Connect

Are you a UVA School of Medicine or UVA School of Nursing faculty, staff, resident, postdoc, graduate, professional, or undergraduate student — or a UVA Health team member statewide — dealing with conflict? 

Our new Ombuds is on board to foster an environment of compassion, fairness, honesty, integrity, and respect — while bolstering a supportive working and learning climate at UVA Health. Henry Yampolsky, JD, arrived Jan. 12 to serve as a confidential, informal, impartial, independent, and safe resource. 

Origin Story 

Originally from Ukraine, Yampolsky earned his undergraduate degree in international studies from the University of Scranton and his law degree from Temple University. After practicing law as an associate — then as a partner — with a boutique law firm in Philadelphia, Yampolsky transitioned into mediation and peacebuilding after discovering he is passionate about empowering people and organizations to respond to conflict with strength, clarity, and compassion — as opposed to reacting to it with fear, avoidance, or aggression.  

Global Experience 

Yampolsky is an internationally recognized mediator, educator, and facilitator and has taught and lectured around the world. He has served as faculty for the Nelson Mandela Washington Fellowship at Drexel University, Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention at Virginia Tech, and Mediators Beyond Borders International. 

Yampolsky has trained mediators in Canada, Switzerland, Ukraine, India, Nigeria, and Brazil. He is the recipient of the Mediation Synergy Award from the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation and the Global Peace Champion Award from the United Kingdom-based Global Peace Let’s Talk Foundation. 

He worked as Assistant Director for Education, Outreach, and Conflict Resolution at Virginia Tech’s Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education in Blacksburg, before heading north to Charlottesville. 

Yampolsky also is the author of “Dis-Solving Conflict from Within: An Inner Path for Conflict Transformation,” and has been in the spotlight as a TEDx speaker. 

Q&A 

Now, learn more about how Yampolsky is meeting the challenges of the new UVA Health Ombuds role, and supporting our strategic plan initiatives including Best Place to Work and One UVA Health team: 

How do you support UVA Health team members? 

I listen to concerns and issues, offer training and coaching in conflict resolution, help individuals navigate challenges, explore options, and facilitate crucial conversations through alternative dispute resolution methods that align with University and UVA Health policies and values. My services include: 

• Individual consultation 
• Conflict management coaching 
• One-on-one and small group facilitation 
• Explanations of policies and procedures 
• Review of available informal and formal resolution options 
• Conflict management training 
• Referrals 
• And more as deemed appropriate. 

What kinds of issues can be brought to you?  

• Workplace conflict or tension  
• Concerns about communication or relationships  
• Questions about policies or processes  
• Ethical discomfort or uncertainty  
• Fear of retaliation  
• Stress, burnout, or feeling “stuck”  
• Thinking through next steps 

Keep in mind — the Ombuds supplements but does not replace other University and UVA Health support resources such as Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) — or the many programs that are part of UVA Health Office of Team Wellbeing including Wisdom and Wellbeing, Wellbeing Collaborative, UVA Mindfulness Center, and Schwartz Center Rounds. 

When a UVA Health team member reaches out to you, what steps do you take to help? 

• Listen confidentially and without judgment.  
• Help clarify the real issue. 
• Coach on how to approach difficult conversations.  
• Explain policies, processes, and available options. 
• Facilitate informal conversations when appropriate.  
• Refer to other resources, if needed. 

Are conversations with you as the Ombuds confidential?  
They are private and off the record — I do not keep formal records or share identifiable information — and there are very limited exceptions if there is an imminent risk of serious harm, as required by law.   

So far, what’s your favorite part about being the UVA Health Ombuds? 

I love learning more about the very complex, multi-layered community that is UVA Health. I am also very humbled and excited to learn about the incredible, lifesaving work members of the UVA Health community are doing.  

SPARE TIME 

After deescalating conflict all day, how do you unwind? 
I have a pretty extensive personal mindfulness and yoga practice which has been my anchor now for nearly a decade. Also, I love cooking. And, nothing beats a motorcycle ride to clear the mind.

Have you received any recommendations on what to see and do around the Charlottesville area?
As a foodie, I am very excited to try all the exciting restaurants Charlottesville has to offer. Also, as the weather gets a bit warmer, I look forward to exploring the area on my motorcycle.

Anything about you we may be surprised to learn?  
“I’ve spent extensive time in India, studying the Vedanta tradition, and I’m a master-level instructor of sattva yoga. I’ve twice crossed the Himalayas on a motorcycle!”

Yampolsky’s second crossing will be featured in a 10-part documentary series called the “Wheels of Awakening” on Amazon Prime and Gaia TV in late 2026.