Webinar Replay: Unified Communications

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Unified Communications is UVA Health’s initiative to bring the tools we use to coordinate patient care into one connected experience within Epic. By integrating on-call scheduling, role-based team organization, secure text messaging, and mobile access through apps like Haiku, Canto, and Rover — this effort reduces the need to toggle between multiple systems and makes it easier to quickly find and message the right person.

On April 30, a webinar was hosted to provide an overview of the tools and functions going online once Epic Secure Chat is deployed on May 20. Access a replay of the webinar (passcode: jnV2?^f2).

For additional information and training materials, please visit the Epic Learning Library where you will also find a schedule for demonstrations beginning Tuesday, May 5.

Operations

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2026 UVA Health Engagement Surveys

Every few years, UVA Health team members take part in confidential, systemwide surveying to help us understand how we’re progressing toward our goal of being a best place to work — a key priority in our 10-year strategic plan.

How do I know which survey I am taking?

UVA School of Medicine faculty with a primary appointment there will participate in the Standpoint AAMC survey April 7-May 15.
UVA School of Nursing faculty and staff will participate in the AACN Leading Across Multidimensional Perspectives (LAMP) Culture and Climate Survey April 1-May 15.
All other UVA Health team members who joined the organization prior to March 2, 2026 — including those employed with University Medical Center, UVA Community Health (except physicians and APPs), UVA School of Medicine (staff), UPG, and Claude Moore Health Sciences Library — will participate in the UVA Health Engagement Survey conducted by Press Ganey May 4-18. To learn more about the Press Ganey survey, read the FAQs on Connect.
UVA Community Health physicians and APPs do not take the Press Ganey Engagement Survey.

Every voice matters. Creating the best place to work is something we build together. Your feedback helps shape the tools, support, and investments our teams need to succeed.

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Construction Impact | Lane Road Closure

Saturday, May 2 | 6 a.m.-5 p.m. | As part of the University Hospital HVAC 5C Replacement Project, a section of Lane Road will be closed between the University Hospital main loading docks and Crispell Drive for a crane lift. During this time, University Hospital main loading docks will be accessible from Lane Road via Jefferson Park Avenue.

Annual Planned Steam Outage

Saturday, May 9 | 5 a.m.-midnight | University Hospital | Steam and hot water will be down for maintenance in University Hospital. The South Tower will be affected:

Heat and hot water will not be available for hand wash sinks and patient showers during this time.
Units will contact the nursing supervisor by 4:50 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, if any clinical operations are in progress that would require a delay in the planned outage.
Units may request additional linens and blankets from the linen room as needed for patients by calling 434.924.5825.
Pediatric units may request coffee cauldrons from dietary to assist in warming of bottles or use local unit coffee makers for generating hot water.
Radiant warmers will be available to the pediatric floors from the supply room.
A limited number of heat lamps will be available from the supply room.
Main operating room (OR) and Sterile Processing Department | Only the following case classifications should proceed to the OR during the outage: Emergent Now, Urgent 2 Hours, and Urgent 6 Hours. We request surgeons to please hold any priority inpatient cases until Sunday, if safe to do so.

Questions? Contact Nina Green, Associate Director, Health System Physical Plant.

Next Stop, Better

This Parking and Transportation initiative continues to brighten team member commutes with monthly giveaways — including golden-ticket passes randomly distributed every month, for one month of close-in parking. In March and April, commuters were surprised with Danish, hot chocolate, and other snacks. In recent weeks, University Medical Center cabinet members have been riding the Purple Line to assess opportunities for improvement and to hear team member perspectives.

Leadership

Town Hall Replay: Check Out the Speed-Watcher's Guide

If you missed the April 22 town hall, here's your chance to catch up! Visit KnowledgeLink to find time code stamps for discussion topics and the embedded town hall video.

Check out the video to see leaders discussing the strategic plan refresh, ASPIRE values, engagement surveys, and more. Watch.

Deadline Extended: UVA Health Leadership Institute

New Deadline: Friday, May 8 | The UVA Health Leadership Institute’s (HLI) cohort leadership program is ready to welcome a new class of emerging leaders — applications for cohort five are open. Interested candidates should complete their application, essay, and submit a letter of recommendation via the HLI application portal. The institute is seeking candidates who meet the following criteria:

Currently employed by any UVA Health entity.
Demonstrate exceptional leadership potential.
Invested in their career at UVA Health.
Show a strong commitment to our ASPIRE values.
Hold a leadership position or striving to attain one in the near future.

Selected candidates will be notified in July, and monthly cohort sessions will begin in October. Additional details about the HLI curriculum, application process, and more are available on Connect. View a recording of an information session featuring program alumni and current cohort members. (Passcode: 8z.VY7d4)

Register for Influence and Impact Featuring UVA Health CEO Mitch Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP

UVA Health Leadership Institute is launching a new professional development series, “Influence and Impact.” The series will feature dynamic leaders from UVA Health, the University, and beyond in an intimate, interview-style format. It aims to nurture the professional development of UVA Health team members by highlighting insights and key learnings from a diverse slate of proven leaders. All team members are invited to join the inaugural session featuring UVA Health CEO Mitch Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP, on Monday, May 18, noon-1 p.m. The event will be held virtually, and all team members are encouraged to attend. Register.

UVA Health in the News

Top Story

A meeting at the UVA Health Transplant Center between a previously anonymous living liver donor and the family of the toddler who received the liver is featured locally, across Virginia, on TV stations across the country, and nationally by Yahoo and NBC News.

Patient Care

Dr. Sue Murray is featured in our weekly NBC29 segment, discussing UVA Health’s new breastfeeding clinic.
Dr. Catherine Varney is featured on NPR affiliates across the country discussing the challenges of getting insurance coverage for weight loss medications.
Dr. Phil Carrott is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing new technology used at the UVA Health Transplant Center to better preserve donated organs.
Dr. Drew Harris writes an op-ed for the Richmond Times-Dispatch on the importance of new silica dust regulations to protect coal miners against black lung disease.
Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton talks with AARP Magazine about how to stop hot flashes.
Becker’s Hospital Review highlights the selection of Dale Alward as Chief Executive Officer of UVA Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital.

Research

As part of a Q&A with Virginia Business, UVA President Scott Beardsley discusses UVA Health’s positive momentum, including the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology.
Dr. Kenneth Bilchick talks with Healio about new research showing weight loss medications can reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation.
Dr. Dacre Knight joins the Bendy Bodies podcast to discuss cerebral spinal fluid leaks.
Dr. Jennifer Payne is featured on additional TV stations nationally discussing postpartum depression.
Dr. Tajie Harris joins the People Behind the Science podcast to discuss her research into how the brain battles infections.

Community

NBC29 and WINA preview last weekend’s Drug Take Back event outside the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center.

Education

UVA School of Medicine’s Clinician’s Eye program is highlighted in Medscape.

Happenings

Free Food Alert

UVA and the Office for Sustainability are partnering with the Free Food Alert app to reduce food waste from catered events on Grounds. Hosts can notify the campus community when excess food is available, redirecting leftover food to student and staff subscribers. This process empowers event hosts to redirect food quickly and conveniently, and reduce cleanup burdens. Learn more.

May: UVA Health Team Member and Health Awareness

To support our UVA Health mission of transforming health and inspiring hope — each month, we recognize team member and health awareness months, weeks, and days. See the list.

Beat the Price Hike: Stock Up on Stamps Now

The United States Postal Service is raising stamp prices July 12, but you don’t have to pay more. Buy your Forever Stamps today on Grounds — lock in the current price and use them anytime, as they never expire. Whether it’s bills, cards, or letters to loved ones, a small step now can save you money later. Don’t wait until the increase hits, grab your stamps from the McKim Mailroom or Newcomb Hall Post Office today.

Trauma Survivors Network: Race to Rebuild

Saturday, May 2 | 9 a.m. | The Park | Join for a walk/run/cycle/roll event to support trauma survivors as they survive, connect, and rebuild after a serious injury. Proceeds benefit the Trauma Survivors Network. Learn more and sign up. Questions? Email Brittany Nash, LCSW, UVA Health Trauma Survivor Network Coordinator. Flyer.

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Benefit for Brugada

Saturday, May 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Colonnade Club (Pavilion VII on the UVA Lawn) | UVA School of Medicine Class of 2027 invites you to the Benefit for Brugada in honor of their late classmate, Brenan Cullimore, who passed from a cardiac arrest on March 7, 2025, likely due to a rare cardiac arrhythmia named Brugada syndrome. This benefit will raise money to purchase AEDs for community spaces in Charlottesville and across central Virginia. The benefit will include formal cocktail dress, food, drinks, live band, photographer, raffle, and a silent auction of donations from UVA Athletics. Purchase tickets (or donate to the fundraiser by clicking “Get Tickets.”). Join the Facebook group and follow their Instagram account at @benefitforbrugada.

Roll Up Your Sleeve and Donate Blood

Monday, May 4 | 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | There is a severe blood shortage both in Virginia and nationwide. Be a hero. Make a lifesaving difference and donate blood. To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: $20 Amazon gift card. Details.

The Robert M. Carey Innovation Symposium

Monday, May 4 | 1-3 p.m. | Medical Education Building, 3rd floor auditorium | Speakers: William Young, MD, Chair, Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic, Author, Primary Aldosterone Guidelines R. Ariel Gomez, MD, Harrison Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics, Director, Child Health Research Center, UVA School of Medicine; and Rhian Touyz, PhD, Executive Director, Chief Scientific Officer, Research Institute, McGill University, Editor in Chief-Hypertension. Inaugural theme: “Innovations in Hypertension: Journey From Genetics to Pathophysiology to Clinical Care.” Details.

Bike Month Appreciation Stations

May is Bike Month throughout our community — consider riding a bike to work this month. UVA Sustainability will be celebrating bicyclists with free pastries and bike-related resources at two Appreciation Stations at UVA Health:

Tuesday, May 5 | 6:45-9:15 a.m. | University Hospital bike rack along Lee Street
Thursday, May 7 | 7:45-10:15 a.m. | Pinn Hall bike rack along Jefferson Park Avenue

Stop by to enjoy a snack and meet other bicyclists. Canceled in the event of rain. Questions? Email sustainability@virginia.edu.

Conquer Your Anxious Thoughts: Build Mindfulness Skills to Bring a Sense of Calm

Tuesday, May 5 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Learn how to overcome anxious thoughts by using your breath and body as anchors to ground you in the present moment. This Thrive Together webinar kicks off the Hoos Well 1% Challenge: Practice mindfulness in eMLife for 1% of your day (less than 15 minutes!) for 25 days to earn a $50 Hoos Well reward. Details.

Vascular Disease Lunch and Learn Series: Unraveling the Threads

Tuesday, May 5 | noon-1 p.m. | Blue Ridge Shenandoah Room TCV #4050 or Zoom | Kaitlyn Amos, MSGS, will discuss connective tissue disorders, vascular disease, and the role of genetic testing. Bring your lunch and join in person or log on virtually. Contact Bernie Ammons if you would like to attend in-person, as seating is limited. (Meeting ID: 95785907454, Passcode: 61894995)

UVA Retirement Webinar 2026

Wednesday, May 6 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Zoom | Build your understanding of retirement savings options and feel more confident navigating your choices. Speakers: Erica Wheat, Manager of Benefits, Leave, and Payroll, UVA Human Resources; and Nathan Dixon, Workplace Financial Consultant, Fidelity Investments. Sponsored by the Faculty Life Committee of the UVA Faculty Senate.

Celebrate 2026 National Nurses Week

May 6-12 | UVA Health University Medical Center is hosting a series of events including an Evidence-Based Practice Symposium, Nurses Walk for Wellness, Nursing Excellence Awards Ceremony, and more. Details. All UVA Health University Medical Center team members are welcome to join:

Nightingale Notables: Recognize a colleague with a 2026 Superlative Award. Available digitally or as a printable PowerPoint file.
Late Nights at Higher Grounds: May 6-12 | Extended hours to 2 a.m. | University Hospital cafeteria
Food Truck Friday: Friday, May 8 | 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | MR5 sidewalk between loading dock and South Garage

Training Sessions: National Stop the Bleed Day

Thursday, May 21 | 10-11 a.m., 2-3 p.m. | Dining Conference Room 1 | National Stop the Bleed Day 2026 is a nationwide call to action encouraging everyone to learn how to control life-threatening bleeding and raise awareness about the Stop the Bleed campaign. This annual day serves as a reminder to get involved, get trained, and help prepare our communities for bleeding emergencies. To support this important initiative, Connie Clark, Injury Prevention Coordinator, Trauma Program, will be leading two free training sessions. Register. Let’s all raise our hands to Stop the Bleed at UVA Health!

4th Annual UVA Health Interdisciplinary QI/PS Showcase

Tuesday, June 9 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Education Resource Center, Room A | UVA Health Patient Safety event to recognize local improvements in quality improvement and patient safety (QI/PS) from all disciplines. If you wish to participate, please email your abstract to QIPSShowcase@uvahealth.org by Monday, May 4, at 11:59 p.m. Details.

Higher Education Program for Executive Level Assistants

Registration deadline: Wednesday, July 1 | HEPELA is an on-Grounds, 12-session program to support UVA executive administrators in growing personally, navigating logistics, solving problems, and delivering results. Participants gather on Grounds to share common challenges and learn from industry experts. This cohort fills quickly — register soon. Learn more.

Appreciation

‘Enormously Grateful’ | 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. Duensing and his entire staff were exceptional in every way. I had complete confidence in their skills and knowledge and goal of completing a safe and successful procedure. They worked seamlessly as a team, and I am enormously grateful for their incomparable services to me.”
"My stay at UVA Health was great. The nurses were always professional, always concerned about my health. The surgical team was very professional — one or more checked on me every day. This would help me relax. I would like to say this was the best care I have ever received at a hospital. I want to thank Dr. Ragosta. This was my third time getting his help. He said [his team was the best.] He was right. Please thank them all.”
"The Blue Team, 5 Central, was incredibly compassionate, caring, smart, efficient, and warm! My husband and I were so blessed by each of them. We will always remember their kindness and helpfulness.”

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

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UVA Health Update | May 1, 2026