National Wear Red Day — Send Your Photos to Us

Friday, Feb. 2 | National Wear Red Day unites millions worldwide to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention for all with a focus on women’s health. Chances are, we all know a woman affected by heart disease and stroke because cardiovascular disease claims the lives of more women than all cancers combined. Together, we can change this — because there is nothing women united with purpose cannot achieve. 

Email photos of you (and your colleagues) wearing your best red outfits on Feb. 2 and we’ll share them on Connect. (Please include name and department in photo submissions.)

Ambulatory

Pediatric Primary Care Go-Live Today for One Team | United on Access

Today, pediatric primary care clinics across the health system (including UPG and UVA Community Health Medical Group) are going live with new scheduling tools and workflows as part of the One Team | United on Access initiative. The new functionality aims to improve patient access while reducing the administrative burden for providers, clinical team members, and access associates. All those who partner with pediatric primary care clinics on the delivery of care should be aware that this go-live is taking place and will be a central focus across the specialty.

Operations

Get Hyped — Hyperdrive is Coming 

The Health Information Technology team will implement Epic Hyperdrive across all UVA Health entities this spring. Hyperdrive is Epic’s own custom web browser, and the new way team members will access Epic to complete routine patient care activities. Read more on Connect.

New CBL: Preventing Theft and Unauthorized Access in University Medical Center

In this computer-based learning module (CBL) in Workday, learn why it is important to secure belongings and prevent unauthorized access for the safety of our team members, patients, and visitors. Examines safety risks and liability, examples of unauthorized access, and what prevention measures we can take.

Leadership

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Population Health: Better Outcomes, Fewer Emergency Department Visits

In her new Vision and Voice post, Wendy Horton discusses Population Health’s vital role in improving health outcomes while addressing Emergency Department capacity at University Medical Center. Read more.

Happenings

2024 Black History Month | Racial Healing: The Heart of Racial Equity 

• Kultivate Konnection | First Thursday of every month, starting Thursday, Feb. 1 | 11:30 a.m. | Zoom | 30-minute, drop-in group developed through a partnership with UVA Health Population Health and UVA Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP). Emotional wellness break and space to facilitate racial healing through a connection with colleagues, shared experiences, and cultivation of authenticity and kinship. Facilitated by Arminda Perch, MBA, LCSW, Population Health, and Pamela Meredith Hamilton, MAMF, FEAP.
• UVA Health Storytellers | Friday, Feb. 2 | noon-1 p.m. | Medical Education Building 1110 or registration required for virtual | Guest speaker: Mesha Jones, MSN, RN, CCRN, Nursing Professional Governance Organization President, UVA Health Ambulatory nurse, UVA School of Nursing clinical instructor, and a winner of UVA Health’s 2024 MLK Award.
• DEI Book of the Month Discussion | Mondays, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 | noon-1 p.m. | Virtual, Registration required; click on dates to register | Kimberley Barker, Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, and Melody Pannell, UVA Health Director of Diversity and Community Engagement, facilitate discussion of “The Racial Healing Handbook: Practical Activities to Help You Challenge Privilege, Confront Systemic Racism, and Engage in Collective Healing.” 
• Racial Awareness and Sensitivity Support Group, Multi-Racial | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 6:15-7:45 p.m. | Virtual | Counseling Alliance of Virginia leads these sessions for the community to encourage cross-racial conversations and dialogue — safely and therapeutically. 
• Coming to the Table: The Journey of Racial Healing | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 4-5 p.m. | Virtual, registration required | Guest Speaker: Jodie Geddes, co-author of “The Little Book of Racial Healing: Coming to the Table for Truthtelling, Liberation, and Transformation” and Co-Manager, Coming To The Table, Oakland, California.
• UVA Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Presents: Black History Month Gospel Concert | Friday, Feb. 16 | 6:30 p.m. | The Paramount Theater | Free and Open to Public, registration required | This concert will feature Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Tasha Cobbs Leonard and a special performance by Grammy Award-nominated Melvin Crispell III. Northern Virginia-based praise team concert begins at 6 p.m.
• My Story, My Voice | Tuesday, Feb. 20 | 11 a.m.-noon | Medical Education Building 1110 | Registration required for virtual | Guest speaker Gene Cash, LCSW, LISW-S, CEO, Executive Director, Counseling Alliance of Virginia, addresses racial awareness and sensitivity and shares his academic/career journey, mileposts, new learnings, and recommended best practices and benchmarks. My Story, My Voice focuses on leading experts — outside of UVA Health — in healthcare, mental health, restorative justice, and DEI.
• Diversity Dialogue With Dr. Downs | Tuesday, Feb. 20 | noon-1 p.m. | Medical Education Building 1110 | Registration required for virtual | Gene Cash joins Tracy Downs, MD, FACS, UVA Health Chief Diversity and Community Engagement Officer, for a discussion facilitated by Melody Pannell, UVA Health Director of Diversity and Community Engagement.
• Community Conversations: Growing Up in Charlottesville | Sunday, Feb. 25 | 1-2:30 p.m. | Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church, 105 Lankford Ave. | Co-facilitated by UVA Health’s Jackie Martin, Director of Community Partnerships and Health Equity, and Melody Pannell, Director of Diversity and Community Engagement. 
• “Trauma and Race: A Path to Wellbeing” | Wednesday, Feb. 28
  • Author Spotlight | 2-3 p.m. | Medical Education Building 3110 | Reverend Dr. Micah McCreary, President, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New Jersey; author, “Trauma and Race: A Path to Wellbeing,” about trauma-informed counseling for racially traumatized African (Black), Latino/a/x, Asian, and Native (Indigenous) Americans (ALANAs).
  • Book Signing | 3-4 p.m. | Claude Moore Health Sciences Library lobby

Heart Month Food Drive in Honor of Dr. Lew Lipson

Feb. 1-29 | Drop off locations will be throughout the Heart & Vascular Center (Cath Lab, CTU, OR, F 500 Cardiology, CV Surgery and PCC Cardiology Clinics, 2nd floor F 400, and UVA Health Augusta/Fishersville Cardiology Clinic). Most needed items include: low sodium canned soup, stew, chili; low sodium canned vegetables; low sugar whole grain cereal; low sugar peanut and almond butter; boxed macaroni and cheese; whole grain rice and pasta; canned tuna and chicken; paper products; baby food, formula, and diapers; soap and feminine products; and toothbrushes. Sponsored by the Cath Lab, CTU, and ambulatory clinics. Donate online.

Hoos Well: Slaughter Rec Takeover

Thursday, Feb. 1 | 3-7 p.m. | Join Hoos Well for its first Slaughter Rec Takeover to kick-off the monthly Triple Tracker physical activity challenge. Activities include climbing, group exercise, and pickleball. Sign up.

School of Nursing Alumni Spotlight | Ahead of the Curve: Pediatric Scoliosis for the Non-Orthopod

Thursday, Feb. 1 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | Alicia McCarthy, MSN, CPNP-AC, Nurse Practitioner, Department of Orthopedics, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Wilmington, Delaware, is a front-line provider for pediatric inpatient orthopedic patients, including patients in the postoperative period, with medical complexity, and with multiple chronic conditions. Details.

Meet Ohio State University Chief Wellness Officer and Nurse

Friday, Feb. 2 | noon-1:30 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium | Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, discusses "Investing in Clinician Wellbeing, Wellness Cultures, and High-Quality Safe Care." Sponsored by the Compassionate Care Initiative at the UVA School of Nursing. Learn more and RSVP. Questions? E-mail compassion@virginia.edu.

UVA LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Meetups

Saturday, Feb. 3 | Sponsored by the UVA LGBTQ Committee.

• UVA Women’s Rugby vs. Virginia Tech | Madbowl | 11 a.m.
• Out and About Happy Hour | Pro Re Nata Brewpub and Music Hall, Crozet | 5-8 p.m. | RSVP 

ECHO: Long COVID Virtual Learning Series

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of collaboration among clinicians to address specific needs and challenges associated with providing care for people living in congregate communities. Free CME to registered attendees. Register.

• Wednesday, Feb. 14: The Use of Telehealth During the Public Health Emergency and Beyond | 12:30-1:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 20: Long COVID, Functional Implications | 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Nominate: 2023 Sustainability Leadership Awards

Deadline: Friday, Feb. 16 | 5 p.m. | This award honors those who exhibit a commitment to advancing sustainability practices and solutions. Nominations are welcome for students and groups; staff and departments; faculty and departments; and community members or groups.

Nominate an RN for a Nursing Excellence Award

Deadline: Thursday, Feb. 22 | The Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors several nurses each year for demonstrating excellence in their roles. Award recipients are selected on the basis of peer-reviewed nominations received by the NPGO Awards and Recognition Committee. Please consider nominating one or more of your well-deserving RN colleagues for these honors. Learn more. Questions? Email npgo@uvahealth.org.

Appreciation

Improving Document Management With PolicyTech

As we turn the calendar to 2024, the Accreditation Department wants to thank team members for your many contributions over the past year to support the successful launch of PolicyTech, the University Medical Center’s new document management tool and repository for policies, procedures, and guidelines.

The University Medical Center’s policies, procedures, and guidelines are foundational to our regulatory readiness and supporting patient safety and quality care, treatment, and services. Sixty percent of Joint Commission citations are related to non-compliance with institutional policies and procedures. Due to your efforts and support, we’ve made significant progress in improving our compliance with the document management principles defined in Clinical and Operational Document Management Medical Center Policy. 

Thank you to all involved! Read more about its success on Connect.

Previous Updates

Monday, Jan. 29

Emergency Blood Shortage: Sign Up to Donate

Tuesday, Jan. 30; Monday, Feb. 5; Monday, Feb. 19; Wednesday, Feb. 21 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Battle Building, First Floor | Quayle Learning Center | 1204 West Main St. | The American Red Cross — UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products — is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. Your blood donation is needed now to help alleviate the shortage and ensure life-saving medical procedures are not delayed. Sign up by emailing GIVEBLOOD@uvahealth.org or visiting redcrossblood.org. 

• Swag alert: Donate blood, platelets, or plasma in January to be entered automatically for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. Terms apply.

Operations

Get Hyped — Hyperdrive is Coming 

The Health Information Technology team will implement Epic Hyperdrive across all UVA Health entities this spring. Hyperdrive is Epic’s own custom web browser, and the new way team members will access Epic to complete routine patient care activities. Read more on Connect.

Under Repair: Lee Street Parking Garage

Through Friday, Feb 2 | Structural repairs will be ongoing in the Lee Street Parking Garage and continuing through mid-February. This will affect our patients and visitors. Please tell them to use caution when entering and exiting the garage, as traffic patterns will be modified temporarily. They should stay alert and follow directions from signage and flaggers. This work may cause delays in parking, so please tell them to allow extra time to park and plan to arrive early for scheduled appointments. Team members: Patients will be directed to park in the 11th Street Garage during overflow times, which may cause delays. Questions? Contact Andy Theobald, Project Manager.

Leadership

‘Brunch With Bennett’ Coming to Battle

Wednesday, Feb. 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Learning Center | Register | Team members are invited to join UVA Health Chief Ambulatory Operations Officer John Bennett for a casual brunch (note change from usual breakfast hour!) and conversation at the Battle Building. Share your ideas and experiences, hear updates from the chief about the latest Ambulatory happenings, and network with colleagues. Seats are limited, so register today! This is a free event and team members do not have to work at the host location to attend.

Happenings

FEAP: Sustainable Well-Being Strategies

Tuesday, Jan. 30 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | A new year often brings a desire to focus on our well-being. Join Mary Sherman, LCSW, CEAP, and Beth Frackleton, RN, BSN, MEd, NBC-HWC, and explore stress and burnout's impact. Learn strategies for well-being and delve into the available resources. Details.

Medical Center Hour | Negotiating Normalcy: Deafness Cures in American History

Wednesday, Jan. 31 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium and Zoom | Jaipreet Virdi, PhD, Associate Professor and Historian, Department of History, University of Delaware, unravels the many ways deaf people sought to restore or gain hearing. This history provides broad context for understanding the lived experiences of deaf people and how cultural pressures of normalcy significantly stigmatized deafness. Dominique Tobbell, PhD, Professor and Director of the Eleanor Crowder Bjoring, Center for Nursing Historical Inquiry, UVA Health, moderates. Lunch provided for the first 40, in-person attendees.

Hoos Well: Slaughter Rec Takeover

Thursday, Feb. 1 | 3-7 p.m. | Join Hoos Well for its first Slaughter Rec Takeover to kick-off the monthly Triple Tracker physical activity challenge. Activities include climbing, group exercise, and pickleball. Sign up.

School of Nursing Alumni Spotlight | Ahead of the Curve: Pediatric Scoliosis for the Non-Orthopod

Thursday, Feb. 1 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | Alicia McCarthy, MSN, CPNP-AC, Nurse Practitioner, Department of Orthopedics, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Wilmington, Delaware, is a front-line provider for pediatric inpatient orthopedic patients, including patients in the postoperative period, with medical complexity, and with multiple chronic conditions. Details.

2024 Black History Month | Racial Healing: The Heart of Racial Equity 

• Kultivate Konnection | First Thursday of every month, starting Thursday, Feb. 1 | 11:30 a.m. | Zoom | 30-minute, drop-in group developed through a partnership with UVA Health Population Health and UVA Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP). Emotional wellness break and space to facilitate racial healing through a connection with colleagues, shared experiences, and cultivation of authenticity and kinship. Facilitated by Arminda Perch, MBA, LCSW, Population Health, and Pamela Meredith Hamilton, MAMF, FEAP.
• UVA Health Storytellers | Friday, Feb. 2 | noon-1 p.m. | Medical Education Building 1110 or registration required for virtual | Guest speaker: Mesha Jones, MSN, RN, CCRN, Nursing Professional Governance Organization President, UVA Health Ambulatory nurse, UVA School of Nursing clinical instructor, and a winner of UVA Health’s 2024 MLK Award.
• DEI Book of the Month Discussion | Mondays, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 | noon-1 p.m. | Virtual, Registration required; click on dates to register | Kimberley Barker, Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, and Melody Pannell, UVA Health Director of Diversity and Community Engagement, facilitate discussion of “The Racial Healing Handbook: Practical Activities to Help You Challenge Privilege, Confront Systemic Racism, and Engage in Collective Healing.” 
• National Day of Racial Healing Special Luncheon | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall 2ABC | Registration required | RSVP by Tuesday, Jan. 30 | Guest Speaker: Reverend Dr. Alvin Edwards, Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church.
• Racial Awareness and Sensitivity Support Group, Multi-Racial | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 6:15-7:45 p.m. | Virtual | Counseling Alliance of Virginia leads these sessions for the community to encourage cross-racial conversations and dialogue — safely and therapeutically. 
• Coming to the Table: The Journey of Racial Healing | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 4-5 p.m. | Virtual, registration required | Guest Speaker: Jodie Geddes, co-author of “The Little Book of Racial Healing: Coming to the Table for Truthtelling, Liberation, and Transformation” and Co-Manager, Coming To The Table, Oakland, California.
• UVA Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Presents: Black History Month Gospel Concert | Friday, Feb. 16 | 6:30 p.m. | The Paramount Theater | Free and Open to Public, Registration required | This concert will feature Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Tasha Cobbs Leonard and a special performance by Grammy Award-nominated Melvin Crispell III. Northern Virginia-based praise team concert begins at 6 p.m.
• My Story, My Voice | Tuesday, Feb. 20 | 11 a.m.-noon | Medical Education Building 1110 | Registration required for virtual | Guest speaker Gene Cash, LCSW, LISW-S, CEO, Executive Director, Counseling Alliance of Virginia, addresses racial awareness and sensitivity and shares his academic/career journey, mileposts, new learnings, and recommended best practices and benchmarks. My Story, My Voice focuses on leading experts — outside of UVA Health — in healthcare, mental health, restorative justice, and DEI.
• Diversity Dialogue With Dr. Downs | Tuesday, Feb. 20 | noon-1 p.m. | Medical Education Building 1110 | Registration required for virtual | Gene Cash joins Tracy Downs, MD, FACS, UVA Health Chief Diversity and Community Engagement Officer, for a discussion facilitated by Melody Pannell, UVA Health Director of Diversity and Community Engagement.
• Community Conversations: Growing Up in Charlottesville | Sunday, Feb. 25 | 1-2:30 p.m. | Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church, 105 Lankford Ave. | Co-facilitated by UVA Health’s Jackie Martin, Director of Community Partnerships and Health Equity, and Melody Pannell, Director of Diversity and Community Engagement. 
• “Trauma and Race: A Path to Wellbeing” | Wednesday, Feb. 28
  • Author Spotlight | 2-3 p.m. | Medical Education Building 3110 | Reverend Dr. Micah McCreary, President, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New Jersey; author, “Trauma and Race: A Path to Wellbeing,” about trauma-informed counseling for racially traumatized African (Black), Latino/a/x, Asian, and Native (Indigenous) Americans (ALANAs).
  • Book Signing | 3-4 p.m. | Claude Moore Health Sciences Library lobby

National Wear Red Day — Send Your Photos to Us

Friday, Feb. 2 | National Wear Red Day unites millions worldwide to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention for all with a focus on women’s health. Chances are, we all know a woman affected by heart disease and stroke because cardiovascular disease claims the lives of more women than all cancers combined. Together, we can change this — because there is nothing women united with purpose cannot achieve. Email photos of you (and your colleagues) wearing your best red outfits on Feb. 2 and we’ll share them on Connect. (Please include name and department in photo submissions.)

ECHO Series: Stroke Ready Primary Care

UVA Neurology is offering a free, recurring, monthly ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) virtual webinar series on novel stroke treatment and presentation identification. This Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded series will examine unique post-stroke populations, unusual presentations, and new treatment paradigms. While intended for primary care providers, other members of the care team and community can attend with permission. Continuing medical education credit available. Sessions will be recorded and distributed to registrants. Registration required.

• Stroke Chameleons — Recognizing Atypical Stroke Presentations | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | noon-1 p.m.
• New Treatment Cholesterol Management | Wednesday, March 13 | noon-1 p.m.
• Cholesterol-Lipid Lowering Drugs: New Treatments, What to Use and When | Wednesday, April 10 | noon-1 p.m.

Nominate: John T. Casteen III Diversity-Equity-Inclusion Leadership Award

Deadline: Friday, Feb. 16 | This award honors University community members who best demonstrate exemplary leadership in the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion at UVA or in the local community. Learn more and nominate.

2024 Heart Failure Symposium

Saturday, Feb. 24 | 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center and Zoom | Highlighting current trends, issues, and newly emerging therapies for the care of individuals diagnosed with heart failure. The team of professionals providing care to individuals with heart failure will extend their knowledge in order to improve care delivery and outcomes for this population in both specialized settings as well as across the continuum of care. Registration closes Sunday, Feb. 18. Learn more. 

Appreciation

Tables Are Turned

UVA Health held its first Garden of Appreciation event to thank team members who otherwise develop and operationalize events and don’t get to participate in those festivities.

The offices of UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Min Lee, MBA, MHA, and UVA Health Chief of Human Resources Karmen Fittes, MBA, partnered to develop Garden of Appreciation to kick off 2024 for team members from Environmental Services, Food and Nutrition Services, and Rewards and Recognition.

Leaders such as William “Bill” Lombardi volunteered their time and energy to serve and engage with guests. “Any opportunity we can take to recognize team members who support us every day — it’s a great thing!”

George Minor, Rewards and Recognition Specialist, has been with UVA Health for 17 years. “R&R has always worked to recognize others and it felt good to be on the receiving end,” he explains. “It means a lot that someone took the time to recognize the team!” Read more on Connect.

Friday, Jan. 26

National Wear Red Day — Send Your Photos to Us

Friday, Feb. 2 | National Wear Red Day unites millions worldwide to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention for all with a focus on women’s health. Chances are, we all know a woman affected by heart disease and stroke because cardiovascular disease claims the lives of more women than all cancers combined. Together, we can change this — because there is nothing women united with purpose cannot achieve. 

Email photos of you (and your colleagues) wearing your best red outfits on Feb. 2 and we’ll share them on Connect. (Please include name and department in photo submissions.)

Operations

Construction Impacts | Refreshing and Brightening Main OR

5 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, to 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 28 | The main Operating Room (OR) has embarked on a multi-phase plan to refresh and brighten its space. The final phase of the project will be completed this weekend. Map. Please note:

• Some pathways to the OR will be impacted as the corridors will be painted and barriers will be erected. Patients coming from the South Tower or Emergency Department will not be disrupted. Direct-to-OR patients coming from North, West, or East units will detour through the Pre/Post area. There is no patient access to the main OR through the corridor that runs by the control desk. 
• The OR control desk will temporarily operate out of the PACU on Saturday (all day) and Sunday (morning).
• ORs 2001, 2002, 2012, and 2029 will not be accessible. The Trauma I/U/E room will be OR 2015.
• The pharmacy window in the OR will be closed. Please page the pharmacy tech to arrange delivery.

Thank you to our amazing partners in facilities for making the OR brighter and a nicer place to work!

New System-Level Patient Transfer Center Announced

A cornerstone of UVA Health’s 10-year strategic plan is continuing to prioritize superior quality of care and service for all patients. In support of this commitment, UVA Health is transitioning to a system-level transfer center to oversee the coordination of patient transfers to and between our four hospitals and our broader statewide network. A system center will allow for more clinical integration and facilitation of transfers and will optimize access for patients based on their unique clinical needs. The UVA Health transfer center will be led by Peter Paige, MD, the health system’s inaugural Chief Clinical Officer. Learn more about this exciting development on Connect.

Leadership

Save the Date: Come Together for ASPIRE Day 2024!

Wednesday, Feb. 14 | UVA Health will be hosting a systemwide event for all team members as a way to come together to show our ASPIRE values some love! UVA Health leaders will be on hand throughout the day at hosted tables across the health system for conversation and candy giveaways, and to share a few fun surprises. This is a great opportunity to renew your commitment to our values and discuss your ideas about how we can use our ASPIRE values to continue to make UVA Health one of the best places to work for everyone. Locations: 

• University Medical Center, cafeteria breezeway  
• Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center, first floor
• Battle Building, third floor
• Orthopedic Center Ivy Road, cafeteria
• Prince William Medical Center, cafeteria
• Haymarket Medical Center, across from conference room A & B, hallway 
• Culpeper Medical Center, old coffee Kiosk upstairs, main building

Town Hall Replay: Check Out the Speed-Watcher’s Guide

If you missed the latest town hall (or want to re-watch), here's your chance to catch up! Visit Connect to find time code stamps for panel discussion topics and the embedded video for your convenience.

This event featured a discussion with our UVA Health executive leadership team focused on the theme: One UVA Health | An Interconnected Academic Health System. The panel discussion was moderated by K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health and included: Marianne Baernholdt, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, Dean, UVA School of Nursing; Wendy Horton, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health University Medical Center; J. Scott Just, MD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Physicians Group; Melina R. Kibbe, MD, Dean, UVA School of Medicine; and Michelle Strider, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, UVA Community Health. 

‘Brunch With Bennett’ Coming to Battle

Wednesday, Feb. 28 | noon-1 p.m. | UVA Health Battle Building, Quayle Learning Center | Register | Team members are invited to join UVA Health Chief Ambulatory Operations Officer John Bennett for a casual brunch (note change from usual breakfast hour!) and conversation at the Battle Building. Share your ideas and experiences, hear updates from the chief about the latest Ambulatory happenings, and network with colleagues. Seats are limited, so register today! This is a free event and team members do not have to work at the host location to attend.

UVA Health In the News

Top Story

• Dr. Bobby Chhabra is featured on the Becker’s Hospital Review podcast discussing his work at UVA Health and the future of technology in orthopedics.

Patient Care

• Aimee Strong discusses lung cancer screening during this week’s NBC29 segment.
• Dr. Rachel Moon talks with The Washington Post about why weighted baby blankets are unsafe.
• Dr. Kyle Enfield talks with Time about how to safely use home humidifiers.
• Dr. Ross Buerlein talks with NewsNation (national cable news channel) about the rise in colon cancer deaths among younger people. 
• The story of McKinley Morris — who went home after 231 days in the University Medical Center NICU — is featured in Richmond and West Virginia and TV stations across the country.

Research

• School of Nursing faculty member Dominique Tobbell is interviewed by The Washington Post for a news obituary of Claire Fagin. 
• Dr. Eyleen O’Rourke’s article for The Conversation on her anti-aging research is picked up by dozens of outlets nationally, including the San Francisco Chronicle and Yahoo.
• Dr. Drew Harris talks with Healio about progressive massive fibrosis among coal miners.
• Dr. Patrick Jackson talks with Yahoo about the concept of “immunity theft.”

Community

• Dr. Karen Rheuban is featured on WVTF (Virginia NPR affiliate) and in Becker’s Hospital Review discussing a new telehealth alliance to expand access in underserved areas globally.

Education

• Dr. Martin Hehir, an anesthesiology resident, is featured on TV stations nationally — Norfolk and Indiana included — for qualifying for the Olympic Trials marathon.

Happenings

Data Privacy Week at UVA Health: Protect Your Data — Adjust Privacy Settings to Your Comfort Level

Data Privacy Week is an international effort to empower individuals and organizations to respect privacy, safeguard data, and enable trust. Visit the UVA Health Data Privacy Week webpage to learn more and get involved!

Rotating Art Exhibit 

Through Wednesday, March 6 | University Medical Center lobby | Local Charlottesville artist Mary Jane Check will exhibit her art in the show “Eye Candy.” Stop by and check it out!

Shoes 4 Hope Auction 

Ends Sunday, Jan. 28 | 11:59 p.m. | Supporting the pediatric oncology division at UVA Health Children's, this auction features custom shoes decorated by pediatric oncology patients, worn and signed by UVA basketball staff and players including men's basketball head coach Tony Bennett. Check them out — and bid — today!

UVA Grand Challenge: Digital Technology and Youth Mental Health

Monday Jan. 29 | 12:30-1:45 p.m. | 390 Gilmer Hall | UVA alum and Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Psychological Science and Informatics at University of California Irvine, Dr. Candice Odgers discusses “The Science Behind the Story of Teen Mental Health and Digital Technology Use.” Co-sponsored by the Department of Psychology, School of Education and Human Development, and the UVA Grand Challenge. Learn more and receive emails about the Grand Challenge initiative.

Emergency Blood Shortage: Sign Up to Donate

Tuesday, Jan. 30; Monday, Feb. 5; Monday, Feb. 19; Wednesday, Feb. 21 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Battle Building, First Floor | Quayle Learning Center | 1204 West Main St. | The American Red Cross — UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products — is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. Your blood donation is needed now to help alleviate the shortage and ensure life-saving medical procedures are not delayed. Sign up by emailing GIVEBLOOD@uvahealth.org or visiting redcrossblood.org. 

• Swag alert: Donate blood, platelets, or plasma in January to automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. Terms apply.

Medical Center Hour | Negotiating Normalcy: Deafness Cures in American History

Wednesday, Jan. 31 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium and Zoom | Jaipreet Virdi, PhD, Associate Professor and Historian, Department of History, University of Delaware, unravels the many ways deaf people sought to restore or gain hearing. This history provides broad context for understanding the lived experiences of deaf people and how cultural pressures of normalcy significantly stigmatized deafness. Dominique Tobbell, PhD, Professor and Director of the Eleanor Crowder Bjoring, Center for Nursing Historical Inquiry, UVA Health, moderates. Lunch provided for the first 40, in-person attendees.

School of Nursing Alumni Spotlight | Ahead of the Curve: Pediatric Scoliosis for the Non-Orthopod

Thursday, Feb. 1 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | Alicia McCarthy, MSN, CPNP-AC, Nurse Practitioner, Department of Orthopedics, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Wilmington, Delaware, is a front-line provider for pediatric inpatient orthopedic patients, including patients in the postoperative period, with medical complexity, and with multiple chronic conditions. Details.

Mindfulness Classes

• Mindful Eating Maintenance Class | Thursdays, Feb. 1, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register
• Introduction to Mindfulness for Healthcare Employees | Tuesdays, Feb. 6-March 13 I 5-6:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register

Hoos Well: Slaughter Rec Takeover

Thursday, Feb. 1 | 3-7 p.m. | Join Hoos Well for its first Slaughter Rec Takeover to kick-off the monthly Triple Tracker physical activity challenge. Activities include climbing, group exercise, and pickleball. Sign up.

Nominate an RN for a Nursing Excellence Award

Deadline: Thursday, Feb. 22 | The Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors several nurses each year for demonstrating excellence in their roles. Award recipients are selected on the basis of peer-reviewed nominations received by the NPGO Awards and Recognition Committee. Please consider nominating one or more of your well-deserving RN colleagues for these honors. Learn more. Questions? Email npgo@uvahealth.org.

Appreciation

‘Where Do You Find All These Great, Personable People!?’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

To provide the best possible service and care for our community, UVA Health regularly surveys our patients on their recent healthcare experience. Below is a small selection of recent feedback praising our outstanding team members:

• “She was incredible! She put her pen down and her hands in her lap when I expressed hesitations about the procedure. She asked questions and gave solutions. She gave examples from her experience. She gave me a detailed follow-up plan that included notifying other providers and friends of the change I'll be making in treatment. The reason I am making the change (which has been recommended for years by different providers) is because she had a plan and solutions to my hesitations.”
• “Best-ever beginning with Tyler at the front desk. He gently taught me about pronouns. Then the nurses next, then the anesthesiologists and, of course, Dr. Perumal! Where do you find all these great, personable people!?”
• “I was greeted with a hearty ‘good morning’ by the registrar. He was very pleasant as he went through the necessary questions and gave me a great start to my upcoming infusion.”
• “The woman at the front desk in the mammography waiting room is a national treasure! I remember her from last year, and I can see her smiling face right now. She just brightens your day. The woman who is on registration out front, Francis, was very helpful and pleasant and friendly.”

Thanks to all our team members for providing outstanding, compassionate, and safe care.

Wednesday, Jan. 24

Emergency Blood Shortage: Sign Up to Donate

Tuesday, Jan. 30; Monday, Feb. 5; Monday, Feb. 19; Wednesday, Feb. 21 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Battle Building, First Floor | Quayle Learning Center | 1204 West Main St. |  The American Red Cross — UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products — is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. Your blood donation is needed now to help alleviate the shortage and ensure life-saving medical procedures are not delayed. Sign up by emailing GIVEBLOOD@uvahealth.org or visiting redcrossblood.org. 

• Swag alert: Donate blood, platelets, or plasma in January to automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. Terms apply.

Operations

Masking in Clinical Areas

Over the past few months, UVA Health has seen jumps in cases of COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza. Even though these jumps settle and volumes return to normal — and our census is below that of prior year’s — we strongly encourage team members to mask when working in clinical areas. Masking has been proven to be a highly effective method for combating the transmission of these diseases. Additionally, if a patient or their family request that you don a mask, please graciously agree to do so. Thank you in advance for keeping our patients, their families, and our team members safe.

New CBL: Preventing Theft and Unauthorized Access in University Medical Center

In this computer-based learning module (CBL) in Workday, learn why it is important to secure belongings and prevent unauthorized access for the safety of our team members, patients, and visitors. Examines safety risks and liability, examples of unauthorized access, and what prevention measures we can take.

Parking and Transportation Modifications | Scott Stadium

Through Wednesday, July 31 | A portion of the commuter lot at Scott Stadium will be impacted to accommodate construction work for the video scoreboard. Bus service will not be affected during this time. Alternative parking is available in the remaining portions of the commuter parking lot or in the Bryant Hall parking garage. Please refer to the Commuter Lot Impact email sent on Jan. 18 for a map reference.

Leadership

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Thank You for Caring for Our Patients, Snow or Shine

In her new Vision and Voice post, Wendy Horton shares, “As I saw our team rise to the occasion during the challenging winter weather, I was reminded of a powerful reflection shared by Dr. Tracey Hoke.” Read more.

Town Hall Replay: Check Out the Speed-Watcher’s Guide

If you missed the latest town hall (or want to re-watch), here's your chance to catch up! Visit Connect to find time-code stamps for panel discussion topics and the embedded video for your convenience.

This event featured a discussion with our UVA Health executive leadership team focused on the theme: One UVA Health | An Interconnected Academic Health System. The panel discussion was moderated by K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health and included: Marianne Baernholdt, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, Dean, UVA School of Nursing; Wendy Horton, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health University Medical Center; J. Scott Just, MD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Physicians Group; Melina R. Kibbe, MD, Dean, UVA School of Medicine; and Michelle Strider, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, UVA Community Health. 

Human Resources

Hoos Well Portal Launches

A refreshed 2024 Hoos Well portal has launched and you can start earning rewards for healthy activities. Employees and spouses enrolled in the UVA Health Plan or UPG Anthem Plan can earn up to $500 each. Login or create a new account to start.

• Hoos Well Portal Demonstration | Thursday, Jan. 25 | noon-1 p.m. | Learn how to connect with colleagues, get active, access live health coaching, and get answers to your questions. Register.

Happenings

Data Privacy Week at UVA Health: Respect Privacy — It Is Critical to Inspiring Trust

Data Privacy Week is an international effort to empower individuals and organizations to respect privacy, safeguard data, and enable trust. Visit the UVA Health Data Privacy Week web page to learn more and get involved!

Community MLK Celebrations

• Looking Back at the Harlem Renaissance | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | 3 p.m. | virtual | Join Lifetime Learning and the UVA Library for a virtual tour of this exhibition, featuring the visionary works of writers, artists, and thinkers whose creative and intellectual pursuits defined Black American identity and political consciousness. 
• Keynote Event: We Are Called to Be a Movement | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6 p.m. | The Paramount Theater | Reverend William J. Barber II will deliver the keynote address.
• The Right to a Quality Education | Wednesday, Jan. 31 | 4:30 p.m. | Pavilion VII | Kimberly Jenkins Robinson, the Martha Lubin Karsh and Bruce A. Karsh Bicentennial Professor of Law and the Director of the Education Rights Institute, will discuss how existing law and policy fails to protect access for all students to a high quality, K-12 education.

Details can be found on the Community MLK Celebration calendar of events.

Shoes 4 Hope Auction 

Ends Sunday, Jan. 28 | 11:59 p.m. | Supporting the pediatric oncology division at UVA Health Children's, this auction features custom shoes decorated by pediatric oncology patients, worn and signed by UVA basketball staff and players including men's basketball head coach Tony Bennett. Check them out — and bid — today!

FEAP: Sustainable Well-Being Strategies

Tuesday, Jan. 30 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | A new year often brings a desire to focus on our well-being. Join Mary Sherman, LCSW, CEAP, and Beth Frackleton, RN, BSN, MEd, NBC-HWC, and explore stress and burnout's impact. Learn strategies for well-being and delve into the available resources. Details.

Medical Center Hour | Negotiating Normalcy: Deafness Cures in American History

Wednesday, Jan. 31 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium and Zoom | Jaipreet Virdi, PhD, Associate Professor and Historian, Department of History, University of Delaware, unravels the many ways deaf people sought to restore or gain hearing. This history provides broad context for understanding the lived experiences of deaf people and how cultural pressures of normalcy significantly stigmatized deafness. Dominique Tobbell, PhD, Professor and Director of the Eleanor Crowder Bjoring, Center for Nursing Historical Inquiry, UVA Health, moderates. Lunch provided for the first 40 in-person attendees.

Meet Ohio State University Chief Wellness Officer and Nurse

Friday, Feb. 2 | noon-1:30 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium | Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, discusses "Investing in Clinician Wellbeing, Wellness Cultures, and High-Quality Safe Care." Sponsored by the Compassionate Care Initiative at the UVA School of Nursing. Learn more and RSVP. Questions? E-mail compassion@virginia.edu. 

National Wear Red Day — Send Your Photos to Us

Friday, Feb. 2 | Uniting millions worldwide to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention for all with a focus on women’s health. Chances are, we all know a woman affected by heart disease and stroke because cardiovascular disease claims the lives of more women than all cancers combined. Together, we can change this — because there is nothing women united with purpose cannot achieve. Email photos of you (and your colleagues) wearing your best red outfits on Feb. 2 and we’ll share them on Connect. (Please include name and department in photo submissions.)

Ready for Ideas: Spark Innovation Competition

Deadline: Thursday, Feb. 29 | UVA Health is excited to open the second round of the Spark innovation and ideas competition, which will help bring your great ideas to life. Think of the last time you said, “What if …” or “If only …” Share those thoughts and ideas through the Spark website. This round of the competition has a focus on our research environment. UVA Health wants to hear ideas from every part of the health system. Disrupt the norm, create positive change, and submit your ideas for a chance to win $1,000. Learn more. 

Appreciation

‘Innovative and Nationally Renowned’

At the 2023 American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) Annual Symposium, UVA Health received an AMIA Partner award in recognition of UVA Health’s contributions to AMIA and the field of clinical informatics. 

“I am honored to represent and work with such an innovative and nationally renowned group of informaticians at UVA Health,” says Michael A. Williams, MD, FAAP, ABPM-CIinical Informatics, Chief Medical Information Officer. “Not only have UVA Health informaticians produced groundbreaking research, EMR [electronic medical record] enhancements, AI tools, and predictive analytics models, but they are also esteemed informatics faculty and policy leaders.”

At UVA Health, the mission of clinical Informatics is to collaborate with other healthcare and information technology professionals to promote safe, efficient, effective, timely, patient-centered, and equitable patient care — while instructing team members on clinical technology best practices, and training the next generation of clinical informatics leaders.

UVA Health clinical informaticians come from multiple specialties and roles such as PhDs, physicians, advanced practice providers, nurse practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists. UVA Health has informatics fellowships in clinical informatics, imaging informatics, pharmacy informatics, and pathology informatics — along with several world-renowned technology and research centers, such as the Karen S. Rheuban Center for Telehealth and the Center for Advanced Medical Analytics.

Congratulations to all involved!

(Photo, from left: Tanya Tolpegin, AMIA CEO; Gretchen Purcell Jackson, MD, AMIA Board; Michael A. Williams, MD, UVA Health CMIO; and Genevieve Melton-Meaux, MD, AMIA Chair/President.)

Monday, Jan. 22

PACS Update and Plan 

A message about the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) from Cree Gaskin, MD, FACR, Vice Chair, Clinical Operations and Informatics, Radiology and Medical Imaging, Associate Chief Medical Information Officer; and Robin Parkin, CHCIO, CPHIMS, Chief Information Officer: As you are aware, over the past seven weeks, we have been experiencing intermittent dysfunction and complete outages of our enterprise/radiology PACS. As a result, there have been frequent meetings involving various UVA Health IT teams and multiple vendors (e.g., Philips, Veritas, Microsoft, Oracle, Ambra, and others) in an attempt to stabilize the system. Each week, we have tuned various components of the system infrastructure based on recommendations from our internal staff and vendors.

Some of the issues have involved the limited capacity of the system to effectively process the increased volumes of transactions we are handling daily. During our work with Philips, we have determined that new hardware needs to be applied to the problem. This will increase our processing power and further stabilize the system. This hardware has been ordered and we anticipate completion of installation in the next two to four weeks. Hardware will ship next week. In addition to the hardware, we will continue to make several application-level changes to adjust settings based on findings from previous outages. With all these changes, we plan to achieve improved stability.

Our longer-term plan involves the purchase of additional hardware components and substantial revision of the PACS architecture to support an upgrade to the 12.2.8 version of the Philips PACS. This is a six-to-12 month plan and we will provide updates as the plan starts the implementation phase. This new architecture will be substantial and should provide the capacity to allow growth for some time.

In the meantime, we will continue to work with our vendors on tuning our existing components. For example, additional changes have already been completed this past week based on the findings from our recent outages. The “listener,” a specific component of the Oracle database, remains implicated in our more recent outages. We have shared key logs with Oracle, and we await their further analysis for potential key points to address.

We will continue to closely monitor the system and address performance issues that we observe.

Operations

Under Repair: Lee Street Parking Garage

Through mid-February | Structural repairs will be ongoing in the Lee Street Parking Garage and continuing through mid-February. This will affect our patients and visitors. Please tell them to use caution when entering and exiting the garage, as traffic patterns will be temporarily modified. They should stay alert and follow directions from signage and flaggers. This work may cause delays in parking, so please tell them to allow extra time to park and plan to arrive early for scheduled appointments. Team members: Patients will be directed to park in the 11th Street Garage during overflow times, which may cause delays. Questions? Contact Andy Theobald, Project Manager.

Parking and Transportation Modifications | Scott Stadium

Monday, Jan. 22, through Wednesday, July 31 | A portion of the commuter lot at Scott Stadium will be impacted to accommodate construction work for the video scoreboard. Bus service will not be affected during this time. Alternative parking is available in the remaining portions of the commuter parking lot or in the Bryant Hall parking garage. Please refer to the Commuter Lot Impact email sent on Jan. 18 for a map reference.

New MyChart Feature Notifies Patients When Prescriptions Are Ready

With the release of a new feature in MyChart, patients who use a UVA Health pharmacy will be notified when their prescriptions have been sent or are ready to be picked up. Depending on a patient's preference, they can receive these notifications in MyChart, through email, or by text message. This feature enhances the patient experience, as patients know whether their prescriptions are ready without needing to call the pharmacy to find out. This feature also supports better medication adherence by letting individuals know their medications are ready. For team members, these reminders help free up phone time and allow them to focus their attention on patients who are being seen in person.

Leadership

Town Hall Replay: Check Out the Speed-Watcher’s Guide

If you missed the latest town hall (or want to re-watch), here's your chance to catch up! Visit Connect to find time-code stamps for panel discussion topics and the embedded video for your convenience.

This event featured a discussion with our UVA Health executive leadership team focused on the theme: One UVA Health | An Interconnected Academic Health System. The panel discussion was moderated by K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health and included: Marianne Baernholdt, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, Dean, UVA School of Nursing; Wendy Horton, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health University Medical Center; J. Scott Just, MD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Physicians Group; Melina R. Kibbe, MD, Dean, UVA School of Medicine; and Michelle Strider, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, UVA Community Health. 

Happenings

Data Privacy Week at UVA Health: Know the Tradeoff Between Privacy and Convenience 

Data Privacy Week is an international effort to empower individuals and organizations to respect privacy, safeguard data, and enable trust. Visit the UVA Health Data Privacy Week web page to learn more and get involved!

ROSE Program: Drop Off or Pick Up Reusable Office Supplies

Tuesday, Jan. 23 | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Rooms 1 and 2 | Reusable Office Supply Exchange (ROSE) Program is a free service that collects new or gently used office supplies. Drop off office supplies or take what you need monthly. 

UVA Pipelines and Pathways: Career Building 101 Workshop Series 

Through these virtual, interactive workshops, you will learn the basics for building your career and get the tools you need to obtain your dream job at UVA or UVA Health. Questions? Contact Hollie Lee at 434.962.3996. Learn more and register.

• The Value of a Resume | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | noon-1:30 p.m. | Presented by Barbara Kessler, Talent Development Consultant.
• Using Emotional Intelligence to Build Relationships and Thrive in Your Career | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | noon-1:30 p.m. | Presented by Grant Tate, Co-Founder & CEO of the Bridge, Ltd. 
• The Inside Scoop: Tips from a UVA Hiring Manager | Thursday, March 14 | noon-1:30 p.m. | Presented by Halima Walker, RN, Nurse Manager, Staffing Resource Office.

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

McKim Hall | Ground Floor, Room G045 | Physicians and advanced practice providers: get a new or updated headshot taken in 10 minutes or less on dates listed below. No appointment needed. Bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided.

• Friday, Jan. 26 | 1-4 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 31 | 7-10 a.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 9 a.m.-noon
• Thursday, Feb. 15 | 7-10 a.m.
• Friday, Feb. 23 | 8-11 a.m.
• Tuesday, Feb. 27 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

ECHO Series: Stroke Ready Primary Care

UVA Neurology is offering a free, recurring, monthly ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) virtual webinar series on novel stroke treatment and presentation identification. This Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded series will examine unique post-stroke populations, unusual presentations, and new treatment paradigms. While intended for primary care providers, other members of the care team and community can attend with permission. Continuing medical education credit available. Sessions will be recorded and distributed to registrants. Registration required.

• New Trends in Risk Factors for Stroke | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | noon-1 p.m.
• New Treatment Cholesterol Management | Wednesday, March 13 | noon-1 p.m.
• Cholesterol-Lipid Lowering Drugs: New Treatments, What to Use and When | Wednesday, April 10 | noon-1 p.m.

2024 Heart Failure Symposium

Saturday, Feb. 24 | 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center and Zoom | Highlighting current trends, issues, and newly emerging therapies for the care of individuals diagnosed with heart failure. The team of professionals providing care to individuals with heart failure will extend their knowledge in order to improve care delivery and outcomes for this population in both specialized settings as well as across the continuum of care. Registration closes Sunday, Feb. 18. Learn more. 

Appreciation

Heroic Work and Unique Expertise: 2024 National CRNA Week Is Jan. 21-27

UVA Health certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) are celebrating National CRNA Week, which, since 2000, has served as an annual recognition of the more than 61,000 practicing CRNAs in the United States. This year’s theme is “Trusted Anesthesia Experts.”

“National CRNA Week gives the healthcare community and the greater public alike the opportunity to reflect on the heroic work and unique expertise of CRNAs and residents while recognizing the power and resilience of our community,” touts the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA).

“This is the most committed group of professionals I’ve ever worked with,” says Lindsey Sites, MSN, CRNA, Interim CRNA Director, Perioperative Services, Department of Anesthesia, of the more than 70 CRNAs at UVA Health. “In addition to being phenomenal clinicians, we have leadership and mentorship within the group that propels each CRNA to be their best!” Read more on Connect.

Friday, Jan. 19

Town Hall Replay: Check Out the Speed-Watcher’s Guide

If you missed the latest town hall (or want to re-watch), here's your chance to catch up! Visit Connect to find time-code stamps for panel discussion topics and the embedded video for your convenience.

This event featured a discussion with our UVA Health executive leadership team focused on the theme: One UVA Health | An Interconnected Academic Health System. The panel discussion was moderated by K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health and included: Marianne Baernholdt, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, Dean, UVA School of Nursing; Wendy Horton, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health University Medical Center; J. Scott Just, MD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Physicians Group; Melina R. Kibbe, MD, Dean, UVA School of Medicine; and Michelle Strider, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, UVA Community Health. 

Operations

Parking and Transportation Modifications | Scott Stadium

Monday, Jan. 22, through Wednesday, July 31 | A portion of the commuter lot at Scott Stadium will be impacted to accommodate construction work for the video scoreboard. Bus service will not be affected during this time. Alternative parking is available in the remaining portions of the commuter parking lot or in the Bryant Hall parking garage. Please refer to the Commuter Lot Impact email sent on Thursday, Jan. 18, for a map reference.

New MyChart Feature Notifies Patients When Prescriptions Are Ready

With the release of a new feature in MyChart, patients who use a UVA Health pharmacy will be notified when their prescriptions have been sent or are ready to be picked up. Depending on a patient's preference, they can receive these notifications in MyChart, through email, or by text message. This feature enhances the patient experience, as patients know whether their prescriptions are ready without needing to call the pharmacy to find out. This feature also supports better medication adherence by letting individuals know their medications are ready. For team members, these reminders help free up phone time and allow them to focus their attention on patients who are being seen in person.

UVA Health In the News

Top Story of the Week

• Dr. Tracy Downs talks with Becker’s Hospital Review about his work as chief diversity and community engagement officer.

Patient Care

• Dr. Russell Witt discusses skin cancer during this week’s NBC29 segment.
• Michelle Strider’s selection as chief nursing officer for UVA Community Health is covered by Becker’s Hospital Review, the Culpeper Star-Exponent, and Potomac Local.
• Dr. Craig Kent talks with Becker’s Hospital Review about what excites him about 2024.
• Dr. Patrick Jackson talks with Yahoo about how to tell the difference between COVID, flu, and RSV.

Research

• Dr. James Stone talks with The Boston Globe about his research into the effects of low-level blast exposures on soldiers’ brains.
• Dr. Xin Hu talks with USA Today about new research showing that cancer care improved in states with Medicaid expansion.
• Dr. Patrick Jackson is featured on TV stations in Richmond, Roanoke, and across the country discussing research into how HIV is transmitted.
• Dr. Linda Duska talks with CURE Today about a new potential treatment for advanced cervical cancer.

Community

• Dr. Karen Rheuban talks with NBC29 and CBS19 about a new telehealth alliance to expand access to care in underserved areas of the world.

Education

• A Becker’s Hospital Review roundup of ophthalmology news features Dr. Albert Jun’s selection as our next chair of the Department of Ophthalmology.

Human Resources

Hoos Well Portal Launches

A refreshed 2024 Hoos Well portal has launched and you can start earning rewards for healthy activities. Employees and spouses enrolled in the UVA Health Plan or UPG Anthem Plan can earn up to $500 each. Login or create a new account to start.

• Hoos Well Portal Demonstration | Thursday, Jan. 25 | noon-1 p.m. | Learn how to connect with colleagues, get active, access live health coaching, and get answers to your questions. Register.

Happenings

The Handbook of LGBTQIA-Inclusive Hospice and Palliative Care: Book Reading, Signing, and Discussion

Saturday, Jan. 20 | 4 p.m.| New Dominion Books, 404 E. Main Street | Kimberly Acquaviva surveys fundamental concepts and the latest clinical developments, integrating relatable anecdotes and poignant personal reflections. She also emphasizes how incorporating LGBTQIA-inclusive practices can transform work with every person receiving care. Details.

Community MLK Celebrations

• Screening of The Space Race | Friday, Jan. 19 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Rice Hall, 130 | Remarks after the film from UVA alum and NASA astronaut Leland Melvin.
• 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Charlottesville Community Celebration: Honoring the Dream | Sunday, Jan. 21 | 5 p.m. | Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church |Keynote speaker will be award-winning author and activist Jocelyn Nicole Johnson.
• National Day of Racial Healing Special Luncheon | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | noon-1 p.m. | Location TBD | Guest speaker: Reverend Dr. Alvin Edwards of Mount Zion Baptist Church. RSVP by Wednesday, Jan. 24.
• Looking Back at the Harlem Renaissance | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | 3 p.m. | virtual | Join Lifetime Learning and the UVA Library for a virtual tour of this exhibition, featuring the visionary works of writers, artists, and thinkers whose creative and intellectual pursuits defined Black American identity and political consciousness. 
• Keynote Event: We Are Called to Be a Movement | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6 p.m. | The Paramount Theater | Reverend William J. Barber II will deliver the keynote address.
• The Right to a Quality Education | Wednesday, Jan. 31 | 4:30 p.m. | Pavilion VII |Kimberly Jenkins Robinson, the Martha Lubin Karsh and Bruce A. Karsh Bicentennial Professor of Law and the Director of the Education Rights Institute, will discuss how existing law and policy fails to protect access for all students to a high quality, K-12 education.

Details can be found on the Community MLK Celebration calendar of events.

Mindfulness Classes

• Mindful Eating | Mondays, Jan. 22-March 11 | 5-7 p.m. | Zoom | Register
• Mindful Eating Maintenance Class | Thursdays, Feb. 1, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register
• Introduction to Mindfulness for Healthcare Employees | Tuesdays, Feb. 6-March 13 I 5-6:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register

ROSE Program: Drop Off or Pick Up Reusable Office Supplies

Tuesday, Jan. 23 | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Rooms 1 and 2 | Reusable Office Supply Exchange (ROSE) Program is a free service that collects new or gently used office supplies. Drop off office supplies or take what you need monthly. 

UVA Pipelines and Pathways: Career Building 101 Workshop Series 

Through these virtual, interactive workshops, you will learn the basics for building your career and get the tools you need to obtain your dream job at UVA. Questions? Contact Hollie Lee at 434.962.3996. Learn more and register.

• The Value of a Resume | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | noon-1:30 p.m. | Presented by Barbara Kessler, Talent Development Consultant.
• Using Emotional Intelligence to Build Relationships and Thrive in Your Career | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | noon-1:30 p.m. | Presented by Grant Tate, Co-Founder & CEO of the Bridge, Ltd. 
• The Inside Scoop: Tips from a UVA Hiring Manager | Thursday, March 14 | noon-1:30 p.m. | Presented by Halima Walker, RN, Nurse Manager, Staffing Resource Office.

Meet Ohio State University Chief Wellness Officer and Nurse

Friday, Feb. 2 | noon-1:15 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium | Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, visits to discuss "Investing in Clinician Wellbeing, Wellness Cultures, and High-Quality Safe Care." Sponsored by the Compassionate Care Initiative at the UVA School of Nursing. Learn more and RSVP. Questions? E-mail compassion@virginia.edu. 

Nominate an RN for a Nursing Excellence Award

Deadline: Thursday, Feb. 22 | The Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors several nurses each year for demonstrating excellence in their roles. Award recipients are selected on the basis of peer-reviewed nominations received by the NPGO Awards and Recognition Committee. Please consider nominating one or more of your well-deserving RN colleagues for these honors. Learn more. Questions? Email npgo@uvahealth.org.  

Appreciation | Special Double Edition!

2023 Human Experience Guardian of Excellence Award

UVA Health Therapy Services Haymarket, the outpatient rehabilitation department of UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center, has been recognized by Press Ganey as a 2023 Human Experience Guardian of Excellence Award winner. 

“Thanks to the work done by the entire team at UVA Health Therapy Services Haymarket, we scored in the top 5% of Press Ganey clients and are being recognized among other organizations across the nation that show the highest levels of standards in patient experience,” says Erik Shannon, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Community Health.

“To be truly patient-centric, we must know our patients on an individual level. That starts with reviewing detailed feedback, faster, so we can identify what patients need the most and pivot to meet those needs,” he adds. “Through Press Ganey’s patient experience program and data, we have greater insight into how our teams continue to raise the bar in taking care of the communities we serve. Connecting the dots across people, process, and technology, we can seamlessly drive meaningful change in care delivery — putting Human Experience at the heart of healthcare.” 

As winners of this award, UVA Health Therapy Services Haymarket demonstrates the UVA Health ASPIRE Values of Respect, Stewardship, and Equity each day. “Our leadership team is grateful for your unwavering commitment to our mission to transform health and inspire hope for all Virginians and beyond,” says Shannon. “On behalf of UVA Health leadership, I extend my sincere gratitude and commendation on a job well done.”

(Photo l-r: The UVA Health Therapy Services Haymarket Team — Courtney Turner, PTA; Joy Raether, Patient Service Coordinator III; Jane Roe-Balster, Front Office Manager; Ruth Ambafrash, Rehab Aide; Leilani Chu, SLP; Casey Bires, DPT, Supervisor; Ann Baker, PT; Jee-Hae Son, PT; and Jennifer Hill, SLP; Melissa Whittington, OT. Not pictured: Chiqui Garcia, PT.)

‘A Model of How to Treat Patients’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

To provide the best possible service and care for our community, UVA Health regularly surveys our patients on their recent healthcare experience. Below is a small selection of recent feedback praising our outstanding team members:

• “This was a model of how to treat patients from the moment the first appointment was made through the date of surgery. Excellent!”
• “Possibly one of the best experiences at a medical facility that one can have. I have had this procedure performed at another facility, which — by comparison with my recent experience at UVA Health — makes the other location seem like amateurs. Dr. Yoshida is outstanding, as is her staff. She is knowledgeable, possibly one of the best in her field — plus, she provides outstanding care every step of the way.”
• “As a nurse with 35 years experience, I can be a bit critical of the care I or my family may receive. I am beyond impressed by the teamwork and hands-on skills I experienced during my infusion. The care I received was amazing. I will be traveling approximately three hours each way to UVA Health for my care and I honestly believe it is worth every minute!”
• “Really grateful for the nursing staff and care they provided our child! Grateful that UVA Health partners with our local hospital and they were able to provide transport and input on X-rays even before we left the hospital.”

Thanks to all our team members for providing outstanding, compassionate, and safe care.

Wednesday, Jan. 17

Watch: UVA Health Town Hall

If you missed the Jan. 17 town hall (or want to re-watch), here's your chance to catch up! This event featured a panel discussion with our UVA Health executive leadership team focused on the theme: One UVA Health | An Interconnected Academic Health System. The panel discussion was moderated by K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health and included: Marianne Baernholdt, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, Dean, UVA School of Nursing; Wendy Horton, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health University Medical Center; J. Scott Just, MD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Physicians Group; Melina R. Kibbe, MD, Dean, UVA School of Medicine; and Michelle Strider, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, UVA Community Health. 

Due to the town hall’s special format, submitted questions may be answered directly via email or through Connect.

Ambulatory

Adult Primary Care Go-Live Today for One Team | United on Access

Today, adult primary care clinics across the health system (including UPG and UVA Community Health Medical Group) are going live with new scheduling tools and workflows as part of the One Team | United on Access initiative. The new functionality aims to improve patient access while reducing the administrative burden for providers, clinical team members, and access associates. All those who partner with adult primary care clinics on the delivery of care should be aware that this go-live is taking place and will be a central focus across the specialty. Pediatric primary care clinics are scheduled for their One Team go-live on Jan. 31.

Operations

Smishing Alert: Be Wary of Fraudulent Texts

It was recently reported that scammers were using the name of a member of UVA Health leadership to solicit the purchasing of gift cards. If you receive a suspicious text message, do not reply, click on links, or share personal information. And remember, UVA Health leadership will never ask you for payment or personal information via text message. The Federal Communications Commission recently issued an advisory about an uptick in suspicious texts like these. Learn how to identify, report, and protect yourself against smishing attacks.

New MyChart Feature Notifies Patients When Prescriptions Are Ready

With the release of a new feature in MyChart, patients who use a UVA Health pharmacy will be notified when their prescriptions have been sent or are ready to be picked up. Depending on a patient's preference, they can receive these notifications in MyChart, through email, or by text message. This feature enhances the patient experience, as patients know whether their prescriptions are ready without needing to call the pharmacy to find out. This feature also supports better medication adherence by letting individuals know their medications are ready. For team members, these reminders help free up phone time and allow them to focus their attention on patients who are being seen in person.

Leadership

University Medical Center CEO Blog | What’s Next for Earn While You Learn in 2024

In her new Vision and Voice post, Wendy Horton discusses exciting new career opportunities with the Earn While You Learn program. Read more.

Happenings

Community MLK Celebrations

• Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Strategist Capstone Presentation Project 1 | Presentation Focus: Bias Incident Reporting | Thursday, Jan. 18 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, Room 3110 | in-person and virtual 
• Screening of The Space Race | Friday, Jan. 19 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Rice Hall, 130 | Remarks after the film from UVA alum and NASA astronaut Leland Melvin.
• 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Charlottesville Community Celebration: Honoring the Dream | Sunday, Jan. 21 | 5 p.m. | Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church |Keynote speaker will be award-winning author and activist Jocelyn Nicole Johnson.
• Rescheduled: National Day of Racial Healing Special Luncheon | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | noon-1 p.m. | Location TBD | Guest speaker: Reverend Dr. Alvin Edwards of Mount Zion Baptist Church. RSVP by Wednesday, Jan. 24.
• Looking Back at the Harlem Renaissance | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | 3 p.m. | virtual | Join Lifetime Learning and the UVA Library for a virtual tour of this exhibition, featuring the visionary works of writers, artists, and thinkers whose creative and intellectual pursuits defined Black American identity and political consciousness. 
• Keynote Event: We Are Called to Be a Movement | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6 p.m. | The Paramount Theater | Reverend William J. Barber II will deliver the keynote address.
• The Right to a Quality Education | Wednesday, Jan. 31 | 4:30 p.m. | Pavilion VII |Kimberly Jenkins Robinson, the Martha Lubin Karsh and Bruce A. Karsh Bicentennial Professor of Law and the Director of the Education Rights Institute, will discuss how existing law and policy fails to protect access for all students to a high quality, K-12 education.

Details can be found on the Community MLK Celebration calendar of events.

Team Member Art Day

Friday, Jan. 19 | 1-3 p.m. | Dining Conference Rooms 1, 2, and 3 | Drop in for a creative break in your day! All art supplies will be provided. Hosted by The Fralin Museum of Art at UVA. Free for all UVA Health team members.

The Handbook of LGBTQIA-Inclusive Hospice and Palliative Care: Book Reading, Signing, and Discussion

Saturday, Jan. 20 | 4 p.m.| New Dominion Books, 404 E. Main Street | Kimberly Acquaviva surveys fundamental concepts and the latest clinical developments, integrating relatable anecdotes and poignant personal reflections. She also emphasizes how incorporating LGBTQIA-inclusive practices can transform work with every person receiving care. Details.

ROSE Program: Drop Off or Pick Up Reusable Office Supplies

Tuesday, Jan. 23 | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Rooms 1 and 2 | Reusable Office Supply Exchange (ROSE) Program is a free service that collects new or gently used office supplies. Drop off office supplies or take what you need monthly. 

UVA Pipelines and Pathways: Career Building 101 Workshop Series 

Through these virtual, interactive workshops, you will learn the basics for building your career and get the tools you need to obtain your dream job at UVA. Questions? Contact Hollie Lee at 434.962.3996. Learn more and register.

• The Value of a Resume | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | noon-1:30 p.m. | Presented by Barbara Kessler, Talent Development Consultant.
• Using Emotional Intelligence to Build Relationships and Thrive in Your Career | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | noon-1:30 p.m. | Presented by Grant Tate, Co-Founder & CEO of the Bridge, Ltd. 
• The Inside Scoop: Tips from a UVA Hiring Manager | Thursday, March 14 | noon-1:30 p.m. | Presented by Halima Walker, RN, Nurse Manager, Staffing Resource Office.

FEAP: Sustainable Well-Being Strategies

Tuesday, Jan. 30 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | A new year often brings a desire to focus on our well-being. Join Mary Sherman, LCSW, CEAP, and Beth Frackleton, RN, BSN, MEd, NBC-HWC, and explore stress and burnout's impact. Learn strategies for well-being and delve into the available resources. Details.

Nominate: 2023 Sustainability Leadership Awards

Deadline: Friday, Feb. 16 | 5 p.m. | This award honors those who exhibit a commitment to advancing sustainability practices and solutions. Nominations are welcome for students and groups; staff and departments; faculty and departments; and community members or groups.

Appreciation

‘Pillar of Excellence’

Congratulations to Y. Michael Shim, MD, and the UVA Health Pulmonary Clinic team on earning a nationwide 2024 Joint Commission Advanced COPD Disease Specific Certification. This certification shows the team’s outpatient process focuses on patient-centered evidence-based care and continues to adapt to ensure the team is doing what is best for our patients. It’s obtained through a rigorous process including data submission, guideline creations, and on-site survey.

"I rarely see this kind of innovation and collaboration,” says surveyor Timothy Byrum. “I can see this institution representing COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], much like MD Anderson is representative of cancer.”

In addition to focusing on social and economic factors that impact care, the UVA Health Pulmonary Clinic team also has incorporated the lung reduction valve — a groundbreaking clinical procedure.

Team members also include Numann Malik, MD, and Katarine Egressy, MD, MPH, Medical Directors; Hannah Mannem, MD, Director of Lung Transplant; Brandie Taylor, RN, Clinic Program Coordinator; Jill Guiffre, LCSW; Lisa Cognetti and Linda Clarke, Pulmonary Function Testing Center Operations; Neil Widrick, RRT, Ambulatory Manager; and Derrick Many, RRT, Pulmonary Navigator.

Thank you to the team members for striving every day to support our UVA Health strategic plan initiatives including superior quality, patient safety, and health outcomes — and providing our community with a pillar of excellence for COPD treatment.

Friday, Jan. 12

Next Week: UVA Health Town Hall

Wednesday, Jan. 17 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | We have an exciting agenda planned for the January Town Hall, featuring a panel discussion with our UVA Health executive leadership team focused on the theme: One UVA Health | An Interconnected Academic Health System. The panel discussion will be moderated by K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health and includes: Marianne Baernholdt, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, Dean, UVA School of Nursing; Wendy Horton, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health University Medical Center; J. Scott Just, MD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Physicians Group; Melina R. Kibbe, MD, Dean, UVA School of Medicine; and Erik Shannon, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Community Health. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event. Due to the town hall’s special format, questions may be answered directly via email or through Connect.

Ambulatory

Change to Outpatient ‘COVID Positive’ Banner

Effective with the Jan. 9 Epic Bundle Update, the “COVID positive” banner that displays in the outpatient setting will be removed 11 days after a positive test result. This is a reduction from the previous setting of 28 days.

Operations

Lane Road Reopens

Friday, Jan. 12 | Lane Road will reopen to two-way traffic during the day. 

• Pedestrians: Be aware of two-way traffic and continue to follow crosswalks for crossing Lane Road. Minor construction activities including paving and striping will continue in the area.
• Please continue to have food delivered to the front of the hospital (not to the loading docks). Food will only be stored at this location for one hour before disposal.
• On Jan. 16, bus routes will resume service routes prior to the Lane Road closure.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Clinics Closed | Per the clinic holiday schedule, clinics will be closed Monday, Jan. 15. The 2024 calendar for the academic division, UVA Health University Medical Center, and UVA Physicians Group can be found on the UVA Human Resources website.
• Parking and Transportation Modifications 
  • The University Transit Service Red and Blue Lines and Health System Transit shuttle service will not operate Monday, Jan. 15.
  • Team members may park in the South Garage on Crispell Drive and 11th Street Garage (Level D and above only) Friday, Jan. 12, at 10 p.m., until Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 5 a.m.
  • The Medical Center Courtesy Shuttle will operate on the weekend schedule, running every 60 minutes from 7:20 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. 
  • UtoCar will not operate Jan. 15.
• UVA Health Update will not be sent Monday, Jan. 15. It will resume Wednesday, Jan. 17.

MRI Expansion Construction to Begin off Crispell Drive

Starting the second week of January; through 2024 | University Hospital | To support magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) expansion, scaffolding and a construction hoist will be located beside the brick wall of Central Sterile. The sidewalk along Crispell Drive will remain open during construction. Construction deliveries will impact Crispell Drive before 7 a.m. and during the day between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Five emergency management parking spaces will be made available directly behind these affected spaces. Questions? Contact Hunter Durrer, Construction Area Manager, 434.529.7186.

Tune in to the Nightingale Channel

Launches Monday, Jan. 15 | UVA Health is partnering to launch a new arts initiative, The Nightingale Channel, to bring classical and chamber music to our patients, team members, and guests — inspiring hope and wellness for all. Accessed through a QR code, this new offering provides a well-curated collection of intimate concerts, including Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven. Learn more. (Note: To access the link, you must be on a UVA Health network or using VPN.)

UVA Health in the News

Top Story of the Week

• Dr. Craig Kent talks with Becker’s Hospital Review about our efforts to become the workplace of choice.

Patient Care

• Wendy Horton talks with WINA about our community paramedicine program, mental health clinic for new moms, and more.
• Dr. Emily Wong discusses how to protect kids against COVID, RSV, and flu during this week’s NBC29 segment.
• Dr. Irene Mathieu writes an article for The Conversation featured in more than 75 outlets internationally — including Yahoo, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the Houston Chronicle — discussing how the humanities inspired her medical career.
• Dr. Ann Kellams talks with Time about the reasons behind a baby formula shortage.

Research

• Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton talks with STAT about a new study on a potential medication for menopause symptoms. 
• Research from Dr. Swapnil Sonkusare about ways to improve lung transplants is featured on WRIC (Richmond TV). 
• Yahoo and Healio showcase (or spotlight) Dr. John Kim’s research into how healthy fats can delay pulmonary fibrosis.
• Dr. Costi Sifri is featured on TV stations across Virginia and beyond — including Norfolk and Nebraska — discussing the current state of COVID, flu, and RSV.

Community

• A fundraiser to deliver toys to UVA Health Children’s is covered by WHSV (Harrisonburg TV).

Education

• The announcement of Dr. Albert Jun as the next chair of the Department of Ophthalmology is covered by Becker’s Hospital Review.

Happenings

Rotating Art Exhibit 

Thursday, Jan. 4, through Wednesday, March 6 | University Medical Center lobby | Local Charlottesville artist Mary Jane Check will exhibit her art in the show “Eye Candy.” Stop by and check it out!

2024 Martin Luther King Jr. UVA Health Award Dinner

Thursday, Jan. 18 | 6-8:30 p.m. | UVA Rotunda, Dome Room or online | RSVP by Friday, Jan. 12 | This award is presented annually to a student, faculty, or staff member who embodies Dr. Martin Luther King’s values and teachings. Special guest speaker: Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade. Register for the in-person dinner (limited seats) or virtual attendance.

Community MLK Celebrations

• Community Walk | Sunday, Jan. 14 | noon | Albemarle County Office | Exploring several historical sites connected to the fight for civil rights.
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Strategist Capstone Presentations Project 5 | Presentation Focus: Culturally Responsive Procedures | Tuesday, Jan. 16 | 2-3 p.m. | Pinn Hall Auditorium | in-person and virtual
• JEDI Strategist Capstone Presentation Project 1 | Presentation Focus: Bias Incident Reporting | Thursday, Jan. 18 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, Room 3110 | in-person and virtual 
• Screening of The Space Race | Friday, Jan. 19 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Rice Hall, 130 |Remarks after the film from UVA alum and NASA astronaut Leland Melvin.
• 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Charlottesville Community Celebration: Honoring the Dream | Sunday, Jan. 21 | 5 p.m. | Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church |Keynote speaker will be award-winning author and activist Jocelyn Nicole Johnson.
• Looking Back at the Harlem Renaissance | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | 3 p.m. | virtual | Join Lifetime Learning and the UVA Library for a virtual tour of this exhibition, featuring the visionary works of writers, artists, and thinkers whose creative and intellectual pursuits defined Black American identity and political consciousness. 
• Keynote Event: We Are Called to Be a Movement | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6 p.m. | The Paramount Theater | Reverend William J. Barber II will deliver the keynote address.
• The Right to a Quality Education | Wednesday, Jan. 31 | 4:30 p.m. | Pavilion VII |Kimberly Jenkins Robinson, the Martha Lubin Karsh and Bruce A. Karsh Bicentennial Professor of Law and the Director of the Education Rights Institute, will discuss how existing law and policy fails to protect access for all students to a high quality, K-12 education. 

Details can be found on the Community MLK Celebration calendar of events.

UVA Radiology Keynote Lecture Series: Applied Ethics in Radiology

Wednesday, Jan. 17 | 8-9 p.m. | Zoom | UVA Radiology's next installment of its Keynote Lecture Series — "Applied Ethics in Radiology: A Case-based Discussion" — features speaker Eric J. Keller, MD. Discussion topics include appreciating the relevance and prevalence of ethical issues in radiology practice, understanding approaches for navigating ethical issues in radiology, and discussing practical examples of salient ethical issues and how best to navigate them. Details.

Team Member Art Day

Friday, Jan. 19 | 1-3 p.m. | Dining Conference Rooms 1, 2, and 3 | Drop in for a creative break in your day! All art supplies will be provided. Hosted by The Fralin Museum of Art at UVA. Free for all UVA Health team members.

Mindfulness Classes

• Mindful Eating | Mondays, Jan. 22-March 11 | 5-7 p.m. | Zoom | Register
• Mindful Eating Maintenance Class | Thursdays, Feb. 1, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register
• Introduction to Mindfulness for Healthcare Employees | Tuesdays, Feb. 6-March 13 I 5-6:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register

The Handbook of LGBTQIA-Inclusive Hospice and Palliative Care: Book Reading, Signing, and Discussion

Saturday, Jan. 20 | 4 p.m.| New Dominion Books, 404 E. Main Street | Kimberly Acquaviva surveys fundamental concepts and the latest clinical developments, integrating relatable anecdotes and poignant personal reflections. She also emphasizes how incorporating LGBTQIA-inclusive practices can transform work with every person receiving care. Details.

Appreciation

‘Giving the Ritz a Run for Its Money’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

To provide the best possible service and care for our community, UVA Health regularly surveys our patients on their recent healthcare experience. Below is a small selection of recent feedback praising our outstanding team members:

• “I wish we had an ER that showed this kind of care to patients. If I wasn't five hours away, I would always use UVA Health as a hospital and an ER.”
• “The entire team was excellent and made me feel comfortable, informed, well-cared for, professional but very friendly, and safe. A nurse — and then the surgeon — actually called to inform me that they had removed the entire tumor. The surgeon indicated he would take out the stitches personally. UVA Health University Medical Center is giving the Ritz a run for its money with that kind of high-quality experience.”
• “As soon as I mentioned feeling faint, the nurses added a cool, damp cloth to my forehead and started a fan! It was as though they anticipated it! They also stood by my side, distracting me to help me stay calm and focus on breathing. I was very grateful!”
• “Dr. Dumor is amazing! He spent plenty of time with me, clearly explaining exactly the results of tests and their significance. He patiently answered all questions and concerns and has a wonderful empathetic nature about him. He is truly an exceptionally understanding and capable doctor who inspires confidence that I am under the best of care!”

Thanks to all our team members for providing outstanding, compassionate, and safe care.

Wednesday, Jan. 10

2024 Martin Luther King Jr. UVA Health Award Dinner

Thursday, Jan. 18 | 6-8:30 p.m. | UVA Rotunda, Dome Room or online | RSVP by Friday, Jan. 12 | This award is presented annually to a student, faculty, or staff member who embodies Dr. Martin Luther King’s values and teachings. Special guest speaker: Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade. Register for the in-person dinner (limited seats) or virtual attendance.

Community MLK Celebrations

• Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Strategist Capstone Presentations | Friday, Jan. 12
  • Project 3 | Presentation Focus: Inclusive Faculty Recruitment | Educational Resource Center, Room A | 9-10 a.m. | in-person and virtual
  • Project 4 | Presentation Focus: Equitable Patient Access | Educational Resource Center, Room A | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | in-person and virtual
  • Project 2 | Presentation Focus: Pathway Programs | Pinn Hall Auditorium | 2 p.m.-3 p.m. | in-person and virtual
• Community Walk | Sunday, Jan. 14 | noon | Albemarle County Office | Exploring several historical sites connected to the fight for civil rights.
• National Day of Racial Healing Special Luncheon | Tuesday, Jan. 16 | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, Learning Studio | noon-1 p.m. | Guest speaker: Reverend Dr. Alvin Edwards of Mount Zion Baptist Church.
• JEDI Strategist Capstone Presentation Project 5 | Presentation Focus: Culturally Responsive Procedures | Tuesday, Jan. 16 | Pinn Hall Auditorium | 2-3 p.m. | in-person and virtual
• JEDI Strategist Capstone Presentation Project 1 | Presentation Focus: Bias Incident Reporting | Thursday, Jan. 18 | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, Room 3110 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | in-person and virtual 
• Screening of The Space Race | Friday, Jan. 19 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Rice Hall, 130 |Remarks after the film from UVA alum and NASA astronaut Leland Melvin.
• 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Charlottesville Community Celebration: Honoring the Dream | Sunday, Jan. 21 | 5 p.m. | Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church |Keynote speaker will be award-winning author and activist Jocelyn Nicole Johnson.
• Looking Back at the Harlem Renaissance | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | 3 p.m. | virtual | Join Lifetime Learning and the UVA Library for a virtual tour of this exhibition, featuring the visionary works of writers, artists, and thinkers whose creative and intellectual pursuits defined Black American identity and political consciousness. 
• Keynote Event: We Are Called to Be a Movement | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6 p.m. | The Paramount Theater | Rev. William J. Barber II will deliver the keynote address.
• The Right to a Quality Education | Wednesday, Jan. 31 | 4:30 p.m. | Pavilion VII |Kimberly Jenkins Robinson, the Martha Lubin Karsh and Bruce A. Karsh Bicentennial Professor of Law and the Director of the Education Rights Institute, will discuss how existing law and policy fails to protect access for all students to a high quality, K-12 education. 

Details can be found on the Community MLK Celebration calendar of events.

Ambulatory

Change to Outpatient ‘COVID Positive’ Banner

Effective with the Jan. 9 Epic Bundle Update, the “COVID positive” banner that displays in the outpatient setting will be removed 11 days after a positive test result. This is a reduction from the previous setting of 28 days.

Wave 3 Virtual Office Hours Added

Thursday, Jan. 11 | noon-1 p.m. | This optional, informal session is open to all Wave 3 team members to ask questions and seek clarification about One Team tools, workflows, and any other One Team topics as we prepare for go-live. There is one joint session for adult and pediatric primary care. Advance questions are encouraged and may be submitted to ROneTeamUnitedonAccess@uvahealth.org. Calendar invites should have been forwarded from your manager or find the link on the One Team website.

Wave 3 Tip Sheets Now Available on the Epic Learning Library

One Team | United on Access Wave 3 go-live tip sheets are now available on the Epic Learning Library (ELL) for adult primary care and pediatric primary care, as well as tip sheets for at-the-elbow support providers. Team members will find detailed information on decision trees and other scheduling features, optimized provider templates, records collection workflows, and general FAQs. Wave 3 team members should take advantage of these resources as part of your go-live preparations.

Operations

Lane Road Reopens

Friday, Jan. 12 | Lane Road will reopen to two-way traffic during the day. 

• Pedestrians: Be aware of two-way traffic and continue to follow crosswalks for crossing Lane Road. Minor construction activities including paving and striping will continue in the area.
• Please continue to have food delivered to the front of the hospital (not to the loading docks). Food will only be stored at this location for one hour before disposal.
• On Jan. 16, bus routes will resume service routes prior to the Lane Road closure.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Clinics Closed | Per the clinic holiday schedule, clinics will be closed Monday, Jan. 15. The 2024 calendar for the academic division, UVA Health University Medical Center, and UVA Physicians Group can be found on the UVA Human Resources website.
• Parking and Transportation Modifications 
  • The University Transit Service Red and Blue Lines and Health System Transit shuttle service will not operate Monday, Jan. 15.
  • Team members may park in the South Garage on Crispell Drive and 11th Street Garage (Level D and above only) Friday, Jan. 12, at 10 p.m., until Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 5 a.m.
  • The Medical Center Courtesy Shuttle will operate on the weekend schedule, running every 60 minutes from 7:20 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. 
  • UtoCar will not operate Jan. 15.
• UVA Health Update will not be sent Monday, Jan. 15. It will resume Wednesday, Jan. 17.

Construction: Cafeteria Renovation

Monday, Jan. 15, through Friday, May 10 | Cafeteria, University Hospital | To reduce wait times, make repairs, and install quicker check-out stations, the main cafeteria in University Hospital will be undergoing phased renovations. During this time, there may be longer lines and a different flow through the cafe. For a smooth experience during renovation:

• Use the already existing order and pay kiosks.
• Use Scan and Pay from Instaeat.
• Use ID badge for payment (“on account”) — it’s the quickest transaction, plus you get a 10% discount. Sign up.
• Order ahead for pick-up or delivery with Instaeat.

Questions? Contact Corey DiLuciano, RDN, Senior Food and Nutrition Director.

Leadership

Next Week: UVA Health Town Hall

Wednesday, Jan. 17 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | We have an exciting agenda planned for the January Town Hall, featuring a panel discussion with our UVA Health executive leadership team focused on the theme: One UVA Health | An Interconnected Academic Health System. The panel discussion will be moderated by K.Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health and includes: Marianne Baernholdt, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, Dean, UVA School of Nursing; Wendy Horton, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health University Medical Center; J. Scott Just, MD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Physicians Group; Melina R. Kibbe, MD, Dean, UVA School of Medicine; and Erik Shannon, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Community Health. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event. Due to the town hall’s special format, questions may be answered directly via email or through Connect.

Happenings

ECHO: Long COVID Virtual Learning Series

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of collaboration among clinicians to address specific needs and challenges associated with providing care for people living in congregate communities. Free CME to registered attendees. Register.

• Wednesday, Jan. 17: Long COVID, Medical Implications | 12:30-1:30 p.m
• Wednesday, Feb. 14: The Use of Telehealth During the Public Health Emergency and Beyond | 12:30-1:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 20: Long COVID, Functional Implications | 1:30-2:30 p.m.

UVA Radiology Keynote Lecture Series: Applied Ethics in Radiology

Wednesday, Jan. 17 | 8-9 p.m. | Zoom | UVA Radiology's next installment of its Keynote Lecture Series — "Applied Ethics in Radiology: A Case-based Discussion" — features speaker Eric J. Keller, MD. Discussion topics include appreciating the relevance and prevalence of ethical issues in radiology practice, understanding approaches for navigating ethical issues in radiology, and discussing practical examples of salient ethical issues and how best to navigate them. Details.

Team Member Art Day

Friday, Jan. 19 | 1-3 p.m. | Dining Conference Rooms 1, 2, and 3 | Drop in for a creative break in your day! All art supplies will be provided. Hosted by The Fralin Museum of Art at UVA. Free for all UVA Health team members.

FEAP: Sustainable Well-Being Strategies

Tuesday, Jan. 30 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | A new year often brings a desire to focus on our well-being. Join Mary Sherman, LCSW, CEAP, and Beth Frackleton, RN, BSN, MEd, NBC-HWC, and explore stress and burnout's impact. Learn strategies for well-being and delve into the available resources. Details.

Ready for Ideas: Spark Innovation Competition

Deadline: Thursday, Feb. 29 | UVA Health is excited to open the second round of the Spark innovation and ideas competition, which will help bring your great ideas to life. Think of the last time you said, “What if …” or “If only …” Share those thoughts and ideas through the Spark website. This round of the competition has a focus on our research environment. UVA Health wants to hear ideas from every part of the health system. Disrupt the norm, create positive change, and submit your ideas for a chance to win $1,000. Learn more. 

Appreciation

Volunteering: New Year Brings New Opportunities for You to Support Others

Jennifer Greene, BSN, CCRC, has worked full-time for about a year as senior compliance manager in the UVA School of Medicine Clinical Trials Office while juggling a busy schedule as the mother of a teenager. As much as she loves both roles, Greene misses the patient interaction component of her previous position, working as a clinical research manager in gastroenterology and hepatology for a dozen years.

Greene is happy to report she's found that crucial connection at UVA Health — by volunteering several hours every other week as a "cuddler" in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The experience is full circle in other ways for Greene: “When I was a new graduate RN in pediatric oncology, I had to float to the NICU. I was assigned to a baby in withdrawal who cried a good portion of my shift. A wonderful cuddler came in and was so calm and just rocked this baby for several hours. The volunteer was such a blessing to the baby and myself that I wanted to be able to give back — and now I'm in a position to do so!"

And it's a bonus that "these little ones are super cute and snuggly," she adds. Greene says the UVA Health University Medical Center Volunteer Services team has been very helpful in finding time for her to fit volunteering into her busy schedule.

Read more about UVA Health volunteers on Connect and learn how you can sign up.

Monday, Jan. 8

Next Week: UVA Health Town Hall

Wednesday, Jan. 17 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | We have an exciting agenda planned for the January Town Hall, featuring a panel discussion with our UVA Health executive leadership team focused on the theme: One UVA Health | An Interconnected Academic Health System. The panel discussion will be moderated by K.Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health and includes: Marianne Baernholdt, RN, Dean, UVA School of Nursing; Wendy Horton, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health University Medical Center; J. Scott Just, MD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Physicians Group; Melina R. Kibbe, MD, Dean, UVA School of Medicine; and Erik Shannon, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Community Health. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event. Due to the town hall’s special format, questions may be answered directly via email or through Connect.

Ambulatory

Wave 3 Virtual Office Hours Added

Thursday, Jan. 11 | noon-1 p.m. | This optional, informal session is open to all Wave 3 team members to ask questions and seek clarification about One Team tools, workflows, and any other One Team topics as we prepare for go-live. There is one joint session for adult and pediatric primary care. Advance questions are encouraged and may be submitted to ROneTeamUnitedonAccess@uvahealth.org. Calendar invites should have been forwarded from your manager or find the link on the One Team website.

Wave 3 Tip Sheets Now Available on the Epic Learning Library

One Team | United on Access Wave 3 go-live tip sheets are now available on the Epic Learning Library (ELL) for adult primary care and pediatric primary care, as well as tip sheets for at-the-elbow support providers. Team members will find detailed information on decision trees and other scheduling features, optimized provider templates, records collection workflows, and general FAQs. Wave 3 team members should take advantage of these resources as part of your go-live preparations.

Operations

QGenda On-Call Scheduling System Effective Today 

Today, University Medical Center will transition to QGenda, a digital platform for managing on-call schedules that will be overseen by the Contact Center. University Medical Center team members who manage on-call scheduling for their department/unit will use Qgenda to submit and update on-call schedules. These team members have been engaged by the project team and are in training to learn the new platform. Providers will use Qgenda to swap shifts and view their own on-call schedules. 

Beginning today, any University Medical Center team member will be able to create a Qgenda account and use it to view on-call schedules, however the current methods of calling the Contact Center and using SmartWeb (aka Spoke) will continue to be available to all.

Continued Construction Near Aurbach Medical Research Building

Jan. 8-17 | Fontaine Research Park | UVA Health will modify and relocate existing utility infrastructure to make way for the start of mass excavation and construction of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology. This work will take place in the drive aisle of the existing parking lot in front of Aurbach Medical Research Building. The team will reconfigure parking lot fencing and will relocate the ADA parking spots along the sidewalk approaching Aurbach. This sidewalk will reopen. Pedestrian and delivery access to all buildings will be maintained. Questions? Contact Ted Nelson, Project Manager. 

Under Repair: Lee Street Parking Garage

Monday, Jan. 8, through mid-February | Structural repairs will be ongoing in the Lee Street Parking Garage and continuing through mid-February. This will affect our patients and visitors. Please tell them to use caution when entering and exiting the garage, as traffic patterns will be temporarily modified. They should stay alert and follow directions from signage and flaggers. This work may cause delays in parking, so please tell them to allow extra time to park and plan to arrive early for scheduled appointments. Team members: Patients will be directed to park in the 11th Street Garage during overflow times, which may cause delays. Questions? Contact Andy Theobald, Project Manager.

Monthly Epic Update

Changes go live Tuesday, Jan. 9 | This month’s Epic updates will impact ambulatory and inpatient licensed independent practitioners, nurses, and therapy services. Details about the latest changes can be found in the Epic Update Bundle. Questions? Contact the Help Desk at 434.924.5334.

Lane Road Reopens

Friday, Jan. 12 | Lane Road will reopen to two-way traffic during the day. 

• Pedestrians: Be aware of two-way traffic and continue to follow crosswalks for crossing Lane Road. Minor construction activities including paving and striping will continue in the area.
• Please continue to have food delivered to the front of the hospital (not to the loading docks). Food will only be stored at this location for one hour before disposal.
• On Jan. 16, bus routes will resume service routes prior to the Lane Road closure.

Human Resources

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor

Wednesday, Jan. 10 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Room 3 | Ask questions and discuss your benefits with a Human Resources counselor. Walk-ins welcome. See monthly dates.

Happenings

Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future

Through Tuesday, Jan. 9 | 7-Elevens in our area are fundraising through the Round Up Your Change program to support UVA Health Children’s. Last year, this program raised nearly $25,000 dollars — stop in and donate today!

ECHO Series: Stroke Ready Primary Care

UVA Neurology is offering a free, recurring, monthly ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) virtual webinar series on novel stroke treatment and presentation identification. This Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded series will examine unique post-stroke populations, unusual presentations, and new treatment paradigms. While intended for primary care providers, other members of the care team and community can attend with permission. Continuing medical education credit available. Sessions will be recorded and distributed to registrants. Registration required.

• Novel Concepts in Stroke Care: Dual Antiplatelet Therapy, High Dose Statins, New Oral Anticoagulants | Wednesday, Jan. 10 | noon-1 p.m.
• New Trends in Risk Factors for Stroke | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | noon-1 p.m.
• New Treatment Cholesterol Management | Wednesday, March 13 | noon-1 p.m.

Nurses: Learn More About the RN-to-BSN Program

See dates below | Zoom | Register | Join Virginia’s No. 1 RN to BSN, a part-time, executive-format program designed for working nurses ready to tap the personal, professional, and financial benefits of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Courses are taught mostly online with a once-a-month, in-person gathering:

• Wednesday, Jan. 10 | 6-7 p.m.
• Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 6-7 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 15 | 10-11 a.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 29 | 6-7 p.m.
• Friday, March 1 | 10-11 a.m.
• Wednesday, March 13 | 6-7 p.m.

The Handbook of LGBTQIA-Inclusive Hospice and Palliative Care: Book Reading, Signing, and Discussion

Saturday, Jan. 20 | 4 p.m.| New Dominion Books, 404 E. Main Street | Kimberly Acquaviva surveys fundamental concepts and the latest clinical developments, integrating relatable anecdotes and poignant personal reflections. She also emphasizes how incorporating LGBTQIA-inclusive practices can transform work with every person receiving care. Details.

Appreciation

Safety and Security Spotlight

Our healthcare system spans 4 million square feet of clinical, research, and office space. Every mechanical system and piece of equipment, every window, door and floor, every light, camera and alarm ... every foot of our facilities is monitored and maintained by a team that mostly goes unnoticed. Until now.

Over the course of the next several months, Connect will be shining a light on the behind-the-scenes efforts of the many groups who are leading the charge to keep us safe and keep our healthcare system running smoothly.

At the helm of this effort is the Safety and Security Subcommittee, which is made up of 26 team members across departments who participate in workgroups that proactively evaluate and address safety, security, and maintenance issues. “These groups include everything from security and hazardous materials to equipment and clinical engineering. They are the subject matter experts for each topic,” says committee Co-Chair Bush Bell, Administrator, Hospitality and Support Services (pictured with committee Co-Chair Rebecca Hill, PhD, Director, Patient Safety and Risk Management). “Every person has a day job. All of the committee members are investing extra time to keep us safe.” Read the full story on Connect.

Thank you to this group — and all at UVA Health — who keep team members, patients, and their families safe!

Friday, Jan. 5

Discounted Tickets: UVA Women’s Basketball vs. Duke

Sunday, Jan. 7 | noon | John Paul Jones Arena | UVA Athletics is offering a buy one, get one discount on general admission tickets to all UVA team members for the Jan. 7 home women’s basketball game against Duke. Discount only available online.

Get tickets.

Ambulatory

Wave 3 Virtual Office Hours Added

Thursday, Jan. 11 | noon-1 p.m. | This optional, informal session is open to all Wave 3 team members to ask questions and seek clarification about One Team tools, workflows, and any other One Team topics as we prepare for go-live. There is one joint session for adult and pediatric primary care. Advance questions are encouraged and may be submitted to ROneTeamUnitedonAccess@uvahealth.org. Calendar invites should have been forwarded from your manager or find the link on the One Team website.

Wave 3 Practice Scenarios Live + Daily Raffle

All One Team | United on Access Wave 3 clinical and access team members are strongly encouraged to complete the Practice Scenarios that were recently added to the Epic Learning Library (ELL) resources for Wave 3. They give team members hands-on experience with the actual decision trees and workflows (pre-visit planning, pre-scheduling triage, etc.) that will be used at go-live. Take advantage to help ensure a smoother transition for yourself at go-live. Learn more and get started on the ELL.

Team members who complete the scenarios will be entered into a daily drawing for Uteam points through Jan. 12! Teams with 100% completion by Jan. 12 will be entered into a drawing for a catered lunch.

Operations

Be Prepared: Winter Storm Anticipated This Weekend

In response to inclement weather forecasted over the weekend — during which ice and snow accumulation is possible — our Hospitality and Support Services team is arranging sleeping accommodations to support continuity of operations. For up-to-date details on this weather event, please refer to Emergency Management’s emails or visit Connect.

Under Repair: Lee Street Parking Garage

Monday, Jan. 8, through mid-February | Structural repairs will be ongoing in the Lee Street Parking Garage and continuing through mid-February. Use caution when entering and exiting the garage, as traffic patterns will be temporarily modified. Be alert and follow direction from signage and flaggers. This work may cause delays in parking, so please allow extra time to park and plan to arrive early if you have a scheduled appointment. Questions? Contact Andy Theobald, Project Manager.

Continued Construction Near Aurbach Medical Research Building

Jan. 8-17 | Fontaine Research Park | UVA Health will modify and relocate existing utility infrastructure to make way for the start of mass excavation and construction of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology. This work will take place in the drive aisle of the existing parking lot in front of Aurbach Medical Research Building. The team will reconfigure parking lot fencing and will relocate the ADA parking spots along the sidewalk approaching Aurbach. This sidewalk will reopen. Pedestrian and delivery access to all buildings will be maintained. Questions? Contact Ted Nelson, Project Manager. 

QGenda On-Call Scheduling System Is Coming

On Monday, Jan. 8, University Medical Center will transition to QGenda, a digital platform for managing on-call schedules that will be overseen by the Contact Center. University Medical Center team members who manage on-call scheduling for their department/unit will use Qgenda to submit and update on-call schedules. These team members have been engaged by the project team and are in training to learn the new platform. Providers will use Qgenda to swap shifts and view their own on-call schedules. 

Beginning Jan. 8, any University Medical Center team member will be able to create a Qgenda account and use it to view on-call schedules, however the current methods of calling the Contact Center and using SmartWeb (aka Spoke) will continue to be available to all. Look out for an email on Jan. 8 that will include job aides that explain how to create a QGenda account and log on to the platform, and how to view schedules and swap shifts. 

Monthly Epic Update

Changes go live Tuesday, Jan. 9 | This month’s Epic updates will impact ambulatory and inpatient licensed independent practitioners, nurses, and therapy services. Details about the latest changes can be found in the Epic Update Bundle. Questions? Contact the Help Desk at 434.924.5334.

All Devices Running Office 2016 to Be Automatically Upgraded

All UVA Health devices running Microsoft Office 2016 are being upgraded to Office 2021. The upgrades will take place automatically on a rolling schedule based on PC number through spring 2024, affecting approximately 17,000 devices. Here’s what you need to know about the installation:

• Most devices complete the installation within 15 minutes, but older devices and those located off Grounds may take longer.
• The automated installation will offer an option to delay up to five days.
• If you wish to control the timing of the upgrade, it’s best to initiate it manually by following the instructions on HIT’s Office 2021 help page.
• To prepare for the upgrade, ensure all Office files (e.g., .docx, .xlsx, etc.) are saved to a network location such as your home drive (F:) or other department shared drives (e.g., O:, Y;, and Z:).

Learn more about the upgrade and specific changes users will experience on HIT’s Office 2021 help page.

Leadership

Albert S. Jun, MD, PhD, Appointed to Chair, UVA Department of Ophthalmology

Melina Kibbe, MD, Dean, UVA School of Medicine, recently shared: “I'm thrilled to announce the appointment of Albert S. Jun, MD, PhD, a distinguished academic clinician, educator, and researcher, as Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, effective May 6, 2024.”

“Dr. Jun comes to UVA from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he has served as chief of the Division of Cornea, Cataract, and External Diseases in the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute since 2015. In this leadership role, Dr. Jun played a key role in revolutionizing how corneal transplants are performed, specifically in the development of partial thickness corneal transplants which have become the standard approach over the past 20 years.” Read the full message on Connect.

Human Resources

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor

Wednesday, Jan. 10 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | Medical Center 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 of the Week

• Dr. Peter Paige talks with Becker’s Hospital Review about his new role as Chief Clinical Officer.

Patient Care

• Recent NBC29 segments feature Dr. Justin Mutter discussing the Virginia at Home program and Dr. David Hryvniak discussing how to safely start a fitness routine.
• Dr. Rachel Moon is featured in the Chicago Tribune discussing how to get a baby to sleep.
• Virginia Business’s inaugural “Top Doctors” issue features Q&As with Dr. Meg Crook and Dr. Douglas Allen.
• TV stations across the country — including in Richmond, Knoxville, and Wyoming — feature Dr. Pam Mason discussing holiday heart syndrome.

Research

• The $100 million gift from Paul and Diane Manning for the Institute of Biotechnology is featured in Forbes. 
• Dr. John Kim’s research on how healthy fats slow lung scarring is featured in more than 70 news outlets nationwide, including U.S. News & World Report and TV stations in Chicago and Philadelphia.
• Dr. Karen Ingersoll talks with SELF magazine about how long it takes to break a bad habit.
• Dr. Christopher McCartney talks with Scientific American about how much Vitamin D you need to stay healthy.

Community

• NBC29, CBS19 and The Daily Progress cover Santa’s annual Christmas Day visit to UVA Health Children’s.

Education

• Dr. Meg Keeley and medical students Mannet Dhaliwal and Swet Patel are featured in Virginia Business about why medical students aren’t choosing in-demand specialties.

Happenings

ECHO Series: Stroke Ready Primary Care

UVA Neurology is offering a free, recurring, monthly ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) virtual webinar series on novel stroke treatment and presentation identification. This Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded series will examine unique post-stroke populations, unusual presentations, and new treatment paradigms. While intended for primary care providers, other members of the care team and community can attend with permission. Continuing medical education credit available. Sessions will be recorded and distributed to registrants. Registration required.

• Novel Concepts in Stroke Care: Dual Antiplatelet Therapy, High Dose Statins, New Oral Anticoagulants | Wednesday, Jan. 10 | noon-1 p.m.
• New Trends in Risk Factors for Stroke | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | noon-1 p.m.
• New Treatment Cholesterol Management | Wednesday, March 13 | noon-1 p.m.

Mindfulness Classes

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction | Wednesdays, Jan. 10-March 6 I 4-6:30 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, Feb. 24 | Zoom | Register
• Mindful Eating | Mondays, Jan. 22-March 11 | 5-7 p.m. | Zoom | Register
• Mindful Eating Maintenance Class | Thursdays, Feb. 1, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register
• Introduction to Mindfulness for Healthcare Employees | Tuesdays, Feb. 6-March 13 I 5-6:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register

UVA Radiology Keynote Lecture Series: Applied Ethics in Radiology

Wednesday, Jan. 17 | 8-9 p.m.| Zoom | UVA Radiology's next installment of its Keynote Lecture Series — "Applied Ethics in Radiology: A Case-based Discussion" — features speaker Eric J. Keller, MD. Discussion topics include appreciating the relevance and prevalence of ethical issues in radiology practice, understanding approaches for navigating ethical issues in radiology, and discussing practical examples of salient ethical issues and how best to navigate them. Details.

2024 Martin Luther King Jr. UVA Health Award Dinner

Thursday, Jan. 18 | 6-8:30 p.m. | UVA Rotunda, Dome Room or online | RSVP by Friday, Jan. 12 | This award is presented annually to a student, faculty, or staff member who embodies Dr. Martin Luther King’s values and teachings. Special guest speaker: Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade. Register for the in-person dinner (limited seats) or virtual attendance.

Community MLK Celebrations

• Screening of The Space Race | Friday, Jan. 19 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Rice Hall, 130 | Remarks after the film from UVA alum and NASA astronaut Leland Melvin.
• 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Charlottesville Community Celebration: Honoring the Dream | Sunday, Jan. 21 | 5 p.m. | Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church | Keynote speaker will be award-winning author and activist, Jocelyn Nicole Johnson.
• Looking Back at the Harlem Renaissance | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | 3 p.m. | virtual | Join Lifetime Learning and the UVA Library for a virtual tour of this exhibition, featuring the visionary works of writers, artists, and thinkers whose creative and intellectual pursuits defined Black American identity and political consciousness. 
• Keynote Event: We Are Called to Be a Movement | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6 p.m. | The Paramount Theater | Rev. William J. Barber II will deliver the keynote address.
• The Right to a Quality Education | Wednesday, Jan. 31 | 4:30 p.m. | Pavilion VII | Kimberly Jenkins Robinson, the Martha Lubin Karsh and Bruce A. Karsh Bicentennial Professor of Law and the Director of the Education Rights Institute, will discuss how existing law and policy fails to protect access for all students to a high-quality K-12 education. 

Details can be found on the Community MLK Celebration calendar of events.

Nominate: John T. Casteen III Diversity-Equity-Inclusion Leadership Award

Deadline: Friday, Feb. 16 | Honors University community members who best demonstrate exemplary leadership in the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion at UVA or in the local community. This award honors one student, one staff, and one faculty member from UVA, UVA Health, and UVA Wise. Learn more and nominate.

Ready for Ideas: Spark Innovation Competition

Deadline: Thursday, Feb. 29 | UVA Health is excited to open the second round of the Spark innovation and ideas competition, which will help bring your great ideas to life. Think of the last time you said, “What if …” or “If only …” Share those thoughts and ideas through the Spark website. This round of the competition has a focus on our research environment. UVA Health wants to hear ideas from every part of the health system. Disrupt the norm, create positive change, and submit your ideas for a chance to win $1,000. Learn more. 

Appreciation

‘Nice Spirit in the Waiting Area’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

To provide the best possible service and care for our community, UVA Health regularly surveys our patients on their recent healthcare experience. Below is a small selection of recent feedback praising our outstanding team members:

• “I had the best team I could ever ask for during my stay. Very courteous, friendly, concerned for my well-being. They went above and beyond to keep [me] calm and comfortable.”
• “There is a nice spirit in the waiting area. People (staff especially) helping waiting patients, checking on folks that have been waiting a while, and just being sensitive to what's going on.”
• “Michelle [in prosthetics/orthotics at Orthopedic Center Ivy Road] is incredible and I can't wait to see what she comes up with for my brace — my condition is very rare and I am so grateful she is taking the time and effort to come up with something amazing for me!”
• “Dr. Barrick exemplifies a medical professional with a true understanding of his field and displays genuine concern for his patients. He considers and discusses treatment options in a clear, organized manner. He has a bright future ahead of him. UVA Health is lucky to have him!”

Thanks to all our team members for providing outstanding, compassionate, and safe care.

Wednesday, Jan. 3

Updated Red Books Now Available

Emergency Management has published an updated Red Book, which contains emergency contact information and basic response procedures for team members to use during emergency events. Major changes include: 

• The University Hospital Red Book now has a Contaminated Patient/Patient Decontamination page.
• The UVA Orthopedic Center Ivy Road Red Book now uses 4-2012 for a missing person response.
• Multiple changes to the Continuum Red Book, including a wildfire response page.  

Managers or designees should make sure their unit’s Red Book is updated by looking at the date on each page, not just the cover page. Red Book pages should be separated by numbered tabs which correspond to the table of contents. Each page should say January 2024 in the footnote. Any unit-specific information should be transferred over to the new copy. You can access the updated Red Book here or on the Red Book desktop icon. If your Red Book has traditionally included Safety Data Sheets for any hazardous material, those resources are now electronically found via the MSDS Safety Data Sheets icon on your desktop. 

All team members are required to be familiar with the Red Book for their area, including location, contents, layout, and when it is to be used.

• Team members in academic buildings — such as McKim Hall, Pinn Hall, McLeod Hall, the MR buildings, and the Health Sciences Library — follow the academic Building Emergency Action Plan. Contact your Building Emergency Coordinator or beap@virginia.edu with any questions or to receive an updated copy of your building’s plan.

As a reminder, if your mobile phone number(s) is not registered in your UVA Alerts account to receive emergency alerts via text, you can access your UVA Alerts account here.

Leadership

Q&A With Dr. K. Craig Kent — “The Future Is Extremely Bright”

The University of Virginia Board of Visitors voted to extend Dr. K. Craig Kent’s contract as Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Chief Executive Officer for UVA Health through Jan. 31, 2030. “We have achieved so much,” says Dr. Kent, “and I hope every team member feels a sense of pride and momentum. The 17,000 team members who are part of UVA Health are the reason we have been so successful.” Read more.

University Medical Center CEO Blog | A Year in Review

In her new Vision and Voice post, Wendy Horton pauses — as we step into 2024 — to reflect on our many accomplishments in 2023! Read more.

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall

Wednesday, Jan. 17 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | We have an exciting agenda planned for the January Town Hall, featuring a panel discussion with our UVA Health executive leadership team focused on the theme: One UVA Health | An Interconnected Academic Health System. The panel discussion will be moderated by K.Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health and includes: Marianne Baernholdt, RN, Dean, UVA School of Nursing; Wendy Horton, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health University Medical Center; J. Scott Just, MD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Physicians Group; Melina R. Kibbe, MD, Dean, UVA School of Medicine; and Erik Shannon, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Community Health. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event. Due to the town hall’s special format, questions may be answered directly via email or through Connect.

Ambulatory

Wave 3 Virtual Office Hours Added

Thursday, Jan. 11 | noon-1 p.m. | This optional, informal session is open to all Wave 3 team members to ask questions and seek clarification about One Team tools, workflows, and any other One Team topics as we prepare for go-live. There is one joint session for adult and pediatric primary care. Advance questions are encouraged and may be submitted to ROneTeamUnitedonAccess@uvahealth.org. Calendar invites should have been forwarded from your manager or find the link on the One Team website.

Wave 3 Practice Scenarios Live + Raffle Winners 

All One Team | United on Access Wave 3 clinical and access team members are strongly encouraged to complete the practice scenarios that were recently added to the Epic Learning Library (ELL) resources for Wave 3. They give team members hands-on experience with the actual decision trees and workflows (pre-visit planning, pre-scheduling triage, etc.) that will be used at go-live. Take advantage to help ensure a smoother transition for yourself at go-live. Learn more and get started on the ELL.

Team members who complete the scenarios will be entered into a daily drawing for Uteam points through Jan. 12! Congrats to our first raffle winners Keynosha Smith, Jenn McAndrew, Ani Abazi, and Carolyn Shifflett. Teams with 100% completion by Jan. 12 will be entered into a drawing for a catered lunch.

Operations

Continued Construction Near Aurbach Medical Research Building

Jan. 8-17 | Fontaine Research Park | UVA Health will modify and relocate existing utility infrastructure to make way for the start of mass excavation and construction of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology. This work will take place in the drive aisle of the existing parking lot in front of Aurbach Medical Research Building. The team will reconfigure parking lot fencing and will relocate the ADA parking spots along the sidewalk approaching Aurbach. This sidewalk will reopen. Pedestrian and delivery access to all buildings will be maintained. Questions? Contact Ted Nelson, Project Manager. 

MRI Expansion Construction to Begin off Crispell Drive

Starting the second week of January; through 2024 | University Hospital | To support magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) expansion, scaffolding and a construction hoist will be located beside the brick wall of Central Sterile. The sidewalk along Crispell Drive will remain open during construction. Construction deliveries will impact Crispell Drive before 7 a.m. and during the day between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Five emergency management parking spaces will be made available directly behind these affected spaces. Questions? Contact Hunter Durrer, Construction Area Manager, 434.529.7186.

QGenda On-Call Scheduling System Is Coming

On Monday, Jan. 8, University Medical Center will transition to QGenda, a digital platform for managing on-call schedules that will be overseen by the Contact Center. University Medical Center team members who manage on-call scheduling for their department/unit will use Qgenda to submit and update on-call schedules. These team members have been engaged by the project team and are in training to learn the new platform. Providers will use Qgenda to swap shifts and view their own on-call schedules. 

Beginning Jan. 8, any University Medical Center team member will be able to create a Qgenda account and use it to view on-call schedules, however the current methods of calling the Contact Center and using SmartWeb (aka Spoke) will continue to be available to all. Look out for an email on Jan. 8 that will include job aides that explain how to create a QGenda account and log on to the platform, and how to view schedules and swap shifts. 

Happenings

Rotating Art Exhibit 

Thursday, Jan. 4, through Wednesday, March 6 | University Medical Center lobby | Local Charlottesville artist Mary Jane Check will exhibit her art in the show “Eye Candy.” Stop by and check it out! (Pictured: “Black Tea.” Oil on panel, 24x24.)

Childcare Listening Sessions

Thursday, Jan. 4 | Session 1: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Session 2: 4-5 p.m. | Education Resource Center, Room B and Zoom | An overview of the Family Support Collab and Family Services. These listening sessions are open to all faculty, staff, team members, and trainees. Session 2 will be recorded. Send questions to AskHR@Virginia.edu with the subject line “Childcare Listening.” Details and Zoom links.

Nurses: Learn More About the RN-to-BSN Program

See dates below | Zoom | Register | Join Virginia’s No. 1 RN to BSN, a part-time, executive-format program designed for working nurses ready to tap the personal, professional, and financial benefits of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Courses are taught mostly online with a once-a-month, in-person gathering:

• Thursday, Jan. 4 | 2-3 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 10 | 6-7 p.m.
• Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 6-7 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 15 | 10-11 a.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 29 | 6-7 p.m.
• Friday, March 1 | 10-11 a.m.
• Wednesday, March 13 | 6-7 p.m.

Discounted Tickets: UVA Women’s Basketball vs. Duke

Sunday, Jan. 7 | noon | John Paul Jones Arena | UVA Athletics is offering a buy one, get one discount on general admission tickets to all UVA team members for the Jan. 7 home women’s basketball game against Duke. Discount only available online. Get tickets.

ECHO Series: Stroke Ready Primary Care

UVA Neurology is offering a free, recurring, monthly ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) virtual webinar series on novel stroke treatment and presentation identification. This Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded series will examine unique post-stroke populations, unusual presentations, and new treatment paradigms. While intended for primary care providers, other members of the care team and community can attend with permission. Continuing medical education credit available. Sessions will be recorded and distributed to registrants. Registration required.

• Novel Concepts in Stroke Care: Dual Antiplatelet Therapy, High Dose Statins, New Oral Anticoagulants | Wednesday, Jan. 10 | noon-1 p.m.
• New Trends in Risk Factors for Stroke | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | noon-1 p.m.
• New Treatment Cholesterol Management | Wednesday, March 13 | noon-1 p.m.

2024 Martin Luther King Jr. UVA Health Award Dinner

Thursday, Jan. 18 | 6-8:30 p.m. | UVA Rotunda, Dome Room | RSVP by Friday, Jan. 12 | Register | This award is presented annually to a student, faculty, or staff member who embodies Dr. Martin Luther King’s values and teachings.

ECHO: Long COVID Virtual Learning Series

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of collaboration among clinicians to address specific needs and challenges associated with providing care for people living in congregate communities. Free CME to registered attendees. Register.

• Wednesday, Jan. 17: Long COVID, Medical Implications
• Wednesday, Feb. 14: The Use of Telehealth During the Public Health Emergency and Beyond 
• Wednesday, March 20: Long COVID, Functional Implications

The Handbook of LGBTQIA-Inclusive Hospice and Palliative Care: Book Reading, Signing, and Discussion

Saturday, Jan. 20 | 4 p.m.| New Dominion Books, 404 E. Main Street | Kimberly Acquaviva surveys fundamental concepts and the latest clinical developments, integrating relatable anecdotes and poignant personal reflections. She also emphasizes how incorporating LGBTQIA-inclusive practices can transform work with every person receiving care. Details.

FEAP: Sustainable Well-Being Strategies

Tuesday, Jan. 30 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | A new year often brings a desire to focus on our well-being. Join Mary Sherman, LCSW, CEAP, and Beth Frackleton, RN, BSN, MEd, NBC-HWC, and explore stress and burnout's impact. Learn strategies for well-being and delve into the available resources. Details.

Nominate: 2023 Sustainability Leadership Awards

Deadline: Friday, Feb. 16 | 5 p.m. | This award honors those who exhibit a commitment to advancing sustainability practices and solutions. Nominations are welcome for students and groups; staff and departments; faculty and departments; and community members or groups.

Appreciation

EWYL: One Year In and Going Strong

UVA Health’s Earn While You Learn (EWYL) program continues to be a key driver in our strategic plan goal of Best Place to Work. Since launching in June 2022, the program has hired about 300 new team members; 84% successfully completed the courses and are continuing with employment as of October 2023.

“We're thrilled with the success of our first year!" says Beth Mehring, MSN, RN, EWYL Program Manager.

EWYL offers six paths: certified nurse assistant, emergency medical technician, medical assistant training, phlebotomy trainee, pharmacy technician, and sterile processing technician.

“Hearing about the program of becoming a CNA while working at UVA Health was perfect!,” says Lizbeth Maldonado. “I could let go of my retail job — and focus on education while getting hands-on experience.” Read more on Connect about how Maldonado and others have benefited, and what’s ahead for the program.

Congratulations to EWYL on its successful first year!

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