Connect

This is the latest installment in our Connect article series “Hope at Work” — showcasing inspiring stories about how our team members contribute to UVA Health’s 10-year strategic plan: One Future Together Health and Hope for All. No matter where you work, you have an opportunity to inspire hope in others. These stories show how:

A new seminar series featuring UVA Health providers is reaching residents where they live, keeping them informed on healthcare.

More than 35 community members gathered at the Community Center in Lake of the Woods neighborhood in Locust Grove, Virginia, for an engaging and informative seminar hosted by LOWLINC and UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center, a partnership that continues to bring trusted health expertise directly to the community. 

A Handyman for the Heart 

“He’s a handyman when it comes to your heart,” shared Jeff Say, Program Manager for Community Engagement, UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center, in introducing John C. Hardy, MD, who presented his signature talk, "Cardiology 101: Your Heart Is Your House.” 

Dr. Hardy, a cardiologist who sees patients at UVA Health Cardiology, part of Culpeper Medical Center, and also holds office hours at UVA Health Primary Care Locust Grove, uses a creative and easy-to-understand analogy to explain the structure and function of the heart. 

He quickly connects the topic to a simple, clear image, comparing the heart to a house. Dr. Hardy walked attendees through its “base,” the “walls” of the heart (quite literally), and the systems that keep everything running smoothly. His approachable style helped demystify complex cardiovascular topics, particularly for seniors at higher risk of heart-related conditions. 

Answering Questions That Matter 

The interactive session gave guests the opportunity to ask questions about statins, atrial fibrillation (AFib), advancements in valve replacement procedures, and practical ways to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle. Dr. Hardy addressed each topic with clarity and compassion, reinforcing the importance of prevention, early detection, and ongoing care.  

He answered questions in an understandable response. Events like this reflect UVA Health’s commitment to supporting community well-being beyond hospital walls, ensuring residents have direct access to expert physicians and reliable health information close to home. 

A Growing Community Partnership 

Dr. Hardy’s presentation is part of a new monthly seminar series hosted by LOWLINC and UVA Health at the Lake of the Woods Community Center. The program is designed to keep residents informed, empowered, and connected to local healthcare resources. 

Another speaker in the series: Gregg R. Eure, MD, UVA Health Urology, part of Culpeper Medical Center. He is active in clinical research and was part of the FDA approval trial for Aquablation, a robotic procedure for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

Through educational outreach such as this series, UVA Health continues to strengthen its partnership with the community, bringing expert care, meaningful conversation, and healthier futures to the region it proudly serves. Together, UVA Health is bringing the latest clinical advancements to patients, closer to home than ever before.