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UVA Health Pharmacy Medication Safety Team has launched a new initiative "to celebrate our incredible partners outside pharmacy who go above and beyond in the name of medication safety." 

The team has recognized the first recipient of the Medication Safety Star Award: Ashley Graham, BSN, RN, Transplant Unit, who "demonstrated outstanding critical thinking and vigilance."  

Graham identified a patient with a history of Type 1 diabetes, who had been admitted for transplant rejection and was receiving steroids. Graham noticed a gap in care and stepped in to remedy the situation and promptly contacted the care team. 

Thanks to Graham's proactive intervention, Endocrinology was consulted, and the patient received the insulin therapy needed. 

“I’m truly honored to receive this award," says Graham. "It reflects not only my work, but the incredible support, guidance, and collaboration I’ve been fortunate to have along the way. Working as a nurse at UVA Health has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. The opportunities for growth, education, and meaningful connection with patients and colleagues continue to inspire me every day." 

"We are so excited to recognize Ashley for her sharp clinical judgment, dedication to patient safety, and unwavering advocacy for her patient," says Mary Pat Thomas, PharmD, BCPS, CPHQ, Medication Safety Pharmacist, UVA Health University Medical Center. 

‘I am not surprised at all that Ashley is being recognized ... as she is one of the most conscientious and accountable nurses I have had the privilege to work with,” says Taralyn Wear, MSN-Ed, BSN, RN, Nurse Manager, Transplant Unit. “She takes great pride in providing the highest quality of care and is well-known in the unit for not only paying close attention to safety and quality, but also for providing compassionate care to each patient and for supporting her team members with whatever is needed.”