Reminder: Vocera Text-Based Messaging to Be Deactivated 

Monday, Aug. 3 | 7 a.m. | As a reminder, please be advised that Vocera text-based messaging features will be deactivated on Monday, at which point Epic Secure Chat will serve as our sole primary communication platform for text-based messaging. Voice capabilities through Vocera will remain active. If you have questions or concerns before Vocera is deactivated, please contact the HIT Help Desk at 434.924.5334. Training resources and tip sheets are available on the Epic Learning Library. Thank you again for your continued partnership throughout this transition. 

Operations

Construction Impact | Manning Institute of Biotechnology 

Through Sunday, Aug. 2 | Skanska is dismantling and hauling away a tower crane. This process requires two assist cranes located in the service lane between the Manning Institute and Aurbach, as well as numerous trucks to haul components. While most of the work will occur inside the project fence, a couple of specific impacts are highlighted below: 

• Patient Parking at 415 Ray C. Hunt Drive: Though the total crane activity will span four consecutive days, the patient parking spaces highlighted here will be closed only during clinic hours on Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1. The team will keep the surrounding spaces and drive aisles open and clear.  
• Fire Access to Aurbach and UVA Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology: Access for the hydrant and FDCs at both Aurbach and the institute will remain open throughout the process and an Emergency Preparedness Plan is in place to facilitate response from Charlottesville Fire Department should an event take place during the impact window.  
• Aurbach Access: Pedestrian and delivery access to Aurbach will remain open during the entire activity. 

29 North CONNECT Stop Change 

Monday, Aug. 3 | The 29 North CONNECT commuter stop currently located at Food Lion in Hollymead will move to a new location at Hollymead Town Center near Kohl’s, at 340 Towncenter Lane. The new stop offers convenient commuter parking, a designated Jaunt bus stop sign, bench seating, and easy access within the shopping center. Questions? Call Jaunt Customer Service at 434.296.3184. 

HIT Launches New Portal for Remote Access to Epic and Other Applications 

As part of HIT’s commitment to providing you with the modern tools that our work demands, UVA Health is transitioning to a new platform for accessing applications (including Epic) remotely. The UVA Health Citrix Applications Portal (“Citrix Portal”) is live now and will replace the UVA Health Apps Portal (“Apps Portal” or “Portal”). The new Citrix Portal platform will be more secure, streamlined, and deliver more consistent connectivity than our current Apps Portal. For now, both portals are available, but the Apps Portal will be retired and redirected to the new Citrix Portal on Aug. 15, so be sure to bookmark the new Citrix Portal and begin using it now.  

Users of the new Citrix Portal will notice a slightly modified design and a new web address (URL), but the way you access apps remotely (including Epic) will remain the same. Learn more on Connect. 

UVA Health Hospital Violence Intervention Program (HVIP) 

HVIP at UVA Health supports patients treated for injuries related to community violence. After discharge from the hospital or emergency department, patients are connected with ongoing services to support healing, improve safety, and reduce the risk of future violence. Through individualized case management, mentorship, and community partnerships, the program helps you rebuild stability and move forward with support and confidence. Learn more.     

How to Refer Patients:     

• Send a message through Epic In Basket to: Hospital Violence Intervention Program (available 24/7).        
• Submit community referrals via email at HVIP@uvahealth.org.        
• Use the online referral form.        

Contacts (pictured, l-r): HVIP@uvahealth.org        

• Brittany Nash, LCSW, HVIP Supervisor, 434.243.9197        
• Brea Neilson, Violence Intervention Specialist, 434.924.2588        
• Marty Terrell, Violence Intervention Specialist, 434.297.8114 

UVA Health in the News

Top Story 

• Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati is featured in The New York Times discussing the link between chronic inflammation and diseases as well as potential treatment options he has helped develop. 

Patient Care 

• Our weekly NBC29 segment features Dr. Stephen Lockey discussing advances in spinal surgery. 
• Erik Shannon is highlighted on Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of community hospital CEOs to know. 
• Dr. Bobby Chhabra is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing a new thumb joint replacement procedure that UVA Health Orthopedics is among the first to perform in America. 
• Becker’s Hospital Review highlights University Medical Center among the hospitals in America with the lowest ratio of unplanned hospital visits after outpatient surgery. 
• Dr. Daniel Sheeran is featured in Roanoke and on TV stations nationally discussing a first-in-Virginia treatment for uveal melanoma. 
• Dr. Stephen Lockey is spotlighted in a Becker’s Hospital Review story on rising stars in spine surgery. 

Research 

• In Yahoo and Popular Mechanics, Dr. Marieta Pehlivanova and Dr. Bruce Greyson discuss shared death experiences. 
• Dr. Rachelle Crescenzi is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing a grant to develop better imaging to detect lymphedema. 
• Research from Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills into the first death from alpha-gal syndrome is featured in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Yahoo. 
• Dr. Roger Abounader is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing a potential new approach to treating glioblastoma. 
• On Virginia Public Radio, Dr. Chris Holstege talks about the health hazards of legal hemp products. 
• Dr. Kim Penberthy is featured in MarketWatch discussing regret. 

Community 

• Child Life Assistant Stacey Hammond and Certified Child Life Specialist Julia Dawson are featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing a donation of toys to UVA Health Children’s from two local motorcycle groups. 

Education 

• Dr. Ryan Smith is featured in Yahoo and newspapers across America discussing andropause among men. 

Human Resources

Save the Date: 2026 Annual Retraining 

Launches Monday, Aug. 3 | As part of our commitment to excellence and to meet regulatory requirements, all UVA Health team members hired on or before April 1, 2026, who provide patient care, receive training, or participate in healthcare education and research within or for the benefit of the UVA Health University Medical Center — regardless of their employer —are required to take the training.   

Happenings

Leadership Excellence for Administrative Professionals Program 

Registration deadline: Saturday, Aug. 1 | Looking to grow as a leader within administration? Join UVA’s online, 12-session program to enhance self-awareness, communication, problem-solving, and systems thinking while building the skills needed to navigate complexity, support teams, and deliver sustainable results. Learn more. 

2026 Mini-Medical School 

Application Deadline: Monday, Aug. 3 | This premier, free, seven-week educational series is open to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the public who want a unique glimpse into the world of medicine and health science. The program takes place Wednesdays, Sept. 2-Oct. 14, 6:30-9 p.m. Space is limited; one application per person. To learn more and access the application form, visit the Mini-Medical School website or apply directly via Qualtrics. Questions? Email minimed@virginia.edu. 

2026 Day of Caring: Call for Volunteers and Project Hosts 

Volunteer registration deadline: Tuesday, Aug. 4 | Is your UVA Health department interested in forming a volunteer team for 2026 Day of Caring? Register with United Way of Greater Charlottesville to support the region’s most impactful, one-day volunteer effort, set for Wednesday, Sept. 16. Day of Caring sponsors include UVA and UVA Health.

• Volunteer team leaders should register to join a virtual prep meeting on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2:30 p.m., or Friday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m. (Registered team leaders will be sent access to the Zoom link training and the project preview list.) Volunteer team leaders who are unable to attend a training may provide an alternate representative for your team.     
• Volunteer team leaders should join Project Selection on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 10 a.m.; projects are selected on a first come, first served basis during that meeting.      
• If you are an individual who would like to participate as a Day of Caring volunteer but do not have a team, please email Markiana Smith.  
• Even if you have registered in previous years to volunteer, new registration is needed each year to volunteer. 
• See “School Assistance and Volunteer Service” toward the end of this UVA HR web page to learn more about employee eligibility for public service leave. 

Project submission deadline: Friday, Aug. 7 | If you know a nonprofit, school, childcare facility, church, or other eligible 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization in Charlottesville or surrounding counties that has a task or project that could use volunteers on Sept. 16 Day of Caring, the organization should email Markiana Smith about creating an account to submit their project. 

Annual RN Degree Scholarships 

Application Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 6 | UVA Health University Medical Center is offering a scholarship opportunity for eligible University Medical Center employees interested in pursuing any level of nursing degree in the 2026-27 academic year. You do not need to be an RN to apply, and the scholarship is not exclusive to UVA School of Nursing programs — it is applicable to any accredited nursing degree program. Eligibility aligns with the UVA HR Education Benefits Program. Once again, the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer is providing $90,000 in funding to disburse to support our growing nursing workforce. Scholarships are applicable to classes taken January 2026 to June 2027 for:        

• ADN degree program        
• BSN degree program (classes and prerequisites)        
• Higher nursing degree program        

Read more, download a flyer, and apply. 

2nd Annual Team Wellbeing Day: Bring Down the Temps 

Friday, Aug. 7 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | University Hospital cafeteria (and patio/lobby area) | You are invited to this annual event featuring resource tables, food, refreshments, and prize drawings. Highlights:   

• Cooking demonstrations with Dennis Wingler, Senior Executive Chef, Morrison | noon, 5 p.m., and 11 p.m. | University Hospital Cafeteria   
• Free chair massages   
• Micro classes offered by FEAP, UVA Mindfulness Center, Occupational Health, and more: yoga, sound baths, and other wellbeing techniques.   
• Prize drawings: Win a self-care basket or a “beach break” basket for your team!   
• Therapy dogs and music   
• Learn more about and register for Wellbeing Spark Spaces, small informal gatherings where you can meet co-workers while taking care of yourself. Offerings will include kitten yoga, Menopause Support Group, divorce wellness, early career professionals, Wellness Book Club, yoga in scrubs, veterans and service members, Walking Around Grounds Group, Stitch Happens, family playground playdates, and offerings from UVA Recreation. 

Apply: Administrative Fellowship 

Deadline: Monday, Aug. 31 | 11:59 p.m. | The 2027-29 UVA Health R. Edward Howell Administrative Fellowship is now accepting applications. This program builds healthcare management skills across operational, clinical, and strategic areas. Details. Question? Contact AdminFellow@virginia.edu. 

2026 Menopause Is Thriving at UVA 

Friday, Oct. 16 | 7 a.m.-4 p.m. | Omni Hotel, Charlottesville | JoAnn Pinkerton, MD, and Carrie Sopata, MD, encourage you to join this conference to learn, connect, and explore how we can better support women through every stage of the menopause transition. Please join in advancing thoughtful, evidence-based care and meaningful conversations that help women thrive. Learn more and register. 

Appreciation

'I Left Her Office Feeling Better Than When I Came In' | 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. Dillon models a rare combination of EQ and IQ. He is well prepared for his patients' cases; aware of recent research; interested in patient's perceptions of symptoms, data and treatment; and collaborative in his decision making about treatment, both with patients and professional colleagues. He personifies an upbeat, well-informed, data-driven professional who cares about patients and their outcomes.” 
• "I described a stressful family situation to Christina that explained why my blood pressure was high. She gave me her full attention and listened intently, then offered comments that made me feel validated. I left her office feeling better than when I came in. Thank you, Christina!” 
• "Dr. Beller is a very professional, knowledgeable, and thoughtful person. She has a wonderful, warm personality. She makes it a top priority to understand your symptoms and how they are impacting your daily living. She explains procedures and treatment options in a clear and understandable way. She provides plenty of time for discussion. She is always well prepared with helpful information to assist you.” 

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

Previous Updates

Wednesday, July 29

2026 Day of Caring: Call for Volunteers and Project Hosts 

Volunteer registration deadline: Tuesday, Aug. 4 | Is your UVA Health department interested in forming a volunteer team for 2026 Day of Caring? Register with United Way of Greater Charlottesville to support the region’s most impactful, one-day volunteer effort, set for Wednesday, Sept. 16. Day of Caring sponsors include UVA and UVA Health.

• Volunteer team leaders should register to join a virtual prep meeting on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2:30 p.m., or Friday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m. (Registered team leaders will be sent access to the Zoom link training and the project preview list.) Volunteer team leaders who are unable to attend a training may provide an alternate representative for your team.
• Volunteer team leaders should join Project Selection on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 10 a.m.; projects are selected on a first come, first served basis during that meeting.      
• If you are an individual who would like to participate as a Day of Caring volunteer but do not have a team, please email Markiana Smith.  
• Even if you have registered in previous years to volunteer, new registration is needed each year to volunteer.     
• See “School Assistance and Volunteer Service” toward the end of this UVA HR web page to learn more about employee eligibility for public service leave.        

Project submission deadline: Friday, Aug. 7 | If you know a nonprofit, school, childcare facility, church, or other eligible 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization in Charlottesville or surrounding counties that has a task or project that could use volunteers on Sept. 16 Day of Caring, the organization should email Markiana Smith about creating an account to submit their project. 

Patient Care

Donations Needed: Geri-Cart 

University Medical Center Emergency Department (ED) had approximately 77,000 patient visits in 2025, with more than 20,000 of those patients being age 65 or older. Last year, a task force was formed with a focused initiative to improve outcomes and care for geriatric ED patients. One of the goals of this task force is to create a Geri-Cart to provide comfort and sensory items for elderly patients, especially those with dementia. Needed items: reusable pocket talkers and extra headsets, fidget cuffs, and fidget blankets. Questions? Email Dina Hood. View the Amazon wish list. Thank you to all who have donated — this cart continues to be hugely successful. Your donations have improved the care and hospital experience of this patient population. 

Operations

Construction Impact | Manning Institute of Biotechnology 

July 30-Aug. 2 | On these dates, Skanska will dismantle and haul away a tower crane. This process will require two assist cranes located in the service lane between the Manning Institute and Aurbach, as well as numerous trucks to haul components. While most of the work will occur inside the project fence, a couple of specific impacts are highlighted below: 

• Patient Parking at 415 Ray C. Hunt Drive: Though the total crane activity will span four consecutive days, the patient parking spaces highlighted here will be closed only during clinic hours on Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1. The team will keep the surrounding spaces and drive aisles open and clear.  
• Fire Access to Aurbach and UVA Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology: Access for the hydrant and FDCs at both Aurbach and the institute will remain open throughout the process and an Emergency Preparedness Plan is in place to facilitate response from Charlottesville Fire Department should an event take place during the impact window.  
• Aurbach Access: Pedestrian and delivery access to Aurbach will remain open during the entire activity. 

Leadership

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall

Wednesday, Sept. 23 | noon-1 p.m. | Sandridge Auditorium or Zoom | Mitchell H. Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health; Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, University of Virginia; Henry B. Mulholland Professor of Medicine, invites you to join a conversation about where UVA Health is headed — and the role each of us plays in getting there. During this time, members of the UVA Health leadership team and Dr. Rosner will share key information about our 10-year strategic plan, UVA Health ASPIRE values, and other notable updates. 

Human Resources

Save the Date: 2026 Annual Retraining 

Launches Monday, Aug. 3 | As part of our commitment to excellence and to meet regulatory requirements, all UVA Health team members hired on or before April 1, 2026, who provide patient care, receive training, or participate in healthcare education and research within or for the benefit of the UVA Health University Medical Center — regardless of their employer —are required to take the training.   

Happenings

Market Square 

Through Sept. 24 | Weekly, Thursdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Courtyard at MR5 | Shop for fresh produce, beautiful flowers, unique crafts, and delicious eats from local food trucks. Vendors include It’s Poppin’ Time, Little Manila, Mexican Tacos, Mr. Baker, Miss Day Delights, and Tealicious Cafe. Questions? Contact George Minor, UVA HR, Rewards and Recognition. Read more on Connect. 

UVA Pipelines and Pathways: 2026 Skill Building 101 Workshop Series 

Through September | Via these in-person workshops, participants receive industry certificates to make them more competitive in the job market. Topics include OSHA bloodborne pathogens, patient safety and duty of care, essential medical terminology, and more. Learn about some key roles at UVA Health including patient companion, phlebotomist, pharmacy technician, and custodian. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Seating is limited; please attend the classes for which you register. Questions? Contact UVA Pipelines and Pathways or call 434.962.3996.

Exhibit Showcasing The Arc Studio Artists 

Through Oct. 2 | University Hospital Cafeteria | A new exhibit from the talented artists of The Arc Studio is being displayed. Stop by and check it out! Read more on Connect about the collaboration in a previous showing.

Donate Blood: Roll Up Your Sleeve and Help 

Battle Building, Quayle Center, First Floor | There is a critical need for blood donors to make appointments now — help us keep the blood supply strong! To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: Fandango movie ticket (through July 31).      

• Thursday, July 30 | 2 p.m.-6 p.m.       
• Friday, July 31 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Miracle Treat Day 

Thursday, July 30 | Stop by your local Dairy Queen to grab a Blizzard and thank our DQ friends for their year-round support. $1 from every Blizzard is donated to UVA Health Children’s. Visit the Charlottesville, Mineral, Verona, Bridgewater, Elkton, Appomattox, Stuarts Draft, or Harrisonburg locations (Carlton St. and Virginia Ave). Flyer. 

UVA Wellness Book Club: ‘The Joy of Movement’ 

Friday, July 31 | noon-1 p.m. | Discover why movement isn’t just good for your body — it’s essential for your happiness, resilience, and sense of connection. Kelly McGonigal reframes exercise as a source of hope, courage, and community. Join UVA Wellness Book Club to explore how simple movement can transform your mindset and help you feel more energized, connected, and alive. Learn 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: 

• Monday, Aug. 3 | 1-4 p.m. 
• Tuesday, Aug. 11 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 
• Wednesday, Aug. 19 | 9 a.m.-noon 
• Thursday, Aug. 27 | noon-3 p.m. 

2026 Mini-Medical School 

Application Deadline: Monday, Aug. 3 | This premier, free, seven-week educational series is open to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the public who want a unique glimpse into the world of medicine and health science. The program takes place Wednesdays, Sept. 2-Oct. 14, 6:30-9 p.m. Space is limited; one application per person. To learn more and access the application form, visit the Mini-Medical School website or apply directly via Qualtrics. Questions? Email minimed@virginia.edu. 

2nd Annual Team Wellbeing Day: Bring Down the Temps  

Friday, Aug. 7 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | University Hospital cafeteria (and patio/lobby area) | You are invited to this annual event featuring resource tables, food, refreshments, and prize drawings. Highlights:   

• Cooking demonstrations with Dennis Wingler, Senior Executive Chef, Morrison | noon, 5 p.m., and 11 p.m. | University Hospital Cafeteria   
• Free chair massages   
• Micro classes offered by FEAP, UVA Mindfulness Center, Occupational Health, and more: yoga, sound baths, and other wellbeing techniques.   
• Prize drawings: Win a self-care basket or a “beach break” basket for your team!   
• Therapy dogs and music   
• Learn more about and register for Wellbeing Spark Spaces, small informal gatherings where you can meet co-workers while taking care of yourself. Offerings will include kitten yoga, Menopause Support Group, divorce wellness, early career professionals, Wellness Book Club, yoga in scrubs, veterans and service members, Walking Around Grounds Group, Stitch Happens, family playground playdates, and offerings from UVA Recreation. 

Appreciation

UVA Health Opens New Outpatient Imaging Center in Gainesville 

UVA Health celebrated the opening of a new outpatient imaging center, UVA Health Outpatient Imaging Gainesville, located at 7454 Limestone Drive, Gainesville, Virginia.  

The new center represents a significant step in UVA Health's ongoing commitment to expanding access to advanced diagnostic services across the region. It joins existing outpatient imaging locations in Centreville and Culpeper, as well as hospital-based imaging services across four UVA Health medical centers, strengthening a growing network designed to meet increasing demand for convenient, patient-centered imaging care.  

"The opening of UVA Health Outpatient Imaging Gainesville is another important step in our commitment to expanding access to exceptional care across Northern Virginia," says Erik Shannon, Chief Executive Officer of UVA Health's community medical centers and clinics in Northern Virginia and Culpeper. "As we continue to grow, our focus is on creating a more connected healthcare experience that brings advanced diagnostic services closer to where people live and work while giving patients access to the expertise of UVA Health's academic health system. Growth only matters if it improves the experience for our patients, and this new imaging center is designed to make care more convenient, coordinated, and compassionate."  

Thanks to all who helped make this new center a reality. Read more on Connect. 

Monday, July 27

Donate Blood: Roll Up Your Sleeve and Help 

Battle Building, Quayle Center, First Floor | There is a critical need for blood donors to make appointments now — help us keep the blood supply strong! To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: Fandango movie ticket (through July 31).     

• Thursday, July 30 | 2 p.m.-6 p.m.      
• Friday, July 31 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Patient Care

Donations Needed: Geri-Cart 

University Medical Center Emergency Department (ED) had approximately 77,000 patient visits in 2025, with more than 20,000 of those patients being age 65 or older. Last year, a task force was formed with a focused initiative to improve outcomes and care for geriatric ED patients. One of the goals of this task force is to create a Geri-Cart to provide comfort and sensory items for elderly patients, especially those with dementia. Needed items: reusable pocket talkers and extra headsets, fidget cuffs, and fidget blankets. Questions? Email Dina Hood. View the Amazon wish list. Thank you to all who have donated — this cart continues to be hugely successful. Your donations have improved the care and hospital experience of this patient population. 

Operations

Construction Impact | Manning Institute of Biotechnology 

July 30-Aug. 2 | On these dates, Skanska will dismantle and haul away a tower crane. This process will require two assist cranes located in the service lane between the Manning Institute and Aurbach, as well as numerous trucks to haul components. While most of the work will occur inside the project fence, a couple of specific impacts are highlighted below:

• Patient Parking at 415 Ray C. Hunt Drive: Though the total crane activity will span four consecutive days, the patient parking spaces highlighted here will be closed only during clinic hours on Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1. The team will keep the surrounding spaces and drive aisles open and clear. 
• Fire Access to Aurbach and UVA Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology: Access for the hydrant and FDCs at both Aurbach and the institute will remain open throughout the process and an Emergency Preparedness Plan is in place to facilitate response from Charlottesville Fire Department should an event take place during the impact window. 
• Aurbach Access: Pedestrian and delivery access to Aurbach will remain open during the entire activity. 

QGenda Scheduling Now Available to Sync With Outlook 

QGenda scheduling can now sync directly with Outlook, giving staff — including LIPs, nursing staff, and on-call staff — one place to view their schedule alongside other calendar items. Use the tip sheet to opt in, and use Task Preferences in QGenda to hide any items you don't want cluttering your Outlook calendar. Note: staff in Plastic Surgery, Maxillofacial, and Oral Health; Hospitalists; and Gastroenterology and Hepatology should hold off opting in until their QGenda instance merges into the new advanced scheduling contract. Questions? Contact Colby Minear or Krista DesRoches, QGenda Administrators.

HIT Launches New Portal for Remote Access to Epic and Other Applications 

As part of HIT’s commitment to providing you with the modern tools that our work demands, UVA Health is transitioning to a new platform for accessing applications (including Epic) remotely.  

The UVA Health Citrix Applications Portal (“Citrix Portal”) is live now and will replace the UVA Health Apps Portal (“Apps Portal” or “Portal”). The new Citrix platform will be more secure, streamlined, and deliver more consistent connectivity than our current Apps Portal. For now, both portals are available, but the Apps Portal will be retired Aug. 15, so be sure to bookmark the new Citrix Portal for future use.  

Users of the new Citrix Portal will notice a slightly modified design and a new web address (URL), but the way you access apps remotely (including Epic) will remain the same. Learn more on Connect.

Composting Now Available at Wahoo West Café 

Compost bins are now available at Wahoo West Café in the West Complex. Leftover food and compostable wares (e.g., compostable cups, straws, food containers, utensils) from the café can be placed in the green compost bins. Learn more about composting.

Human Resources

Save the Date: 2026 Annual Retraining 

Launches Monday, Aug. 3 | As part of our commitment to excellence and to meet regulatory requirements, all UVA Health team members hired on or before April 1, 2026, who provide patient care, receive training, or participate in healthcare education and research within or for the benefit of the UVA Health University Medical Center — regardless of their employer —are required to take the training.  

Happenings

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Headshot 

Tuesday, July 28 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | 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. 

Miracle Treat Day 

Thursday, July 30 | Stop by your local Dairy Queen to grab a Blizzard and thank our DQ friends for their year-round support. $1 from every Blizzard is donated to UVA Health Children’s. Visit the Charlottesville, Mineral, Verona, Bridgewater, Elkton, Appomattox, Stuarts Draft, or Harrisonburg locations (Carlton St. and Virginia Ave). Flyer. 

UVA Wellness Book Club: ‘The Joy of Movement’ 

Friday, July 31 | noon-1 p.m. | Discover why movement isn’t just good for your body — it’s essential for your happiness, resilience, and sense of connection. Kelly McGonigal reframes exercise as a source of hope, courage, and community. Join UVA Wellness Book Club to explore how simple movement can transform your mindset and help you feel more energized, connected, and alive. Learn more.

Leadership Excellence for Administrative Professionals Program 

Registration deadline: Saturday, Aug. 1 | Looking to grow as a leader within administration? Join UVA’s online, 12-session program to enhance self-awareness, communication, problem-solving, and systems thinking while building the skills needed to navigate complexity, support teams, and deliver sustainable results. Learn more.

Annual RN Degree Scholarships 

Application Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 6 | UVA Health University Medical Center is offering a scholarship opportunity for eligible University Medical Center employees interested in pursuing any level of nursing degree in the 2026-27 academic year. You do not need to be an RN to apply, and the scholarship is not exclusive to UVA School of Nursing programs — it is applicable to any accredited nursing degree program. Eligibility aligns with the UVA HR Education Benefits Program. Once again, the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer is providing $90,000 in funding to disburse to support our growing nursing workforce. Scholarships are applicable to classes taken January 2026 to June 2027 for:       

• ADN degree program       
• BSN degree program (classes and prerequisites)       
• Higher nursing degree program       

Read more, download a flyer, and apply. 

2nd Annual Team Wellbeing Day: Bring Down the Temps 

Friday, Aug. 7 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | University Hospital cafeteria (and patio/lobby area) | You are invited to this annual event featuring resource tables, food, refreshments, and prize drawings. Highlights:  

• Cooking demonstrations with Dennis Wingler, Senior Executive Chef, Morrison | noon, 5 p.m., and 11 p.m. | University Hospital Cafeteria  
• Free chair massages  
• Micro classes offered by FEAP, UVA Mindfulness Center, Occupational Health, and more: yoga, sound baths, and other wellbeing techniques.  
• Prize drawings: Win a self-care basket or a “beach break” basket for your team!  
• Therapy dogs and music  
• Learn more about and register for Wellbeing Spark Spaces, small informal gatherings where you can meet co-workers while taking care of yourself. Offerings will include kitten yoga, Menopause Support Group, divorce wellness, early career professionals, Wellness Book Club, yoga in scrubs, veterans and service members, Walking Around Grounds Group, Stitch Happens, family playground playdates, and offerings from UVA Recreation.

ECHO: Clinical Concerns for Emerging Vape Shop Trends 

Tuesdays, Aug. 18, Sept. 1, and Sept. 15 | 4-5 p.m. | Discuss emerging and established trends in substances frequently encountered in vape shops and other similar locations. This series will highlight clinical resources, best practices, and clinical innovations to more efficiently and broadly care for and educate patients on the risks inherent in using these substances. Flyer. Learn more and register. 

Coping With Grief: Understanding and Adapting to Loss 

Thursday, Aug. 27 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Learn how to identify common grief reactions, distinguish expected grief from signs that additional professional support may be needed, and apply practical strategies for coping with grief and supporting others. Presented by UVA’s Dr. J. Kim Penberthy, PhD, ABBP, as part of Hoos Well and FEAP’s Thrive Together webinar series. Learn more. 

The Kevin Hines Story: Transforming Crisis Into Resilience, Hope, and Advocacy for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention 

Tuesday, Sept. 29 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Suicide survivor, mental health advocate, global speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning filmmaker Kevin Hines shares his inspiring story of hope, survival, celebration of life, and the lessons he has learned about resilience, recovery, and the lifesaving power of human connection. Part of Hoos Well and FEAP’s Thrive Together webinar series. Learn more. 

2026 EDS and Hypermobility Disorders PT/OT Symposium 

Friday Oct. 23 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Sandridge Auditorium | This is a half-day continuing education program designed to enhance rehabilitation professionals’ knowledge and practical skills in caring for individuals with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and related complex conditions. The program will feature expert presentations on evidence-based rehabilitation approaches, common clinical challenges, and the impact of comorbidities such as dysautonomia, chronic pain, fatigue, and activity intolerance on treatment planning. The program is intended for physiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, therapy assistants, students, and other rehabilitation professionals seeking practical tools to improve care for patients with hypermobility-related disorders. Learn more and register. 

Appreciation

VCCS Honors UVA Health and PVCC Collaboration on ‘Innovative and Impactful’ EWYL Program 

Virginia Community College System (VCCS) has recognized UVA Health and Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) with the "2026 Excellence in Education: Future Ready Workforce Award" for their collaboration on UVA Health’s Earn While You Learn (EWYL) Program — which, since 2022, has been strengthening healthcare pathways to fill regional medical workforce gaps while reducing financial barriers to clinical certification

“EWYL stands out as a powerful example of the innovative and impactful work taking place across the Commonwealth,” hails VCCS.  

The Future Ready Workforce Award is part of the VCCS New Horizons Excellence Awards — held this year at the VCCS New Horizons Conference in Roanoke, Virginia — honoring faculty, staff, and student services professionals whose dedication is “transforming lives, empowering futures.” Read more on Connect.

Friday, July 24

2026 Mini-Medical School

Application Deadline: Monday, Aug. 3 | This premier, free, seven-week educational series is open to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the public who want a unique glimpse into the world of medicine and health science. The program takes place Wednesdays, Sept. 2-Oct. 14, 6:30-9 p.m. Space is limited; one application per person.

To learn more and access the application form, visit the Mini-Medical School website or apply directly via Qualtrics. Questions? Email minimed@virginia.edu.

Operations

South Garage Cleaning 

July 24-26 | To allow for cleaning, South Garage on Crispell Drive will be closed at 8 p.m., Friday, July 24, and will reopen at 6 p.m., Sunday, July 26. During this time, South Garage 24-hour permit holders must park in the 11th Street Garage (levels D-G only). Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us complete this important annual maintenance.

UVA Health Hospital Violence Intervention Program (HVIP) 

HVIP at UVA Health supports patients treated for injuries related to community violence. After discharge from the hospital or emergency department, patients are connected with ongoing services to support healing, improve safety, and reduce the risk of future violence. Through individualized case management, mentorship, and community partnerships, the program helps you rebuild stability and move forward with support and confidence. Learn more.    

How to Refer Patients:    

• Send a message through Epic In Basket to: Hospital Violence Intervention Program (available 24/7).       
• Submit community referrals via email at HVIP@uvahealth.org.       
• Use the online referral form.       

Contacts (pictured, l-r): HVIP@uvahealth.org       

• Brittany Nash, LCSW, HVIP Supervisor, 434.243.9197       
• Brea Neilson, Violence Intervention Specialist, 434.924.2588       
• Marty Terrell, Violence Intervention Specialist, 434.297.8114 

29 North CONNECT Stop Change  

Monday, Aug. 3 | The 29 North CONNECT commuter stop currently located at Food Lion in Hollymead will move to a new location at Hollymead Town Center near Kohl’s, at 340 Towncenter Lane. The new stop offers convenient commuter parking, a designated Jaunt bus stop sign, bench seating, and easy access within the shopping center. Questions? Call Jaunt Customer Service at 434.296.3184. 

Composting Now Available at Wahoo West Café 

Compost bins are now available at Wahoo West Café in the West Complex. Leftover food and compostable wares (e.g., compostable cups, straws, food containers, utensils) from the café can be placed in the green compost bins. Learn more about composting.

UVA Health in the News

Top Story 

• Dr. Melanie Rutkowski is featured locally, across Virginia, on TV stations nationally, and in Newsweek, The Daily Mail, and Yahoo discussing how bile acid buildup drives breast cancer’s spread. 

Patient Care 

• Our weekly NBC29 segment features Clinical Social Worker Madison Furgurson discussing UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center’s support services. 
• Dr. Trey Lee and Dr. Colleen Druzgal are featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing how a never-before-used treatment developed at UVA Health Children’s sent an 8-year-old boy’s cancer into remission. 
• Newspapers nationally — including Boston Herald, Orlando Sentinel, and Orange County Register — feature Dr. Catherine Varney discussing insurance coverage for GLP-1s. 
• Dr. Dacre Knight talks with Medscape about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. 
• Dr. Andrew Muck talks with PhillyVoice about how taking antidepressants can make you more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. 
• Dr. Michael Nelson is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing how poor air quality impacts health. 

Research 

• Perimenopause research from Dr. Jennifer Payne is featured in Us Magazine, Yahoo, and newspapers nationally. 
• Engineering News-Record highlights the construction of the facility for the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology. 
• Dr. Andrew Taylor is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing a framework for how hospitals should use artificial intelligence tools. 
• Dr. Melissa Little is featured on Virginia Public Radio and the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association podcast discussing the renewed interest in smoking among Gen Z. 
• Dr. Chongzhi Zang is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing a new tool he helped develop to improve the accuracy of genome research. 

Community 

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker Brittany Nash is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing University Medical Center’s Hospital Violence Intervention Program at the Charlottesville Gun Violence Summit. 

Education 

• Medical student Sydney Miles is selected as the winner of American Family Physician’s annual photo contest. 

Happenings

Miracle Treat Day 

Thursday, July 30 | Stop by your local Dairy Queen to grab a Blizzard and thank our DQ friends for their year-round support. $1 from every Blizzard is donated to UVA Health Children’s. Visit the Charlottesville, Mineral, Verona, Bridgewater, Elkton, Appomattox, Stuarts Draft, or Harrisonburg locations (Carlton St. and Virginia Ave). Flyer. 

2026 Day of Caring: Call for Volunteers and Project Hosts 

Volunteer registration deadline: Tuesday, Aug. 4 | Is your UVA Health department interested in forming a volunteer team for 2026 Day of Caring? Register with United Way of Greater Charlottesville to support the region’s most impactful, one-day volunteer effort, set for Wednesday, Sept. 16. Day of Caring sponsors include UVA and UVA Health. 

• Volunteer team leaders should register to join a virtual prep meeting on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2:30 p.m., or Friday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m. (Registered team leaders will be sent access to the Zoom link training and the project preview list.) Volunteer team leaders who are unable to attend a training may provide an alternate representative for your team.    
• Volunteer team leaders should join Project Selection on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m.; projects are selected on a first come, first served basis during that meeting.     
• If you are an individual who would like to participate as a Day of Caring volunteer but do not have a team, please email Markiana Smith. 
• Even if you have registered in previous years to volunteer, new registration is needed each year to volunteer.    
• See “School Assistance and Volunteer Service” toward the end of this UVA HR web page to learn more about employee eligibility for public service leave.       

Project submission deadline: Friday, Aug. 7 | If you know a nonprofit, school, childcare facility, church, or other eligible 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization in Charlottesville or surrounding counties that has a task or project that could use volunteers on Sept. 16 Day of Caring, the organization should email Markiana Smith about creating an account to submit their project.

Annual RN Degree Scholarships 

Application Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 6 | UVA Health University Medical Center is offering a scholarship opportunity for eligible University Medical Center employees interested in pursuing any level of nursing degree in the 2026-27 academic year. You do not need to be an RN to apply, and the scholarship is not exclusive to UVA School of Nursing programs — it is applicable to any accredited nursing degree program. Eligibility aligns with the UVA HR Education Benefits Program. Once again, the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer is providing $90,000 in funding to disburse to support our growing nursing workforce. Scholarships are applicable to classes taken January 2026 to June 2027 for:      

• ADN degree program      
• BSN degree program (classes and prerequisites)      
• Higher nursing degree program      

Read more, download a flyer, and apply. 

Anderson Lecture Featuring Eva Nogales, PhD 

Thursday, Sept. 17 | 4-5 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building Auditorium | The 2026 Anderson Lecture will be presented by Eva Nogales, PhD, Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology Department, University of California Berkeley. Her topic is "Structure-Function Studies of Microtubules and Their Associated Proteins." This in-person event is open to all with no advance registration required. Details.

iCSD 2026: International Conference on Spreading Depolarization 

Sept. 18-22 | Pinn Hall Conference Center | A multidisciplinary, annual meeting focused on the study of mechanisms and treatment of conditions where spreading depolarization (SD) may represent a novel therapeutic target. SD is a significantly under-recognized, massive wave of brain dysfunction that is believed to be involved in a wide range of conditions. Learn more.

Appreciation

'Best Experience Ever' | 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:               

• "Nikki was my ultrasound technician. She was incredible! She talked me through the procedure and answered all of my questions before starting. She was very polite and understanding of the pain I was experiencing and proceeded slowly and thoroughly with the imaging. A total professional — and even endured my small talk during the scan. I hope this clinic has big plans for her in the future, she clearly has unlimited potential to excel in all areas of her field. Best experience ever.” 
• "Tami, Anna, Kathy, and Coburn are amazing nurses and made me feel so very well cared for and listened to. Additionally, patient care technicians Brooke, Kolby, and Mary were just as excellent. These folks are deserving of praise and are fantastic caregivers who should be kept at all costs!” 
• "I have never been disappointed with any visit to Dr. Ragosta. I appreciate that he always tells me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear. He has taken time, mid-surgery, to let me see his face for reassurance. He is very thorough and thoughtful with explanations to my questions. I am blessed he is my doctor.” 
• "Sarah is an extraordinary occupational therapist. She provided comprehensive care for the issues my case presented and did so with such professionalism, providing insight into my condition which ensured I understood every step of the process. I made substantial progress as a result. She is top-notch!” 

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

Wednesday, July 22

2026 Day of Caring: Call for Volunteers and Project Hosts 

Volunteer registration deadline: Tuesday, Aug. 4 | Is your UVA Health department interested in forming a volunteer team for 2026 Day of Caring? Register with United Way of Greater Charlottesville to support the region’s most impactful, one-day volunteer effort, set for Wednesday, Sept. 16. Day of Caring sponsors include UVA and UVA Health.

• Volunteer team leaders should register to join a virtual prep meeting on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2:30 p.m., or Friday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m. (Registered team leaders will be sent access to the Zoom link training and the project preview list.) Volunteer team leaders who are unable to attend a training may provide an alternate representative for your team.   
• Volunteer team leaders should join Project Selection on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m.; projects are selected on a first come, first served basis during that meeting.    
• If you are an individual who would like to participate as a Day of Caring volunteer but do not have a team, please email Markiana Smith.   
• uEven if you have registered in previous years to volunteer, new registration is needed each year to volunteer.   
• See “School Assistance and Volunteer Service” toward the end of this UVA HR web page to learn more about employee eligibility for public service leave.      

Project submission deadline: Friday, Aug. 7 | If you know a nonprofit, school, childcare facility, church, or other eligible 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization in Charlottesville or surrounding counties that has a task or project that could use volunteers on Sept. 16 Day of Caring, the organization should email Markiana Smith about creating an account to submit their project.    

Patient Care 

Donations Needed: Geri-Cart 

University Medical Center Emergency Department (ED) had approximately 77,000 patient visits in 2025, with more than 20,000 of those patients being age 65 or older. Last year, a task force was formed with a focused initiative to improve outcomes and care for geriatric ED patients. One of the goals of this task force is to create a Geri-Cart to provide comfort and sensory items for elderly patients, especially those with dementia. Needed items: reusable pocket talkers and extra headsets, fidget cuffs, and fidget blankets. Questions? Email Dina Hood. View the Amazon wish list. Thank you to all who have donated — this cart continues to be hugely successful. Your donations have improved the care and hospital experience of this patient population. 

Virtual Primary Care On Demand Now Seeing Patients Age 5 and Older 

UVA Health Virtual Primary Care On Demand is now seeing pediatric patients 5 years of age and older. Offering the same, expert, compassionate care patients expect from UVA Health in a convenient, on-demand format — it covers a full range of primary care needs for families, including:     

• Long-term primary care, or an interim solution until care is established with an in-person primary care provider (PCP).     
• Same-day and immediate care.     
• Evening and weekend hours.     

Scheduling for Virtual Primary Care On Demand is open. For hours, a detailed list of services, and scheduling, visit uvahealth.com. 

Operations

South Garage Cleaning 

July 24-26 | To allow for cleaning, South Garage on Crispell Drive will be closed at 8 p.m. Friday, July 24, and will reopen at 6 p.m., Sunday, July 26. During this time, team members must park in the 11th Street Garage. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Composting Now Available at Wahoo West Café 

Compost bins are now available at Wahoo West Café in the West Complex. Leftover food and compostable wares (e.g., compostable cups, straws, food containers, utensils) from the café can be placed in the green compost bins. Learn more about composting. 

Leadership

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall 

Wednesday, Sept. 23 | noon-1 p.m. | Sandridge Auditorium or Zoom | Mitchell H. Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health; Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, University of Virginia; Henry B. Mulholland Professor of Medicine, invites you to join a conversation about where UVA Health is headed — and the role each of us plays in getting there. During this time, members of the UVA Health leadership team and Dr. Rosner will share key information about our 10-year strategic plan, UVA Health ASPIRE values, and other notable updates. 

Human Resources

Save the Date: 2026 Annual Retraining 

Launches Monday, Aug. 3 | As part of our commitment to excellence and to meet regulatory requirements, all UVA Health team members hired on or before April 1, 2026, who provide patient care, receive training, or participate in healthcare education and research within or for the benefit of the UVA Health University Medical Center, regardless of their employer, are required to take the training. More details will be communicated soon. 

Happenings

Market Square 

Through Sept. 24 | Weekly, Thursdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Courtyard at MR5 | Shop for fresh produce, beautiful flowers, unique crafts, and delicious eats from local food trucks. Vendors include It’s Poppin’ Time, Little Manila, Mexican Tacos, Mr. Baker, Miss Day Delights, and Tealicious Cafe. Questions? Contact George Minor, UVA HR, Rewards and Recognition. 

Donate Blood: Roll Up Your Sleeve and Help 

Battle Building, Quayle Center, First Floor | There is a critical need for blood donors to make appointments now — help us keep the blood supply strong! To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: Fandango movie ticket (through July 31).    

• Thursday, July 30 | 2 p.m.-6 p.m.     
• Friday, July 31 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Miracle Treat Day 

Thursday, July 30 | Stop by your local Dairy Queen to grab a Blizzard and thank our DQ friends for their year-round support. $1 from every Blizzard is donated to UVA Health Children’s. Visit the Charlottesville, Mineral, Verona, Bridgewater, Elkton, Appomattox, Stuarts Draft, or Harrisonburg locations (Carlton St. and Virginia Ave). Flyer. 

UVA Wellness Book Club: ‘The Joy of Movement’  

Friday, July 31 | noon-1 p.m. | Discover why movement isn’t just good for your body — it’s essential for your happiness, resilience, and sense of connection. Kelly McGonigal reframes exercise as a source of hope, courage, and community. Join UVA Wellness Book Club to explore how simple movement can transform your mindset and help you feel more energized, connected, and alive. Learn more.

Annual RN Degree Scholarships 

Application Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 6 | UVA Health University Medical Center is offering a scholarship opportunity for eligible University Medical Center employees interested in pursuing any level of nursing degree in the 2026-27 academic year. You do not need to be an RN to apply, and the scholarship is not exclusive to UVA School of Nursing programs — it is applicable to any accredited nursing degree program. Eligibility aligns with the UVA HR Education Benefits Program. Once again, the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer is providing $90,000 in funding to disburse to support our growing nursing workforce. Scholarships are applicable to classes taken January 2026 to June 2027 for:      

• ADN degree program      
• BSN degree program (classes and prerequisites)      
• Higher nursing degree program      

Read more, download a flyer, and apply. 

2nd Annual Team Wellbeing Day: Bring Down the Temps

Friday, Aug. 7 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | University Hospital cafeteria (and patio/lobby area) | You are invited to this annual event featuring resource tables, food, refreshments, and prize drawings. Highlights: 

• Cooking demonstrations with Dennis Wingler, Senior Executive Chef, Morrison | noon, 5 p.m., and 11 p.m. | University Hospital Cafeteria 
• Free chair massages 
• Micro classes offered by FEAP, UVA Mindfulness Center, Occupational Health, and more: yoga, sound baths, and other wellbeing techniques. 
• Prize drawings: Win a self-care basket or a “beach break” basket for your team! 
• Therapy dogs and music 
• Learn more about and register for Wellbeing Spark Spaces, small informal gatherings where you can meet co-workers while taking care of yourself. Offerings will include kitten yoga, Menopause Support Group, divorce wellness, early career professionals, Wellness Book Club, yoga in scrubs, veterans and service members, Walking Around Grounds Group, Stitch Happens, family playground playdates, and offerings from UVA Recreation. 

18th Annual Therapeutic Apheresis Academy (TAA) 

Sept. 24-26 | Pinn Hall Conference Center | This multidisciplinary conference is designed for physicians in nephrology, hematology, pathology/blood banking, and allied health professionals with an interest in therapeutic apheresis. The 2026 program builds on the success of prior TAAs with evidence‑based clinical content, interprofessional education, hands‑on demonstration workshops, and interactive case discussions. Register. Questions? Contact Monica McCommon, UVA Health Continuing Education Program Manager.

Appreciation

Hope at Work: Scout Partners With UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center to Deliver ‘A Little Bit of Love and Joy’ to Patients

When Keiko Foster was being seen at a medical facility in Winchester, Virginia — her son, Life Scout Joshua Foster, witnessed another Life Scout kindly give to Keiko and other patients, care packages as part of a project to become an Eagle Scout. 

Those acts of compassion meant so much to Keiko, it drove her son to pay it forward. “That motivated me to do the same for other people and hopefully inspire someone else to maybe do the same for others,” remembers Joshua. 

In fall 2024, the Fosters made the nearly two-hour drive from Haymarket to Charlottesville, Virginia, for Keiko to undergo a stem cell transplant at UVA Health University Medical Center. As Joshua supported his mother through the experience, he became even more determined to put his plan into action. Read more on Connect.

Monday, July 20

Catch the Wave: Kahuna Competency Management System Launches

Catch the Wave: Kahuna Competency Management System Launches 

Kahuna is live! The UVA Health University Medical Center competency documentation for nursing, social work, and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) changed on Monday, July 20, 2026. 

Go-live support includes:

• Unit/Department Super User | Ask your unit leader(s) who your identified super users are. 
• UVA Health Kahuna web page | Find out about virtual, drop-in, support sessions; FAQs; Kahuna ticketing system; training options, and future optimizations. 
• Virtual Drop-in Support | Offered every Tuesday and Thursday as well the weekend for the first two weeks. 
• Service Now/University Medical Center Computing Help Desk at 434.924.5334 | Provides 24/7 coverage for difficulties accessing UVA Health Apps. 
• UVA Kahuna Support Library | User support provided within Kahuna via the Help menu.  Clicking “Support” will take you to the support library. 

What is Kahuna doing for us? All orientation, paper-based competency documentation is going away. All new hire and existing team member competencies are moving to the Kahuna digitized system.  

• Training: Kahuna End User Workday (4 minute) module has been assigned.

Who’s affected? The initial phase is impacting most inpatient and outpatient areas for RN, LPN, medical assistant (MA), certified nursing assistant (CNA), patient care technician (PCT), Emergency Department (ED) technician, dialysis technician, orthopedic technician, and social work roles.

Read more on Connect about the journey to Kahuna launch and the team that made it happen.

Operations 

South Garage Cleaning 

July 24-26 | To allow for cleaning, South Garage on Crispell Drive will be closed at 8 p.m. Friday, July 24, and will reopen at 6 p.m., Sunday, July 26. During this time, team members must park in the 11th Street Garage. 

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. 

Patient Care

Coming This Fall: New, Epic‑Integrated Patient Education   

Clear, effective, patient education should be easy to deliver. This fall, UVA Health is introducing WebMD Ignite on FHIR, a new patient education platform fully integrated into Epic. Easy access to trusted, evidence-based materials will be together in one place in your everyday workflows. It’s a simpler way to connect patients with the information they need — no extra tools or logins are needed. Learn more on Connect.  

Virtual Primary Care On Demand Now Seeing Patients Age 5 and Older  

UVA Health Virtual Primary Care On Demand is now seeing pediatric patients 5 years of age and older. Offering the same, expert, compassionate care patients expect from UVA Health in a convenient, on-demand format — it covers a full range of primary care needs for families, including:    

• Long-term primary care, or an interim solution until care is established with an in-person primary care provider (PCP).    
• Same-day and immediate care.    
• Evening and weekend hours.    

Scheduling for Virtual Primary Care On Demand is open. For hours, a detailed list of services, and scheduling, visit uvahealth.com.

Human Resources 

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor  

Wednesday, July 22 | 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.  

FY26 UVA Health Year-End Review Weekly Reminders 

July 31 | FY26 UVA Health manager evaluations are due for University Medical Center and UPG. Managers should hold their 1:1s and complete the ‘Acknowledgement’ step by this date. 

Resources and additional details about the FY26 performance process can be found on the UVA Health Performance website. 

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, July 20 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.    
• Tuesday, July 28 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 

SAIL: Stay Active and Independent for Life   

Starts Tuesday, July 21 | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. | Stay strong, steady, and social with SAIL — a free, four-week, strength, balance, fitness, and mindfulness class for adults. Learn more.

ROSE Program Gives Office Supplies New Life   

Tuesday, July 21 | 9 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. Note: IT and phone equipment are not accepted. 

Exploring Confidence: Strategy, Trust, and the Narrative  

Tuesday, July 21 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join this Hoos Well reward-eligible webinar to demystify confidence and reframe it as a skill that can be built through preparation, strategy, self-awareness, and intentional action. Part of Hoos Well and FEAP’s Thrive Together webinar series. Learn more. 

Miracle Treat Day 

Thursday, July 30 | Stop by your local Dairy Queen to grab a Blizzard and thank our DQ friends for their year-round support. $1 from every Blizzard is donated to UVA Health Children’s. Visit the Charlottesville, Mineral, Verona, Bridgewater, Elkton, Appomattox, Stuarts Draft, or Harrisonburg locations (Carlton St. and Virginia Ave). Flyer.

Donate Blood: Roll Up Your Sleeve and Help   

Battle Building, Quayle Center, First Floor | There is a critical need for blood donors to make appointments now — help us keep the blood supply strong! To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: Fandango movie ticket (through July 31).   

• Thursday, July 30 | 2 p.m.-6 p.m.    
• Friday, July 31 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

UVA Wellness Book Club: ‘The Joy of Movement’   

Friday, July 31 | noon-1 p.m. | Discover why movement isn’t just good for your body — it’s essential for your happiness, resilience, and sense of connection. Kelly McGonigal reframes exercise as a source of hope, courage, and community. Join UVA Wellness Book Club to explore how simple movement can transform your mindset and help you feel more energized, connected, and alive. Learn more. 

Leadership Excellence for Administrative Professionals Program  

Registration deadline: Saturday, Aug. 1 | Looking to grow as a leader within administration? Join UVA’s online, 12-session program to enhance self-awareness, communication, problem-solving, and systems thinking while building the skills needed to navigate complexity, support teams, and deliver sustainable results. Learn more.

UVA Medical Device Make-A-Thon   

Oct. 15-18 | Frugal Innovations in Sustainable Healthcare (FISH), a UVA student organization dedicated to developing affordable healthcare devices, will host this inaugural event. The first, student-led,medical device make-a-thon of its kind on the East Coast will bring together interdisciplinary student teams to design innovative, low-cost solutions to real clinical challenges. UVA Health clinicians, researchers, faculty, staff, residents, fellows, and nurses are invited to serve as mentors, judge final presentations, or submit clinical problem statements for students to address. Learn more and sign up. 

Appreciation 

Hope at Work: Removing Barriers 

UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center is continuing its partnership with Pepperberries through the Pamper Me Pink (PMP) Basket Raffle — a fun way to raise funds for the nonprofit organization. This continuous collaboration helps provide free mammograms and imaging for those facing barriers in accessing care.

“The team members and public look forward to the creative baskets curated by Pepperberries and our departments, and there is a lot of fun and competition in raising money for a good cause!” says Jeff Say, Program Manager, Community Engagement, UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center. 

Selling nearly 6,000 tickets, the effort raised $3,003.36 for the Pamper Me Pink fund, surpassing the goal of $3,000. Read more and see the photos on Connect. 

Friday, July 17

Cologuard and Other Exact Sciences Testing Paused

From UVA Health’s Reid Adams, MD, Chief Medical Officer, and Christopher Baker, Chief Information Security Officer: In order to protect our own infrastructure. UVA Health has temporarily severed its connection with Exact Sciences following a cyberattack on the vendor's systems. Cologuard and other ordering is paused through as late as July 27 while we confirm their systems are safe, and we discourage ordering through alternative mechanisms in the meantime. 

Be extremely cautious of any communications claiming to be from Exact Sciences, particularly email. Do not click links or open attachments unless the sender is verified. Exact Science tests affected by this pause include Cologuard, Cancerguard, Oncoguard, Riskguard, OncotypeDx, Oncodetect, OncoExTra, and Oncoliquid. 

Please refer to a July 17 email in your Outlook inbox to learn more about what this means, how you can spot phishing attempts, and what else you can do. We'll share an update as soon as the connection with Exact Sciences is restored, or by July 27 at the latest. 

Thank you for your flexibility as we prioritize the security of our systems and patient data. 

2026 Day of Caring: Call for Volunteers and Project Hosts

Volunteer registration deadline: Tuesday, Aug. 4 | Is your UVA Health department interested in forming a volunteer team for 2026 Day of Caring? Register with United Way of Greater Charlottesville to support the region’s most impactful, one-day volunteer effort, set for Wednesday, Sept. 16. Day of Caring sponsors include UVA and UVA Health.     

• Volunteer team leaders should register to join a virtual prep meeting on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2:30 p.m., or Friday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m. (Registered team leaders will be sent access to the Zoom link training and the project preview list.) Volunteer team leaders who are unable to attend a training may provide an alternate representative for your team.  
• Volunteer team leaders should join Project Selection on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m.; projects are selected on a first come, first served basis during that meeting.   
• If you are an individual who would like to participate as a Day of Caring volunteer but do not have a team, please email Markiana Smith.  
• Even if you have registered in previous years to volunteer, new registration is needed each year to volunteer.  
• See “School Assistance and Volunteer Service” toward the end of this UVA HR web page to learn more about employee eligibility for public service leave.     

Project submission deadline: Friday, Aug. 7 | If you know a nonprofit, school, childcare facility, church, or other eligible 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization in Charlottesville or surrounding counties that has a task or project that could use volunteers on Sept. 16 Day of Caring, the organization should email Markiana Smith about creating an account to submit their project.   

Operations

Air Quality Advisory 

From UVA’s Jennifer “J.J.” Wagner Davis, EVP and COO, and Timothy J. Longo Sr., AVP, Safety and Security. and Chief of Police: The University is closely monitoring air quality conditions across Central Virginia as smoke from the ongoing Virginia and Canadian wildfires continue to affect portions of the Commonwealth. Currently, air quality in our area is considered unhealthy.  

At this time, normal University operations will continue. Members of the UVA community are encouraged to stay informed and take appropriate precautions, particularly those who are more sensitive to air pollution. For UVA Health team members: Masks are available in public areas throughout University Medical Center and are encouraged for anyone traveling outdoors between buildings during periods of poor air quality. 

Forecasts call for a high temperature near 100°F, with a maximum heat index of approximately 100°F today, and approximately 105°F on Saturday. Check current air quality conditions and forecasts. 

In addition: 

• Reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities. 
• If you experience coughing, eye irritation, shortness of breath, or other symptoms while outdoors — move to an indoor location with filtered air if possible. 
• Keep windows and doors closed when practical. If using air conditioning, set it to recirculate indoor air if your system allows. 
• Individuals with asthma, heart, or lung disease; older adults; young children; and those who are pregnant may be more sensitive to wildfire smoke and should take additional precautions.  
• Symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure may include coughing, sore throat, watery or burning eyes, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. If you experience severe symptoms or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately or call 911. 

11th Street Garage Cleaning   

The 11th Street Garage will be closed for scheduled wash-down operations beginning Friday, July 17, 5 p.m. The garage will remain closed through the weekend, and will reopen Sunday, July 19, 6 p.m.  

To support patient parking during this closure, team members who normally park in 11th Street Garage should use South Garage throughout the weekend. Supervisors are asked to please alert any team members who do not have access to email.  

Patient parking: Directional signage will be posted to redirect arriving patients and visitors to use Lee Street Garage.  

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. 

Human Resources 

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor  

Wednesday, July 22 | 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. 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills’s discovery of the first confirmed death from a meat allergy caused by ticks is highlighted in The New York Times. 

Patient Care 

• Dr. John Clore is featured in our weekly NBC29 segment, discussing the pediatric care at UVA Health’s Riverside location. 
• Dr. Catherine Varney talks to The Seattle Times about insurance coverage for GLP-1s. 
• Estee Williams, mother of a UVA Health Children’s patient, praises the care her daughter received in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit to People magazine. 
• Nurse Betty Phillips, who recently turned 90 and has worked at UVA Health for 70 years, is spotlighted locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally. 
• Dr. Paul Gallo and Dr. Daniel Sheeran are featured locally, across Virginia, on TV stations nationally, and by Yahoo discussing a new melanoma treatment that UVA Health is the first in Virginia to offer. 
• Becker’s Hospital Review covers the Heart and Vascular Institute. 

Research 

• Dr. Bruce Greyson’s research is featured by The New York Times in a story on why dementia patients have moments of lucidity. 
• Medscape spotlights Dr. Frederick Hayden’s research into a drug that can prevent the spread of COVID.  
• Nurse Scientist and Professor Paula Sherwood talks with The Boston Globe about elder caregiving. 
• A potential gene therapy treatment being researched by Dr. Manoj Patel and graduate student Caeley Reever is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally. 
• In Psychiatric Times, Dr. Anita Clayton discusses systemic medication review for patients receiving psychiatric care. 

Education  

• On HCPLive, Steve Zortman, Diabetes Education and Management Program, shares what needs to change in the screening of adults for Type 1 diabetes. 

Community

• Clinical Nurse Specialist Dina Hood is featured locally, across Virginia and on TV stations nationally discussing the Geri-Cart, which improves care for geriatric patients at University Medical Center’s Emergency Department. 

Happenings 

3rd Annual Gun Violence Summit: Community Care and Response

Thursday, July 16 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Piedmont Virginia Community College, Bolick Center | Community leaders, youth, professionals, and stakeholders will come together to address violence, share resources, and build solutions. This year’s summit focuses on prevention, healing, and strengthening coordinated responses to violence — with an emphasis on supporting youth, individuals, and families impacted by violence as we work toward safer, stronger, and more connected communities. Questions? Contact Brittany Nash. Register.

SAIL: Stay Active and Independent for Life   

Starts Tuesday, July 21 | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. | Stay strong, steady, and social with SAIL — a free, four-week, strength, balance, fitness, and mindfulness class for adults. Learn more. 

ROSE Program Gives Office Supplies New Life   

Tuesday, July 21 | 9 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. Note: IT and phone equipment are not accepted. 

Exploring Confidence: Strategy, Trust, and the Narrative  

Tuesday, July 21 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join this Hoos Well reward-eligible webinar to demystify confidence and reframe it as a skill that can be built through preparation, strategy, self-awareness, and intentional action. Part of Hoos Well and FEAP’s Thrive Together webinarseries. Learn more. 

Reflections of My World: The Art of Lynnette Driver  

Through Thursday, July 23 | University Hospital Lobby | UVA Health Arts Program is pleased to present “Reflections of My World: The Art of Lynnette Driver.” Pictured: “Magic Forest,” acrylic, oil pastel, graphite. 

Miracle Treat Day 

Thursday, July 30 | Stop by your local Dairy Queen to grab a Blizzard and thank our DQ friends for their year-round support. $1 from every Blizzard is donated to UVA Health Children’s. Visit the Charlottesville, Mineral, Verona, Bridgewater, Elkton, Appomattox, Stuarts Draft, or Harrisonburg locations (Carlton St. and Virginia Ave). Flyer. 

2026 Mini-Medical School 

Application Deadline: Monday, Aug. 3 | This premier, free, seven-week educational series is open to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the public who want a unique glimpse into the world of medicine and health science. The program takes place Wednesdays, Sept. 2-Oct. 14, 6:30-9 p.m. Space is limited; one application per person. To learn more and access the application form, visit the Mini-Medical School website or apply directly via Qualtrics. Questions? Email minimed@virginia.edu.

Annual RN Degree Scholarships

Application Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 6 | UVA Health University Medical Center is offering a scholarship opportunity for eligible University Medical Center employees interested in pursuing any level of nursing degree in the 2026-27 academic year. You do not need to be an RN to apply, and the scholarship is not exclusive to UVA School of Nursing programs — it is applicable to any accredited nursing degree program. Eligibility aligns with the UVA HR Education Benefits Program. Once again, the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer is providing $90,000 in funding to disburse to support our growing nursing workforce. Scholarships are applicable to classes taken January 2026 to June 2027 for:     

• ADN degree program     
• BSN degree program (classes and prerequisites)     
• Higher nursing degree program     

Read more, download a flyer, and apply. 

Appreciation 

'100 Stars' | 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:              

• "Kerri Harris is the very best and most thorough dental hygienist I have ever seen. 100 stars out of five. Her kindness and professionalism make such a positive difference to me!”  
• "All of the cleaning staff at Inpatient Pediatrics were very nice and did a great job!”  
• "It was a great experience! I was very nervous but every single person in Perioperative Services/Ambulatory Surgery was kind and made me feel very comfortable. Excellent folks!”  
• At Fontaine: “Robin is a very honest, skilled, and knowledgeable physical therapist. Carmen greets you warmly as you enter!” 

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

Wednesday, July 15

HIT Launches New Portal for Remote Access to Epic and Other Applications

As part of HIT’s commitment to providing you with the modern tools that our work demands, UVA Health is transitioning to a new platform for accessing applications (including Epic) remotely. 

The UVA Health Citrix Applications Portal (“Citrix Portal”) is live now and will replace the UVA Health Apps Portal (“Apps Portal” or “Portal”). The new Citrix platform will be more secure, streamlined, and deliver more consistent connectivity than our current Apps Portal. For now, both portals are available, but the Apps Portal will be retired Aug. 15, so be sure to bookmark the new Citrix Portal for future use. 

Users of the new Citrix Portal will notice a slightly modified design and a new web address (URL), but the way you access apps remotely (including Epic) will remain the same. Learn more on Connect.  

Operations 

11th Street Garage Cleaning  

The 11th Street Garage will be closed for scheduled wash-down operations beginning Friday, July 17, 5 p.m. The garage will remain closed through the weekend, and will reopen Sunday, July 19, 6 p.m. 

To support patient parking during this closure, team members who normally park in 11th Street Garage should use South Garage throughout the weekend. Supervisors are asked to please alert any team members who do not have access to email. 

Patient parking: Directional signage will be posted to redirect arriving patients and visitors to use Lee St. Garage. 

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. 

USB Storage Device Blocking Expands to Pharmacy, CPG Clinics  

To strengthen our cyberdefenses, UVA Health is blocking the use of USB storage devices (e.g., thumb drives and other external storage drives) on all UVA Health-issued personal computers (PCs). The latest implementation phase began June 30 and includes inpatient and outpatient Pharmacy, UPG Clinical Practice Group (CPG) clinics, and remaining University Hospital inpatient unit PCs. See Connect for a detailed schedule and FAQs. 

If you’re wondering if USB storage devices are blocked on your PC, HIT has deployed a desktop tray icon to indicate your computer's status: 1) blocked, 2) exception granted, or 3) policy not yet implemented.  

As a reminder, instead of USB devices, team members should use their Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage account for secure data storage and sharing. This change does not affect USB-connected mice, keyboards, phone chargers, or similar accessories. 

Patient Care 

Virtual Primary Care On Demand Now Seeing Patients Age 5 and Older 

UVA Health Virtual Primary Care On Demand is now seeing pediatric patients 5 years of age and older. Offering the same, expert, compassionate care patients expect from UVA Health in a convenient, on-demand format — it covers a full range of primary care needs for families, including:    

• Long-term primary care, or an interim solution until care is established with an in-person primary care provider (PCP).    
• Same-day and immediate care.
• Evening and weekend hours.    

Scheduling for Virtual Primary Care On Demand is open. For hours, a detailed list of services, and scheduling, visit uvahealth.com. 

Donations Needed: Geri-Cart

University Medical Center Emergency Department (ED) had approximately 77,000 patient visits in 2025, with more than 20,000 of those patients being age 65 or older. Last year, a task force was formed with a focused initiative to improve outcomes and care for geriatric ED patients. One of the goals of this task force is to create a Geri-Cart to provide comfort and sensory items for elderly patients, especially those with dementia. Needed items: reusable pocket talkers and extra headsets, fidget cuffs, and fidget blankets. Questions? Email Dina Hood. View the Amazon wish list. Thank you to all who have donated — this cart continues to be hugely successful. Your donations have improved the care and hospital experience of this patient population. 

Action Needed: Zoll Defibrillation/Cardioversion/Pacing Pad Change

Because of a supply disruption expected to last through the end of the year, our standard Zoll pads (OneStep CPR AA Electrodes for Adults) are being replaced. The new pads only support anterior-posterior (AP) placement — not anterior-anterior (AA).  

Impact  

• Providers must use AP placement only with the new pads for defibrillation, cardioversion, and transcutaneous pacing.  
• AP placement is clinically appropriate and can even be superior to AA — but using AA placement with the new pads could harm the patient or provider.  

Action Needed  

• Please ensure awareness among other LIPs and staff (as relevant) of this change.  

When  

• Rollout begins the week of July 13, 2026, in a graded/staggered fashion. Both old (AA) and new (AP-only) pads may be in circulation during the transition — check the package graphic for correct pad placement if unsure.  
• As product is used and restocked by Supply Chain, the substitute product will be stocked. High use areas such as ICUs, IMUs, and the ED may begin to see substitute product stocked as soon as the week of July 13.  

Not Affected  

• Pediatric pads  
• Radiolucent pads, as used in the EP / Cath Labs and other specialized areas  
• No change needed for these — continue current use.  

We will be in touch as we receive more information from Zoll. 

Human Resources 

Save the Date: 2026 Annual Retraining 

Launches Monday, Aug. 3 | As part of our commitment to excellence and to meet regulatory requirements, all UVA Health team members hired on or before April 1, 2026, who provide patient care, receive training, or participate in healthcare education and research within or for the benefit of the UVA Health University Medical Center, regardless of their employer, are required to take the training. More details will be communicated soon. 

Happenings 

UVA Pipelines and Pathways: 2026 Skill Building 101 Workshop Series

Through September | Via these in-person workshops, participants receive industry certificates to make them more competitive in the job market. Topics include OSHA bloodborne pathogens, patient safety and duty of care, essential medical terminology, and more. Learn about some key roles at UVA Health including patient companion, phlebotomist, pharmacy technician, and custodian. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Seating is limited; please attend the classes for which you register. Questions? Contact UVA Pipelines and Pathways or call 434.962.3996.

Market Square

Through Sept. 24 | Weekly, Thursdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Courtyard at MR5 | Shop for fresh produce, beautiful flowers, unique crafts, and delicious eats from local food trucks. Vendors include It’s Poppin’ Time, Little Manila, Mexican Tacos, Mr. Baker, Miss Day Delights, and Tealicious Cafe. Questions? Contact George Minor, UVA HR, Rewards and Recognition.

Exhibit Showcasing The Arc Studio Artists

Through Oct. 2 | University Hospital Cafeteria | A new exhibit from the talented artists of The Arc Studio is being displayed. Stop by and check it out! Read more on Connect about the collaboration in a previous showing. 

3rd Annual Gun Violence Summit: Community Care and Response

Thursday, July 16 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Piedmont Virginia Community College, Bolick Center | Community leaders, youth, professionals, and stakeholders will come together to address violence, share resources, and build solutions. This year’s summit focuses on prevention, healing, and strengthening coordinated responses to violence — with an emphasis on supporting youth, individuals, and families impacted by violence as we work toward safer, stronger, and more connected communities. Questions? Contact Brittany Nash. Register. 

Team Member Art Exhibit  

Submission deadline: July 20 | Entries are being accepted. Please follow the guidelines:

• No textile art or sculptures.  
• Art must be framed or on a canvas stretcher (so it can be fitted with security hardware).  
• Submit no more than two pieces of art.  
• No art over 48”x48”.

To submit: Mark your name, title of the piece (including medium), and price on the back of the art. Deliver your submissions to Anne Brown in McKim Room 3115a. If the door is closed, deliver art to Room 3071 in the Patient Care Services hallway in McKim Hall. The exhibit will run July 23-Sept. 17. Questions? Email Anne Brown. 

Kahuna Competency Management System  

Go-live: Monday, July 20 | UVA Health University Medical Center competency documentation for nursing and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is changing in 2026 as we move to the Kahuna Competency Management System. Keep an eye out here for information so you can stay informed and prepared.           

Resources

• Kahuna Welcome video (7.5 minutes)       
• Kahuna flyer for posting       
• UVA Health Kahuna implementation web page  

What will Kahuna do for us? It means we are moving from a paper-based competency documentation to a digitized system for new hires and annual competencies.  

• Training: End users: July 12-Aug. 1

Who will this impact? The initial phase will impact inpatient, outpatient, perioperative, and procedural areas for RN, LPN, medical assistant (MA), certified nursing assistant (CNA), patient care technician (PCT), Emergency Department (ED) technician, dialysis technician, orthopedic technician, and social work roles. 

Read more about the journey to go-live, and what’s ahead, on Connect. 

SAIL: Stay Active and Independent for Life  

Starts Tuesday, July 21 | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. | Stay strong, steady, and social with SAIL — a free, four-week, strength, balance, fitness, and mindfulness class for adults. Learn more. 

ROSE Program Gives Office Supplies New Life  

Tuesday, July 21 | 9 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. Note: IT and phone equipment are not accepted. 

Exploring Confidence: Strategy, Trust, and the Narrative  

Tuesday, July 21 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join this Hoos Well reward-eligible webinar to demystify confidence and reframe it as a skill that can be built through preparation, strategy, self-awareness, and intentional action. Part of Hoos Well and FEAP’s Thrive Together webinar series. Learn more. 

Donate Blood: Roll Up Your Sleeve and Help  

Battle Building, Quayle Center, First Floor | There is a critical need for blood donors to make appointments now — help us keep the blood supply strong! To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: Fandango movie ticket (July 13-31).  

• Thursday, July 30 | 2 p.m.-6 p.m.   
• Friday, July 31 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

UVA Wellness Book Club: ‘The Joy of Movement’  

Friday, July 31 | noon-1 p.m. | Discover why movement isn’t just good for your body — it’s essential for your happiness, resilience, and sense of connection. Kelly McGonigal reframes exercise as a source of hope, courage, and community. Join UVA Wellness Book Club to explore how simple movement can transform your mindset and help you feel more energized, connected, and alive. Learn more. 

2026 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Summit  

Wednesday, Oct. 14 | 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Virginia Guest House Conference Center | Pharmacists, residents, technicians, administrators, and interprofessional partners are invited to submit proposals for podium presentations, panel discussions, and interactive breakout sessions. This region-level, in-person summit will showcase innovative practices, emerging clinical trends, and operational strategies that advance ambulatory care pharmacy services. Learn more and register. Submit an abstract. 

53rd Annual Edward W. Hook, Jr., MD, Recent Advances in Clinical Medicine  

Oct. 21-23 | Virginia Guest House Conference Center | This multidisciplinary, interprofessional, continuing education conference is designed to provide primary care, family medicine, and internal medicine clinicians with the knowledge, skills, and clinical "pearls of wisdom" to practice state-of-the-art generalist medicine. Offered virtually and in-person for up to 22 CME credits for physicians, physician associates, APPs, nurses, and pharmacists. Learn more and register.   

Appreciation 

Gratitude and Generosity 

Many of our patients and their families choose to give back because of the quality of care they receive at UVA Health. Their philanthropic gifts enable our patient support and community outreach programs, fund medical and nursing education, and fuel our research progress.

For example, Charlottesville resident Claudia Garthwait shown on the left, in first photo) recently made a gift to honor the UVA Health doctors — including Michael Williams, MD — nurses, and researchers who cared for her late partner, Victoria “Vic” Gee (pictured below, right) after Gee was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma.

Garthwait’s donation is helping to: 

• Fund UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center’s research into new treatments for rare and aggressive blood cancers like Gee’s. 
• Provide lodging, transportation and other assistance for our cancer patients in need. 
• Expand professional development opportunities for our oncology team members.

Read more in “Creative Generosity” from the latest issue of Investing in Hope. 

Thank you to everyone at UVA Health for inspiring donors. To learn more about how philanthropy supports our mission, visit UVA Health Development at giving.uvahealth.com.

Monday, July 13

Changes Coming to Duo App 

On Tuesday, July 14, all UVA Health team members will transition from the current Duo Push to Duo Verified Push for access to most services, including Microsoft 365. Logging into Epic Mobile Apps and Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances will not be affected.  

Instead of tapping "Yes" to approve a login, with Duo Verified Push you will be asked to enter a three-digit code shown on the login screen into the Duo app. No action will be required by users and devices with the current Duo app — these devices are automatically ready for the change. Moving to Duo Verified Push adds an important layer of protection by helping ensure you are approving a login that you — not someone else — initiated. To learn more, visit Connect or contact the HIT Service Desk at 434.924.5334 with questions. 

Operations 

Virtual Primary Care On Demand Now Seeing Patients Age 5 and Older 

UVA Health Virtual Primary Care On Demand is now seeing pediatric patients 5 years of age and older. Offering the same, expert, compassionate care patients expect from UVA Health in a convenient, on-demand format — it covers a full range of primary care needs for families, including:   

• Long-term primary care, or an interim solution until care is established with an in-person primary care provider (PCP).   
• Same-day and immediate care.   
• Evening and weekend hours.   

Scheduling for Virtual Primary Care On Demand is open. For hours, a detailed list of services, and scheduling, visit uvahealth.com. 

USB Storage Device Blocking Expands to Pharmacy, CPG Clinics 

To strengthen our cyberdefenses, UVA Health is blocking the use of USB storage devices (e.g., thumb drives and other external storage drives) on all UVA Health-issued personal computers (PCs). The latest implementation phase began June 30 and includes inpatient and outpatient Pharmacy, UPG Clinical Practice Group (CPG) clinics, and remaining University Hospital inpatient unit PCs. See Connect for a detailed schedule. If you’re wondering if USB storage devices are blocked on your PC, HIT has deployed a desktop tray icon to indicate your computer's status: 1) blocked, 2) exception granted, or 3) policy not yet implemented. See FAQs.  

As a reminder, instead of USB devices, team members should use their Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage account for secure data storage and sharing. This change does not affect USB-connected mice, keyboards, phone chargers, or similar accessories. 

Action Needed – Zoll Defibrillation/Cardioversion/Pacing Pad Change 

Because of a supply disruption expected to last through the end of the year, our standard Zoll pads (OneStep CPR AA Electrodes for Adults) are being replaced. The new pads only support anterior-posterior (AP) placement — not anterior-anterior (AA). 

Impact 

• Providers must use AP placement only with the new pads for defibrillation, cardioversion, and transcutaneous pacing. 
• AP placement is clinically appropriate and can even be superior to AA — but using AA placement with the new pads could harm the patient or provider. 

Action Needed 

• Please ensure awareness among other LIPs and staff (as relevant) of this change. 

When 

• Rollout begins the week of July 13, 2026, in a graded/staggered fashion. Both old (AA) and new (AP-only) pads may be in circulation during the transition — check the package graphic for correct pad placement if unsure. 
• As product is used and restocked by Supply Chain, the substitute product will be stocked. High use areas such as ICUs, IMUs, and the ED may begin to see substitute product stocked as soon as the week of July 13. 

Not Affected 

• Pediatric pads 
• Radiolucent pads, as used in the EP / Cath Labs and other specialized areas 
• No change needed for these — continue current use. 

We will be in touch as we receive more information from Zoll.

11th Street Garage Cleaning

On Friday, July 17, the 11th Street Garage will be cleaned and all patients will be directed to park in the Lee Street Garage from 6 p.m., Friday July 17, to 6 p.m., Sunday, July 19. All team members will be directed to park in the South Garage during this time. 

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 

UVA Schwartz Center Rounds: The Mentor Who Changed Me 

Wednesday, July 15 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Schwartz Center Rounds are interprofessional, panel-based discussions that allow healthcare workers to reflect and share about how they are affected by their work. The goal of the program is to foster and support empathy, collaboration, and compassion for self and others. Through stories and conversation, a multidisciplinary panel will reflect on the mentors who changed them — their lessons, encouragement, and impact on their professional and personal journeys. Learn more and register to receive the Zoom link. 

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:        

• Friday, July 17 | 9 a.m.-noon   
• Monday, July 20 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.   
• Tuesday, July 28 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Donate Blood: Roll Up Your Sleeve and Help 

Battle Building, Quayle Center, First Floor | There is a critical need for blood donors to make appointments now — help us keep the blood supply strong! To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: Fandango movie ticket (July 13-31). 

• Thursday, July 30 | 2 p.m.-6 p.m.  
• Friday, July 31 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

UVA Wellness Book Club: ‘The Joy of Movement’ 

Friday, July 31 | noon-1 p.m. | Discover why movement isn’t just good for your body — it’s essential for your happiness, resilience, and sense of connection. In "The Joy of Movement," Kelly McGonigal reframes exercise as a source of hope, courage, and community. Join the UVA Wellness Book Club to explore how simple movement can transform your mindset and help you feel more energized, connected, and alive. Learn more. 

Leadership Excellence for Administrative Professionals Program 

Registration deadline: Saturday, Aug. 1 | Looking to grow as a leader within administration? Join UVA’s online, 12-session program to enhance self-awareness, communication, problem-solving, and systems thinking, while building the skills needed to navigate complexity, support teams, and deliver sustainable results. Learn more. 

2026 Day of Caring: Call for Volunteer Teams and Individuals, and Project Hosts   

Volunteer registration deadline: Tuesday, Aug. 4 | Is your UVA Health department interested in forming a volunteer team for 2026 Day of Caring? Register with United Way of Greater Charlottesville to support the region’s most impactful, one-day volunteer effort, set for Wednesday, Sept. 16. Day of Caring sponsors include UVA and UVA Health.    

• Volunteer team leaders should register to join a virtual prep meeting on Thursday, Aug. 6 at 2:30 p.m., or Friday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m. (Registered team leaders will be sent access to the Zoom link training and the project preview list.) Volunteer team leaders who are unable to attend a training may provide an alternate representative for your team. 
• Volunteer team leaders should join Project Selection on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m.; projects are selected on a first come, first served basis during that meeting.  
• If you are an individual who would like to participate as a Day of Caring volunteer but do not have a team, please email Markiana Smith. 
• Even if you have registered in previous years to volunteer, new registration is needed each year to volunteer. 
• See “School Assistance and Volunteer Service” toward the end of this UVA HR web page to learn more about employee eligibility for public service leave.    

Project submission deadline: Friday, Aug. 7 | If you know a nonprofit, school, childcare facility, church, or other eligible 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization in Charlottesville or surrounding counties that has a task or project that could use volunteers on Sept. 16 Day of Caring, the organization should email Markiana Smith about creating an account to submit their project.  

Annual RN Degree Scholarships 

Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 6 | UVA Health University Medical Center is offering a scholarship opportunity for eligible University Medical Center employees interested in pursuing any level of nursing degree in the 2026-27 academic year. You do not need to be an RN to apply, and the scholarship is not exclusive to UVA School of Nursing programs — it is applicable to any accredited nursing degree program. Eligibility aligns with the UVA HR Education Benefits Program. Once again, the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer is providing $90,000 in funding to disburse to support our growing nursing workforce. Scholarships are applicable to classes taken January 2026 to June 2027 for:    

• ADN degree program    
• BSN degree program (classes and prerequisites)    
• Higher nursing degree program    

Read more, download a flyer, and apply. 

Appreciation 

Fetching Funds for Service Dogs of Virginia, Art Unleashed Comes to UVA Health 

University Medical Center lobby is the new, temporary home for a very special Labrador retriever named Manzanilla. This life-sized, colorful pup, painted by local artist Chicho Lorenzo, is one of 20 unique statues installed at locations throughout Albemarle County and beyond as part of Art Unleashed, a public art event and fundraiser launched this year by Service Dogs of Virginia (SDV). 

“We were thrilled to partner with UVA Health in this effort to increase our visibility and raise public awareness by doing something really cool, artistic and community-oriented for the greater Charlottesville area,” says Tina Floyd, Director of Development for SDV.  

Manzanilla and the other 19 painted pups will be on display through October, when they will be auctioned off at an event held at the CODE Building on Saturday, Oct. 24. “This event will be open to the public, and we’ll begin selling tickets for $50 in August,” says Floyd. “We’ll have appetizers and cocktails, a small silent auction, followed by the live auction.” Read more on Connect.

Friday, July 10

Apply: 2026 UVA Mini-Medical School 

Deadline: Monday, Aug. 3 | This premier, free, seven-week educational series is open to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the public who want a unique glimpse into the world of medicine and health science. The program takes place Wednesdays, Sept. 2-Oct. 14, 6:30-9 p.m. Space is limited; one application per person. To learn more and access the application form (beginning July 1), visit the Mini-Medical School website or apply directly via Qualtrics. Questions? Email minimed@virginia.edu. 

Operations 

Construction Impact | 500 Fontaine Research Park 

Through November | Construction crews will work to install various water pipes. During this phase, new patient parking spaces will be open for use. Valet service will be available 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Concierge staff will greet patients at the lot entrance and help them find a space or hand them off to a valet. Patients arriving before 7:30 a.m. or after 6 p.m. can self-park and use the golf cart shuttle. Questions? Contact Jim Battaglia.

Changes Coming to Duo App 

On Tuesday, July 14, all UVA Health team members will transition from the current Duo Push to Duo Verified Push for access to most services, including Microsoft 365. Logging into Epic Mobile Apps and Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances will not be affected. 

Instead of tapping "Yes" to approve a login, with Duo Verified Push you will be asked to enter a three-digit code shown on the login screen into the Duo app. No action will be required by users and devices with the current Duo app — these devices are automatically ready for the change. Moving to Duo Verified Push adds an important layer of protection by helping ensure you are approving a login that you — not someone else — initiated. To learn more, visit Connect or contact the HIT Service Desk at 434.924.5334 with questions.

UVA Health Hospital Violence Intervention Program (HVIP)  

HVIP at UVA Health supports patients treated for injuries related to community violence. After discharge from the hospital or emergency department, patients are connected with ongoing services to support healing, improve safety, and reduce the risk of future violence. Through individualized case management, mentorship, and community partnerships, the program helps you rebuild stability and move forward with support and confidence. Learn more.   

How to Refer Patients:   

• Send a message through Epic In Basket to: Hospital Violence Intervention Program (available 24/7).      
• Submit community referrals via email at HVIP@uvahealth.org.      
• Use the online referral form.      

Contacts (pictured, l-r): HVIP@uvahealth.org      

• Brittany Nash, LCSW, HVIP Supervisor, 434.243.9197      
• Brea Neilson, Violence Intervention Specialist, 434.924.2588      
• Marty Terrell, Violence Intervention Specialist, 434.297.8114 

29 North CONNECT Stop Change 

Monday, Aug. 3 | The 29 North CONNECT commuter stop currently located at Food Lion in Hollymead will move to a new location at Hollymead Town Center near Kohl’s, at 340 Towncenter Lane. The new stop offers convenient commuter parking, a designated Jaunt bus stop sign, bench seating, and easy access within the shopping center. Questions? Call Jaunt Customer Service at 434.296.3184. 

UVA Health in the News

Top Story 

• Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills and Dr. Jeffrey Wilson are featured in The New Yorker and on NPR in stories about alpha-gal syndrome. 

Patient Care 

• Writer Cameron Steele is featured in our weekly NBC29 segment discussing UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center's Writing Through Cancer program. 
• Dr. Catherine Varney is featured in newspapers nationally — including the Los Angeles Times and Miami Herald — discussing insurance coverage for GLP-1s. 
• UPG Chief Operating Officer Becky Compton is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing UVA Health’s Virtual Primary Care On Demand program. 
• Dr. Dacre Knight joins the Bendy Bodies podcast to discuss treatment options for hypermobility disorders. 
• Associate Chief Service Lines for Cancer Services Blake Herring talks with Becker’s Hospital Review about cancer survivorship care and the impact of Medicaid work requirements for patients with cancer.  
• Nurse Manager Alex Kasmere is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing the dangers of leaving kids in hot cars. 
• Chief Pharmacy Officer Danielle Griggs is featured in a Becker’s Hospital Review story on pharmacy trends. 

Research 

• Dr. Melissa Little is featured locally, across Virginia, on TV stations nationally, and by Yahoo discussing Gen Z’s renewed interest in smoking. 
• Registered Dietitian Katherine Basbaum talks with Scientific American about creatine. 
• Dr. Chris Holstege is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing 7-OH being reclassified as a Schedule 1 drug by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. 
• Dr. Catherine Varney talks with Medscape about the connections between obesity and headaches. 
• Dr. Luke Wilkins is featured in MDLinx discussing his new research into interventional radiology work becoming increasingly concentrated among fewer radiologists. 
• Dr. Chris Holstege talks with WRAL (Raleigh TV) about the rise in calls to America’s poison centers related to kava. 

Community 

• Lt. Maeve O’Neill (and Woody) are featured locally, across Virginia and on TV stations nationally discussing a Service Dogs of Virginia fundraiser. 

Education 

• Trauma Program Manager Valerie Quick is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally sharing fireworks and summer safety tips. 

Happenings

Kahuna Competency Management System 

Go-live: Monday, July 20 | UVA Health University Medical Center competency documentation for nursing and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is changing in 2026 as we move to the Kahuna Competency Management System. Keep an eye out here for information so you can stay informed and prepared:          

• Resources: 
  • Kahuna Welcome video (7.5 minutes)      
  • Kahuna flyer for posting      
  • UVA Health Kahuna implementation web page      
• What will Kahuna do for us? It means we are moving from a paper-based competency documentation to a digitized system for new hires and annual competencies.       
  • Training:      
    • Leaders: June 21-July 11 
    • End users: July 12-Aug. 1      
• Who will this impact? The initial phase will impact inpatient, outpatient, perioperative, and procedural areas for RN, LPN, medical assistant (MA), certified nursing assistant (CNA), patient care technician (PCT), Emergency Department (ED) technician, dialysis technician, orthopedic technician, and social work roles. 

UVA Schwartz Center Rounds: The Mentor Who Changed Me 

Wednesday, July 15 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Schwartz Center Rounds are interprofessional, panel-based discussions that allow healthcare workers to reflect and share about how they are affected by their work. The goal of the program is to foster and support empathy, collaboration, and compassion for self and others. In this session, through stories and conversation, a multidisciplinary panel will reflect on the mentors who changed them — their lessons, encouragement, and impact on their professional and personal journeys. Learn more and register to receive the Zoom link. 

SAIL: Stay Active and Independent for Life 

Starts Tuesday, July 21 | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. | Stay strong, steady, and social with SAIL — a free four-week strength, balance, fitness, and mindfulness class for adults. Learn more. 

iCSD 2026: International Conference on Spreading Depolarization 

Sept. 18-22 | Pinn Hall Conference Center | A multidisciplinary, annual meeting focused on the study of mechanisms and treatment of conditions where spreading depolarization (SD) may represent a novel therapeutic target. SD is a significantly under-recognized, massive wave of brain dysfunction that is believed to be involved in a wide range of conditions. Learn more.

Appreciation

‘Outstanding Experience’ | 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 level of coordination and efficiency exhibited by all team members was impressive. Everyone knew what to do and when to do It. Everything was done with a smile and an explanation in a timely — but not rushed — fashion. The nurses were solicitous of my comfort and their willingness to accede to any request was quiet and timely.” 
• "[Orthopedic Center Ivy Road periop group] is like the Dream Team. In addition to being highly competent and thinking of everything — they're friendly, personable, and fun! They anticipated anything I might have concerns about. Being in such a positive environment before undergoing surgery is so helpful to your emotional state and feeling of preparedness.” 
• "Outstanding experience. I returned the next day [to Fontaine Research Park Pain Management] and the scheduling lady at the desk (great, great, great) found me a cancellation that will save me over three months. I am in excruciating pain, and she understood that and helped me out beyond my expectation. I couldn't be happier had I won the lottery for millions!” 

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

Wednesday, July 8

UVA Schwartz Center Rounds: The Mentor Who Changed Me 

Wednesday, July 15 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Schwartz Center Rounds are interprofessional, panel-based discussions that allow healthcare workers to reflect and share about how they are affected by their work. The goal of the program is to foster and support empathy, collaboration, and compassion for self and others. In this session, through stories and conversation, a multidisciplinary panel will reflect on the mentors who changed them — their lessons, encouragement, and impact on their professional and personal journeys. Learn more and register to receive the Zoom link.

Operations

Construction Impact | 500 Fontaine Research Park 

Through November | Construction crews will work to install various water pipes. During this phase, new patient parking spaces will be open for use. Valet service will be available 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Concierge staff will greet patients at the lot entrance and help them find a space or hand them off to a valet. Patients arriving before 7:30 a.m. or after 6 p.m. can self-park and use the golf cart shuttle. Questions? Contact Jim Battaglia. 

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:   

• Ketogenic Diet for Patients With Epilepsy Guideline   
• Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) Evaluation and Management Guideline   
• Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) Infection (CDI) Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment in Adult Patients Guideline   
• Care of the Patient With Non-Traumatic Intracerebral/Intraventricular Hemorrhagic Stoke Guideline   
• New Antiemetic for Anti-neoplastics in Pediatrics Guideline, and many more.    

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

USB Storage Device Blocking Expands to Pharmacy, CPG Clinics 

To strengthen our cyberdefenses, UVA Health is blocking the use of USB storage devices (e.g., thumb drives and other external storage drives) on all UVA Health-issued personal computers (PCs). The latest implementation phase began June 30 and includes inpatient and outpatient Pharmacy, UPG Clinical Practice Group (CPG) clinics, and remaining University Hospital inpatient unit PCs. See Connect for a detailed schedule. If you’re wondering if USB storage devices are blocked on your PC, HIT has deployed a desktop tray icon to indicate your computer's status: 1) blocked, 2) exception granted, or 3) policy not yet implemented. See the FAQs on Connect for more.

As a reminder, instead of USB devices, team members should use their Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage account for secure data storage and sharing. This change does not affect USB-connected mice, keyboards, phone chargers, or similar accessories. 

Virtual Primary Care On Demand Now Seeing Patients Age 5 and Older 

UVA Health Virtual Primary Care On Demand is now seeing pediatric patients 5 years of age and older. Offering the same expert, compassionate care patients expect from UVA Health in a convenient, on-demand format — it covers a full range of primary care needs for families, including:  

• Long-term primary care, or an interim solution until care is established with an in-person primary care provider (PCP).  
• Same-day and immediate care.  
• Evening and weekend hours.  

Scheduling for Virtual Primary Care On Demand is open. For hours, a detailed list of services, and scheduling, visit uvahealth.com.

Onboarding: June Additions to the Provider Directory 

Every provider we feature in our directory strengthens our ability to deliver compassionate, expert care to the communities we serve. We’re grateful to the clinicians newly added this month, each helping connect more patients with the support and healing they deserve. Additions from the last 30 days are listed on Connect.

Now Available: Post-Visit Survey in MyChart 

As of July 1, patients have a new way to complete their medical practice clinic and emergency department post-visit survey directly through their MyChart portal. This addition expands our current survey delivery options, which include text, email, and mail, giving patients an additional convenient way to share feedback about their care experience. 

MyChart surveys will be incorporated into existing survey sampling methodology. Patients are assigned to a survey mode including text, MyChart, email, or mail through an established process designed to ensure broad and representative patient feedback. 

Expanding our survey delivery options is another step forward in our commitment to listening to our patients and using their feedback to drive continuous improvement across the care experience. This enhancement also supports UVA Health's broader digital transformation efforts by making it easier for patients to engage and share feedback through MyChart. 

Changes Coming to Duo App 

On Tuesday, July 14, all UVA Health team members will transition from the current Duo Push to Duo Verified Push for access to most services, including Microsoft 365. Logging into Epic Mobile Apps and Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances will not be affected. 

Instead of tapping "Yes" to approve a login, with Duo Verified Push you will be asked to enter a three-digit code shown on the login screen into the Duo app. No action will be required by users and devices with the current Duo app — these devices are automatically ready for the change. Moving to Duo Verified Push adds an important layer of protection by helping ensure that you are approving a login that you — not someone else — initiated. To learn more, visit Connect or contact the HIT Service Desk at 434.924.5334 with questions. 

Theft of Food in Cafeteria 

This is a reminder for all team members that theft of cafeteria items, including not scanning or not paying for items at self-checkout, is a violation of our ASPIRE values, constitutes stealing, and may result in termination of employment and criminal charges. We understand that food costs are a real concern; our cafeteria pricing is aligned with — and in many cases below — current market rates, and our supplier faces the same national cost pressures we all feel. Self-checkout was introduced to improve throughput and reduce wait times, not to create an opportunity for items to go unpaid. Retail ambassadors are present in the cafeteria and actively monitoring purchases. We trust our team members to do the right thing — please ensure all items are scanned and paid for before leaving the cafeteria.

Happenings

Donations Needed: Geri-Cart 

University Medical Center Emergency Department (ED) had approximately 77,000 patient visits in 2025, with more than 20,000 of those patients being age 65 or older. Last year, a task force was formed with a focused initiative to improve outcomes and care for geriatric ED patients. One of the goals of this task force is to create a Geri-Cart to provide comfort and sensory items for elderly patients, especially those with dementia. Needed items: reusable pocket talkers and extra headsets, fidget cuffs, and fidget blankets. Questions? Email Dina Hood. View the Amazon wish list. Thank you to all who have donated — this cart continues to be hugely successful. Your donations have improved the care and hospital experience of this patient population. 

Submit Proposals: SPARK Tank 2026 

Application deadline: Wednesday, July 8 | UVA Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology has announced the inaugural SPARK Tank Competition, a live pitch event on Aug. 4. SPARK Tank is designed to identifyscientifically rigorous ideas where targeted support at the right moment could meaningfully advance a discovery toward therapeutic development or clinical application. Review the call for proposals and submit drug discovery and development proposals for consideration.     

• SPARK Tank Event | Tuesday, Aug. 4 | 1-4 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building Auditorium Room 3110 

Market Square 

Through Sept. 24 | Weekly, Thursdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Courtyard at MR5 | Shop for fresh produce, beautiful flowers, unique crafts, and delicious eats from local food trucks. Vendors include It’s Poppin’ Time, Little Manila, Mexican Tacos, Mr. Baker, Miss Day Delights, and Tealicious Cafe. Questions? Contact George Minor, UVA HR, Rewards and Recognition. 

Sign Up to Be Shadowed During the Summer Medical Leadership Program 

Deadline: Friday, July 10 | SMLP is a six-week, intensive, residential summer program for pre-medical students interested in becoming physicians. Current physicians: consider signing up for opportunities to be shadowed during SMLP, which is offered by UVA School of Medicine. This summer, 31 scholars will experience the real world of medicine through clinical shadowing, MCAT preparation, professional development, near-peer mentorship, and more to prepare for admission to medical school and become leaders. Learn more and sign up to be shadowed. For more information, contact Ashley Woodard, Ed.D., Director of Student Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, Office of Medical Sciences Outreach, UVA School of Medicine. 

3rd Annual Gun Violence Summit: Community Care and Response 

Thursday, July 16 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Piedmont Virginia Community College, Bolick Center | Community leaders, youth, professionals, and stakeholders will come together to address violence, share resources, and build solutions. This year’s summit focuses on prevention, healing, and strengthening coordinated responses to violence — with an emphasis on supporting youth, individuals, and families impacted by violence as we work toward safer, stronger, and more connected communities. Questions? Contact Brittany Nash. Register.

Kahuna Competency Management System 

Go-live: Monday, July 20 | UVA Health University Medical Center competency documentation for nursing and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is changing in 2026 as we move to the Kahuna Competency Management System. Keep an eye out here for information so you can stay informed and prepared:         

• Resources:
  • Kahuna Welcome video (7.5 minutes)     
  • Kahuna flyer for posting     
  • UVA Health Kahuna implementation web page     
• What will Kahuna do for us? It means we are moving from a paper-based competency documentation to a digitized system for new hires and annual competencies.      
  • Training:     
    • Leaders: June 21-July 11     
    • End users: July 12-Aug. 1     
• Who will this impact? The initial phase will impact inpatient, outpatient, perioperative, and procedural areas for RN, LPN, medical assistant (MA), certified nursing assistant (CNA), patient care technician (PCT), Emergency Department (ED) technician, dialysis technician, orthopedic technician, and social work roles. 

Call for Submissions: Team Member Art Exhibit 

Submission deadline: July 20 | Art submissions are being accepted for the Team Member Art Exhibit. Guidelines:     

• No textile art or sculptures. 
• Art must be framed or on a canvas stretcher (so it can be fitted with security hardware). 
• Submit no more than two pieces of art. 
• No art over 48”x48”. 

To submit: Mark your name, title of the piece (including medium), and price on the back of the art. Deliver your submissions to Anne Brown in McKim 3115a. If the door is closed, deliver art to Room 3071 in the Patient Care Services hallway in McKim Hall. The exhibit will run July 23-Sept. 17. Questions? Email Anne Brown. 

Exploring Confidence: Strategy, Trust, and the Narrative 

Tuesday, July 21 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join this Hoos Well reward-eligible webinar to demystify confidence and reframe it as a skill that can be built through preparation, strategy, self-awareness, and intentional action. Part of Hoos Well and FEAP’s Thrive Together webinar series. Learn more. 

Annual RN Degree Scholarships 

Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 6 | UVA Health University Medical Center is offering a scholarship opportunity for eligible University Medical Center employees interested in pursuing any level of nursing degree in the 2026-27 academic year. You do not need to be an RN to apply, and the scholarship is not exclusive to UVA School of Nursing programs — it is applicable to any accredited nursing degree program. Eligibility aligns with the UVA HR Education Benefits Program. Once again, the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer is providing $90,000 in funding to disburse to support our growing nursing workforce. Scholarships are applicable to classes taken January 2026 to June 2027 for:   

• ADN degree program   
• BSN degree program (classes and prerequisites)   
• Higher nursing degree program   

Read more, download a flyer, and apply. 

18th Annual Therapeutic Apheresis Academy (TAA) 

Sept. 24-26 | Pinn Hall Conference Center | This multidisciplinary conference is designed for physicians in nephrology, hematology, pathology/blood banking, and allied health professionals with an interest in therapeutic apheresis. The 2026 program builds on the success of prior TAAs with evidence‑based clinical content, interprofessional education, hands‑on demonstration workshops, and interactive case discussions. Register. Questions? Contact Monica McCommon, UVA Health Continuing Education Program Manager.

Appreciation

UVA Health Nurse Betty Phillips Turns 90 — Bringing Hope at Work for 70 Years! 

When Betty Phillips, BSN, RN, arrives for work, she begins her day with a simple test. “Every time I log in, I check if I can still remember my password,” she jokes. “If I can, I say, ‘Well, I can stay today!’” 

After 70 years of working at UVA Health, Betty is still bringing the same humor, compassion, and dedication to each day. She continues to log in every Monday and usually one Friday a month at the Plastic Surgery Clinic, calling those shifts her “brain days.” 

But her mental workouts are just one part of Betty's routine — she also exercises every morning and tries to walk at least one mile each evening, regardless of the weather. “I just think the more active you stay, the more likely you are to be healthier in old age,” she explains. 

Betty's commitment to staying active appears to be serving her well, as she recently celebrated her 90th birthday with parties at home and at work! Read more on Connect. 

Monday, July 6

Virtual Primary Care On Demand Now Seeing Patients Age 5 and Older 

Effective July 6, UVA Health Virtual Primary Care On Demand is now seeing pediatric patients 5 years of age and older. Offering the same expert, compassionate care patients expect from UVA Health in a convenient, on-demand format — it covers a full range of primary care needs for families, including: 

• Long-term primary care, or an interim solution until care is established with an in-person primary care provider (PCP). 
• Same-day and immediate care. 
• Evening and weekend hours. 

Scheduling for Virtual Primary Care On Demand is open now. For hours, a detailed list of services, and scheduling, visit uvahealth.com. 

Operations 

Construction Impact | 500 Fontaine Research Park 

Through November | Construction crews will work to install various water pipes. During this phase, new patient parking spaces will be open for use. Valet service will be available 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Concierge staff will greet patients at the lot entrance and help them find a space or hand them off to a valet. Patients arriving before 7:30 a.m. or after 6 p.m. can self-park and use the golf cart shuttle. Questions? Contact Jim Battaglia. 

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:  

• Ketogenic Diet for Patients With Epilepsy Guideline  
• Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) Evaluation and Management Guideline  
• Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) Infection (CDI) Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment in Adult Patients Guideline  
• Care of the Patient With Non-Traumatic Intracerebral/Intraventricular Hemorrhagic Stoke Guideline  
• New Antiemetic for Anti-neoplastics in Pediatrics Guideline, and many more.   

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

USB Storage Device Blocking Expands to Pharmacy, CPG Clinics 

To strengthen our cyberdefenses, UVA Health has begun blocking the use of USB storage devices (e.g., thumb drives and other external storage drives) on all UVA Health-issued personal computers (PCs). The latest implementation phase began June 30 and includes inpatient and outpatient Pharmacy, UPG Clinical Practice Group (CPG) clinics, and remaining University Hospital inpatient unit PCs. See Connect for a detailed schedule. If you’re wondering if USB storage devices are blocked on your PC, HIT has deployed a desktop tray icon to indicate your computer's status: 1) blocked, 2) exception granted, or 3) policy not yet implemented. See the FAQs on Connect for more.   

As a reminder, instead of USB devices, team members should use their Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage account for secure data storage and sharing. This change does not affect USB-connected mice, keyboards, phone chargers, or similar accessories. 

Coming This Fall: New, Epic‑Integrated Patient Education  

Clear, effective, patient education should be easy to deliver. This fall, UVA Health is introducing WebMD Ignite on FHIR, a new patient education platform fully integrated into Epic. Easy access to trusted, evidence-based materials will be together in one place, in your everyday workflows. It’s a simpler way to connect patients with the information they need — no extra tools or logins are needed. Learn more on Connect. 

Human Resources

FY26 UVA Health Year-End Review Weekly Reminders 

Reminder: FY26 UVA Health manager evaluations for University Medical Center and UVA Physicians Group are due July 31. Managers should hold their 1:1s and complete the ‘Acknowledgement’ step by this date. UVA School of Medicine and Claude Moore Health Sciences Library manager evaluations should have been completed by May 31. Resources and additional details about the FY26 performance process can be found on the UVA Health Performance website. 

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:       

• Wednesday, July 8 | 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.  
• Friday, July 17 | 9 a.m.-noon  
• Monday, July 20 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.  
• Tuesday, July 28 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Submit Proposals: SPARK Tank 2026 

Application deadline: Wednesday, July 8 | The UVA Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology has announced the inaugural SPARK Tank Competition, a live pitch event on Aug. 4. SPARK Tank is designed to identifyscientifically rigorous ideas where targeted support at the right moment could meaningfully advance a discovery toward therapeutic development or clinical application. Review the call for proposals and submit drug discovery and development proposals for consideration.    

• SPARK Tank Event | Tuesday, Aug. 4 | 1-4 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building Auditorium Room 3110 

Kahuna Competency Management System 

Go-live: Monday, July 20 | UVA Health University Medical Center competency documentation for nursing and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is changing in 2026 as we move to the Kahuna Competency Management System. Keep an eye out here for information so you can stay informed and prepared:

• Resources:   
  • Kahuna Welcome video (7.5 minutes)    
  • Kahuna flyer for posting    
  • UVA Health Kahuna implementation web page    
• What will Kahuna do for us? It means we are moving from a paper-based competency documentation to a digitized system for new hires and annual competencies.     
  • Training:    
    • Leaders: June 21-July 11    
    • End users: July 12-Aug. 1    
• Who will this impact? The initial phase will impact inpatient, outpatient, perioperative, and procedural areas for RN, LPN, medical assistant (MA), certified nursing assistant (CNA), patient care technician (PCT), Emergency Department (ED) technician, dialysis technician, orthopedic technician, and social work roles. 

Leadership Excellence for Administrative Professionals Program 

Registration deadline: Saturday, Aug. 1 | Looking to grow as a leader within administration? Join UVA’s online, 12-session program to enhance self-awareness, communication, problem-solving, and systems thinking, while building the skills needed to navigate complexity, support teams, and deliver sustainable results. Learn more. 

Annual RN Degree Scholarships 

Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 6 | UVA Health University Medical Center is offering a scholarship opportunity for eligible University Medical Center employees interested in pursuing any level of nursing degree in the 2026-27 academic year. You do not need to be an RN to apply, and the scholarship is not exclusive to UVA School of Nursing programs — it is applicable to any accredited nursing degree program. Eligibility aligns with the UVA HR Education Benefits Program. Once again, the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer is providing $90,000 in funding to disburse to support our growing nursing workforce. Scholarships are applicable to classes taken January 2026 to June 2027 for:  

• ADN degree program  
• BSN degree program (classes and prerequisites)  
• Higher nursing degree program  

Read more, download a flyer, and apply. 

UVA Medical Device Make-A-Thon  

Oct. 15-18 | Frugal Innovations in Sustainable Healthcare (FISH), a UVA student organization dedicated to developing affordable healthcare devices, will host this inaugural event. As the first student-led medical device make-a-thon of its kind on the East Coast, this event will bring together interdisciplinary student teams to design innovative, low-cost solutions to real clinical challenges. UVA Health clinicians, researchers, faculty, staff, residents, fellows, and nurses are invited to serve as mentors, judge final presentations, or submit clinical problem statements for students to address. Learn more and sign up. 

Appreciation

Population Health: In-Home Visits Give the Community Paramedicine Team Unique Insight and Opportunities to Make a Difference 

Furthering Population Health’s efforts to broaden the boundaries of traditional patient care, the Community Paramedicine program was launched in 2022 to serve patients in need of additional support outside of our hospitals and clinics. “We want to keep patients in their homes and healthy — that’s the goal,” says Robert D’Eramo, PharmD, MSHA, CHFP, FACHE, Director of Clinical and Strategic Initiatives, Population Health and Post-Acute Care.  

To do so, a team of three pre-hospital clinicians — all practicing paramedics and EMTs — brings clinical care and support services to patients where they live. “By being able to see patients in their own environment, we can better understand what is blocking them from being successful at home. Barriers don’t always show up in their medical records,” says D’Eramo. Read more on Connect. 

Wednesday, July 1

Submit Proposals: SPARK Tank 2026 

Application deadline: Wednesday, July 8 | The UVA Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology has announced the inaugural SPARK Tank Competition, a live pitch event on Aug. 4. SPARK Tank is designed to identify scientifically rigorous ideas where targeted support at the right moment could meaningfully advance a discovery toward therapeutic development or clinical application. Review the call for proposals and submit drug discovery and development proposals for consideration.   

• SPARK Tank Event | Tuesday, Aug. 4 | 1-4 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building Auditorium Room 3110 

Operations

Impacts of Independence Day Observed | Observed Friday, July 3 

• 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 Friday, July 3.   
  • University Medical Center Courtesy Shuttle will operate on the weekend schedule, running every 60 minutes, 7:20 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.   
  • UtoCar will operate normally.   
  • Parking is available for team members in the South Garage on Crispell Drive and 11th Street Garage (Level D and above only) Friday, July 3.   
  • University Transit Bus and Health System Transit shuttle will operate normally Monday, July 6.   
• Cafe and retail locations | Closed Friday   
  • Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center Cafe   
  • Fontaine Research Park Building 500   
  • Orthopedic Center at Ivy Road   
  • University Hospital, Operating Room Cafe   
  • West Complex Cafe   
• UVA Health Update will not be sent Friday, July 3. It will resume Monday, July 6. 

Summer Heat Advisory 

The National Weather Service is currently predicting a significant heat risk that will continue through the holiday weekend. Temperatures will range from 95 to 105 degrees, which results in a heat index of 100 to 110 degrees from Wednesday to Sunday. Early forecasting is also showing potential for severe thunderstorms Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening. Please take extra precautions to protect yourself from heat-related illness.

Report After-Hours and Downtime BBF Exposures to Contact Center 

With our transition to Epic Secure Chat and the retirement of PIC numbers, Employee Health has revised the process for reporting team member blood and body fluid (BBF) exposures. Please take note:   

• During regular business hours: 
  • Send a message via Secure Chat to the group UVMC Employee Blood and Body Fluid (BBF) Exposure. It should be marked as urgent.   
  • Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.   
• Outside of business hours/downtime (NEW):   
  • Call the Contact Center (dial 4-2012 onsite or 434.924.2012 offsite).   
    • This is a change — the current process for after-hours exposures is to send a Secure Chat message.   
    • If you do not have Epic access, including during Epic downtime.     

To learn more, visit the Employee Health intranet site. 

Construction Impact | 500 Fontaine Research Park 

Through November | Construction crews will work to install various water pipes. During this phase, new patient parking spaces will be open for use. Valet service will be available 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Concierge staff will greet patients at the lot entrance and help them find a space or hand them off to a valet. Patients arriving before 7:30 a.m. or after 6 p.m. can self-park and use the golf cart shuttle. Questions? Contact Jim Battaglia. 

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: 

• Ketogenic Diet for Patients with Epilepsy Guideline 
• Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) Evaluation and Management Guideline 
• Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) Infection (CDI) Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment in Adult Patients Guideline 
• Care of the Patient With Non-Traumatic Intracerebral/Intraventricular Hemorrhagic Stoke Guideline 
• New Antiemetic for Anti-neoplastics in Pediatrics Guideline, and many more.  

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

USB Storage Device Blocking Expands to Pharmacy, CPG Clinics 

To strengthen our cyberdefenses, UVA Health has begun blocking the use of USB storage devices (e.g., thumb drives and other external storage drives) on all UVA Health-issued personal computers (PCs). The next implementation phase begins June 30 and includes inpatient and outpatient Pharmacy, UPG Clinical Practice Group (CPG) clinics, and remaining University Hospital inpatient unit PCs. See Connect for a detailed schedule. If you’re wondering if USB storage devices are blocked on your PC, HIT has deployed a desktop tray icon to indicate your computer's status: 1) blocked, 2) exception granted, or 3) policy not yet implemented. See the FAQs on Connect for more.  

As a reminder, instead of USB devices, team members should use their Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage account for secure data storage and sharing. This change does not affect USB-connected mice, keyboards, phone chargers, or similar accessories. 

Strategic Bed Moves | University Medical Center  

From UVA Health leadership: “As part of our ongoing commitment to expand access and capacity at the University Medical Center — a core pillar of our institutional strategic plan — we are writing to share an important update on space planning decisions that will shape how we deliver care over the coming years.” 

“These decisions reflect the first phase of a longer, multi-year plan that will sequence investments to ensure we are delivering the right care in the right setting for our highest-acuity, most complex patients — consolidating and integrating shared resources to improve operational performance, and designing clinical environments aligned with the future of care delivery.” Read the full message on Connect. 

UVA Health Hospital Violence Intervention Program (HVIP) 

HVIP at UVA Health supports patients treated for injuries related to community violence. After discharge from the hospital or emergency department, patients are connected with ongoing services to support healing, improve safety, and reduce the risk of future violence. Through individualized case management, mentorship, and community partnerships, the program helps you rebuild stability and move forward with support and confidence. Learn more.  

• How to Refer Patients:  
  • Send a message through Epic In Basket to: Hospital Violence Intervention Program (available 24/7).     
  • Submit community referrals via email at HVIP@uvahealth.org.     
  • Use the online referral form.     
• Contacts (pictured, l-r): HVIP@uvahealth.org     
  • Brittany Nash, LCSW, HVIP Supervisor, 434.243.9197     
  • Brea Neilson, Violence Intervention Specialist, 434.924.2588     
  • Marty Terrell, Violence Intervention Specialist, 434.297.8114 

Next Stop, Better 

During National Safety Awareness Month in June — UVA Health team members supporting our 'Next Stop, Better’ campaign rode the buses and handed out first aid kits. The topic of discussion: keeping our commuters safe! Great ideas shared will be added to the list of improvements. Pictured: three of our team members who won July close-in parking. Keep the suggestions coming. 

Happenings 

Reflections of My World: The Art of Lynnette Driver 

Through Thursday, July 23 | University Hospital Lobby | UVA Health Arts Program is pleased to present “Reflections of My World: The Art of Lynnette Driver.” Pictured: “Magic Forest,” acrylic, oil pastel, graphite. 

UVA Pipelines and Pathways: 2026 Skill Building 101 Workshop Series 

Through September | Via these in-person workshops, participants receive industry certificates to make them more competitive in the job market. Topics include OSHA bloodborne pathogens, patient safety and duty of care, essential medical terminology, and more. Learn about some key roles at UVA Health including patient companion, phlebotomist, pharmacy technician, and custodian. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Seating is limited; please attend the classes for which you register. Questions? Contact UVA Pipelines and Pathways or call 434.962.3996.

Market Square 

Through Sept. 24 | Weekly, Thursdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Courtyard at MR5 | Shop for fresh produce, beautiful flowers, unique crafts, and delicious eats from local food trucks. Vendors include It’s Poppin’ Time, Little Manila, Mexican Tacos, Mr. Baker, Miss Day Delights, and Tealicious Cafe. Questions? Contact George Minor, UVA HR, Rewards and Recognition. 

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 latest list. 

Donations Needed: Geri-Cart 

University Medical Center Emergency Department (ED) had approximately 77,000 patient visits in 2025, with more than 20,000 of those patients being age 65 or older. Last year, a task force was formed with a focused initiative to improve outcomes and care for geriatric ED patients. One of the goals of this task force is to create a Geri-Cart to provide comfort and sensory items for elderly patients, especially those with dementia. Needed items: reusable pocket talkers and extra headsets, fidget cuffs, and fidget blankets. Questions? Email Dina Hood. View the Amazon wish list. Thank you to all who have donated — this cart continues to be hugely successful. Your donations have improved the care and hospital experience of this patient population.

July: Foodworks Schedule 

Monday-Friday | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-9 p.m. | University Hospital, Chopp’d location, cafeteria | Foodworks is a dining platform that creates community through food by partnering with the best local restaurants and showcasing them to build connections. Its mission is to celebrate culinary creativity, culture, and community. This service provides a weekly rotation of local restaurants. Schedule and menus:    

• July 1-3: Al Carbon 
• July 6-10: Shenandoah Smoke Catering 
• July 13-17: Pearl Island Foods 
• July 20-24: Beacon 
• July 27-31: Crozet Seafood Supply 

Donate Blood: Roll Up Your Sleeve and Help 

Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | There is a critical need for blood donors to make appointments now — help us keep the blood supply strong! To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: collectible American Red Cross Looney Tunes T-shirt (through July 12) and Fandango movie ticket (July 13-31).

• Monday, July 6 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 
• Thursday, July 30 | 2 p.m.-6 p.m. 
• Friday, July 31 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Sign Up to Be Shadowed During the Summer Medical Leadership Program 

Deadline: Friday, July 10 | SMLP is a six-week, intensive, residential summer program for pre-medical students interested in becoming physicians. Current physicians: consider signing up for opportunities to be shadowed during SMLP, which is offered by UVA School of Medicine. This summer, 31 scholars will experience the real world of medicine through clinical shadowing, MCAT preparation, professional development, near-peer mentorship, and more to prepare for admission to medical school and become leaders. Learn more and sign up to be shadowed. For more information, contact Ashley Woodard, Ed.D., Director of Student Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, Office of Medical Sciences Outreach, UVA School of Medicine. 

3rd Annual Gun Violence Summit: Community Care and Response 

Thursday, July 16 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Piedmont Virginia Community College, Bolick Center | Community leaders, youth, professionals, and stakeholders will come together to address violence, share resources, and build solutions. This year’s summit focuses on prevention, healing, and strengthening coordinated responses to violence — with an emphasis on supporting youth, individuals, and families impacted by violence as we work toward safer, stronger, and more connected communities. Questions? Contact Brittany Nash. Register.

Call for Submissions: Team Member Art Exhibit  

Submission deadline: July 20 | Art submissions are being accepted for the Team Member Art Exhibit. Guidelines:    

• No textile art or sculptures.    
• Art must be framed or on a canvas stretcher (so it can be fitted with security hardware).          
• Submit no more than two pieces of art.          
• No art over 48”x48”.       

To submit: Mark your name, title of the piece (including medium), and price on the back of the art. Deliver your submissions to Anne Brown in McKim 3115a. If the door is closed, deliver art to Room 3071 in the Patient Care Services hallway in McKim Hall. The exhibit will run July 23-Sept. 17. Questions? Email Anne Brown.

Kahuna Competency Management System 

Go-live: Monday, July 20 | UVA Health University Medical Center competency documentation for nursing and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is changing in 2026 as we move to the Kahuna Competency Management System. Keep an eye out here for information so you can stay informed and prepared:       

• Resources:  
  • Kahuna Welcome video (7.5 minutes)   
  • Kahuna flyer for posting   
  • UVA Health Kahuna implementation web page   
• What will Kahuna do for us? It means we are moving from a paper-based competency documentation to a digitized system for new hires and annual competencies.    
  • Training:   
    • Leaders: June 21-July 11   
    • End users: July 12-Aug. 1   
• Who will this impact? The initial phase will impact inpatient, outpatient, perioperative, and procedural areas for RN, LPN, medical assistant (MA), certified nursing assistant (CNA), patient care technician (PCT), Emergency Department (ED) technician, dialysis technician, orthopedic technician, and social work roles. 

SAIL: Stay Active and Independent for Life 

Starts Tuesday, July 21 | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. | Stay strong, steady, and social with SAIL — a free four-week strength, balance, fitness, and mindfulness class for adults. Learn more. 

Exploring Confidence: Strategy, Trust, and the Narrative 

Tuesday, July 21 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join this Hoos Well reward-eligible webinar to demystify confidence and reframe it as a skill that can be built through preparation, strategy, self-awareness, and intentional action. Part of Hoos Well and FEAP’s Thrive Together webinar series. Learn more. 

Apply: 2026 UVA Mini-Medical School 

Deadline: Monday, Aug. 3 | This premier, free, seven-week educational series is open to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the public who want a unique glimpse into the world of medicine and health science. The program takes place Wednesdays, Sept. 2-Oct. 14, 6:30-9 p.m. Space is limited; one application per person. To learn more and access the application form (beginning July 1), visit the Mini-Medical School website or apply directly via Qualtrics. Questions? Email minimed@virginia.edu. 

Appreciation 

UVA Health Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Cardiology Collaboration Makes an Impact — From Charlottesville to California 

UVA Health’s mission: transforming health and inspiring hope for all Virginians — and beyond. And in this case, way beyond — to the West Coast and another health system!  

Pictured from left: Garretson “Garry” Gellert PT, DPT; Kristin Cady, MSN, RN, CNL, CCRN, CNML, Nurse Manager, Coronary Care Unit, and interim Nurse Manager, Cardiac Monitoring Unit; and Steven Phillips, PhD, MD, Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology, and Assistant Professor, UVA School of Medicine. They're among the team members who helped launch a rehabilitation project focused on ambulating patients who require an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) via femoral (thigh and groin area) access. 

On Connect, get to know these and other team members involved, the project, and some of the patients who’ve greatly benefited — from UVA Health University Medical Center to Santa Clara! 

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