Connect

Tune in to how these UVA Health team members pursue their passions — at work AND on air.

Of course, our colleagues showcase professional expertise in their UVA Health roles to support our mission of transforming health and inspiring hope for all Virginians and beyond.

But what skills do some display outside work? In the latest installment of this series, we're featuring the Hidden Talents of two UVA Health team members who also are broadcasters — hosting shows on topics they certainly can speak to: 

FULL COURT PRESS

A. Bobby Chhabra, MD, wears many hats: 

At UVA School of Medicine: Chair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Lillian T. Pratt Distinguished Professor of Orthopedic Surgery; David A. Harrison Distinguished Educator; and Professor of Plastic Surgery. 

At UVA Health: Division of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery; and the physician lead and driving force in the development and construction of the UVA Hand Center and UVA Health Orthopedic Center, where he serves as Director. 

At UVA: Team Physician, Athletics. 

And since October 2025, President, American Society for Surgery of the Hand. 

Eye on the Ball

But somehow, for eight years, he’s also found time to pursue another passion: sports media. Dr. Chhabra, along with Jay James, co-hosts ESPN/WINA radio's “Real Athletic Conversations,” bright and early, every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. — more than 350 shows so far!  

The duo also has been nominated many times for Associated Press Awards for Best Sports Show in Virginia — and won twice. In addition, Dr. Chhabra has participated in podcasts about sports injuries for national ESPN.  

What initially sparked his interest in sports media roles? “My passions are orthopedics and sports,” he says. “Several years ago, I was approached by Jay to develop this concept so we could use a media platform to educate the Charlottesville community on injury prevention and discuss current hot topics in high school, college, and professional athletics.” 

Game Changer

He adds, “I am grateful I’ve had this opportunity to discuss injuries, injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation with our listeners. I love this show and have so much fun each week!"

"As Chair of Orthopedics, Director of the UVA Health Orthopedic Center, and a member of the Charlottesville community for 35 years — I feel it’s my responsibility that our community is educated on orthopedic injuries and conditions. I want them to understand the incredible, world-class, comprehensive care they can receive at the UVA Health Orthopedic Center if they ever need it!” 

HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES

In 2019, Brian Simalchik began working at UVA School of Medicine as a Multi-Media Specialist in the Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging. In 2023, he joined UVA Health Strategic Marketing and Communications as a Marketing Strategist. 

In Tune

And for almost seven years, he’s has been hosting “A New Sound,” a weekly show highlighting new classical music on UVA’s community radio station, WTJU 91.1FM, which he describes as, “An incredible resource for music of all genres — 100% volunteer DJs sharing music they love. It’s also an amazing hub in central Virginia for live performances, podcasts, educational programs, and much more!”

Simalchik’s show is live from 1 to 3 p.m., Sundays, on wtju.net and charlottesvilleclassical.org; recordings are available on the WTJU website up to two weeks after original air dates. 

“Lots of new classical music being written today occupies almost zero space in our broader culture — it’s generally less visible than new books, new visual art, new dance, or new film,” explains Simalchik. “But so much of it is deeply moving, thought provoking, and spans genres — connecting to other musical traditions such as jazz, hip hop, rock, indie and the traditional music of global cultures. That fluidity mirrors the current moment, when the art and culture of the entirety of human civilization is at our fingertips.”

Simalchik knows of what he speaks. He began playing classical piano when he was only 6 years old and started writing music soon after! His undergraduate degree is in music; his master's degree is in music composition. 

Striking a Chord 

Any parallels between his weekend and weekday doles? “Radio hosting requires knowledge, passion, enthusiasm, and the ability to effectively communicate with people,” answers Simalchik. “You have to draw people in and get them to listen closely along with you.” 

He notes: “Many of the things that interest me about hosting hold true in my role at UVA Health, where I work closely with people across the system to develop marketing strategies for patients and providers. That requires me to bring people together to create effective marketing plans and content that accurately reflect our care and values.”

Catch previous installments in the series:
○ Honing Their Crafts: Photographer, painters, and doll/mouse house and balloon sculpture makers! "Healing is about more than medicine — it’s about the human spirit."
○ Open Book: Pen to paper (or mouse to laptop), outside of work, one page at a time. Meet two novelisfs in our midst. “My role at UVA Health is such a nice balance with my creative life.”
 
Got (a Hidden) Talent?
Do you, as a UVA Health team member, have a hidden talent? Or does a UVA Health colleague you know have one? If so, contact Connect to be considered for a future installment in this series!