Top 10 Connect Stories of 2022

12.28.2022

10.

Dec. 6 | 10 Photos: For Stressed Med Students, Cute Dogs Are Just What the Doctor Ordered | “On Friday, Dec. 2, adorable dogs helped medical students take a break from all their worries as they prepared for their exams. UVA Health’s Claude Moore Health Sciences Library and a student group, the Aid to Medical Students Committee (ATMS), brought in cookies, cocoa, cider and canines in an event they call the ‘5Cs Caring Break.’”

9.

Dec. 9 | Nurse Gives One-of-a-Kind Gift to Daughters of a Dying Mother | “Jennifer Crawfoot, RN, Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), recently cared for a woman who was nearing the end of her life. The family was devastated by the news, so Jennifer made special gifts for the patient’s teenage daughters using their mom’s heartbeat. A colleague nominated Jennifer for a DAISY Award for this act of kindness. Jennifer received the honor at a surprise ceremony on her unit."

8.

Dec. 2 | Charge Nurse Led the Way for Staff and Family as Newborn Twins Moved to Comfort Care | “Nicole Durden-Mundy, RN, Charge Nurse, Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), recently received her second DAISY Award. Nicole’s most recent nomination details how she expertly navigated — clinically and emotionally — through a parent’s worst nightmare."

7.

Oct. 14 | ‘How Do You Tell Someone That Has Just Gone Through So Much Their Baby Is Dying?’ | “On one hand, nurses in the Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit (STICU) have seen it all. On the other hand, they continually witness new, once-in-a-lifetime tragedies. On a recent shift, Stephanie Strauss, RN, STICU, handled an uncommon and heartbreaking situation with a mom and premature baby so eloquently that her colleague nominated her for a DAISY Award. Stephanie received the award at a surprise ceremony on her unit with her colleagues and Nursing leadership.”

6.

June 15 | Married Faculty Members Reflect on Pride Months Past & Present | “As a nation, we’ve come a long way in our acceptance of non-heteronormative relationships since Pride celebrations began in the 1970s. For those in the LGBTQ+ community, the attitude shift toward inclusivity could not come soon enough. Connect spoke to UVA Children’s clinical social worker Sara Groff Stephens, PhD, and pediatric psychologist Haley Stephens, PhD, about their experience as a same-sex married couple and how we can all be better allies for our queer patients, friends, and family members.”

5.

May 13 | 54 Photos: Celebrating UVA Health Week | “During UVA Health Week (May 8-14) team members gathered to celebrate with food, music, and fun. Multiple events were held throughout the week at the Medical Center, Fontaine Research Park, Transitional Care Hospital/Northridge, North Fork, UVA Health Orthopedic Center, and other off-site locations.”

4.

April 19 | 7 Dependable and Devoted Team Members You Should Know | “Each quarter, Uteam Members of the Month from the Medical Center, School of Medicine, and UVA Physicians Group (UPG) are recognized for outstanding service to UVA Health and their commitment to our ASPIRE core values: Accountability, Stewardship, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Excellence.”

3.

December | End of Year Celebrations | “UVA Health is hosting a series of End of Year Celebrations. Open to all UVA Health team members, these events spotlighted our ASPIRE value, Equity, which promotes justice, diversity, inclusion, and unity as part of our culture.”

2.

March 21 | 121 Photos: Congratulations, SMD22, on a Successful Match Day! | “On Friday, March 18, the UVA School of Medicine’s Class of 2022 learned where they will continue their training as residents at hospitals across the country, including UVA Medical Center."

1.

Dec. 21 | 44 Photos | Santa Visits the NICU | "On Thursday, Dec. 15, Santa Claus visited the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at UVA Children’s to take photos with babies and their families. NICU team members coordinated the annual photo shoot so families can have a special memento of their baby to mark the holidays."