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This edition of The CEO’s List features UVA Health team members who have been recognized for their excellence in clinical care, research, and leadership. I am also thrilled to launch a new video series that includes interviews with exceptional team members where I will have the opportunity to highlight their accomplishments and celebrate their many successes and contributions to UVA Health.

With gratitude,
K. Craig Kent, MD
Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health

CEO Spotlight: Brett Castrodale, MD

In this inaugural CEO’s Spotlight video, I had the immense honor to speak with Dr. Brett Castrodale, a family medicine physician in our Primary Care Pantops clinic. Dr. Castrodale is beloved by patients and respected by his colleagues. In fact, according to our patient care survey results in 2024, he was in the top 1% of all UVA Health physicians. He is a compassionate physician who provides excellent care to his patients, and this does not go unnoticed. Thank you, Brett, for spending the time to speak with me about what inspires you to provide exceptional patient care. We are incredibly fortunate to have you on our team.

Neeral L. Shah, MD

I am thrilled to congratulate Dr. Neeral Shah on receiving Virginia's 2025 Outstanding Faculty Award from the State Council of Higher Education — an honor that reflects his unwavering dedication to teaching, research, and patient care. As an associate professor of gastroenterology, Dr. Shah’s impact at UVA Health is profound. He has played a key role in shaping the NxGen medical curriculum, an innovative pre-clerkship program that prepares students to be lifelong learners and provide patient-centered, evidence-based care. He has also led groundbreaking work in improving care for patients with liver disease. His commitment to mentoring future physicians, coupled with his compassionate approach to patient care, exemplifies the very best in academic medicine. This recognition is a testament to the transformative influence he has had on students, colleagues, and patients alike. Congratulations, Neeral, on this remarkable achievement!

Madhusmita Misra, MD

Since joining us in 2023, Dr. Madhu Misra has had a profound impact on UVA Health, strengthening our Children’s hospital through clinical excellence, groundbreaking research, and a commitment to education and community engagement. As Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Physician-in-Chief of UVA Health Children’s, she has fostered vital collaborations, expanded research, and recruited promising new clinicians to advance pediatric care. Her active role in the leadership of UVA Health has not stood in the way of her personal accomplishments. Her most recent NIH R01 grant focuses on improving bone health in young women. Additionally, the publication of her latest book,  “Pediatric Endocrinology: A Practical Clinical Guide,” reflects her dedication to shaping and influencing her field. Dr. Misra’s efforts to enhance training programs and deepen community partnerships continue to strengthen UVA Health Children’s, ensuring a lasting impact on patients, families, and the next generation of pediatric specialists. We are grateful for her leadership and the many ways she has made UVA Health a destination for children’s care.

Department of Plastic Surgery and Oncologic Reconstruction Course Team

I want to extend my congratulations to the UVA Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for hosting the 11th annual Oncologic Reconstruction Course earlier this winter. This event attracted experts from across the nation and exemplifies UVA Health’s excellence in plastic and reconstructive surgery. In particular, I appreciate the work of Dr. Scott Hollenbeck, course co-founder and Chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery. Additionally, Dr. J.T. Stranix and Dr. Amanda Silva, faculty in the Department, both did an amazing job chairing this year’s event. A special thanks also goes to Colleen McDowell, director of education in the Department of Plastic Surgery, and Dr. Meg Keeley, senior associate dean for education in the School of Medicine, for organizing an outstanding course. By bringing together faculty and residents from top institutions across the country, the course provided an invaluable hands-on learning experience that showcased cutting-edge techniques and innovations in the field. I am proud of the role UVA Health plays in shaping the future of medicine and grateful to everyone who contributed to making this such an impactful event.

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