 14

Feedback Needed: What Are Your Thanksgiving Traditions? 

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 21 | As Thanksgiving approaches (Nov. 27), we’d like to hear about your favorite traditions. To participate, email answers to any (or all!) of the below questions to the Connect team at uvaconnect@virginia.edu:    

• What is your name, title, and department/unit/work area?   
• What is an absolute must-have food on the table? (Share the recipe!)   
• What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?   
• What does Thanksgiving mean to you? What are you giving thanks for this year?   
• Send a photo if you have one handy!    

We will collate all responses and share them in a special Thanksgiving article on Connect on Nov. 24. 

Ambulatory 

MyChart Symptom Checker Now Available to Patients 

MyChart Symptom Checker is a tool that allows patients ages 18 and older to answer questions about their symptoms and receive recommendations on when and where to seek medical care. It is available to patients as of Nov. 13 via UVA Health MyChart. Based on patient responses, Symptom Checker may recommend visiting an emergency department or urgent care, scheduling some form of follow up visit, or self-care instructions. Patient responses and follow up recommendations from Symptom Checker will appear in Chart Review as a "Patient Self Triage" encounter. Clinical teams will not receive In Basket messages or notifications when a patient completes a Symptom Checker questionnaire. If you have questions, please contact the HIT Service Desk. 

Operations 

Masking Requirement for Non-Vaccinated Employees 

Given that UVA Health’s annual flu vaccination campaign ended on Oct. 31, masking protocols are now in effect for unvaccinated team members with an approved exemption for the 2025-26 cold and flu season. Effective immediately, all team members who are unvaccinated against the flu with an approved exemption, and are in close patient contact, will be required to mask (with medical grade masks) within UVA Health buildings until March 31, 2026 (unless extended due to high activity of flu). For these purposes, close patient contact is defined as ≤ 3 feet and for ≥ 1 minute (3 feet or less and for one minute or greater). 

UVA Print Launches New Online Ordering Platform 

UVA Print is excited to announce the launch of its new, online ordering system designed to make your printing experience faster, easier, and more interactive. The first phase launched Oct. 20 and features UVA Health-branded business cards, envelopes, and letterhead. With this new platform, you can:   

• Customize stationery with interactive design tools and a live preview.    
• View your order history and easily reorder.   
• Track job status and access invoices anytime.   

UVA/UVA Health users with Netbadge access: visit order.uvaprint.virginia.edu. Community Health members (no Netbadge): access and create an account at communityhealth.uvaprint.virginia.edu.   

This is just the beginning — more products and services will be added in the coming months. Questions? Check out the help documentation or contact UVA Print. 

Leadership 

Announcing the Retirement of Robin Parkin, UVA Health Chief Information Officer 

From Mitchell H. Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health; Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, UVA; Henry B. Mulholland Professor of Medicine: “It is with heartfelt gratitude that I announce the well-earned retirement of Robin Parkin, enterprise Chief Information Officer, and recognize her exemplary decade of service to UVA Health. Robin’s leadership has left an enduring mark on every area of our organization and across the expansive scope of her portfolio.” Read more on Connect. 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills is featured in hundreds of outlets nationally — including NBC Nightly News — discussing the first death linked to a meat allergy spread by ticks. 

Patient Care 

• Dr. Virginia Gallagher appears on our weekly NBC29 segment to discuss Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. 
• Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton is featured in hundreds of outlets nationally — including NPR and CNN — discussing the removal of black box warnings for hormone therapy to treat menopause. 
• Dr. Joann Pinkerton also is featured in Yahoo and The Flow Space discussing a new medication to treat hot flashes that occur during menopause. 
• Dr. Margaret Tracci talks with Becker’s Hospital Review about changes to the CMS physician fee schedule. 
• Dr. Walker Julliard talks with CBS19 and WINA about Lung Cancer Awareness Month.  

Research 

• Dr. Ashley Brandebura’s article for The Conversation on her Down syndrome research is featured in more than 40 outlets nationally, including Yahoo and Houston Chronicle. 
• Dr. Harald Sontheimer is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing why patients with Alzheimer’s forget loved ones. 
• Dr. Christopher Kramer appears in two stories for Healio and in MedPage Today discussing research from the AHA Scientific Sessions meeting. 
• Dr. Marina Weiler talks with Wired about her research into out-of-body experiences. 
• Dr. Adishesh Narahiri and Dr. Neeral Shah are featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing how NIH funding benefits biomedical research discoveries. 

Community 

• InsideNOVA covers UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center winning the Large Business of the Year award from the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce. 
• UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center’s work to expand its Southwest Virginia Cancer Advisory Board is highlighted in SWVA Today. 

Education 

• UVA School of Medicine graduate Dr. Joseph Cooper — along with Dr. Chris Holstege, Dr. Rob Marsh, and Dr. Greg Saathoff — are featured in a Bonner County Daily Bee story about Dr. Cooper’s career journey. 

Human Resources 

Fall PTO Cash Out 

• University Medical Center team members: The PTO cash-out window opened Nov. 13. Log into Workday and review your total PTO balance by clicking on Absence Balance and selecting 11/8/25 in the “As Of” field. The amount in the "Balance As of Date" field is your total PTO at the time of cash-out. For details and instructions on how to cash out, please refer to the Nov. 13 email from UVA Payroll. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu. 
• UPG team members: The PTO cash-out window opens Nov. 27. Eligible employees will have until Dec. 7 to submit their request. You will not be able to access the cash-out information before or after these dates. Those who elect this option will see the payout on their Dec. 12 paycheck. Check your email for additional information or reach out to llr6v@uvahealth.org with questions. 

Happenings 

Serious Play: The Art of Frank Phillips 

Through Friday, Nov. 19 | University Hospital Lobby | UVA Health Arts Program is pleased to present “Serious Play: The Art of Frank Phillips.” Pictured: “SPA 4,” acrylic and graphite on paper. Stop by and check it out! 

Book Fair 

Nov. 17-20 | 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily | Link outside of Primary Care Center | Come out and grab a refresh for your young reader’s home library or find a gift for the holidays while also helping raise funds for UVA Hospital Auxiliary. Discover amazing books, games, and more. 

ROSE Program Gives Office Supplies New Life 

Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 9:30 a.m.-noon | University Hospital Dining Conference Rooms 1-2 | Reusable Office Supply Exchange (ROSE) Program is a free service that collects new or gently used office supplies. Drop off or take what you need monthly.   

Labored Care: The 1926 Nurse Strike in Colonial Korea 

Tuesday, Nov. 18 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Speaker Sonja Kim, PhD, is a professor at Binghamton University, part of the SUNY system. She finds medicine and its related practices instructive in revealing lived experiences of individuals and shifts in modes of governance, social relations, cultural beliefs, economic stratification, political rights and exercise of citizenship. Details. 

Thriving Beyond Cancer: Reclaiming Wellness, Intimacy, and Strength 

Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Battle Building Quayle Auditorium | UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Department of OB/GYN’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology invite you to a special symposium featuring leading researchers’ latest insights on the unique challenges faced by female cancer survivors, with a focus on gynecologic cancers, menopause, and sexual health. Learn more and register. 

Medical Center Hour | Staying Human in Healthcare 

Wednesday, Nov. 19 | noon-1 p.m. | Leonard Sandridge Auditorium and Zoom | Burnout shouldn’t be an expected outcome in healthcare, yet it often feels inevitable. Jessi Gold, MD, a practicing psychiatrist, will share her personal journey with burnout, beginning with her experiences as a trainee. Details. 

Expressive Color: The Art of Karen Rosasco 

Nov. 20-Jan. 14 | University Hospital Lobby | UVA Health Arts Program is pleased to present “Expressive Color: The Art of Karen Rosasco.” Pictured: “The Trout Stream.” 

Building a Program of Research Addressing Violence Against Women and Adolescents 

Thursday, Nov. 20 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | Research from Melissa Sutherland, PhD, has advanced knowledge of interpersonal violence among young women and provided evidence of the multiple system-level factors that act as barriers or facilitators of healthcare providers' violence-screening behaviors. Details.  

Volunteers Needed: Turkey Trot 

Nearly 2,000 runners and walkers of all ages will gather at Boar’s Head Resort to kick off Thanksgiving with a 5K to raise money for UVA Health Children’s. Money raised from the Turkey Trot supports patient care and support services. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities leading up to and on the day of Turkey Trot. Assist with packet pick up (Nov. 22, 25, 26), race set up (Nov. 26-27), on-site support (Nov. 27), or post-event breakdown (Nov. 27). View all volunteer opportunities and sign up. 

Appreciation 

‘I Love This Place’ | 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:        

• “Dr. Grubb is the best! He and his team put a lot of our worries at ease. They gave us information that was easy to understand and answered all our questions with patience. Also, Dr. Grubb and the team took the time to make a connection with our son and made my son feel that everyone truly cared.” 
• “I was impressed with the care shown to me during my time at UVA Health. Dr. Darby and the whole staff were exceptionally kind, and I'm so grateful to be feeling better! It's only because of what they did for me, and God, that I can live life fully again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!” 
• “This is the third time I've had a procedure at the outpatient endoscopy [clinic] and I would be hard pressed to think of any way to make it better. I'm a retired RN and worked for 40 years in the operating room [in another state]. My husband is a retired [physician]. So, we are extremely aware of how things are done. And because I'm a nurse, I can be really hard-nosed about nurses and doctors who don't follow protocol. I love this place. Excellent from beginning to end.” 

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

Wednesday, Nov. 12

Fall PTO Cash Out 

• University Medical Center team members: The PTO cash-out window opens Nov. 13. Now is a good time to log into Workday and review your total PTO balance to see if you can take advantage of the upcoming cash-out period. You can check your PTO balance by clicking on Absence Balance in Workday and selecting 11/8/25 in the “As Of” field. The amount in the "Balance As of Date" field is your total PTO at the time of cash-out. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu.  
• UPG team members: The PTO cash-out window opens Nov. 27. Eligible employees will have until Dec. 7 to submit their request. You will not be able to access the cash-out information before or after these dates. Those who elect this option will see the payout on their Dec. 12 paycheck. Check your email for additional information or reach out to llr6v@uvahealth.org with questions. 

Ambulatory 

MyChart Symptom Checker Go Live Delayed 

The MyChart Symptom Checker go live has been delayed from the originally scheduled launch date of Nov. 11 due to recent instability issues occurring in the Epic system. Symptom Checker is a MyChart tool that allows patients to answer questions about their symptoms and receive recommendations on when and where to seek medical care. When a new go live date is identified, it will be communicated here and via email to providers and ambulatory leaders. 

Leadership 

Recruiting: UVA Schwartz Center Rounds 

The UVA Health Office of Team Wellbeing is recruiting two clinical leaders (one staff, one LIP) for UVA Schwartz Center Rounds — regular, multi-disciplinary programs for healthcare staff to discuss the emotional and social challenges of patient care. These sessions provide a safe space for all to share their experiences, reflect on the human side of medicine, and build community. The goal is to support staff wellbeing, enhance compassion, and ultimately improve patient care. Read more about the evidence to support the benefits of UVA Schwartz Center Rounds. Interested? Send a brief synopsis of experience and interest and a CV to Teamwellbeing@uvahealth.org. 

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall 

Tuesday, Dec. 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | Please join UVA Health leadership for our final town hall of the year. It will begin with a brief update on the state of UVA Health, followed by an open question-and-answer session with leadership for the remainder of the hour. You’re invited to submit questions in advance to YOURTOWNHALL@uvahealth.org. Questions also will be accepted live during the event. We look forward to your participation as we close out 2025 together. 

Happenings 

Micro Health Breaks 

Through Friday, Nov. 21 | Join at any time. In just ten minutes, these engaging, virtual sessions offer benefits like improved flexibility, reduced anxiety, enhanced energy, and a stronger mind-body connection — perfect for fitting wellness into your busy day! Learn more. 

UVA School of Nursing Admissions Info Sessions 

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

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m. | 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.    
• RN to BSN | Thursday, Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m. | 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.    
• PhD | Tuesday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. | 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. 

Celebrate Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day 

Thursday, Nov. 13 | Genetic counselors (GCs) are licensed and board-certified healthcare providers who practice in inpatient and outpatient settings in many different specialty areas. GCs assess risk based upon an individual’s personal and family history, help patients and providers navigate the complexities of genetic testing, empower patients in making informed healthcare decisions, and support individuals who may receive a genetic diagnosis. UVA Health currently employs 16 GCs who practice in cancer, cardiovascular, neurology, pediatrics/general genetics, and prenatal settings. Celebrate your GC colleagues at UVA Health for their commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care! Read more on Connect. 

Beyond Borders: Navigating Health Risks in Global Travel 

Thursday, Nov. 13 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | The world is on the move again as international travel now exceeds the pre-pandemic levels. Associate Professor Kathryn Reid, PhD, RN, FNP-C — who will spotlight the specialty practice of travel health nursing — is a travel health nurse consultant who has spoken both regionally and nationally on the topic, serves on the American Travel Health Nurses Association Board of Directors, and is the current president of the 4,000+ member professional organization. Details. 

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) Meet and Greet 

Thursday, Nov. 13 | 4-6 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Rooms 1771, 1772, 1773 | All UVA Health and UVA team members are encouraged to attend and learn more about the various resources available to them — and meet representatives from ERGs. Food, drinks, giveaways, and camaraderie! For more information, contact Ashley Woodard, Ed.D., Director of Student Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, UVA School of Medicine. 

Excellence in Clinical Trials: Practical Skills for Principal Investigators 

Nov. 13-April 9 | 4-6 p.m. | MR6, Room 2502 | This six-session series is designed for first time or aspiring faculty principal investigators. Sessions are designed to promote clinical trial leadership focusing on team building, feasibility assessments, financial management, trial recruitment, document control, and best practices for investigator-initiated clinical trial management. Participants will gain practical skills needed to ensure efficiency, compliance, and quality throughout the lifecycle of a clinical trial. Details and registration. Questions? Contact Katie Rea at 434.924.8574. 

Grow Your Healthcare Career in UVA Health Medical Laboratories 

Friday, Nov. 14 | 1-2 p.m. | virtual | Have you been looking for a healthcare career that is rewarding but not patient-facing? Medical Laboratories might be the place for you! The clinical pathology laboratories are staffed primarily by medical laboratory scientists (MLS) and medical laboratory technologists (MLT). The results that are generated by the lab inform up to 70% of all medical decisions. MLS and MLT duties include blood and body fluid sample preparation, performance of laboratory tests, interpreting test results, quality control, and maintaining laboratory safety. Learn more about this career and the new Earn While You Learn MLT program at this information session. For more information about the MLT program, please visit the intranet website or watch this brief video about working in UVA Health labs. For questions related to the program, please email Earn While You Learn. 

Labored Care: The 1926 Nurse Strike in Colonial Korea 

Tuesday, Nov. 18 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Speaker Sonja Kim, PhD, is a professor at Binghamton University, part of the SUNY system. She finds medicine and its related practices instructive in revealing lived experiences of individuals and shifts in modes of governance, social relations, cultural beliefs, economic stratification, political rights and exercise of citizenship. Details. 

Thriving Beyond Cancer: Reclaiming Wellness, Intimacy, and Strength 

Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Battle Building Quayle Auditorium | UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Department of OB/GYN’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology invite you to a special symposium featuring leading researchers’ latest insights on the unique challenges faced by female cancer survivors, with a focus on gynecologic cancers, menopause, and sexual health. Learn more and register. 

Staying Human in Healthcare 

Wednesday, Nov. 19 | noon-1 p.m. | Leonard Sandridge Auditorium and Zoom | Burnout shouldn’t be an expected outcome in healthcare, yet it often feels inevitable. In this session, Jessi Gold, MD, a practicing psychiatrist, will share her personal journey with burnout, beginning with her experiences as a trainee. Details.  

Volunteers Needed: Turkey Trot 

Nearly 2,000 runners and walkers of all ages will gather at Boar’s Head Resort to kick off Thanksgiving with a 5K to raise money for UVA Health Children’s. Money raised from the Turkey Trot supports patient care and support services. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities leading up to and on the day of Turkey Trot. Assist with packet pick up (Nov. 22, 25, 26), race set up (Nov. 26-27), on-site support (Nov. 27), or post-event breakdown (Nov. 27). View all volunteer opportunities and sign up. 

Appreciation 

Enduring Impact 

UVA School of Medicine and UVA Medical Alumni Association recently co-hosted a special ceremony to honor the legacy of Robert M. Carey, MD, Res ’66, with the dedication of the newly named Carey Courtyard and the unveiling of a commemorative bust. 

Held in the courtyard between MR4, MR5, and MR6 buildings, the event welcomed more than 100 attendees including family, friends, alumni, colleagues, and leaders from UVA and UVA Health. Colin Derdeyn, MD, ’88, interim Dean, UVA School of Medicine, unveiled the bust of Dr. Carey. 

A globally recognized leader in endocrinology, Dr. Carey’s influence spans research, education, and institutional advancement. He joined UVA faculty in 1973 and served as Director of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, then became the longest-tenured dean of UVA School of Medicine, founding several key departments including public health sciences, emergency medicine, radiation oncology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation. 

With Dr. Carey sitting in the front row alongside his wife, Theodora, the ceremony opened with remarks from Mitch Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP, EVP for Health Affairs, UVA, and CEO, UVA Health, reflecting on Dr. Carey’s enduring impact. “I can say without hesitation that his influence continues to shape our institution in ways both visible and deeply felt.” See more photos. 

Monday, Nov. 10

Volunteers Needed: Turkey Trot 

Nearly 2,000 runners and walkers of all ages will gather at Boar’s Head Resort to kick off Thanksgiving with a 5K to raise money for UVA Health Children’s. Money raised from the Turkey Trot supports patient care and support services. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities leading up to and on the day of Turkey Trot. Assist with packet pick up (Nov. 22, 25, 26), race set up (Nov. 26-27), on-site support (Nov. 27), or post-event breakdown (Nov. 27).  View all volunteer opportunities and sign up. 

Ambulatory 

MyChart Symptom Checker Available to Patients Starting Nov. 11 

MyChart Symptom Checker is a tool that allows patients to answer questions about their symptoms and receive recommendations on when and where to seek medical care. It will be made available to patients via UVA Health MyChart starting Nov. 11. Based on patient responses, Symptom Checker may recommend visiting an emergency department or urgent care, scheduling some form of follow up visit, or self-care instructions. Patient responses and follow up recommendations from Symptom Checker will appear in Chart Review as a "Patient Self Triage" encounter. Clinical teams will not receive In Basket messages or notifications when a patient completes a Symptom Checker questionnaire. If you have questions, please contact the HIT Service Desk. 

Operations 

MyChart Access Updates Effective Nov. 11  

Following a recent review, UVA Health reminds all our patient-facing team members that patients (both inpatient and outpatient) must have immediate access to their test results and clinical notes in MyChart, as required by federal regulations. Exceptions apply only when releasing information could reasonably endanger someone’s life or physical safety, or at the patient’s request.  

Effective Nov. 11, all final test results in Epic will be released to MyChart immediately, unless they are set to manual release at the time of ordering. Results no longer will be automatically delayed or withheld; any restriction on release to MyChart must be applied manually by a licensed healthcare professional and be either: (1) requested by the patient, or (2) meet the “preventing physical harm” exception. Restrictions should be extremely rare. Read more. 

Human Resources 

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor 

Wednesday, Nov. 12 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Conference Room 3 | Ask questions and discuss your benefits with a Human Resources counselor. Walk-ins welcome. See monthly dates. 

Fall PTO Cash Out  

• University Medical Center team members: The PTO cash-out window opens Nov. 13. Now is a good time to log into Workday and review your total PTO balance to see if you can take advantage of the upcoming cash-out period. You can check your PTO balance by clicking on Absence Balance in Workday and selecting 11/8/25 in the “As Of” field. The amount in the "Balance As of Date" field is your total PTO at the time of cash-out. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu.  
• UPG team members: The PTO cash-out window opens Nov. 27. Eligible employees will have until Dec. 7 to submit their request. You will not be able to access the cash-out information before or after these dates. Those who elect this option will see the payout on their Dec. 12 paycheck. Check your email for additional information or reach out to llr6v@uvahealth.org with questions. 

Happenings 

Health Sciences Library Clinical Support Expo 

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Conference Rooms | Whether you're a resident, attending, fellow, nurse, support staff member, student, faculty member — or just curious about what they offer — this event is perfect for you. Meet the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library team, view artifacts on display, enjoy snacks and swag, play games, and participate in a raffle. Details. Questions? Contact Lewis Savarese, Collection Development Librarian. 

Challenging Impostor Syndrome 

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | In this interactive session, explore where internal messages of impostor syndrome might come from and strategies to counter them, so that you can embrace a sense of belonging and confidence at work. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Vascular Disease Lunch and Learn Series | Diabetes Optimization in the Vascular Patient: Translating Glycemic Control to Perfusion Outcomes 

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom or Primary Care Conference Room #2516 | Christine Owens, APP Diabetes Management Team, will discuss the critical connection between diabetes management and vascular outcomes. This session will empower vascular and cardiovascular providers, nurses, and allied health professionals to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based diabetes management strategies. Seating is limited, so please contact Bernie Ammons if you’d like to attend in-person. Conference Room #2516 is in the back hall of the Primary Care Center, second floor. (Meeting ID: 94405324829, Passcode: 34697484) 

UVA School of Nursing Admissions Info Sessions 

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

• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) | Tuesday, Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m. | 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.   
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m. | 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.   
• RN to BSN | Thursday, Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m. | 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.   
• PhD | Tuesday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. | 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. 

Ebola in the Heartland 

Wednesday, Nov. 12 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Elizabeth Beam, PhD, RN, is an Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing and Director of the Global Health HEROES program. With a career rooted in emergency preparedness and infection control, Dr. Beam has been a key educator in the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit, notably during the 2014 Ebola response in the United States. Her research focuses on healthcare worker safety, respiratory protection, and simulation-based education. She will talk about the role of nurse on an interprofessional team and offer recommendations to help us navigate future responses to public health challenges. Details. 

Medical Center Hour | Principled Assessment in Medical Education 

Wednesday, Nov. 12 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium, Zoom (passcode: 651872) | Reena Karani, MD, MHPE, Director, Institute for Medical Education, Professor of Medicine, Medical Education, and Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, will explore fairness as a foundational concept in principled assessment. This session will review aspects of tests, testing, and test use that relate to fairness and explore how fairness is a fundamental validity issue. It also will examine evidence related to medical student assessment and consider some approaches to enhance the processes and systems of assessment in undergraduate medical education. Finally, it will explore how a national assessment organization considers fairness in its products, services, and procedures. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider 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, Nov. 13 | 1-4 p.m.   
• Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 8:30-11:30 a.m.   
• Monday, Nov. 24 | 10-1 p.m. 

Beyond Borders: Navigating Health Risks in Global Travel 

Thursday, Nov. 13 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | The world is on the move again as international travel now exceeds the pre-pandemic levels. Associate Professor Kathryn Reid, PhD, RN, FNP-C — who will spotlight the specialty practice of travel health nursing — is a travel health nurse consultant who has spoken both regionally and nationally on the topic, serves on the American Travel Health Nurses Association Board of Directors, and is the current president of the 4,000+ member professional organization. Details. 

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) Meet and Greet 

Thursday, Nov. 13 | 4-6 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Rooms 1771, 1772, 1773 | All UVA Health and UVA team members are encouraged to attend and learn more about the various resources available to them — and meet representatives from ERGs. Food, drinks, giveaways, and camaraderie! For more information, contact Ashley Woodard, Ed.D., Director of Student Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, UVA School of Medicine. 

Grow Your Healthcare Career in UVA Health Medical Laboratories 

Friday, Nov. 14 | 1-2 p.m. | virtual | Have you been looking for a healthcare career that is rewarding but not patient-facing? Medical Laboratories might be the place for you! The clinical pathology laboratories are staffed primarily by medical laboratory scientists (MLS) and medical laboratory technologists (MLT). The results that are generated by the lab inform up to 70% of all medical decisions. MLS and MLT duties include blood and body fluid sample preparation, performance of laboratory tests, interpreting test results, quality control, and maintaining laboratory safety. Learn more about this career and the new Earn While You Learn MLT program at this information session. For more information about the MLT program, please visit the intranet website or watch this brief video about working in UVA Health labs. For questions related to the program, please email Earn While You Learn. 

Appreciation 

Commemorating Veterans Day 

Veterans Day, observed annually on Nov. 11, is a federal holiday for honoring military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. There are many veterans who work here at UVA Health and, in honor of the holiday, we asked team members to send in photos and share what the day means to them. Check it out on Connect.   

Thank you to all veterans at UVA Health — and across the Commonwealth, country, and world — for your service. 

Friday, Nov. 7

Veterans: Send Your Photo and Story to Us 

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 7 | If you're a UVA Health team member who is also a veteran, we would like to recognize you in celebration posts on Connect and in the UVA Health Update on Veterans Day. To participate, email the below information to uvaconnect@virginia.edu.      

• Name, title, job at UVA Health.      
• In which branch did you serve? What was your rank? When did you serve? What was your role in the military?      
• What does Veterans Day mean to you?           
• How did your military experience impact your role in healthcare? Does it affect how you care for patients, conduct research, or train students?           
• Photo of you in uniform. 

2025 Veterans Day Breakfast 

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 9:30-11 a.m. | Ern Commons, 567 McCormick Rd. | To thank military veterans at UVA for their service, the UVA Military Veterans Employee Resource Group invites you to attend this special buffet breakfast. Please register to help provide an accurate head count. Metered parking available at Slaughter Recreation Center.  

Operations 

Construction Impact 

Saturday, Nov. 8 | 6 a.m.-3 p.m. | A crane and a flatbed truck will be stationed between the old medical school and the heat plant to install HVAC equipment. During this crane activity, the adjacent sidewalk and old medical school courtyard parking will be closed. The exterior stairway between The Corner building and the old medical school will be closed as well. Patient parking close to the crane area will be marked closed. Questions? Contact Hunter Durrer. 

MyChart Access Updates Effective Nov. 11 

Following a recent review, UVA Health reminds all our patient-facing team members that patients (both inpatient and outpatient) must have immediate access to their test results and clinical notes in MyChart, as required by federal regulations. Exceptions apply only when releasing information could reasonably endanger someone’s life or physical safety, or at the patient’s request. 

Effective Nov. 11, all final test results in Epic will be released to MyChart immediately, unless they are set to manual release at the time of ordering. Results no longer will be automatically delayed or withheld; any restriction on release to MyChart must be applied manually by a licensed healthcare professional and be either: (1) requested by the patient, or (2) meet the “preventing physical harm” exception. Restrictions should be extremely rare. Read more. 

Monthly Epic Update 

Changes go live Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 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. 

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. October's highlights include:     

• Updates to Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Clinical Practice Guideline.   
• Updates to Organ Donation After Circulatory (Cardiopulmonary) Death (DCD) SOP.   
• Updates to Medication Management Medical Center Policy, and many more.   

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

Leadership 

Recruiting: UVA Schwartz Rounds 

The UVA Health Office of Team Wellbeing is recruiting two clinical leaders (one staff, one LIP) for UVA Schwartz Center Rounds — regular, multi-disciplinary programs for healthcare staff to discuss the emotional and social challenges of patient care. These sessions provide a safe space for all to share their experiences, reflect on the human side of medicine, and build community. The goal is to support staff wellbeing, enhance compassion, and ultimately improve patient care. Read more about the evidence to support the benefits of UVA Schwartz Center Rounds. Interested? Send a brief synopsis of experience and interest and a CV to Teamwellbeing@uvahealth.org. 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• UVA Community Health CEO Erik Shannon, Paul Manning (lead donor with Diane Manning for the Manning Institute and Chair of the Health System Board), and William G. Crutchfield Jr. (Health System Board member) are selected for Virginia Business magazine's 2025 Virginia Icon Honors Awards. 

Patient Care 

• Dr. Ellen Volker appears on our weekly NBC29 segment to discuss lung cancer awareness month. 
• UVA Health Orthopedics is named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2025 list of 100 great orthopedic programs. 
• Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton appears on SiriusXM’s Doctor Radio to discuss the recent FDA approval of a new medication for hot flashes. 
• Becker’s Hospital Review highlights UVA Health among 51 hospitals honored nationally by the American College of Surgeons for meritorious surgical outcomes. 
• UVA Health Children’s window washers dressed as superheroes are featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally.  
• Population Health Department Administrator Novella Thompson appears on the Becker’s Hospital Review podcast to discuss how UVA Health cares for patients outside the hospital. 

Research 

• Dr. Jennifer Payne is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing why postpartum psychosis should be classified as its own category of mental illness.  
• Dr. James Stone is featured on WRIC (Richmond TV) discussing his research into how repeated blast exposures affect soldiers’ brain health. 
• Dr. Sarah Bodin and Dr. Jose Posas share with WJCT (Florida NPR) the latest research headlines and health news. 
• UVA Division of Perceptual Studies is highlighted in HuffPost and Yahoo. 
• Dr. Kim Penberthy is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing the effects of false shooting reports. 

Community 

• Manager of Patient and Family Center Care and Child Life Services Amy Cesak is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing UVA Health Children’s reverse trick-or-treating event. 
• Dr. Chris Holstege is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing Halloween safety tips. 

Education 

• Pediatrics resident Dr. Carly Pierson writes a blog post for the American Academy of Pediatrics on bronchiolitis. 

Human Resources 

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor 

Wednesday, Nov. 12 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Conference Room 3 | Ask questions and discuss your benefits with a Human Resources counselor. Walk-ins welcome. See monthly dates. 

Fall PTO Cash Out 

• University Medical Center team members: The PTO cash-out window opens Nov. 13. Now is a good time to log into Workday and review your total PTO balance to see if you can take advantage of the upcoming cash-out period. You can check your PTO balance by clicking on Absence Balance in Workday and selecting 11/8/25 in the “As Of” field. The amount in the "Balance As of Date" field is your total PTO at the time of cash-out. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu. 
• UPG team members: The PTO cash-out window opens Nov. 27. Eligible employees will have until Dec. 7 to submit their request. You will not be able to access the cash-out information before or after these dates. Those who elect this option will see the payout on their Dec. 12 paycheck. Check your email for additional information or reach out to llr6v@uvahealth.org with questions. 

Happenings 

Discounted Tickets for UVA Football 

UVA Athletics is excited to give all UVA Health team members the opportunity to enjoy multiple games during the 2025 football season. To celebrate the immense impact you have on our community, UVA Athletics is offering a special discounted ticket rate to all UVA Health employees, as well as their friends and families. Details, schedule, and ticket purchasing. 

Lung Cancer Awareness Month 

UVA Health is commemorating Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November with the following events: 

• Friday, Nov. 7 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Mega Lungs in University Hospital Cafeteria | Team members, patients, and visitors can walk through the lungs and talk to the team about lung cancer screening. 
• Saturday, Nov. 8 | 7 p.m. | UVA Football vs. Wake Forest University | UVA Health patients with lung cancer and members of the lung cancer care team will be recognized in an on-field event. The mega lungs will be set up at the east gate before the game and during halftime, with members of the lung cancer screening team tabling and talking with fans about lung cancer screening. 

Grow Your Healthcare Career in UVA Health Medical Laboratories 

Have you been looking for a healthcare career that is rewarding but not patient-facing? Medical Laboratories might be the place for you! The clinical pathology laboratories are staffed primarily by medical laboratory scientists (MLS) and medical laboratory technologists (MLT). The results that are generated by the lab inform up to 70% of all medical decisions. MLS and MLT duties include blood and body fluid sample preparation, performance of laboratory tests, interpreting test results, quality control, and maintaining laboratory safety. Please join upcoming information sessions to learn more about this career and the new Earn While You Learn MLT program:    

• Monday, Nov. 10 | 11 a.m.-noon | University Hospital, Dining Conference Room 
• Friday, Nov. 14 | 1-2 p.m. | virtual 

For more information about the MLT program, please visit the intranet website or watch this brief video about working in UVA Health labs. For questions related to the program, please email Earn While You Learn. 

Health Sciences Library Clinical Support Expo 

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Conference Rooms | Whether you're a resident, attending, fellow, nurse, support staff member, student, faculty member — or just curious about what they offer — this event is perfect for you. Meet the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library team, view artifacts on display, enjoy snacks and swag, play games, and participate in a raffle. Details. Questions? Contact Lewis Savarese, Collection Development Librarian. 

Challenging Impostor Syndrome 

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | In this interactive session, explore where internal messages of impostor syndrome might come from and strategies to counter them, so that you can embrace a sense of belonging and confidence at work. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Vascular Disease Lunch and Learn Series | Diabetes Optimization in the Vascular Patient: Translating Glycemic Control to Perfusion Outcomes 

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom or Primary Care Conference Room #2516 | Christine Owens, APP Diabetes Management Team, will discuss the critical connection between diabetes management and vascular outcomes. This session will empower vascular and cardiovascular providers, nurses, and allied health professionals to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based diabetes management strategies. Seating is limited, so please contact Bernie Ammons if you’d like to attend in-person. Conference Room #2516 is in the back hall of the Primary Care Center, second floor. (Meeting ID: 94405324829, Passcode: 34697484) 

Beyond Borders: Navigating Health Risks in Global Travel 

Thursday, Nov. 13 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | The world is on the move again as international travel now exceeds the pre-pandemic levels. Associate Professor Kathryn Reid, PhD, RN, FNP-C — who will spotlight the specialty practice of travel health nursing — is a travel health nurse consultant who has spoken both regionally and nationally on the topic, and serves on the American Travel Health Nurses Association Board of Directors and is the current president of the 4,000+ member professional organization. Details. 

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) Meet and Greet 

Thursday, Nov. 13 | 4-6 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Rooms 1771, 1772, 1773 | All UVA Health and UVA team members are encouraged to attend and learn more about the various resources available to them — and meet representatives from ERGs. Food, drinks, giveaways, and camaraderie! For more information, contact Ashley Woodard, Ed.D., Director of Student Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, UVA School of Medicine. 

Excellence in Clinical Trials: Practical Skills for Principal Investigators 

Nov. 13-April 9 | 4-6 p.m. | MR6, Room 2502 | This six-session series is designed for first time or aspiring faculty principal investigators. Sessions are designed to promote clinical trial leadership focusing on team building, feasibility assessments, financial management, trial recruitment, document control, and best practices for investigator-initiated clinical trial management. Participants will gain practical skills needed to ensure efficiency, compliance, and quality throughout the lifecycle of a clinical trial. Details and registration. Questions? Contact Katie Rea at 434.924.8574. 

Thriving Beyond Cancer: Reclaiming Wellness, Intimacy, and Strength 

Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Battle Building Quayle Auditorium | UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Department of OB/GYN’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology invite you to a special symposium featuring leading researchers’ latest insights on the unique challenges faced by female cancer survivors, with a focus on gynecologic cancers, menopause, and sexual health. Learn more and register. 

Appreciation 

‘I Was in Wonderful Hands’ | 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:       

• “The entire staff treated me as if I was their only patient that day. They went above and beyond the call of duty to get my [condition] under control. Such caring and compassion are rare at smaller community hospitals and not expected at a large facility. It could not have gone better.” 
• “Everybody — from the clerk who checked me in to the doctors and nurses and the people who checked me out — was super concerned and courteous. I felt I was in wonderful hands from the time I walked in until the time I walked out. My only regret is that I didn't have my first surgery at this facility.” 
• “Everyone who saw me was very attentive. Dr. Thomas in particular made sure to make me feel comfortable, listened to my needs, and helped me calm down during a stressful time. Even after — when I was leaving — he stopped to reassure me and let me know that I was OK, and that if I ever needed anything to come back and see the ER, which was very reassuring.” 

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

Wednesday, Nov. 5

Cookies, Coffee, and a Conversation About Care After Hospital Discharge 

Thursday, Nov. 6 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Conference Rooms | Stop by for a cookie, a coffee, and a chat about post-discharge services from Population Health, Home Health, and Home Infusion. See the equipment your patients use at home — infusion/enteral pumps, and remote patient monitoring equipment in action. 

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 Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Clinical Practice Guideline.  
• Updates to Organ Donation after Circulatory (Cardiopulmonary) Death (DCD) SOP.  
• Updates to Medication Management Medical Center Policy, and many more.  

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

Leadership 

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall 

Tuesday, Dec. 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | Please join UVA Health leadership for our final town hall of the year. It will begin with a brief update on the state of UVA Health, followed by an open question-and-answer session with leadership for the remainder of the hour. You’re invited to submit questions in advance to YOURTOWNHALL@uvahealth.org. Questions also will be accepted live during the event. We look forward to your participation as we close out 2025 together. 

Happenings 

Micro Health Breaks 

Through Friday, Nov. 21 | Join at any time. In just ten minutes, these engaging, virtual sessions offer benefits like improved flexibility, reduced anxiety, enhanced energy, and a stronger mind-body connection — perfect for fitting wellness into your busy day! Learn more. 

Veterans: Send Your Photo and Story to Us 

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 7 | If you're a UVA Health team member who is also a veteran, we would like to recognize you in celebration posts on Connect and in the UVA Health Update on Veterans Day. To participate, email the below information to uvaconnect@virginia.edu.     

• Name, title, job at UVA Health.     
• In which branch did you serve? What was your rank? When did you serve? What was your role in the military?     
• What does Veterans Day mean to you?          
• How did your military experience impact your role in healthcare? Does it affect how you care for patients, conduct research, or train students?          
• Photo of you in uniform. 

Grow Your Healthcare Career in UVA Health Medical Laboratories 

Have you been looking for a healthcare career that is rewarding but not patient-facing? Medical Laboratories might be the place for you! The clinical pathology laboratories are staffed primarily by medical laboratory scientists (MLS) and medical laboratory technologists (MLT). The results that are generated by the lab inform up to 70% of all medical decisions. MLS and MLT duties include blood and body fluid sample preparation, performance of laboratory tests, interpreting test results, quality control, and maintaining laboratory safety. Please join upcoming information sessions to learn more about this career and the new Earn While You Learn MLT program:   

• Monday, Nov. 10 | 11 a.m.-noon | University Hospital, Dining Conference Room   
• Friday, Nov. 14 | 1-2 p.m. | virtual   

For more information about the MLT program, please visit the intranet website or watch this brief video about working in UVA Health labs. For questions related to the program, please email Earn While You Learn. 

Health Sciences Library Clinical Support Expo 

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Conference Rooms | Whether you're a resident, attending, fellow, nurse, support staff member, student, faculty member — or just curious about what they offer — this event is perfect for you. Meet the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library team, view artifacts on display, enjoy snacks and swag, play games, and participate in a raffle. Details. Questions? Contact Lewis Savarese, Collection Development Librarian. 

Challenging Impostor Syndrome 

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | In this interactive session, explore where internal messages of impostor syndrome might come from and strategies to counter them, so that you can embrace a sense of belonging and confidence at work. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Vascular Disease Lunch and Learn Series | Diabetes Optimization in the Vascular Patient: Translating Glycemic Control to Perfusion Outcomes 

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom or Primary Care Conference Room #2516 | Christine Owens, APP Diabetes Management Team, will discuss the critical connection between diabetes management and vascular outcomes. This session will empower vascular and cardiovascular providers, nurses, and allied health professionals to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based diabetes management strategies. Seating is limited, so please contact Bernie Ammons if you’d like to attend in-person. Conference Room #2516 is in the back hall of the Primary Care Center, second floor. (Meeting ID: 94405324829, Passcode: 34697484) 

UVA School of Nursing Admissions Info Sessions 

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

• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) | Tuesday, Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m. | 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.  
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m. | 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.  
• RN to BSN | Thursday, Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m. | 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.  
• PhD | Tuesday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. | 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. 

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) Meet and Greet 

Thursday, Nov. 13 | 4-6 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Rooms 1771, 1772, 1773 | All UVA Health and UVA team members are encouraged to attend and learn more about the various resources available to them — and meet representatives from ERGs. Food, drinks, giveaways, and camaraderie! For more information, contact Ashley Woodard, Ed.D, Director of Student Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, UVA School of Medicine. 

Beyond Borders: Navigating Health Risks in Global Travel 

Thursday, Nov. 13 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | The world is on the move again as international travel now exceeds the pre-pandemic levels. Associate Professor Kathryn Reid, PhD, RN, FNP-C — who will spotlight the specialty practice of travel health nursing — is a travel health nurse consultant who has spoken both regionally and nationally on the topic, and serves on the American Travel Health Nurses Association Board of Directors and is the current president of the 4,000+ member professional organization. Details. 

Nominate: Research Achievement Awards 

Deadline: Monday, Dec. 1 | 5 p.m. | The Research Achievement Awards recognize UVA faculty every year for their excellence in research and scholarship. Learn more about the awards and eligibility criteria. 

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. 

Appreciation 

Z Society Recognizes Higher Grounds 

The Z Society recently recognized Higher Grounds at UVA Health. The framed letter on the coffee counter reads: 

“To Higher Grounds: For over 30 years, your humble cart has stood as a steady beacon within the walls of UVA Health, a familiar light in a place where compassion and perseverance intertwine each day. What you offer is not simply coffee, but a ritual of warmth and renewal for those who pass through your care. In every pour, there is kindness; in every greeting, a reminder that grace can be found in even the smallest exchanges. 

“In the hurried rhythm of the hospital, where hope and heartbreak often share the same hallway, your presence brings stillness. You have nourished healers, comforted families, and lifted spirits when the hour was early and the day was long. Through your cheerful words and steadfast service, you have become part of the quiet fabric that holds this place together. 

“It is said that a community is built not by grand gestures, but by small acts done with great love. You embody that truth. Your quick hands, gentle smiles, and generous hearts remind us that service, when offered with sincerity, becomes something sacred. The five million cups you have poured are not just fuel for the weary, but vessels of care, each one carrying a touch of humanity that brightens even the hardest days. 

“The Z Society was founded at the University of Virginia in 1892, with the purpose of quietly recognizing and uplifting those who embody the highest ideals of service, character, and unity. Our members remain anonymous not to conceal, but to illuminate, to turn attention away from ourselves and toward those who inspire the University’s collective good. 

“To those who know you, Higher Grounds is more than a coffee stand; it is a sanctuary of comfort, a space where the simplest act of kindness becomes profound. The Z Society recognizes the work and sacrifice you have dedicated to the UVA Health and Charlottesville community. We thank you. 

“Always remember and never forget, the joy is in the journey. 

“Mystically, Z” 

We could not agree more. Please join us in thanking the great team members who work at Higher Grounds. We are grateful for them; every shift, every day. 

Monday, Nov. 3

Veterans: Send Your Photo and Story to Us 

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 7 | If you're a UVA Health team member who is also a veteran, we would like to recognize you in celebration posts on Connect and in the UVA Health Update on Veterans Day. To participate, email the below information to uvaconnect@virginia.edu.    

• Name, title, job at UVA Health.    
• In which branch did you serve? What was your rank? When did you serve? What was your role in the military?    
• What does Veterans Day mean to you?         
• How did your military experience impact your role in healthcare? Does it affect how you care for patients, conduct research, or train students?         
• Photo of you in uniform. 

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 Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Clinical Practice Guideline. 
• Updates to Organ Donation after Circulatory (Cardiopulmonary) Death (DCD) SOP. 
• Updates to Medication Management Medical Center Policy, and many more. 

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

It’s Compliance Week! 

Nov. 2-8 | To help bring awareness, the Corporate Compliance and Privacy Office is providing a flyer for teams — University Medical Center flyer or UVA Community Health flyer — to have as a refresher on HIPAA and the definition of PHI, and to share top tips for protecting our patients’ privacy. It’s a great resource and reminder, and the office hopes everyone will review this information with their teams this week. Visit Connect to get to know Krista Barnes, UVA Health Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer. 

UVA Print Launches New Online Ordering Platform 

UVA Print is excited to announce the launch of its new, online ordering system designed to make your printing experience faster, easier, and more interactive. The first phase launched Oct. 20 and features UVA Health-branded business cards, envelopes, and letterhead. With this new platform, you can:  

• Customize stationery with interactive design tools and a live preview.   
• View your order history and easily reorder.  
• Track job status and access invoices anytime.  

UVA/UVA Health users with Netbadge access: visit order.uvaprint.virginia.edu. Community Health members (no Netbadge): access and create an account at communityhealth.uvaprint.virginia.edu.  

This is just the beginning — more products and services will be added in the coming months. Questions? Check out the help documentation or contact UVA Print. 

Need a More Reliable Office Printer or Copier? UVA Print Can Help 

UVA Print offers a comprehensive leasing program for multifunction printers (MFPs) that support printing, copying, scanning, and faxing needs throughout UVA Health. The program provides devices tailored to your department’s workflow, backed by on-Grounds technician support and rapid response times. All supplies and maintenance are included, and billing is handled through UVA’s internal system — no purchase orders, third-party vendors, or supply headaches.  
 
If you’re currently managing a personal printer or relying on external service providers, UVA Print invites you to explore the convenience, reliability, and cost efficiency of partnering with them. They're here to keep your team focused on patient care, not printer problems. To learn more or request a quote, contact UVA Print. 

Leadership 

Recruiting: UVA Schwartz Rounds 

The UVA Health Office of Team Wellbeing is recruiting for two clinical leaders (one staff, one LIP) for UVA Schwartz Center Rounds — regular, multi-disciplinary programs for healthcare staff to discuss the emotional and social challenges of patient care. These sessions provide a safe space for all to share their experiences, reflect on the human side of medicine, and build community. The goal is to support staff wellbeing, enhance compassion, and ultimately improve patient care. Read more about the evidence to support the benefits of UVA Schwartz Center Rounds. Interested? Send a brief synopsis of experience and interest and a CV to Teamwellbeing@uvahealth.org. 

Happenings 

November: Team Member and Health Awareness 

To support UVA Health’s mission of transforming health and inspiring hope — each month, we’re recognizing team member and health awareness months, weeks, and days. See the list on Connect. 

Deadline: UVA Health Socktober 2025 + New Challenge 

Through Monday, Nov. 3 | Stepping up to meet our 10-year strategic plan goal of cultivating healthy communities and belonging for all — UVA Health launched its annual Socktober initiative on Oct. 1. This year's goal: collecting 20,000 new pairs for unhoused individuals. Team members can drop off new pairs of socks in Socktober bins at:          

• University Medical Center Cafeteria  
• Wahoo West Café  
• OR Cafe Lounge  
• Food and Nutrition Services ("0" level, University Hospital)   
• Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center  
• Good Grain Cafe, Orthopedic Center at Ivy Road   
• Cafe at 500 Fontaine  

Read more about both on Connect. Questions? Contact Chadwick French.   

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider 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, Nov. 5 | 8-11 a.m.  
• Thursday, Nov. 13 | 1-4 p.m.  
• Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 8:30-11:30 a.m.  
• Monday, Nov. 24 | 10-1 p.m. 

Grow Your Healthcare Career in UVA Health Medical Laboratories 

Have you been looking for a healthcare career that is rewarding but not patient-facing? Medical Laboratories might be the place for you! The clinical pathology laboratories are staffed primarily by medical laboratory scientists (MLS) and medical laboratory technologists (MLT). The results that are generated by the lab inform up to 70% of all medical decisions. MLS and MLT duties include blood and body fluid sample preparation, performance of laboratory tests, interpreting test results, quality control, and maintaining laboratory safety. Please join upcoming information sessions to learn more about this career and the new Earn While You Learn MLT program:  

• Monday, Nov. 10 | 11 a.m.-noon | University Hospital, Dining Conference Room  
• Friday, Nov. 14 | 1-2 p.m. | virtual  

For more information about the MLT program, please visit the intranet website or watch this brief video about working in UVA Health labs. For questions related to the program, please email Earn While You Learn. 

Health Sciences Library Clinical Support Expo 

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Dining Conference Rooms, University Hospital | Whether you're a resident, attending, fellow, nurse, support staff member, student, faculty member — or just curious about what they offer — this event is perfect for you. Meet the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library team, view artifacts on display, enjoy snacks and swag, play games, and participate in a raffle. Details. Questions? Contact Lewis Savarese, Collection Development Librarian. 

Challenging Impostor Syndrome 

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | In this interactive session, explore where internal messages of impostor syndrome might come from and strategies to counter them, so that you can embrace a sense of belonging and confidence at UVA. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) Meet and Greet 

Thursday, Nov. 13 | 4-6 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Rooms 1771, 1772, 1773 | All UVA Health and UVA team members are encouraged to attend and learn more about the various resources available to them — and meet representatives from ERGs. Food, drinks, giveaways, and camaraderie! For more information, contact Ashley Woodard, Ed.D, Director of Student Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, UVA School of Medicine. 

Appreciation 

UVA Health Cyclists Complete Tour de Midnight, Help Raise $100,000 for Epilepsy Foundation 

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month. The 10th Annual tour de Midnight bike ride, benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia, was held recently in Rockville, Maryland. UVA Health was a platinum sponsor of the event, which raised more than $100,000 to help improve the quality of life for individuals and families affected by epilepsy.  

Teams of cyclists, runners, and walkers participated, including a UVA Health cycling team organized by Nathan Fountain, MD, Department of Neurology (third from left). The team also included Mark Quigg, MD, Department of Neurology (left); Colin Derdeyn, MD, interim Dean, UVA School of Medicine (second from left); and Jeff Elias, MD, interim Chair, Department of Neurosurgery (right). 

Nearly 85,000 Virginians are living with epilepsy. Tour de Midnight is one of many outreach and advocacy programs organized each year by the Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia to raise awareness and support. 

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