Inaugural UVA Health Team Wellbeing Day 

Thursday, July 31 | 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Conference Rooms | Join the first UVA Health Team Wellbeing Day to celebrate our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our team members. Health worker burnout levels remain high — even post-pandemic. UVA Health has developed programs that leverage team members’ skills and ethos using peer support and access to existing resources. Learn more at this free event and plan your team’s wellbeing activities for the upcoming year. Also: free chair massages, grab-and-go snacks, wellbeing activities, community art project, therapy dogs, prizes, and more. Faculty Employee Assistance Program (FEAP), Hoos Well, UVA Recreation, Compassionate Care Initiative, and more on-site for questions and conversations. Co-hosted by UVA Health Wisdom and Wellbeing Program and UVA partners. (UVA Health team members who work outside the hospital, please email wwpst@virginia.edu to request pop-up wellbeing days.) 

Operations 

UVA Health Zoom Phone Project — Upgrade Schedule 

Health Information Technology (HIT) is underway with a major project to upgrade phones that are currently on the 2015 BroadSoft Information System (BIS) to Zoom Phone. In the next month, phones in the following areas will be upgraded:   

• July 31: West Complex – Clinical Department Wing (CDW), 3rd floor   
• August TBD: 415 Fontaine, Primary Care Center 1st floor, West Complex (continued), McKim Hall    

Learn more. 

Expanded Relias Access Now Available 

University Medical Center team members who have an RN license or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification listed in their Workday profile now have access to Relias continuing education courses directly through Workday Learning. Look for the Relias link on your Workday Learning homepage. Don’t see it? Check that your RN license and/or BLS certification is uploaded correctly in Workday, per the “Emergency Response Training – Medical Center Policy.” Next account expansion will be on Sept. 30. Upload your card now to ensure timely access. BLS upload instructions.    

• Technical questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu.   
• Need BLS enrollment? Email LSLC@uvahealth.org.   
• Not required to have BLS, but need Relias access? Email NPDServices@uvahealth.org. 

Leadership

U.S. News & World Report Rankings for 2025-26 

U.S. News & World Report has released its “Best Hospitals” guide, with national and regional rankings across hospitals, Specialties, and Procedures & Conditions. Inova Fairfax is ranked #1, VCU #2, and Sentara Norfolk #3, with Virginia Hospital Center ranked #4 this year, and University Medical Center tied for #5 with Winchester Hospital and Chippenham & Johnston-Willis. Additionally, the number of high-performing ranked specialties we offer to our patients stayed consistent at four, and include Cancer, Orthopedics, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, and Urology. It is important to remember that with the USNWR methodology, the data for both Specialty and Procedures & Conditions rankings lags. Specialty rankings were compiled from data collected between 2021 and 2023, while Procedures & Conditions were rated using data from 2019 and 2023. While the data used to produce the rankings is still incredibly valuable for understanding where we are doing well and where we must advance — it doesn’t tell the full story of what we’ve done over the last two years to improve outcomes, clinical documentation, patient progression, staffing, and reputation — all of which impact our standing. We will continue to discuss planned improvement strategies as a team over the coming year. 

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Vision and Voice: A Note on What’s Next 

Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, discusses what's next for the Vision and Voice blog. Read more. 

Happenings 

Good Eats: Summer Sampling Series 

UVA Health has partnered with Cureate — a woman-owned and operated food-tech company and business development consulting firm, focusing on building local/regional food and beverage supply systems — on a summer sampling program. UVA Health currently offers goods from 24 local companies in our main cafeteria, and the list continues to grow. The summer sampling series will be held in the main cafeteria, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Stop by and try some great food!     

• Thursday, July 31 | Whisked 
• Tuesday, Aug. 12 | Sweetest Thing (seasonal offerings) 
• Tuesday, Aug. 26 | Donut Kitchen (fried fruit hand pies) 

Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen 

Thursday, July 31 | Stop by your local Dairy Queen to grab a Blizzard and thank our DQ friends for their year-round support of pediatric patients and their families at UVA Health Children’s. Each year, Dairy Queen raises more than $75,000 in support of the Children’s Miracle Network program at UVA Health. These funds address the numerous needs of patient families including lodging, food, gas, specialized equipment, Child Life services, and other essential, non-billable necessities. On Miracle Treat Day, $1 from every Blizzard sold is donated to UVA Health Children’s. Locations supporting our hospital include Charlottesville, Mineral, Verona, Bridgewater, Elkton, Stuarts Draft, and Harrisonburg (Carlton Street and Virginia Avenue). 

Deadline Soon: UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants 

Letter of intent deadline: Thursday, July 31 | Applications are open for the UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants program. Community-based organizations serving residents within our catchment area are invited to apply for funding to support innovative projects that advance cancer prevention, early detection, and survivorship.        

Criteria: Projects should focus on cancer health promotion, prevention, early detection, risk factors, and/or survivorship within the UVACC catchment area. Priority will be given to those addressing UVACCC Community Advisory Council recommendations, screenable cancers, and health disparities. Proposed projects must be a new initiative or include a clearly defined new component to existing work. Visit the Community Grant website for full details. Questions? Contact cancerinfo@uvahealth.org or Brenna Robinson. 

Deadline Soon: Charles L. Brown Award 

Application deadline: Thursday, July 31 | 5 p.m. | The Charles L. Brown Award for Patient Care Quality is UVA Health’s annual award for a care team who has worked to move our quality and patient safety efforts forward. Sponsored by the Department of Quality and Performance Improvement, this award offers a $10,000 prize to a team or teams to recognize excellence in patient care. To receive an application, or to ask questions, contact Jeff Lucas, Director, Performance Improvement, at 434.243.1755. 

Market Square 

Weekly on Thursdays, August-September| 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Courtyard at MR5 | Shop for fresh produce, beautiful flowers, unique crafts, and delicious eats from local food trucks. Questions? Contact George Minor, UVA HR, Rewards and Recognition. 

2025 Day of Caring: Volunteer Teams | Project Hosts 

Volunteer registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 1 | Is your UVA Health department interested in forming a volunteer team for the 2025 Day of Caring? Register with United Way of Greater Charlottesville to support the region’s most impactful, one-day volunteer effort, set for Wednesday, Sept. 17. 2025 Day of Caring sponsors include UVA and UVA Health.    

• Volunteer team leaders: Join a prep meeting via Zoom on Aug. 7, 2:30 p.m., or Aug. 8, 10 a.m. (Registered team leaders will be sent access to the Zoom link training and the project preview list.)     

Project registration deadline: Tuesday, Aug. 5 | If you know a nonprofit, school, childcare facility, church, or other eligible 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization in Charlottesville or surrounding counties that has a task or project that could use volunteers on Sept. 17, the organization should contact Markiana Smith about creating an account to submit their project. Questions about project hosting? Check the FAQs.    

See “School Assistance and Volunteer Service” on this UVA HR web page to learn more about employee eligibility for public service leave. 

2025 Mini-Med School 

Application deadline: Monday, Aug. 18 | midnight | UVA School of Medicine invites the UVA community and public to apply for the 2025 Mini-Med School program — a free, seven-week educational experience offering insights into medical science and healthcare. Sessions are Wednesdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 22, 6:30-9 p.m. Learn more. Apply. Questions? Contact minimed@virginia.edu. 

Leadership Excellence for Administrative Professionals Academy 

Registration deadline: Monday, Sept. 1 | Explore a new online UVA offering for administrative professionals seeking to grow personally and boost skills in navigating logistics, solving problems, and delivering results. Starting Oct. 1 (and recurring Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon), participants will explore critical topics including navigating organizational change; advanced communication skills; time, task, and project management; strategic influence and impression management; and much more. Make the most of your UVA education benefits — learn more and register. 

UVA School of Nursing Admissions Info Sessions 

Take the first step in furthering your education — join a Zoom info session:    

• PhD | Tuesday, Sept. 2, 12 p.m., and Tuesday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. | With demand for nurse scientists and academics at an all-time high, UVA offers one of the nation's premier doctoral programs for future nurse scholars and scientists interested in contributing to the study of aging, healthcare technology, social determinants of health — and beyond.  
• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) | Tuesday, Sept. 9, 5:30 p.m., and Tuesday, Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m. | A master’s program that prepares nurse leaders to use evidence-based practice to strengthen healthcare quality and efficiency, solve unit- and system-wide challenges, boost staff retention and collaboration, and improve patient care and satisfaction.  
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | Wednesday, Sept. 10, 7:30 a.m., and Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m. | For clinicians who wish to become nurse practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists, the UVA’s DNP program empowers nurses to practice at the highest clinical level and offers robust preparation for one of eight certification exams of their choice.  
• RN to BSN | Thursday, Sept. 18, 5:30 p.m., and Thursday, Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m. | Part-time, hybrid program offering working nurses who already have an associate's degree or nursing diploma — a pathway to earning personal, professional, and financial benefits of a BSN degree. In-person class once a month; balance of learning completed online. 

Mindfulness for Healthcare Employees Fall 2025 Course 

Wednesdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 29 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 560 Ray C. Hunt Dr. | The course can offer benefits in multiple areas, including reduced stress and increased well-being; improved balance between work and personal life; and better communication with patients and others. Instructors: Matthew Goodman, MD, and John Schorling, MD. A Silent Retreat will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free for UVA Health employees. Register. 

17th Annual Therapeutic Apheresis Academy 

Oct. 2-4 | Pinn Hall Conference Center | An immersive two-and-a-half-day, multidisciplinary program designed to foster interprofessional collaboration through innovative teaching approaches. UVA faculty and staff: take advantage of the special discounted rate of $315 by signing in with your UVA computing ID to register. Offer available through Aug. 15. Details and registration. Questions? Contact Monica McCommon, CMP. 

Appreciation 

“Nothing’s More Important in This Hospital Than the Patients” 

UVA Health’s Summer Junior Volunteer Program offers high school students a unique, eight-week opportunity to gain real-world experience in a hospital setting. With 37 teens serving across 15 departments, the program supports administrative, hospitality, clinical, and retail areas. This program not only fosters early professional development but also strengthens our culture of learning and community benefit. 

One Junior Volunteer, Mukund Marri, recently demonstrated our ASPIRE values when he encountered an individual in the lobby who said he was having the “worst day of his life.” Read below to learn more about this heartwarming moment.  

“I was at the hospital a few weeks ago, on probably the worst day of my life. That morning, I lost one of my closest friends, and a few weeks before this I was diagnosed with cancer. I remember just walking around the hospital — no real direction, just lost. I ended up sitting down somewhere and started crying. 

“Then, this kid in a red shirt comes up to me. ... What really stood out was how he came up, all upbeat and smiling, like, 'Hey, sir! How’s your day going?’ He just had this positive energy that kind of caught me off guard in a good way. 

“I was wearing a football sweatshirt and he pointed at it and said he liked football, too. That kicked off a little conversation, and he just kept it light and friendly. Even when he saw I was clearly upset, he didn’t act uncomfortable or pull away. He stayed right there, kept talking to me, like it was the most normal thing in the world. 

“At one point I asked him if he had to be somewhere, and he said something like, 'Nothing’s more important in this hospital than the patients.' That stuck with me hard. 

“He sat with me at least 15 minutes, maybe more. He didn’t act like he was in a rush, just kept that same good energy and stayed with me. I told him I didn’t want anyone else knowing what we talked about, and he made that little zipping-his-mouth motion and pretended to throw away the key. It actually made me smile for the first time that day — I even laughed a little bit. He ran off and brought me some tissues, and then right before he left, he asked if I needed a hug. I said yeah, and he gave me one. Then he shook my hand and just walked off like it was no big deal.  

“Later on, I asked a staff person what the red polo shirts meant, and they told me he was a volunteer. That made me smile again — knowing that he didn't have to be here, but chose to.  

“I don’t live anywhere near Virginia but, I swear, that kid makes me want to come back to UVA Health for my treatments. I just wanted someone to know how phenomenal your volunteer worker is!” 

You never know when a caring act will make all the difference. Thank you, Mukund, for your kindness and empathy, and for exemplifying our ASPIRE values. You are a model for us all! 

Previous Updates

Monday, July 28

2025 Mini-Med School 

Application deadline: Monday, Aug. 18 | midnight | UVA School of Medicine invites the UVA community and public to apply for the 2025 Mini-Med School program — a free, seven-week educational experience offering insights into medical science and healthcare. Sessions are Wednesdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 22, 6:30-9 p.m. Learn more. Apply. Questions? Contact minimed@virginia.edu. 

Operations 

UVA Health Zoom Phone Project — Upgrade Schedule 

Health Information Technology (HIT) is underway with a major project to upgrade phones that are currently on the 2015 BroadSoft Information System (BIS) to Zoom Phone. In the next month, phones in the following areas will be upgraded:  

• July 31: West Complex – Clinical Department Wing (CDW), 3rd floor  
• August TBD: 415 Fontaine, Primary Care Center 1st floor, West Complex (continued), McKim Hall   

Learn more. 

Leadership 

Justin Langford Appointed Director of Operations, Capacity Management 

Effective Aug. 4, Justin E. Langford, MS, will be in the permanent role of Director of Operations, Capacity Management at University Medical Center, following his service in an interim capacity since April 2025. Please join us in congratulating Langford on his new role and in thanking him for the collaborative leadership he has already shown as we continue to evolve and strengthen our operations. 

Human Resources 

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor 

Wednesday, July 30 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | University Medical Center Dining Conference Room 3 | Ask questions and discuss your benefits with a Human Resources counselor. Walk-ins welcome. See monthly dates. 

Happenings 

New Lunch Offerings at OCIR 

Beginning Monday, July 28 | Four new bowl options will be available at Orthopedic Center Ivy Road (OCIR). They include Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese, Bourbon Chicken Rice, and Teriyaki Chicken Plate bowls. Thank you to Chef Matt Cavallo for spearheading this rollout. Other changes: Two sandwiches (The Memphian and The Big Dipper) will be removed from the menu due to a lack of sales. 

Good Eats: Summer Sampling Series  

UVA Health has partnered with Cureate — a woman-owned and operated food-tech company and business development consulting firm, focusing on building local/regional food and beverage supply systems — on a summer sampling program. UVA Health currently offers goods from 24 local companies in our main cafeteria, and the list continues to grow. The summer sampling series will be held in the main cafeteria, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Stop by and try some great food!    

• Tuesday, July 29 | Kinlock Beef    
• Thursday, July 31 | Whisked    
• Tuesday, Aug. 12 | Sweetest Thing (seasonal offerings)    
• Tuesday, Aug. 26 | Donut Kitchen (fried fruit hand pies) 

Deadline Soon: UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants 

Letter of intent deadline: Thursday, July 31 | Applications are open for the UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants program. Community-based organizations serving residents within our catchment area are invited to apply for funding to support innovative projects that advance cancer prevention, early detection, and survivorship.       

Criteria: Projects should focus on cancer health promotion, prevention, early detection, risk factors, and/or survivorship within the UVACC catchment area. Priority will be given to those addressing UVACCC Community Advisory Council recommendations, screenable cancers, and health disparities. Proposed projects must be a new initiative or include a clearly defined new component to existing work. Visit the Community Grant website for full details. Questions? Contact cancerinfo@uvahealth.org or Brenna Robinson. 

Inaugural UVA Health Team Wellbeing Day 

Thursday, July 31 | 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Conference Rooms | Join the first UVA Health Team Wellbeing Day to celebrate our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our team members. Health worker burnout levels remain high — even post-pandemic. UVA Health has developed programs that leverage team members’ skills and ethos using peer support and access to existing resources. Learn more at this free event and plan your team’s wellbeing activities for the upcoming year. Also: free chair massages, grab-and-go snacks, wellbeing activities, community art project, therapy dogs, prizes, and more. Faculty Employee Assistance Program (FEAP), Hoos Well, UVA Recreation, Compassionate Care Initiative, and more on-site for questions and conversations. Co-hosted by UVA Health Wisdom and Wellbeing Program and UVA partners. (UVA Health team members who work outside the hospital, please email wwpst@virginia.edu to request pop-up wellbeing days.) 

Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen 

Thursday, July 31 | Stop by your local Dairy Queen to grab a Blizzard and thank our DQ friends for their year-round support of pediatric patients and their families at UVA Health Children’s. Each year, Dairy Queen raises more than $75,000 in support of the Children’s Miracle Network program at UVA Health. These funds address the numerous needs of patient families including lodging, food, gas, specialized equipment, Child Life services, and other essential, non-billable necessities. On Miracle Treat Day, $1 from every Blizzard sold is donated to UVA Health Children’s. Locations supporting our hospital include Charlottesville, Mineral, Verona, Bridgewater, Elkton, Stuarts Draft, and Harrisonburg (Carlton Street and Virginia Avenue). 

2025 Day of Caring: Volunteer Teams | Project Hosts 

Volunteer registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 1 | Is your UVA Health department interested in forming a volunteer team for the 2025 Day of Caring? Register with United Way of Greater Charlottesville to support the region’s most impactful, one-day volunteer effort, set for Wednesday, Sept. 17. 2025 Day of Caring sponsors include UVA and UVA Health.   

• Volunteer team leaders: Join a prep meeting via Zoom on Aug. 7, 2:30 p.m., or Aug. 8, 10 a.m. (Registered team leaders will be sent access to the Zoom link training and the project preview list.)    

Project registration deadline: Tuesday, Aug. 5 | If you know a nonprofit, school, childcare facility, church, or other eligible 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization in Charlottesville or surrounding counties that has a task or project that could use volunteers on Sept. 17, the organization should contact Markiana Smith about creating an account to submit their project. Questions about project hosting? Check the FAQs.   

See “School Assistance and Volunteer Service” on this UVA HR web page to learn more about employee eligibility for public service leave. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Headshot 

McKim Hall | Ground Floor, Room G045 | No appointment necessary. Bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided. Photos taken in 10 minutes or less on:       

• Wednesday, Aug. 6 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 
• Tuesday, Aug. 12 | 8-11 a.m. 
• Friday, Aug. 22 | 9 a.m.-noon 
• Thursday, Aug. 28 | noon-3 p.m. 

Nominate: APP Awards and Recognition 

Submission deadline: Friday, Aug. 8 | At UVA Health, we have the honor of working alongside more than 650 outstanding Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). National APP Week (Sept. 22-26) honors the contributions of physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, genetic counselors, and certified audiologists. Nominations for 2025 Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Week are open and you are invited to celebrate your colleagues and peers. Learn more and nominate. 

Intensity to Vitality: Flourishing Through Chronic 'Too-Muchness' 

Thursday, Aug. 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join Kelly Crace, PhD, Executive Director of UVA's Contemplative Sciences Center, to explore evidence-informed strategies to flourish while managing absurdity and change. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Apply to R. Edward Howell Administrative Fellowship 

Deadline: Friday, Sept. 5 | Program highlights include a two-year fellowship training program; participation in senior leadership meetings; rotations through service line and operational areas; and involvement in strategic, clinical, and operational projects. Program and application details. Informational webinars available. Questions? Contact AdminFellow@uvahealth.org. 

Appreciation 

Food Is Medicine Emerging Leader 

4P Foods has presented its Food Is Medicine Emerging Leader Award to UVA Health Office of Community Engagement and Health Outcomes for its commitment to Charlottesville’s Fifeville neighborhood. 

As part of the Neighborhood Health program — started by UVA Health Chief Community Engagement and Health Outcomes Officer Tracy M. Downs, MD, FACS — UVA Health team members visit Charlottesville area neighborhoods identified by certain matrices including health outcomes. The office uses a social driver of health model, partnering with UVA School of Nursing to take in blood pressure and A1C screenings, while also working with the community to identify social needs. The Fifeville community identified access to healthy food as a priority. 

Food access is an important issue in many of the areas we serve, says Jackie Martin, MPH, CDM, Director, Community Partnerships and Health Outcomes.  

4P Foods works with 200+ independent, family farmers in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina, to deliver thousands of pounds of food monthly to communities through local partners. “This award celebrates a Food Is Medicine program that’s building orders around seasonal produce and locally sourced protein and dairy,” hails 4P Foods. “They are not only supporting local farmers, but also promoting a healthier and more sustainable food culture.” 

Congratulations to UVA Health Office of Community Engagement and Health Outcomes! 

Friday, July 25

UVA Health Medical Centers Earn National Awards for Quality Heart, Stroke Care 

All four of UVA Health’s medical centers have been honored nationally by the American Heart Association (AHA) for providing high quality care based on the AHA’s evidence-based standards. 

“Serving patients across Virginia and beyond, the teams at our medical centers are dedicated to providing excellent care for patients with heart disease and patients suffering a stroke,” said Mitchell H. Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP, interim Executive Vice President for Health Affairs. “I am excited to see the hard work of our team members recognized with these national awards.” Read more about the awards on Connect. 

Operations 

UVA Health Zoom Phone Project — Upgrade Schedule 

Health Information Technology (HIT) is underway with a major project to upgrade phones that are currently on the 2015 BroadSoft Information System (BIS) to Zoom Phone. In the next month, phones in the following areas will be upgraded: 

• July 31: West Complex – Clinical Department Wing (CDW), 3rd floor 
• August TBD: 415 Fontaine, Primary Care Center 1st floor, West Complex (continued), McKim Hall  

Learn more. 

South Garage: Temporary Closure 

Friday, July 25, 8 p.m., through Sunday, July 27, 6 p.m. | To allow for annual cleaning, the South Garage will be closed temporarily. Team members must park in the 11th Street Garage. 

Maintenance on Safety Data Sheet 

Sunday, July 27 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Security updates to UVA’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) database provider may affect its accessibility for approximately six hours. Users attempting to access the SDS database will experience intermittent interruption in service during this period. During the downtime, team members should use an internet search engine (like Google) to search for a specific SDS. For example, if there is a problem with an infant heel warmer, search for "infant heel warmer safety data sheet." The SDS would show what actions should be taken to contain a spill or address an exposure. Team members should also refer to the Red Book in their areas. 

Dentistry: Ready for New Appointments 

UVA Health Dentistry downsized during the COVID years and patient capacity shrank as a result. After several years of rebuilding, it is now fully staffed and hoping to attract new UVA team members and their spouses and children. If you do not currently have a dental home and would like the convenience of our on-Grounds location, please reach out and make a new patient exam appointment by calling 434.924.1774. It has four experienced faculty and a regionally recognized residency program with four talented residents here to learn about hospital dentistry. Please consider receiving your dental care within your UVA family. 

Local Snacks Now Available in Wahoo West Cafeteria 

Wahoo West Cafeteria now offers snacks from five local vendors, including Allen’s Shortbread Cookies (Charlottesville), C-ville Candy Company (Charlottesville), Kinloch Farms Beef Snack Sticks (The Plains), Keya’s Snacks Potato Chips (Richmond), and Primi Single Serve Pasta Cups (Leesburg). Enjoy! 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton is featured in The New York Times, MedPage Today, Healio, and Yahoo discussing hormone therapy for women experiencing menopause.   

Patient Care 

• Dr. Shelby White participates in our weekly NBC29 segment, discussing how to keep kids safe while playing in the summer heat. 
• Dr. Jennifer Payne talks with NBCNews.com about the use of antidepressants by women who are pregnant. 
• Trauma Social Worker and Coordinator Brittany Nash is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing a violence-intervention program coming to University Medical Center. 
• Dr. Scott Schecter talks with Parade about the factors that cause a poor night’s sleep. 

Research 

• Dr. Mark Esser and the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology are highlighted in the Richmond Times-Dispatch and newspapers across Virginia as part of coverage of AstraZeneca’s plans to build a manufacturing facility in Virginia. 
• Dr. Seham Ebrahim is featured in Daily Mail discussing her team’s discovery of an organelle. 
• Research from a team led by Dr. Zhenqi Liu on the long-term effects of weight loss drugs is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally. 
• Dr. Jeffrey Wilson talks with WVTF (Virginia NPR) about babesia. 
• Dr. Karen Ballen’s research into the effectiveness of “mismatched” stem cell transplants for blood cancer is featured by Cancer Network. 

Community 

• UVA Health Director of Community Partnerships and Health Equity Jackie Martin, Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, and Dr. Marquita Taylor are featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally at a women’s health event that was part of the Chihamba Cultural Arts Festival. 

Education 

• Earn While You Learn Director Beth Mehring and student Caitlin Payne are featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing the three-year anniversary of the program. 

Human Resources 

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor 

Wednesday, July 30 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | University Medical Center Dining Conference Room 3 | Ask questions and discuss your benefits with a Human Resources counselor. Walk-ins welcome. See monthly dates. 

Happenings 

Support and Resources During Times of Transition and Change 

During times of transition and change, one thing remains clear: UVA Health team members will support each other and our shared mission to provide the best care for our patients. A variety of free and confidential resources are available to support your and your team’s wellbeing during challenging times: 

• Wisdom & Wellbeing Program | Team coaching, along with practical tools (such as peer support training, Team Wellbeing Quick Check, Stress First Aid, Weekly Wisdom emails) to strengthen communication and team collaboration. 
• Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) | Free, confidential support for personal or work-related concerns. 
• Hoos Well | A comprehensive wellbeing program to help you care for your body, mind, and life. 
• Center for Faculty Wellbeing and Development | Promoting, supporting, and enhancing the holistic wellbeing and thriving of all faculty throughout their careers. 
• 92-GUIDE (434.924.8433) | Guidance and support for emotional health, safety concerns, or stressful situations. 

You are encouraged to use these resources and share them with your teams. Also, continue doing what you already do well: create safe spaces to discuss concerns; be curious and ask questions; and call out great work and examples of caring and resilience when you see them. 

Good Eats: Summer Sampling Series 

UVA Health has partnered with Cureate — a woman-owned and operated food-tech company and business development consulting firm, focusing on building local/regional food and beverage supply systems — on a summer sampling program. UVA Health currently offers goods from 24 local companies in our main cafeteria, and the list continues to grow. The summer sampling series will be held in the main cafeteria, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Stop by and try some great food!    

• Tuesday, July 29 | Kinlock Beef    
• Thursday, July 31 | Whisked    
• Tuesday, Aug. 12 | Sweetest Thing (seasonal offerings)    
• Tuesday, Aug. 26 | Donut Kitchen (fried fruit hand pies) 

Inaugural UVA Health Team Wellbeing Day 

Thursday, July 31 | 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Conference Rooms | Join the first UVA Health Team Wellbeing Day to celebrate our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our team members. Health worker burnout levels remain high — even post-pandemic. UVA Health has developed programs that leverage team members’ skills and ethos using peer support and access to existing resources. Learn more at this free event and plan your team’s wellbeing activities for the upcoming year. Also: free chair massages, grab-and-go snacks, wellbeing activities, community art project, therapy dogs, prizes, and more. Faculty Employee Assistance Program (FEAP), Hoos Well, UVA Recreation, Compassionate Care Initiative, and more on-site for questions and conversations. Co-hosted by UVA Health Wisdom and Wellbeing Program and UVA partners. (UVA Health team members who work outside the hospital, please email wwpst@virginia.edu to request pop-up wellbeing days.) 

Accepting Applications: UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants 

Letter of intent deadline: Thursday, July 31 | Applications are open for the UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants program. Community-based organizations serving residents within our catchment area are invited to apply for funding to support innovative projects that advance cancer prevention, early detection, and survivorship.       

Criteria: Projects should focus on cancer health promotion, prevention, early detection, risk factors, and/or survivorship within the UVACC catchment area. Priority will be given to those addressing UVACCC Community Advisory Council recommendations, screenable cancers, and health disparities. Proposed projects must be a new initiative or include a clearly defined new component to existing work. Visit the Community Grant website for full details. Questions? Contact cancerinfo@uvahealth.org or Brenna Robinson. 

Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen 

Thursday, July 31 | Stop by your local Dairy Queen to grab a Blizzard and thank our DQ friends for their year-round support of pediatric patients and their families at UVA Health Children’s. Each year, Dairy Queen raises more than $75,000 in support of the Children’s Miracle Network program at UVA Health. These funds address the numerous needs of patient families including lodging, food, gas, specialized equipment, Child Life services, and other essential, non-billable necessities. On Miracle Treat Day, $1 from every Blizzard sold is donated to UVA Health Children’s. Locations supporting our hospital include Charlottesville, Mineral, Verona, Bridgewater, Elkton, Stuarts Draft, and Harrisonburg (Carlton Street and Virginia Avenue). 

2025 Day of Caring: Volunteer Teams | Project Hosts 

Volunteer registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 1 | Is your UVA Health department interested in forming a volunteer team for the 2025 Day of Caring? Register with United Way of Greater Charlottesville to support the region’s most impactful, one-day volunteer effort, set for Wednesday, Sept. 17. 2025 Day of Caring sponsors include UVA and UVA Health. 

• Volunteer team leaders: Join a prep meeting via Zoom on Aug. 7, 2:30 p.m., or Aug. 8, 10 a.m. (Registered team leaders will be sent access to the Zoom link training and the project preview list.)  

Project registration deadline: Tuesday, Aug. 5 | If you know a nonprofit, school, childcare facility, church, or other eligible 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization in Charlottesville or surrounding counties that has a task or project that could use volunteers on Sept. 17, the organization should contact Markiana Smith about creating an account to submit their project. Questions about project hosting? Check the FAQs.   

See “School Assistance and Volunteer Service” on this UVA HR web page to learn more about employee eligibility for public service leave. 

Nominate: APP Awards and Recognition 

Submission deadline: Friday, Aug. 8 | At UVA Health, we have the honor of working alongside more than 650 outstanding Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). National APP Week (Sept. 22-26) honors the contributions of physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, genetic counselors, and certified audiologists. Nominations for 2025 Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Week are open and you are invited to celebrate your colleagues and peers. Learn more and nominate. 

2025 Mini-Med School 

Application deadline: Monday, Aug. 18 | midnight | UVA School of Medicine invites the UVA community and public to apply for the 2025 Mini-Med School program — a free, seven-week educational experience offering insights into medical science and healthcare. Sessions are Wednesdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 22, 6:30-9 p.m. Learn more. Apply. Questions? Contact minimed@virginia.edu. 

Intensity to Vitality: Flourishing Through Chronic 'Too-Muchness' 

Thursday, Aug. 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join Kelly Crace, PhD, Executive Director of UVA's Contemplative Sciences Center, to explore evidence-informed strategies to flourish while managing absurdity and change. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Appreciation 

‘She Really Listened to Me’ | Kudos to Our UVA Health Colleagues 

To best serve our community, UVA Health regularly surveys our patients on their healthcare experience. Below is a selection of feedback praising our team members:                             

• “I want to commend April for her fabulous and professional treatment process. She really listened to me. The heart echo was so much better than the last one I had, and I just loved her work suite — it was peaceful and beautiful. Jacqui was wonderful as well for my blood work. Really, I can't say enough about that appointment! I was nervous and I am working on some tough things right now and both of these wonderful practitioners put me at ease and made me feel happy to be there doing these steps in my healthcare.” 
• “I can't begin to express my sincere thanks for the level of care that I received from NP Lisa. This was my first visit and, in the future, I will always come back to UVA Health’s Midlife Health clinic. Lisa is an exemplary NP with attention to detail and a great communicator — both in person and on MyChart. I felt seen, heard, and respected during my clinic visit. I have so much peace of mind knowing I'm in good hands at the clinic. I haven't met the doctors in the clinic, but — after my visit with Lisa — I'm sure they must be excellent!” 
• “The team member that got me checked in and validated my parking was so pleasant — I think her badge said Lorri, if I recall correctly. ... She was super friendly and attentive, and seemed like she was doing an excellent job of checking in with coworkers and patients to keep everything running smoothly.” 

Thank you to our team members for providing outstanding, compassionate, and safe care! 

Wednesday, July 23

Inaugural UVA Health Team Wellbeing Day 

Thursday, July 31 | 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Conference Rooms | Join the first UVA Health Team Wellbeing Day to celebrate our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our team members. Health worker burnout levels remain high — even post-pandemic. UVA Health has developed programs that leverage team members’ skills and ethos using peer support and access to existing resources. Learn more at this free event and plan your team’s wellbeing activities for the upcoming year. 

Also: free chair massages, grab-and-go snacks, wellbeing activities, community art project, therapy dogs, prizes, and more. Faculty Employee Assistance Program (FEAP), Hoos Well, UVA Recreation, Compassionate Care Initiative, and more on-site for questions and conversations. Co-hosted by UVA Health Wisdom and Wellbeing Program and UVA partners. (UVA Health team members who work outside the hospital, please email wwpst@virginia.edu to request pop-up wellbeing days.) 

Support and Resources During Times of Transition and Change 

During times of transition and change, one thing remains clear: UVA Health team members will support each other and our shared mission to provide the best care for our patients. A variety of free and confidential resources are available to support your and your team’s wellbeing during challenging times: 

• Wisdom & Wellbeing Program | Team coaching, along with practical tools (such as the peer support training, the Team Wellbeing Quick Check, Stress First Aid, Weekly Wisdom emails) to strengthen communication and team collaboration. 
• Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) | Free, confidential support for personal or work-related concerns. 
• Hoos Well | A comprehensive wellbeing program to help you care for your body, mind, and life. 
• Center for Faculty Wellbeing and Development | Promoting, supporting, and enhancing the holistic wellbeing and thriving of all faculty throughout their careers. 
• 92-GUIDE (434.924.8433) | Guidance and support for emotional health, safety concerns, or stressful situations. 

You are encouraged to use these resources and share them with your teams. Also, continue doing what you already do well: create safe spaces to discuss concerns; be curious and ask questions; and call out great work and examples of caring and resilience when you see them. 

Operations 

Traffic Impact: Emmet Street Closure 

Through Friday, Aug. 1 | Because of local construction, the intersection of Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA) and Emmet Street, continuing to Stadium Road, will be closed to all vehicular traffic for day and night work, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The City of Charlottesville and the construction project will install road closure and detour signage in advance of the closure. Map. Questions? Contact parking@virginia.edu.      

• Impact | This closure will impact patients and team members. Expect delays and longer commute times if you are traveling in this area.      
• Bus | University Transit Service (UTS) and Health System Transit Service (HSTS) bus routes from Northridge, Orthopedic Center Ivy Road, and Emmet/Ivy Garage will travel along University Avenue during this closure.      
• EMS | Emergency Medical Services has been notified to seek alternate routes.      
• Walking | The current pedestrian paths on Stadium Road, Emmet Street, and JPA will remain open during this time. 

Asthma Action Plans in Epic 

Thursday, July 24 | The current Asthma Action Plan letter templates in Epic — English and Spanish versions — will be updated to reflect the new (2025) form released by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). Versions for both albuterol and MART therapy are available. The header should now populate more cleanly with clinic information, and the MART form is more flexible for red/yellow zone actions when a patient approaches the max dosage of ICS/Formoterol for their age. The templates are called: 

• AMB PED ASTHMA ACTION PLAN MART THERAPY (SPANISH) and AMB PED ASTHMA ACTION PLAN MART THERAPY 
• AMB PED ASTHMA ACTION PLAN (SPANISH) and AMB PED ASTHMA ACTION PLAN 

South Garage: Temporary Closure 

Friday, July 25, 8 p.m., through Sunday, July 27, 6 p.m. | To allow for annual cleaning, the South Garage will be closed temporarily. Team members must park in the 11th Street Garage. 

Maintenance on Safety Data Sheet 

Sunday, July 27 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Security updates to UVA’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) database provider may affect its accessibility for approximately six hours. Users attempting to access the SDS database will experience intermittent interruption in service during this period. During the downtime, team members should use an internet search engine (like Google) to search for a specific SDS. For example, if there is a problem with an infant heel warmer, search for "infant heel warmer safety data sheet." The SDS would show what actions should be taken to contain a spill or address an exposure. Team members should also refer to the Red Book in their areas. 

Dentistry: Ready for New Appointments 

UVA Health Dentistry downsized during the COVID years and patient capacity shrank as a result. After several years of rebuilding, it is now fully staffed and hoping to attract new UVA team members and their spouses and children. If you do not currently have a dental home and would like the convenience of our on-Grounds location, please reach out and make a new patient exam appointment by calling 434.924.1774. It has four experienced faculty and a regionally recognized residency program with four talented residents here to learn about hospital dentistry. Please consider receiving your dental care within your UVA family. 

Help Patients and Families Give Back to UVA Health 

Did you know UVA Health Foundation has a peer-to-peer fundraising platform that allows patients, families, and community members to raise money for an area of UVA Health most meaningful to them? The Get Involved platform enables users to create personalized fundraising pages to celebrate the memory of a loved one, honor a caregiver, raise donations in conjunction with an event, and more. This resource provides an easy way to support research, clinical care, education, community outreach, or other areas at UVA Health. It includes email templates, allows users to create teams, and is easily shareable on social media.  

See how this family is using the platform to raise funds and awareness for ovarian cancer research at UVA Health! If you are a UVA Health faculty or staff member interested in using the platform, read the Faculty & Staff Fundraising Page Guidelines. Questions? Contact get-involved@virginia.edu. 

Expanded Relias Access Now Available 

University Medical Center team members who have an RN license or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification listed in their Workday profile now have access to Relias continuing education courses directly through Workday Learning. Look for the Relias link on your Workday Learning homepage. Don’t see it? Check that your RN license and/or BLS certification is uploaded correctly in Workday, per the “Emergency Response Training – Medical Center Policy.” Next account expansion will be on Sept. 30. Upload your card now to ensure timely access. BLS upload instructions.   

• Technical questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu.  
• Need BLS enrollment? Email LSLC@uvahealth.org.  
• Not required to have BLS, but need Relias access? Email NPDServices@uvahealth.org. 

Local Snacks Now Available in Wahoo West Cafeteria 

Wahoo West Cafeteria now offers snacks from five local vendors, including Allen’s Shortbread Cookies (Charlottesville), C-ville Candy Company (Charlottesville), Kinloch Farms Beef Snack Sticks (The Plains), Keya’s Snacks Potato Chips (Richmond), and Primi Single Serve Pasta Cups (Leesburg). Enjoy! 

Leadership 

Radiology Leadership Update 

After more than three decades of dedicated service to UVA Health, James Carnes will retire from his role as Administrator of Radiology & Medical Imaging effective Aug. 1, 2025. Thank you to James for his tremendous contributions, service, and leadership. To ensure a seamless transition, Rich Hooper, Director of Inpatient Radiology, will serve as interim Administrator. Read more on KnowledgeLink. 

Human Resources 

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor

Wednesday, July 30 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | University Medical Center Dining Conference Room 3 | Ask questions and discuss your benefits with a Human Resources counselor. Walk-ins welcome. See monthly dates. 

Happenings 

Celebrate CLABSI and CAUTI Reduction Achievements With Free Coffee (UVA Health ID Badge Required)

Thursday, July 24 | Higher Grounds East, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Higher Grounds West, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. | University Medical Center (UMC) hit critical milestones in its efforts to eliminate Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI) and Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI), with just 36 CLABSI events (target 41 events) and just 13 CAUTI events (target 24 events) in FY25. UMC rates for CLABSI and CAUTI beat industry benchmarks, with CAUTI events down 64% from FY24 and CLABSI events dropping to a 10-year low. These reductions make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients. 

To celebrate these achievements and the hard work of all involved, display your UVA Health ID badge to get one free 16 ounce, hot or iced coffee or hot tea, cream, and sugar at selected tables set up next to Higher Grounds East, and at the counter at Higher Grounds West. If taking cups back to a unit, there is a four-cup limit. (Please note: requests such as other flavorings, espresso, etc., only will be available for purchase by joining the line to the Higher Grounds kiosks.) Infection Prevention and Control, Quality and Performance Improvement, and the CLABSI and CAUTI Coalitions are pleased to host this celebration. 

Roll Up Your Sleeve and Donate Blood 

Thursday, July 24 | 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | The American Red Cross is experiencing a significant decline in donations, creating blood shortages worldwide, in particular the need for Type O blood. Make a lifesaving difference — whatever your type. Please donate and encourage your teammates to join you. To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: Enjoy the summer blockbusters with a Fandango movie ticket. Details. 

Good Eats: Summer Sampling Series 

UVA Health has partnered with Cureate — a woman-owned and operated food-tech company and business development consulting firm, focusing on building local/regional food and beverage supply systems — on a summer sampling program. UVA Health currently offers goods from 24 local companies in our main cafeteria, and the list continues to grow. The summer sampling series will be held in the main cafeteria, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Stop by and try some great food!   

• Thursday, July 24 | Voyager Cold Brew   
• Tuesday, July 29 | Kinlock Beef   
• Thursday, July 31 | Whisked   
• Tuesday, Aug. 12 | Sweetest Thing (seasonal offerings)   
• Tuesday, Aug. 26 | Donut Kitchen (fried fruit hand pies) 

Market Square 

Weekly on Thursdays, August-September| 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Courtyard at MR5 | Shop for fresh produce, beautiful flowers, unique crafts, and delicious eats from local food trucks. Questions? Contact George Minor, UVA HR, Rewards and Recognition. 

Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen 

Thursday, July 31 | Stop by your local Dairy Queen to grab a Blizzard and thank our DQ friends for their year-round support of pediatric patients and their families at UVA Health Children’s. Each year, Dairy Queen raises more than $75,000 in support of the Children’s Miracle Network program at UVA Health. These funds address the numerous needs of patient families including lodging, food, gas, specialized equipment, Child Life services, and other essential, non-billable necessities. On Miracle Treat Day, $1 from every Blizzard sold is donated to UVA Health Children’s. Locations supporting our hospital include Charlottesville, Mineral, Verona, Bridgewater, Elkton, Stuarts Draft, and Harrisonburg (Carlton Street and Virginia Avenue). 

Deadline Soon: Charles L. Brown Award 

Application deadline: Thursday, July 31 | 5 p.m. | The Charles L. Brown Award for Patient Care Quality is UVA Health’s annual award for a care team who has worked to move our quality and patient safety efforts forward. Sponsored by the Department of Quality and Performance Improvement, this award offers a $10,000 prize to a team or teams to recognize excellence in patient care. To receive an application, or to ask questions, contact Jeff Lucas, Director, Performance Improvement, at 434.243.1755. 

Leadership Excellence for Administrative Professionals Academy 

Registration deadline: Monday, Sept. 1 | Explore a new online UVA offering for administrative professionals seeking to grow personally and boost skills in navigating logistics, solving problems, and delivering results. Starting Oct. 1 (and recurring Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon), participants will explore critical topics including navigating organizational change; advanced communication skills; time, task, and project management; strategic influence and impression management; and much more. Make the most of your UVA education benefits — learn more and register. 

Apply to R. Edward Howell Administrative Fellowship 

Deadline: Friday, Sept. 5 | Program highlights include a two-year fellowship training program; participation in senior leadership meetings; rotations through service line and operational areas; and involvement in strategic, clinical, and operational projects. Program and application details. Informational webinars available. Questions? Contact AdminFellow@uvahealth.org. 

Mindfulness for Healthcare Employees Fall 2025 Course 

Wednesdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 29 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 560 Ray C. Hunt Dr. | The course can offer benefits in multiple areas, including reduced stress and increased well-being; improved balance between work and personal life; and better communication with patients and others. Instructors: Matthew Goodman, MD, and John Schorling, MD. A Silent Retreat will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free for UVA Health employees. Register. 

Appreciation 

Finding Confidence, One Haircut at a Time: How CareCuts Helps Patients Reclaim Their Identity 

When Julie Gottschalk walked into her CareCuts appointment, she expected to leave with a shaved head. Chemotherapy had begun taking its toll on her signature long curly ringlets. But instead of shaving it off, the stylist suggested something unexpected: a stylish short bob.   

Julie left the appointment surprised and delighted, recalling, “It was great to walk out of the CareCut and feel good about how I looked after my short cut.”  

For patients like Sarah Burke, hair loss wasn’t just cosmetic. It was deeply personal.   

A free haircut at Flourish through CareCuts was a turning point. “I wasn’t prepared for the challenges I’d face after treatment,” she explains. “I wanted a cute haircut, but I’d never had short hair and didn’t know where to start. My CareCuts appointment made me feel really cute when I walked out. It was one step toward my new normal.” 

Thanks to programs like CareCuts, UVA Health is helping patients rediscover themselves with every step, snip, and smile. Read more on Connect in the latest installment in the Hope at Work series. 

Monday, July 21

Celebrate CLABSI and CAUTI Reduction Achievements With Free Coffee (UVA Health ID Badge Required) 

Thursday, July 24 | Higher Grounds East, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Higher Grounds West, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. | University Medical Center (UMC) hit critical milestones in its efforts to eliminate Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI) and Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI), with just 36 CLABSI events (target 41 events) and just 13 CAUTI events (target 24 events) in FY25. UMC rates for CLABSI and CAUTI beat industry benchmarks, with CAUTI events down 64% from FY24 and CLABSI events dropping to a 10-year low. These reductions make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients. 
   
To celebrate these achievements and the hard work of all involved, display your UVA Health ID badge to get one free 16 ounce, hot or iced coffee or hot tea, cream, and sugar at selected tables set up next to Higher Grounds East, and at the counter at Higher Grounds West. If taking cups back to a unit, there is a four-cup limit. (Please note: requests such as other flavorings, espresso, etc., only will be available for purchase by joining the line to the Higher Grounds kiosks.) Infection Prevention and Control, Quality and Performance Improvement, and the CLABSI and CAUTI Coalitions are pleased to host this celebration. 

Operations 

South Garage: Temporary Closure 

Friday, July 25, 8 p.m., through Sunday, July 27, 6 p.m. | To allow for annual cleaning, the South Garage will be closed temporarily. Team members must park in the 11th Street Garage. 

Maintenance on Safety Data Sheet 

Sunday, July 27 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Security updates to UVA’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) database provider may affect its accessibility for approximately six hours. Users attempting to access the SDS database will experience intermittent interruption in service during this period. During the downtime, team members should use an internet search engine (like Google) to search for a specific SDS. For example, if there is a problem with an infant heel warmer, search for "infant heel warmer safety data sheet." The SDS would show what actions should be taken to contain a spill or address an exposure. Team members should also refer to the Red Book in their areas. 

Dentistry: Ready for New Appointments 

UVA Health Dentistry downsized during the COVID years and patient capacity shrank as a result. After several years of rebuilding, it is now fully staffed and hoping to attract new UVA team members and their spouses and children. If you do not currently have a dental home and would like the convenience of our on-Grounds location, please reach out and make a new patient exam appointment by calling 434.924.1774. It has four experienced faculty and a regionally recognized residency program with four talented residents here to learn about hospital dentistry. Please consider receiving your dental care within your UVA family. 

Local Snacks Now Available in Wahoo West Cafeteria 

Wahoo West Cafeteria now offers snacks from five local vendors, including Allen’s Shortbread Cookies (Charlottesville), C-ville Candy Company (Charlottesville), Kinloch Farms Beef Snack Sticks (The Plains), Keya’s Snacks Potato Chips (Richmond), and Primi Single Serve Pasta Cups (Leesburg). Enjoy! 

Happenings 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Headshot 

McKim Hall | Ground Floor, Room G045 | No appointment necessary. Bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided. Photos taken in 10 minutes or less on:      

• Tuesday, July 22 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.      
• Monday, July 28 | 9-12 p.m. 

Teaching Kitchen: Celebrity Chef Bal Arneson 

Tuesday, July 22 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | University Medical Center, main cafeteria | TV host, award-winning author, James Berard nominee, and TEDx speaker Chef Bal Arneson will be visiting UVA Health and sharing cooking tips and recipes. 

Rested and Ready: Enhancing Your Sleep, Restoring Your Energy, and Replenishing Your Resilience 

Wednesday, July 23 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Identify your sleep patterns and barriers to quality sleep. Develop strategies for addressing surface and root causes of sleep difficulties. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Roll Up Your Sleeve and Donate Blood 

Thursday, July 24 | 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | The American Red Cross is experiencing a significant decline in donations, creating blood shortages worldwide, in particular the need for Type O blood. Make a lifesaving difference — whatever your type. Please donate and encourage your teammates to join you. To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: Enjoy the summer blockbusters with a Fandango movie ticket. Details. 

Good Eats: Summer Sampling Series 

UVA Health has partnered with Cureate — a woman-owned and operated food-tech company and business development consulting firm, focusing on building local/regional food and beverage supply systems — on a summer sampling program. UVA Health currently offers goods from 24 local companies in our main cafeteria, and the list continues to grow. The summer sampling series will be held in the main cafeteria, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Stop by and try some great food!  

• Thursday, July 24 | Voyager Cold Brew  
• Tuesday, July 29 | Kinlock Beef  
• Thursday, July 31 | Whisked  
• Tuesday, Aug. 12 | Sweetest Thing (seasonal offerings)  
• Tuesday, Aug. 26 | Donut Kitchen (fried fruit hand pies) 

Inaugural UVA Health Team Wellbeing Day 

Thursday, July 31 | 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Conference Rooms | Join the first UVA Health Team Wellbeing Day to celebrate our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our team members. Health worker burnout levels remain high — even post-pandemic. UVA Health has developed programs that leverage team members’ skills and ethos using peer support and access to existing resources. Learn more at this free event and plan your team’s wellbeing activities for the upcoming year. Also: free chair massages, grab-and-go snacks, wellbeing activities, community art project, therapy dogs, prizes, and more. Faculty Employee Assistance Program (FEAP), Hoos Well, UVA Recreation, Compassionate Care Initiative, and more on-site for questions and conversations. Co-hosted by UVA Health Wisdom and Wellbeing Program and UVA partners. (UVA Health team members who work outside the hospital, please email wwpst@virginia.edu to request pop-up wellbeing days.) 

Accepting Applications: UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants 

Letter of intent deadline: Thursday, July 31 | Applications are open for the UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants program. Community-based organizations serving residents within our catchment area are invited to apply for funding to support innovative projects that advance cancer prevention, early detection, and survivorship.      

Criteria: Projects should focus on cancer health promotion, prevention, early detection, risk factors, and/or survivorship within the UVACC catchment area. Priority will be given to those addressing UVACCC Community Advisory Council recommendations, screenable cancers, and health disparities. Proposed projects must be a new initiative or include a clearly defined new component to existing work. Visit the Community Grant website for full details. Questions? Contact cancerinfo@uvahealth.org or Brenna Robinson. 

2025 Day of Caring: Volunteer Teams | Project Hosts 

Volunteer registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 1 | Is your UVA Health department interested in forming a volunteer team for the 2025 Day of Caring? Register with United Way of Greater Charlottesville to support the region’s most impactful, one-day volunteer effort, set for Wednesday, Sept. 17. 2025 Day of Caring sponsors include UVA and UVA Health.  

• Volunteer team leaders: Join a prep meeting via Zoom on Aug. 7, 2:30 p.m., or Aug. 8, 10 a.m. (Registered team leaders will be sent access to the Zoom link training and the project preview list.)   

Project registration deadline: Tuesday, Aug. 5 | If you know a nonprofit, school, childcare facility, church, or other eligible 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization in Charlottesville or surrounding counties that has a task or project that could use volunteers on Sept. 17, the organization should contact Markiana Smith about creating an account to submit their project. Questions about project hosting? Check the FAQs.  

See “School Assistance and Volunteer Service” on this UVA HR web page to learn more about employee eligibility for public service leave. 

Nominate: APP Awards and Recognition 

Submission deadline: Friday, Aug. 8 | At UVA Health, we have the honor of working alongside more than 650 outstanding Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). National APP Week (Sept. 22-26) honors the contributions of physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, genetic counselors, and certified audiologists. Nominations for 2025 Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Week are open and you are invited to celebrate your colleagues and peers. Learn more and nominate. 

Leadership Excellence for Administrative Professionals Academy 

Registration deadline: Monday, Sept. 1 | Explore a new online UVA offering for administrative professionals seeking to grow personally and boost skills in navigating logistics, solving problems, and delivering results. Starting Oct. 1 (and recurring Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon), participants will explore critical topics including navigating organizational change; advanced communication skills; time, task, and project management; strategic influence and impression management; and much more. Make the most of your UVA education benefits — learn more and register. 

Appreciation 

Shout Out to Our Researchers!  

While many at UVA Health deliver care to our patients or educate students about the delivery of such care, our colleagues conducting research shape the medicine we deliver tomorrow — and how we deliver it. Examples: 

• HIV Drugs for Alzheimer’s | Jayakrishna Ambati, MD (pictured), and collaborators found that NRTIs used to treat HIV also offer substantial protection for Alzheimer’s disease. While further testing is needed, Ambati says the drugs could prevent a million cases of Alzheimer’s per year. Ambati also has developed an alternative drug, K9, he plans to test for Alzheimer’s. 
• Peanut Allergy Treatment | At UVA Health Children’s, a real-world test of peanut oral immunotherapy in children younger than 3 showed the approach is safe and effective. Researcher Jonathan Hemler, MD, and colleagues are calling for multicenter trials based on the highly successful results seen in the 27 children who completed the study. 
• Sound Waves for Cavernomas | An incision-free focused ultrasound technique developed at UVA Health has shown great promise for treating debilitating brain lesions called cerebral cavernous malformations, or cavernomas. In early testing, Richard J. Price, PhD, and his team found the technique halted the growth of the cavernomas almost entirely. 
• App Detects Heart Attacks, Strokes | A potentially lifesaving new smartphone app being developed by UVA Health’s Jonathan R. Crowe, MD, MPH, and colleagues can help people determine if they are suffering heart attacks or strokes and should seek medical attention, a clinical study found. 

This is only a sampling of the research that occurs here daily. (More can be found in the UVA Health Newsroom.) We’re grateful to these team members and to all who expand our knowledge of medical science. Thank you, researchers! 

Friday, July 18

Response to Leadership Transitions 

From Mitchell H. Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP, interim EVP for Health Affairs, University of Virginia, Henry B. Mulholland Professor of Medicine: “I am sure you are trying to make sense of the recent announcements of leadership transitions both at the University and Health System. These changes can be unsettling, and I fully understand that you may have questions and concerns about the direction of our institution. First and foremost, my priority is to make sure UVA Health continues to be there for our community, and our patients and their families. This is a responsibility we cannot fall short on. To that end, we are working on a transition plan to ensure seamless operations and ensure no disruptions to patient care. I will have more details to share on this plan in the coming weeks. However, any plan will rely on each and every one of us to continue our focus on the work ahead — something that I have no doubt we will do with excellence and grace.” Read more on KnowledgeLink. 

Operations 

Garages: Temporary Closures 

To allow for annual cleaning, the following parking garages will be closed temporarily:          

• 11th Street Garage | Friday, July 18, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 20, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed at 4 p.m. to allow the garage to empty prior to the cleaning. Patients will be directed to park in the South Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.    
• South Garage | Friday, July 25, 8 p.m., through Sunday, July 27, 6 p.m. | Team members must park in the 11th Street Garage. 

Expanded Relias Access Now Available 

University Medical Center team members who have an RN license or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification listed in their Workday profile now have access to Relias continuing education courses directly through Workday Learning. Look for the Relias link on your Workday Learning homepage. Don’t see it? Check that your RN license and/or BLS certification is uploaded correctly in Workday, per the “Emergency Response Training – Medical Center Policy.” Next account expansion will be on Sept. 30. Upload your card now to ensure timely access. BLS upload instructions.  

• Technical questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu. 
• Need BLS enrollment? Email LSLC@uvahealth.org. 
• Not required to have BLS, but need Relias access? Email NPDServices@uvahealth.org. 

UVA Health Family Medicine and Same Day Care Dominion 

Opens Monday, July 21 | UVA Health will begin offering services at a new location in Culpeper that supports the continued need for primary care services. UVA Health Family Medicine and Same Day Care Dominion at 731 Dominion Square Shopping Center supports our 10-year strategic plan by enhancing ambulatory access to primary care and bolstering our capacity to deliver value-based care programs. 

According to Erik Shannon, CEO, UVA Community Health, and Stephen Keiser, Chief Operations and Growth Officer, UVA Community Health Medical Group: the need for this facility is reinforced by our latest Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies a growing demand for primary care services within the expanding population of Culpeper County. 

The practice includes Kearn Ghuman, DO (pictured) board-certified family medicine physician with extensive primary care experience, and Heather Cannova, FNP, from UVA Health Piedmont Urgent Care. An additional physician will join in fall 2026. This location also functions as an access point for patients who may seek chronic disease management in hospital emergency departments rather than with their primary care providers.  

We recognize the UVA Community Health Board of Directors for their support of this impactful project and for acknowledging the requests from our communities for additional primary care services. 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• Dr. Jay William Fox is featured on CBS Saturday Morning discussing his mentorship of a high school student developing a potential cure for skin cancer. 

Patient Care 

• Occupational Therapist Michael Vanhoy participates in our weekly NBC29 segment, discussing our adult wheelchair clinic. 
• University Medical Center and Prince William Medical Center are named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of 100 great community hospitals. 
• Dr. Nathan Charlton talks with the Associated Press about the effectiveness of anti-choking devices. 
• Dr. Thomas Loughran is featured in Becker’s Hospital Review discussing UVA Cancer Center’s “Stay in the Game” prostate cancer screening initiative. 
• Ryan and Bryce Dyer are featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing their fundraising efforts for UVA Health after Dr. Bradley Kesser fixed Bryce’s hearing loss. 

Research 

• Dr. Anita Clayton talks with The Guardian about the safety of “magic mushrooms” for pregnant women. 
• Dr. Karen Ballen is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing how mismatched stem cell transplants can help blood cancer patients. 
• A study led by Dr. John S. Kim into interstitial lung disease is featured in Medscape. 
• Dr. Justin S. Smith talks with Healio about a new study examining treatment options for scoliosis. 
• Dr. Bruce Greyson is featured in a Popular Mechanics story on consciousness just before death. 
• Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati’s research into whether an HIV drug can treat diabetic macular edema is featured in HealthCentral. 

Community 

• UVA Health WellAware Director Betsy Peyton is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing Healthy Streets, Healthy People. 
• Senior Access Associate Joncey Wagoner is featured locally, across Virginia and on TV stations nationally discussing donations to UVA Cancer Center patients from Flow Subaru and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 

Education 

• Dr. Mark DeBoer talks with WebMD about how to talk with kids about type 1 diabetes. 
• Dr. Robert Fuller talks with Mother Jones about disability training for OB/GYNs. 

Happenings 

Student Art at University Hospital 

Through November 2025 | The UVA Health Arts Committee and Albemarle County Schools Arts Programs collaborated to bring student art to the health system. The art is hanging in the lobby of University Hospital alongside our scheduled rotating fine artists. Stop by and check it out! 

Apply for a 2025 Nursing Degree Scholarship 

Submission deadline: Monday, July 21 | A total of $90,000 will be distributed to recipients in support of team members pursuing nursing degrees across all levels. Benefited UVA Health University Medical Center employees are eligible to apply for:        

• ADN degree programs         
• BSN degree programs and prerequisites         
• Higher nursing degree programs        

Applicants do not have to be an RN. Recipients will be announced in September. Learn more. Download a flyer to share.

Teaching Kitchen: Celebrity Chef Bal Arneson 

Tuesday, July 22 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | University Medical Center, main cafeteria | TV host, award-winning author, James Berard nominee, and TEDx speaker Chef Bal Arneson will be visiting UVA Health and sharing cooking tips and recipes. 

Rested and Ready: Enhancing Your Sleep, Restoring Your Energy, and Replenishing Your Resilience 

Wednesday, July 23 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Identify your sleep patterns and barriers to quality sleep. Develop strategies for addressing surface and root causes of sleep difficulties. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Celebrate CLABSI and CAUTI Reduction Achievements With Free Coffee (UVA Health ID Badge Required) 

Thursday, July 24 | Higher Grounds East, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Higher Grounds West, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. | University Medical Center (UMC) hit critical milestones in its efforts to eliminate Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI) and Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI), with just 36 CLABSI events (target 41 events) and just 13 CAUTI events (target 24 events) in FY25. UMC rates for CLABSI and CAUTI beat industry benchmarks, with CAUTI events down 64% from FY24 and CLABSI events dropping to a 10-year low. These reductions make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients.

To celebrate these achievements and the hard work of all involved, display your UVA Health ID badge to get one free 16 ounce, hot or iced coffee or hot tea, cream, and sugar at selected tables set up next to Higher Grounds East, and at the counter at Higher Grounds West. If taking cups back to a unit, there is a four-cup limit. (Please note: requests such as other flavorings, espresso, etc., only will be available for purchase by joining the line to the Higher Grounds kiosks.) Infection Prevention and Control, Quality and Performance Improvement, and the CLABSI and CAUTI Coalitions are pleased to host this celebration. 

Roll Up Your Sleeve and Donate Blood 

Thursday, July 24 | 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | The American Red Cross is experiencing a significant decline in donations, creating blood shortages worldwide, in particular the need for Type O blood. Make a lifesaving difference — whatever your type. Please donate and encourage your teammates to join you. To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: Enjoy the summer blockbusters with a Fandango movie ticket. Details. 

Inaugural UVA Health Team Wellbeing Day 

Thursday, July 31 | 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Conference Rooms | Join the first UVA Health Team Wellbeing Day to celebrate our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our team members. Health worker burnout levels remain high — even post-pandemic. UVA Health has developed programs that leverage team members’ skills and ethos using peer support and access to existing resources. Learn more at this free event and plan your team’s wellbeing activities for the upcoming year. Also: free chair massages, grab-and-go snacks, wellbeing activities, community art project, therapy dogs, prizes, and more. Faculty Employee Assistance Program (FEAP), Hoos Well, UVA Recreation, Compassionate Care Initiative, and more on-site for questions and conversations. Co-hosted by UVA Health Wisdom and Wellbeing Program and UVA partners. (UVA Health team members who work outside the hospital, please email wwpst@virginia.edu to request pop-up wellbeing days.) 

2025 Day of Caring: Volunteer Teams | Project Hosts 

Volunteer registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 1 | Is your UVA Health department interested in forming a volunteer team for the 2025 Day of Caring? Register with United Way of Greater Charlottesville to support the region’s most impactful, one-day volunteer effort, set for Wednesday, Sept. 17. 2025 Day of Caring sponsors include UVA and UVA Health. 

• Volunteer team leaders: Join a prep meeting via Zoom on Aug. 7, 2:30 p.m., or Aug. 8, 10 a.m. (Registered team leaders will be sent access to the Zoom link training and the project preview list.) 

Project registration deadline: Tuesday, Aug. 5 | If you know a nonprofit, school, childcare facility, church, or other eligible 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization in Charlottesville or surrounding counties that has a task or project that could use volunteers on Sept. 17, the organization should contact Markiana Smith about creating an account to submit their project. Questions about project hosting? Join an info session on July 18, 2:30 p.m., and/or check the FAQs. 
 
See “School Assistance and Volunteer Service” on this UVA HR web page to learn more about employee eligibility for public service leave. 

Nominate: APP Awards and Recognition 

Submission deadline: Friday, Aug. 8 | At UVA Health, we have the honor of working alongside more than 650 outstanding Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). National APP Week (Sept. 22-26) honors the contributions of physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, genetic counselors, and certified audiologists. Nominations for 2025 Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Week are open and you are invited to celebrate your colleagues and peers. Learn more and nominate. 

Leadership Excellence for Administrative Professionals Academy 

Registration deadline: Monday, Sept. 1 | Explore a new online UVA offering for administrative professionals seeking to grow personally and boost skills in navigating logistics, solving problems, and delivering results. Starting Oct. 1 (and recurring Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon), participants will explore critical topics including navigating organizational change; advanced communication skills; time, task, and project management; strategic influence and impression management; and much more. Make the most of your UVA education benefits — learn more and register. 

Apply to R. Edward Howell Administrative Fellowship 

Deadline: Friday, Sept. 5 | Program highlights include a two-year fellowship training program; participation in senior leadership meetings; rotations through service line and operational areas; and involvement in strategic, clinical, and operational projects. Program and application details. Informational webinars available. Questions? Contact AdminFellow@uvahealth.org. 

Mindfulness for Healthcare Employees Fall 2025 Course 

Wednesdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 29 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 560 Ray C. Hunt Dr. | The course can offer benefits in multiple areas, including reduced stress and increased well-being; improved balance between work and personal life; and better communication with patients and others. Instructors: Matthew Goodman, MD, and John Schorling, MD. A Silent Retreat will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free for UVA Health employees. Register. 

Appreciation 

‘Spunk, Personality, Care, and Compassion’ | Kudos to Our UVA Health Colleagues 

To best serve our community, UVA Health regularly surveys our patients on their healthcare experience. Below is a selection of feedback praising our team members:                            

• “My experience with hip replacement surgery was extremely well managed in every way — from the pre-op coordination and instructions to the day-of care and the post-op recovery process. I particularly appreciated being assigned a patient coordinator — in my case, nurse Tory, who has been available throughout my healthcare journey to address my questions and concerns. To her credit, she has initiated phone calls to discuss more complicated questions and ensure my understanding and comfort. Thanks to the entire UVA Health staff for a smooth, well-orchestrated experience from start to finish!” 
• “Getting a mammogram is never fun and there is always worry in the back of your mind that something could be found. However, this time, I met Angie. She has spunk, personality, care, and compassion. She made me so comfortable, and we chatted while doing the test and it truly eased my mind. I asked Angie before leaving if I was able to request her for the next time — that's how good she was. She said, 'Absolutely.' That makes me happy!” 
• “Sarah McLaughlin is the best dental hygienist who has ever cared for me. She is caring and compassionate, clinically talented and astute, and so personable. She demonstrates that she truly cares for me from the start of my visit to the end. ... I fully trust her with my care, and I am delighted to have her as my dental hygienist.” 

Thank you to our team members for providing outstanding, compassionate, and safe care! 

Wednesday, July 16

Wendy Horton Transition 

From Mitchell H. Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP, interim EVP for Health Affairs, University of Virginia, Henry B. Mulholland Professor of Medicine: “I write this morning to announce that Wendy Horton, CEO of University Medical Center has accepted an exciting career opportunity as Senior Vice President, UCSF Health, and President, Adult Care Services. Acknowledging that change is not easy and we will miss Wendy greatly, I am incredibly proud that UCSF has recruited a leader of her caliber.” 

Over the next several months, Dr. Rosner will be working closely with Dr. Reid Adams, Chief Medical Officer; Kathy Baker, Chief Nursing Officer; and the extended University Medical Center Leadership team to ensure we keep our focus on serving our patients to the best of our collective ability, while also ensuring we take good care of each other. Read more on KnowledgeLink. 

Operations 

Garages: Temporary Closures 

To allow for annual cleaning, the following parking garages will be closed temporarily: 

• 11th Street Garage | Friday, July 18, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 20, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed at 4 p.m. to allow the garage to empty prior to the cleaning. Patients will be directed to park in the South Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage. 
• South Garage | Friday, July 25, 8 p.m., through Sunday, July 27, 6 p.m. | Team members must park in the 11th Street Garage. 

Windows 11 Upgrade for All PCs Across UVA Health 

UVA Health HIT is upgrading all devices from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as part of our commitment to providing the best tools and technology for enhanced productivity and security. With Microsoft retiring Windows 10 at the end of October, HIT is upgrading existing devices across the health system until the end of November.     

In most areas, the upgrade will be deployed to computers automatically and completed after business hours. For departments operating 24/7, the upgrade will be scheduled during slower shifts, affecting only a limited number of computers at a time. For areas where any computer downtime is not feasible, HIT will collaborate with stakeholders to minimize potential disruptions. To prepare, team members are encouraged to back up critical files to network locations like the F: drive or departmental folders. While no data loss is expected, this precaution ensures data safety in case of upgrade issues. For more details on interface changes, visit the HIT intranet site or refer to the ServiceNow article. 

Happenings 

Apply for a 2025 Nursing Degree Scholarship 

Submission deadline: Monday, July 21 | A total of $90,000 will be distributed to recipients in support of team members pursuing nursing degrees across all levels. Benefited UVA Health University Medical Center employees are eligible to apply for:       

• ADN degree programs        
• BSN degree programs and prerequisites        
• Higher nursing degree programs       

Applicants do not have to be an RN. Recipients will be announced in September. Learn more. Download a flyer to share. 

Teaching Kitchen: Celebrity Chef Bal Arneson 

Tuesday, July 22 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | University Medical Center, main cafeteria | TV host, award-winning author, James Berard nominee, and TEDx speaker Chef Bal Arneson will be visiting UVA Health and sharing cooking tips and recipes. 

Rested and Ready: Enhancing Your Sleep, Restoring Your Energy, and Replenishing Your Resilience 

Wednesday, July 23 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Identify your sleep patterns and barriers to quality sleep. Develop strategies for addressing surface and root causes of sleep difficulties. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Celebrate CLABSI and CAUTI Reduction Achievements With Free Coffee (UVA Health ID Badge Required)

Thursday, July 24 | Higher Grounds East, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Higher Grounds West, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. | University Medical Center (UMC) hit critical milestones in its efforts to eliminate Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI) and Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI), with just 36 CLABSI events (target 41 events) and just 13 CAUTI events (target 24 events) in FY25. UMC rates for CLABSI and CAUTI beat industry benchmarks, with CAUTI events down 64% from FY24 and CLABSI events dropping to a 10-year low. These reductions make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients: CAUTI is the leading cause of secondary bloodstream infections acquired in clinical settings, and with every four to seven CLABSI cases prevented, a life is saved.

To celebrate these achievements and the hard work of all involved, display your UVA Health ID badge to get one free 16 ounce, hot or iced coffee or hot tea, cream, and sugar at selected tables set up next to Higher Grounds East, and at the counter at Higher Grounds West. If taking cups back to a unit, there is a four-cup limit. (Please note: requests such as other flavorings, espresso, etc., only will be available for purchase by joining the line to the Higher Grounds kiosks.) Infection Prevention and Control, Quality and Performance Improvement, and the CLABSI and CAUTI Coalitions are pleased to host this celebration. 

Roll Up Your Sleeve and Donate Blood 

Thursday, July 24 | 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | The American Red Cross is experiencing a significant decline in donations, creating blood shortages worldwide, in particular the need for Type O blood. Make a lifesaving difference — whatever your type. Please donate and encourage your teammates to join you. To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: Enjoy the summer blockbusters with a Fandango movie ticket. Details. 

Good Eats: Summer Sampling Series 

UVA Health has partnered with Cureate — a woman-owned and operated food-tech company and business development consulting firm, focusing on building local/regional food and beverage supply systems — on a summer sampling program. UVA Health currently offers goods from 24 local companies in our main cafeteria, and the list continues to grow. The summer sampling series will be held in the main cafeteria, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Stop by and try some great food! 

• Thursday, July 24 | Voyager Cold Brew 
• Tuesday, July 29 | Kinlock Beef 
• Thursday, July 31 | Whisked 
• Tuesday, Aug. 12 | Sweetest Thing (seasonal offerings) 
• Tuesday, Aug. 26 | Donut Kitchen (fried fruit hand pies) 

Accepting Applications: UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants 

Letter of intent deadline: Thursday, July 31 | Applications are open for the UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants program. Community-based organizations serving residents within our catchment area are invited to apply for funding to support innovative projects that advance cancer prevention, early detection, and survivorship.     

Criteria: Projects should focus on cancer health promotion, prevention, early detection, risk factors, and/or survivorship within the UVACC catchment area. Priority will be given to those addressing UVACCC Community Advisory Council recommendations, screenable cancers, and health disparities. Proposed projects must be a new initiative or include a clearly defined new component to existing work. Visit the Community Grant website for full details. Questions? Contact cancerinfo@uvahealth.org or Brenna Robinson. 

Deadline Extended: Charles L. Brown Award 

Application deadline: Thursday, July 31 | 5 p.m. | The Charles L. Brown Award for Patient Care Quality is UVA Health’s annual award for a care team who has worked to move our quality and patient safety efforts forward. Sponsored by the Department of Quality and Performance Improvement, this award offers a $10,000 prize to a team or teams to recognize excellence in patient care. To receive an application, or to ask questions, contact Jeff Lucas, Director, Performance Improvement, at 434.243.1755. 

2025 Day of Caring: Volunteer Teams | Project Hosts 

Volunteer registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 1 | Is your UVA Health department interested in forming a volunteer team for the 2025 Day of Caring? Register with United Way of Greater Charlottesville to support the region’s most impactful, one-day volunteer effort, set for Wednesday, Sept. 17. 2025 Day of Caring sponsors include UVA and UVA Health. 

• Volunteer team leaders: Join a prep meeting via Zoom on Aug. 7, 2:30 p.m., or Aug. 8, 10 a.m. (Registered team leaders will be sent access to the Zoom link training and the project preview list.)  

Project registration deadline: Tuesday, Aug. 5 | If you know a nonprofit, school, childcare facility, church, or other eligible 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization in Charlottesville or surrounding counties that has a task or project that could use volunteers on Sept. 17, the organization should contact Markiana Smith about creating an account to submit their project. Questions about project hosting? Join an info session on July 18, 2:30 p.m., and/or check the FAQs. 

See “School Assistance and Volunteer Service” on this UVA HR web page to learn more about employee eligibility for public service leave. 

Nominate: APP Awards and Recognition 

Submission deadline: Friday, Aug. 8 | At UVA Health, we have the honor of working alongside more than 650 outstanding Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). National APP Week (Sept. 22-26) honors the contributions of physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, genetic counselors, and certified audiologists. Nominations for 2025 Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Week are open and you are invited to celebrate your colleagues and peers. Learn more and nominate. 

Leadership Excellence for Administrative Professionals Academy 

Registration deadline: Monday, Sept. 1 | Explore a new online UVA offering for administrative professionals seeking to grow personally and boost skills in navigating logistics, solving problems, and delivering results. Starting Oct. 1 (and recurring Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon), participants will explore critical topics including navigating organizational change; advanced communication skills; time, task, and project management; strategic influence and impression management; and much more. Make the most of your UVA education benefits — learn more and register. 

UVA School of Nursing Admissions Info Sessions 

Take the first step in furthering your education — join a Zoom info session:   

• PhD | Tuesday, Sept. 2, 12 p.m., and Tuesday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. | With demand for nurse scientists and academics at an all-time high, UVA offers one of the nation's premier doctoral programs for future nurse scholars and scientists interested in contributing to the study of aging, healthcare technology, social determinants of health — and beyond. 
• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) | Tuesday, Sept. 9, 5:30 p.m., and Tuesday, Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m. | A master’s program that prepares nurse leaders to use evidence-based practice to strengthen healthcare quality and efficiency, solve unit- and system-wide challenges, boost staff retention and collaboration, and improve patient care and satisfaction. 
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | Wednesday, Sept. 10, 7:30 a.m., and Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m. | For clinicians who wish to become nurse practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists, the UVA’s DNP program empowers nurses to practice at the highest clinical level and offers robust preparation for one of eight certification exams of their choice. 
• RN to BSN | Thursday, Sept. 18, 5:30 p.m., and Thursday, Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m. | Part-time, hybrid program offering working nurses who already have an associate's degree or nursing diploma — a pathway to earning personal, professional, and financial benefits of a BSN degree. In-person class once a month; balance of learning completed online. 

Mindfulness for Healthcare Employees Fall 2025 Course 

Wednesdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 29 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 560 Ray C. Hunt Dr. | The course can offer benefits in multiple areas, including reduced stress and increased well-being; improved balance between work and personal life; and better communication with patients and others. Instructors: Matthew Goodman, MD, and John Schorling, MD. A Silent Retreat will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free for UVA Health employees. Register. 

Appreciation 

Faculty Alonso, Elgin, and Mitchell to Be Inducted as American Academy of Nursing Fellows 

Three UVA School of Nursing faculty will be inducted as Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing this October: Windy Alonso, the school’s incoming Associate Professor and Department of Nursing Research Chair, who begins her role July 25; Kim Elgin, a part-time faculty member and Director of Advanced Practice Providers at UVA Health; and Emma Mitchell, Associate Professor and an NIH-funded nurse scientist.   

The trio will be celebrated at the group’s annual Health Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., Oct. 16-18. UVA School of Nursing will celebrate Alonso, Elgin, and Mitchell together with inductees from several other area nursing schools at a shared reception Oct. 17 with nursing deans from George Washington University, Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and James Madison University at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. 

“Windy, Kim, and Emma each bring such important, distinctive approaches to nursing, clinical practice, teaching, and science,” said Marianne Baernholdt, the Pew Charitable Trusts Dean and Professor. “This honor is so well deserved. What a joy it will be to celebrate them.” Congrats to our School of Nursing colleagues! Read more on Connect. 

Monday, July 14

2025 Day of Caring: Volunteer Teams | Project Hosts 

Volunteer registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 1 | Is your UVA Health department interested in forming a volunteer team for the 2025 Day of Caring? Register with United Way of Greater Charlottesville to support the region’s most impactful, one-day volunteer effort, set for Wednesday, Sept. 17. 2025 Day of Caring sponsors include UVA and UVA Health. 

• Volunteer team leaders: Join a prep meeting via Zoom on Aug. 7, 2:30 p.m., or Aug. 8, 10 a.m. (Registered team leaders will be sent access to the Zoom link training and the project preview list.)  

Project registration deadline: Tuesday, Aug. 5 | If you know a nonprofit, school, childcare facility, church, or other eligible 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization in Charlottesville or surrounding counties that has a task or project that could use volunteers on Sept. 17, the organization should contact Markiana Smith about creating an account to submit their project. Questions about project hosting? Join an info session on July 18, 2:30 p.m., and/or check the FAQs.  

See “School Assistance and Volunteer Service” on this UVA HR web page to learn more about employee eligibility for public service leave. 

Operations 

Typenex Bands Going Away, New 'Type and Screen' Order for Pre-Transfusion Testing 

Implemented prior to 1984 and once the standard of care for labeling and tracking patient blood specimens, Typenex blood bands will no longer be used at UVA Health facilities effective July 15, 2025. The trifecta of Electronic Positive Patient Identification (EPPID), Blood Product Administration Module (BPAM), and Transfusion Time-Outs — all currently standard work across UVA Health — will continue to be used to ensure accurate labeling of patient specimens and delivery of the correct blood product to the patient.

With the elimination of the Typenex band, we also will retire the “Type and Hold” (TYHD) order from Epic and replace it with a new “Type and Screen” (TASN) order for pre-transfusion testing, and a streamlined “Prepare” order to request the number of units to be crossmatched for the patient. Starting July 15, Ambulatory clinics will need to replace active collected or signed “Type and Hold” orders that contain a red blood cell (RBC) order with the new “Type and Screen” order and a separate “Prepare RBC” order.

To prepare for change, please review the following tip sheets and visit Connect to learn more:  

• Blood Product Order Workflow Changes  
• Typenex Armband Elimination 

Fontaine Research Park Garage Update 

The new 1,250-space parking garage is nearing completion at Fontaine Research Park. The garage will serve U9 permit holders and health system commuters currently parking at the Emmet/Ivy Garage. These commuters will shift to Fontaine later this fall, coinciding with the launch of a new transit route to the area. To support patient access, Parking and Transportation also will reassign some existing U9 surface lot spaces as patient-only parking once the garage opens. 

While the project is ahead of its contractual schedule (originally set for November 2025), the garage still must complete inspections and receive a certificate of occupancy before it can open to vehicles. The construction team is working diligently to accelerate the timeline, and we’ll share updates as soon as they’re available. 

Parking and Transportation Update for Fontaine Research Park 

Wednesday, July 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join this virtual information session to hear important updates about upcoming changes to parking and transportation services at Fontaine Research Park. Leaders from UVA Health and the University Transit Service will share details on what to expect and how these changes may impact your daily commute. You’re encouraged to submit questions in advance via this form. (Meeting ID: 949 9074 7736 | Passcode: 24021477) 

Garages: Temporary Closures 

To allow for annual cleaning, the following parking garages will be closed temporarily:         

• 11th Street Garage | Friday, July 18, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 20, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed at 4 p.m. to allow the garage to empty prior to the cleaning. Patients will be directed to park in the South Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.   
• South Garage | Friday, July 25, 8 p.m., through Sunday, July 27, 6 p.m. | Team members must park in the 11th Street Garage. 

Happenings 

Team Member Call for Artists: UVA Health Arts Program

Submission deadline: Tuesday, July 15 | Art submissions are being accepted for the Team Member Art Exhibit. Guidelines:

• No textile art or sculptures.      
• Art must be framed or on a canvas stretcher (so that it can be fitted with security hardware).      
• Submit no more than two pieces of art.      
• No oversized art.   

To submit: Mark your name, title of the piece (including medium), and price on the back of the art. Deliver your submissions to Anne Brown in McKim 3115a. The exhibit will run July 17-Sept. 17. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Headshot 

McKim Hall | Ground Floor, Room G045 | No appointment necessary. Bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided. Photos taken in 10 minutes or less on:    

• Tuesday, July 15 | 8-11 a.m.    
• Tuesday, July 22 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.     
• Monday, July 28 | 9-12 p.m. 

ROSE Program Gives Office Supplies New Life 

Tuesday, July 15 | 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 or take what you need monthly. 

Good Eats: Summer Sampling Series 

UVA Health has partnered with Cureate — a woman-owned and operated food-tech company and business development consulting firm, focusing on building local/regional food and beverage supply systems — on a summer sampling program. UVA Health currently offers goods from 24 local companies in our main cafeteria, and the list continues to grow. The summer sampling series will be held in the main cafeteria, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Stop by and try some great food! 

• Tuesday, July 15 | Allen's Shortbread 
• Thursday, July 24 | Voyager Cold Brew 
• Tuesday, July 29 | Kinlock Beef 
• Thursday, July 31 | Whisked 
• Tuesday, Aug. 12 | Sweetest Thing (seasonal offerings) 
• Tuesday, Aug. 26 | Donut Kitchen (fried fruit hand pies) 

Apply for a 2025 Nursing Degree Scholarship 

Submission deadline: Monday, July 21 | A total of $90,000 will be distributed to recipients in support of team members pursuing nursing degrees across all levels. Benefited UVA Health University Medical Center employees are eligible to apply for:       

• ADN degree programs        
• BSN degree programs and prerequisites        
• Higher nursing degree programs       

Applicants do not have to be an RN. Recipients will be announced in September. Learn more. Download a flyer to share.

Rested and Ready: Enhancing Your Sleep, Restoring Your Energy, and Replenishing Your Resilience  

Wednesday, July 23 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Identify your sleep patterns and barriers to quality sleep. Develop strategies for addressing surface and root causes of sleep difficulties. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Roll Up Your Sleeve and Donate Blood 

Thursday, July 24 | 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | The American Red Cross is experiencing a significant decline in donations, creating blood shortages worldwide, in particular the need for Type O blood. Make a lifesaving difference — whatever your type. Please donate and encourage your teammates to join you. To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: Enjoy the summer blockbusters with a Fandango movie ticket. Details. 

Nominate: APP Awards and Recognition 

Submission deadline: Friday, Aug. 8 | At UVA Health, we have the honor of working alongside more than 650 outstanding Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). National APP Week (Sept. 22-26) honors the contributions of physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, genetic counselors, and certified audiologists. Nominations for 2025 Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Week are open and you are invited to celebrate your colleagues and peers. Learn more and nominate. 

Mindfulness for Healthcare Employees Fall 2025 Course 

Wednesdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 29 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 560 Ray C. Hunt Dr. | The course can offer benefits in multiple areas, including reduced stress and increased well-being; improved balance between work and personal life; and better communication with patients and others. Instructors: Matthew Goodman, MD, and John Schorling, MD. A Silent Retreat will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free for UVA Health employees. Register. 

Appreciation 

UVA Health Cancer Care Gainesville Receives $25,000 Donation 

The UVA Community Health Foundation announced a $25,000 donation to the UVA Health Cancer Care Gainesville clinic from Heritage Charity Classic, Inc in Gainesville, Virginia. Representatives from Heritage Charity Classic, Inc presented a $25,000 check to the UVA Community Health Foundation on June 4, at the UVA Health Cancer Care Gainesville location. 

“This donation is a powerful reflection of what community-driven philanthropy can achieve,” says Felicia Blow, PhD, Executive Director, UVA Community Health Foundation. “The continued support from Heritage Charity Classic directly benefits local patients by expanding access to advanced cancer care close to home. Their generosity plays a vital role in UVA Health’s broader mission to build healthier communities and ensure a sense of belonging for every patient we serve.”  

UVA Health Cancer Care Gainesville delivers advanced radiation oncology services in northern Virginia, combining cutting-edge treatments and technologies, with collaborative clinical care, and comprehensive emotional support programs that are essential for effective cancer care and healing. Read more on Connect. 

Friday, July 11

Garages: Temporary Closures 

To allow for annual cleaning, the following parking garages will be closed temporarily:        

• Lee Street Garage | Friday, July 11, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 13, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed Friday, July 11, at 4 p.m., to allow the garage to empty prior to the washdown. Patients will be directed to park in the 11th Street Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.        
• 11th Street Garage | Friday, July 18, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 20, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed at 4 p.m. to allow the garage to empty prior to the cleaning. Patients will be directed to park in the South Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.  
• South Garage | Friday, July 25, 8 p.m., through Sunday, July 27, 6 p.m. | Team members must park in the 11th Street Garage. 

Operations 

Fontaine Research Park Garage Update 

The new 1,250-space parking garage is nearing completion at Fontaine Research Park. The garage will serve U9 permit holders and health system commuters currently parking at the Emmet/Ivy Garage. These commuters will shift to Fontaine later this fall, coinciding with the launch of a new transit route to the area. To support patient access, Parking and Transportation also will reassign some existing U9 surface lot spaces as patient-only parking once the garage opens.  

While the project is ahead of its contractual schedule (originally set for November 2025), the garage still must complete inspections and receive a certificate of occupancy before it can open to vehicles. The construction team is working diligently to accelerate the timeline, and we’ll share updates as soon as they’re available.  

Parking and Transportation Update for Fontaine Research Park  

Wednesday, July 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join this virtual information session to hear important updates about upcoming changes to parking and transportation services at Fontaine Research Park. Leaders from UVA Health and the University Transit Service will share details on what to expect and how these changes may impact your daily commute. You’re encouraged to submit questions in advance via this form. (Meeting ID: 949 9074 7736 | Passcode: 24021477) 

Vehicles in 11th Street Garage Beyond Assigned Hours 

UVA Health recognizes that team members may be asked to stay on shift longer when working overnights or called in after business hours to offer additional support. When this occurs, please let us know by completing this form for each day an employee is held over. In the event this form is not completed, team members will be subject to ticketing and parking policy reinforcement. 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• University Medical Center CEO Wendy Horton writes a column for Becker’s Hospital Review on leadership and strategic prioritization. 

Patient Care 

• Anita Sites, Manager of Living Donor and Pediatric Transplant Programs, participates in our weekly NBC29 segment, discussing cardiac catheterization. 
• UVA Physicians Group CFO Susan Rumsey is featured on Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of hospital and health system CFOs to know. 
• Dr. Jeff Wilson is featured in Newsweek, WJLA (DC TV), and WSET (Roanoke TV) discussing babesiosis. 
• Dr. Laurie Archbald-Pannone and Dr. Karen Starr are featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing the expansion of UVA Health’s geriatric clinic.  
• Healthcare Executive highlights Cindy Bo’s appointment as chief of UVA Health Children’s. 

Research 

• Dr. Seham Ebrahim continues to receive strong international coverage for her team’s discovery of an organelle, including in The Express, Prevention, and Popular Mechanics. 
• Dr. Bimal Desai is featured in The Independent, Boston Globe, and Seattle Times discussing the link between inflammation and aging. 
• Dr. William Mills III is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing a potential way to treat Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. 
• Dr. Becca Krukowski talks with Healthline about a study showing body fat is a better predictor of heart disease and death risk than BMI. 

Community 

• COO Donna Staton and Executive Director of the UVA Community Health Foundation Felicia Blow, PhD, are featured in the Culpeper Star-Exponent and InsideNOVA discussing a donation to support oral health initiatives at Culpeper County elementary schools. 

Education 

• Dr. Tuyet-Minh Tran, a recent graduate of the UVA School of Medicine, discusses incorporating art into medical education on the Academic Medicine podcast. 

Human Resources 

PTO Accrual Changes 

Watch your July 11 pay slip for PTO accrual changes! The changes, effective June 22, increase PTO accrual rates for individual contributors reaching their 5- and 15-year service anniversaries, adding an additional incentive for achieving these significant milestones. Details. 

Happenings 

UVA School of Nursing Seeks Preceptor-Mentors for Advanced Practice Nursing Students 

UVA School of Nursing is seeking nurses with a penchant to teach the next generation of advanced practice nursing students on their units. UVA graduate nursing students are experienced, fun, brilliant, and eager to learn from you and your colleagues. Curious about paying it forward in 2025? Learn more about being a preceptor and get started. 

Student Art at University Hospital 

Through November 2025 | The UVA Health Arts Committee and Albemarle County Schools Arts Programs collaborated to bring student art to the health system. The art is hanging in the lobby of University Hospital alongside our scheduled rotating fine artists. Stop by and check it out! 

Healthy Streets, Healthy People! 

Saturday, July 12 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Booker T. Washington Park, 1001 Preston Ave. | Free to attend; all welcome! More than 40 booths and activities featuring raffle prizes, music, field day games for children, cooking demonstrations, free trainings including Stop the Bleed and Bystander CPR, free Narcan and safety supplies, free container gardening, and local community leaders. Sponsored by UVA Health’s WellAware Program, and Move2Health Equity. Contact healthystreetshealthypeopleva@gmail.com for more information. 

Team Member Call for Artists: UVA Health Arts Program 

Submission deadline: Tuesday, July 15 | Art submissions are being accepted for the Team Member Art Exhibit. Guidelines:     

• No textile art or sculptures.     
• Art must be framed or on a canvas stretcher (so that it can be fitted with security hardware).     
• Submit no more than two pieces of art.     
• No oversized art.  

To submit: Mark your name, title of the piece (including medium), and price on the back of the art. Deliver your submissions to Anne Brown in McKim 3115a. The exhibit will run July 17-Sept. 17. 

ROSE Program Gives Office Supplies New Life 

Tuesday, July 15 | 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 or take what you need monthly. 

Apply for a 2025 Nursing Degree Scholarship 

Submission deadline: Monday, July 21 | A total of $90,000 will be distributed to recipients in support of team members pursuing nursing degrees across all levels. Benefited UVA Health University Medical Center employees are eligible to apply for:      

• ADN degree programs       
• BSN degree programs and prerequisites       
• Higher nursing degree programs      

Applicants do not have to be an RN. Recipients will be announced in September. Learn more. Download a flyer to share. 

Accepting Applications: UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants 

Letter of intent deadline: Thursday, July 31 | Applications are open for the UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants program. Community-based organizations serving residents within our catchment area are invited to apply for funding to support innovative projects that advance cancer prevention, early detection, and survivorship.    

Criteria: Projects should focus on cancer health promotion, prevention, early detection, risk factors, and/or survivorship within the UVACC catchment area. Priority will be given to those addressing UVACCC Community Advisory Council recommendations, screenable cancers, and health disparities. Proposed projects must be a new initiative or include a clearly defined new component to existing work. Visit the Community Grant website for full details. Questions? Contact cancerinfo@uvahealth.org or Brenna Robinson. 

Appreciation 

Gratitude From Camp Holiday Trails 

Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, University Medical Center, recently received a wonderful note from Tina LaRoche, Executive Director, Camp Holiday Trails, and we wanted to share it. 

“I just want to take a minute to send our thank you to a group of people who have been instrumental in Camp Holiday Trails' year-round programs for children and teens with medical needs and their siblings. Our three core programs include day and overnight Summer Camp, year-round Family Camps, and year-round Pop Up Camps that travel to hospitals and partners in the Mid-Atlantic region.  

• Dr. Madhusmita Misra, Chair of Pediatrics, has helped secure time at camp for many UVA Health physicians and residents. 
• Dr. Meg Keeley and Jill Clarke have helped secure the fourth-year pediatrics elective that medical students have spent at Camp Holiday Trails for over 25 years (and perhaps longer). 
• Dr. Ina Stephens serves as our medical director and has stewarded us through COVID and now measles concerns. 
• Teresa Green, Amy Cesak, and Tina Knicely have all been instrumental in camper recruitment and supporting our in-hospital Pop Up Camp program.” 

Thank you to Tina for sharing this note, to those listed above for their service and dedication, and to all in our community who support Camp Holiday Trails! 

Wednesday, July 9

Fontaine Research Park Garage Update 

The new 1,250-space parking garage is nearing completion at Fontaine Research Park. The garage will serve U9 permit holders and health system commuters currently parking at the Emmet/Ivy Garage. These commuters will shift to Fontaine later this fall, coinciding with the launch of a new transit route to the area. To support patient access, Parking and Transportation also will reassign some existing U9 surface lot spaces as patient-only parking once the garage opens. 

While the project is ahead of its contractual schedule (originally set for November 2025), the garage still must complete inspections and receive a certificate of occupancy before it can open to vehicles. The construction team is working diligently to accelerate the timeline, and we’ll share updates as soon as they’re available. 

Parking and Transportation Update for Fontaine Research Park 

Wednesday, July 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join this virtual information session to hear important updates about upcoming changes to parking and transportation services at Fontaine Research Park. Leaders from UVA Health and the University Transit Service will share details on what to expect and how these changes may impact your daily commute. You’re encouraged to submit questions in advance via this form. (Meeting ID: 949 9074 7736 | Passcode: 24021477) 

Operations 

Traffic Impact: Emmet Street Closure 

Through Friday, Aug. 1 | Because of local construction, the intersection of Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA) and Emmet Street, continuing to Stadium Road, will be closed to all vehicular traffic for day and night work, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The City of Charlottesville and the construction project will install road closure and detour signage in advance of the closure. Map. Questions? Contact parking@virginia.edu.     

• Impact | This closure will impact patients and team members. Expect delays and longer commute times if you are traveling in this area.     
• Bus | University Transit Service (UTS) and Health System Transit Service (HSTS) bus routes from Northridge, Orthopedic Center Ivy Road, and Emmet/Ivy Garage will travel along University Avenue during this closure.     
• EMS | Emergency Medical Services has been notified to seek alternate routes.     
• Walking | The current pedestrian paths on Stadium Road, Emmet Street, and JPA will remain open during this time. 

Garages: Temporary Closures 

To allow for annual cleaning, the following parking garages will be closed temporarily:       

• Lee Street Garage | Friday, July 11, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 13, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed Friday, July 11, at 4 p.m., to allow the garage to empty prior to the washdown. Patients will be directed to park in the 11th Street Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.       
• 11th Street Garage | Friday, July 18, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 20, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed at 4 p.m. to allow the garage to empty prior to the cleaning. Patients will be directed to park in the South Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage. 
• South Garage | Friday, July 25, 8 p.m., through Sunday, July 27, 6 p.m. | Team members must park in the 11th Street Garage. 

Typenex Bands Going Away, New 'Type and Screen' Order for Pre-Transfusion Testing 

Implemented prior to 1984 and once the standard of care for labeling and tracking patient blood specimens, Typenex blood bands will no longer be used at UVA Health facilities effective July 15, 2025. The trifecta of Electronic Positive Patient Identification (EPPID), Blood Product Administration Module (BPAM), and Transfusion Time-Outs — all currently standard work across UVA Health — will continue to be used to ensure accurate labeling of patient specimens and delivery of the correct blood product to the patient. 
 
With the elimination of the Typenex band, we also will retire the “Type and Hold” (TYHD) order from Epic and replace it with a new “Type and Screen” (TASN) order for pre-transfusion testing, and a streamlined “Prepare” order to request the number of units to be crossmatched for the patient. Starting July 15, Ambulatory clinics will need to replace active collected or signed “Type and Hold” orders that contain a red blood cell (RBC) order with the new “Type and Screen” order and a separate “Prepare RBC” order. 
 
To prepare for change, please review the following tip sheets and visit Connect to learn more: 

• Blood Product Order Workflow Changes 
• Typenex Armband Elimination 

Monthly Update: Clinical and Operational Documents

Having a working knowledge of policies and other clinical and operational documents relevant to your role and responsibilities at University Medical Center supports quality patient care and regulatory compliance. Learn What’s New in Clinical and Operational Documents. This month’s highlights include:    

• A new Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) After Cardiac Arrest Guideline  
• A new Surgical Smoke Safety and Evacuation Medical Center Policy  
• Updates to the Searching a Patient, Patient’s Belongings, and/or Room (Inpatient and ED) Medical Center Policy, and many more.  

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

Vehicles in 11th Street Garage Beyond Assigned Hours 

UVA Health recognizes that team members may be asked to stay on shift longer when working overnights or called in after business hours to offer additional support. When this occurs, please let us know by completing this form for each day an employee is held over. In the event this form is not completed, team members will be subject to ticketing and parking policy reinforcement. 

Leadership 

University Medical Center CEO Blog | A Fresh New Look for Three Day Rooms 

In her latest Vision and Voice blog, Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, takes a look at a generous gift that brought new energy and comfort to three nursing day rooms in University Medical Center. Read more. 

Happenings 

Team Member Call for Artists: UVA Health Arts Program 

Submission deadline: Tuesday, July 15 | Art submissions are being accepted for the Team Member Art Exhibit. Guidelines:    

• No textile art or sculptures.    
• Art must be framed or on a canvas stretcher (so that it can be fitted with security hardware).    
• Submit no more than two pieces of art.    
• No oversized art. 

To submit: Mark your name, title of the piece (including medium), and price on the back of the art. Deliver your submissions to Anne Brown in McKim 3115a. The exhibit will run July 17-Sept. 17. 

Rested and Ready: Enhancing Your Sleep, Restoring Your Energy, and Replenishing Your Resilience 

Wednesday, July 23 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Identify your sleep patterns and barriers to quality sleep. Develop strategies for addressing surface and root causes of sleep difficulties. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Deadline Extended: Charles L. Brown Award 

Application deadline: Thursday, July 31 | 5 p.m. | The Charles L. Brown Award for Patient Care Quality is UVA Health’s annual award for a care team who has worked to move our quality and patient safety efforts forward. Sponsored by the Department of Quality and Performance Improvement, this award offers a $10,000 prize to a team or teams to recognize excellence in patient care. To receive an application, or to ask questions, contact Jeff Lucas, Director, Performance Improvement, at 434.243.1755. 

Accepting Applications: UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants 

Letter of intent deadline: Thursday, July 31 | Applications are open for the UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants program. Community-based organizations serving residents within our catchment area are invited to apply for funding to support innovative projects that advance cancer prevention, early detection, and survivorship.   

Criteria: Projects should focus on cancer health promotion, prevention, early detection, risk factors, and/or survivorship within the UVACC catchment area. Priority will be given to those addressing UVACCC Community Advisory Council recommendations, screenable cancers, and health disparities. Proposed projects must be a new initiative or include a clearly defined new component to existing work. Visit the Community Grant website for full details. Questions? Contact cancerinfo@uvahealth.org or Brenna Robinson. 

17th Annual Therapeutic Apheresis Academy 

Oct. 2-4 | Pinn Hall Conference Center | An immersive two-and-a-half-day, multidisciplinary program designed to foster interprofessional collaboration through innovative teaching approaches. UVA faculty and staff: take advantage of the special discounted rate of $315 by signing in with your UVA computing ID to register. Offer available through Aug. 15. Details and registration. Questions? Contact Monica McCommon, CMP. 

Appreciation 

Swift Action, Commitment to Integrity, and Much More 

Every quarter, UVA Health recognizes Uteam Members of the Month for their outstanding service and commitment to our ASPIRE values. Congratulations to the latest winners from University Medical Center, UVA School of Medicine, and UVA Physicians Group who were honored during the Uteam Member of the Month Quarterly Breakfast in May 2025 in the Education Resource Center.  

• Jessica Bodden, Physical Therapist, Orthopedic Center Ivy Road 
• Hollie Daughtry, Pre-Certification Authorization Coordinator, Pre-Arrival Unit 
• Eva M. Johnson, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Radiology 
• William Perkins-Goode, EMT, UVA Health Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging 
• Cody Ragland, Project Manager, Pediatrics Administration, Department of Pediatrics 
• Lory Raines, Senior Benefit Specialist, Human Resources 
• Vilma Sebastian, RN, and Georganna Shaw, RN, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit 
• Margaret G. Smoot, BSN, RN, CNOR, Assistant Nurse Manager, Perioperative Services 
• Candice Wills, Senior Grants and Contracts Administrator; Research, Grants, and Contracts 

Read more on Connect. 

Monday, July 7

Newsweek Honors UVA Health University Medical Center Among America’s Best Specialized Hospitals

Newsweek has named nine specialties at UVA Health University Medical Center and UVA Health Children’s to the national news publication’s 2025 lists of America’s Best Specialized Hospitals and America’s Best Children’s Hospitals. 

“One of our goals in UVA Health’s 10-year strategic plan is to create destination programs that enable residents from across Virginia to receive world-class care close to home,” says Mitchell H. Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP, interim Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at the University of Virginia. “These honors from Newsweek highlight the incredible care provided by teams across the medical center.” 

The criteria used to assemble the rankings include hospital quality metrics, surveys of specialists in each field, and patient experience surveys. Read more on Connect. 

Welcome, New Residents! 

Please join us in welcoming the 162 first-year residents to UVA Health. These aspiring physician and clinical leaders will train under the supervision of our expert attending physicians and clinicians to gain the knowledge and skills needed to prepare them for independent practice. If you see a new resident, please ensure that they feel welcome! 

Operations 

Monthly Epic Update 

Changes go live Tuesday, July 8 | This month’s Epic updates will impact ambulatory and inpatient licensed independent practitioners, nurses, and therapy services, as well as all Epic users, Access/Patient Access Teams, and the Emergency Department. Details about the latest changes can be found in the Epic Update Bundle. Contact the Service Desk: fill out a form or call 434.924.5334. 

Garages: Temporary Closures 

To allow for annual cleaning, the following parking garages will be closed temporarily:       

• Lee Street Garage | Friday, July 11, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 13, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed Friday, July 11, at 4 p.m., to allow the garage to empty prior to the washdown. Patients will be directed to park in the 11th Street Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.       
• 11th Street Garage | Friday, July 18, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 20, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed at 4 p.m. to allow the garage to empty prior to the cleaning. Patients will be directed to park in the South Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.    
• South Garage | Friday, July 25, 8 p.m., through Sunday, July 27, 6 p.m. | Team members must park in the 11th Street Garage. 

Typenex Bands Going Away, New 'Type and Screen' Order for Pre-Transfusion Testing 

Implemented prior to 1984 and once the standard of care for labeling and tracking patient blood specimens, Typenex blood bands will no longer be used at UVA Health facilities effective July 15, 2025. The trifecta of Electronic Positive Patient Identification (EPPID), Blood Product Administration Module (BPAM), and Transfusion Time-Outs — all currently standard work across UVA Health — will continue to be used to ensure accurate labeling of patient specimens and delivery of the correct blood product to the patient. 

With the elimination of the Typenex band, we also will retire the “Type and Hold” (TYHD) order from Epic and replace it with a new “Type and Screen” (TASN) order for pre-transfusion testing, and a streamlined “Prepare” order to request the number of units to be crossmatched for the patient. Starting July 15, Ambulatory clinics will need to replace active collected or signed “Type and Hold” orders that contain a red blood cell (RBC) order with the new “Type and Screen” order and a separate “Prepare RBC” order. 

To prepare for change, please review the following tip sheets and visit Connect to learn more: 

• Blood Product Order Workflow Changes 
• Typenex Armband Elimination 

Parking and Transportation Update for Fontaine Research Park 

Wednesday, July 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join this virtual information session to hear important updates about upcoming changes to parking and transportation services at Fontaine Research Park. Leaders from UVA Health and the University Transit Service will share details on what to expect and how these changes may impact your daily commute. You’re encouraged to submit questions in advance via this form. (Meeting ID: 949 9074 7736 | Passcode: 24021477) 

Monthly Update: Clinical and Operational Documents 

Having a working knowledge of policies and other clinical and operational documents relevant to your role and responsibilities at University Medical Center supports quality patient care and regulatory compliance. Learn What’s New in Clinical and Operational Documents. This month’s highlights include:    

• A new Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) After Cardiac Arrest Guideline  
• A new Surgical Smoke Safety and Evacuation Medical Center Policy  
• Updates to the Searching a Patient, Patient’s Belongings, and/or Room (Inpatient and ED) Medical Center Policy, and many more.  

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

Vehicles in 11th Street Garage Beyond Assigned Hours 

UVA Health recognizes that team members may be asked to stay on shift longer when working overnights or called in after business hours to offer additional support. When this occurs, please let us know by completing this form for each day an employee is held over. In the event this form is not completed, team members will be subject to ticketing and parking policy reinforcement. 

FY25 Uteam URewards Point Cards Extension 

New expiration date: Thursday, July 31 | The expiration date of current FY25 URewards point cards has been extended. In addition to the Uteam store, the cards can be redeemed at University Medical Center cafeteria, gift shop, and Higher Grounds. Distribution of FY26 ASPIRE point cards is planned for mid-July. 

Leadership 

UVA Health Mobile Care Unit Leadership Update 

Amy Boitnott, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CPNP-PC, Family Nurse Practitioner, UVA School of Nursing; and Teresa Babineau, MD, FAAFP, MSt, Primary Care Physician, Family Medicine and Specialty Care Crozet, University Medical Center, have been appointed Co-Medical Directors for the UVA Health Mobile Care Unit, effective July 1. This collaborative leadership model reflects our commitment to interdisciplinary care and will support continued growth, innovation, and increased access to primary care across the communities we serve. 

Thank you to Tracy Downs, MD, FACS, who has been instrumental in defining the health outcomes and initial communities for the patient populations served, as well as in launching the UVA Health Mobile Care Unit. His continued leadership in community engagement and focus on health outcomes for all remain central to our mission and impact. 

Happenings 

Vascular Disease Lunch and Learn Series | Renal Denervation: An Innovative Treatment for High Blood Pressure 

Wednesday, July 9 | noon-1 p.m. | Thoracic Cardiovascular and Vascular Offices, Blue Ridge Shenandoah Room #4050 and Zoom | Join John Fritz Angle, MD, Director, Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, as he shares insights into this cutting-edge treatment and how it fits into the future of hypertensive care. High blood pressure is one of the most common and dangerous vascular conditions, yet many patients struggle to control it with medication alone. Discover how renal denervation, a minimally invasive and emerging therapy, is helping patients take back control of their cardiovascular health. Open to clinicians, students, and healthcare professionals of all backgrounds. Contact Bernie Ammons if you plan to attend in person, as seating is limited. (Meeting ID: 932 5727 6317 | Passcode: 35200806) 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Headshot 

McKim Hall | Ground Floor, Room G045 | No appointment necessary. Bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided. Photos taken in 10 minutes or less on:   

• Wednesday, July 9 | noon-3 p.m.   
• Tuesday, July 15 | 8-11 a.m.   
• Tuesday, July 22 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.    
• Monday, July 28 | 9-12 p.m. 

Roll Up Your Sleeve and Donate Blood 

Wednesday, July 9 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | The American Red Cross is experiencing a significant decline in donations, creating blood shortages worldwide, in particular the need for Type O blood. Make a lifesaving difference — whatever your type — please donate and encourage your teammates to join you. To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: Donors who give blood July 1-14 will receive a pair of Red Cross x goodr sunglasses. Additionally, those who donate July 1-16 will receive a bonus $15 gift card to a merchant of their choice. Details. 

Divorce Wellness Group 

July 9-Aug. 13 | Wednesdays, noon-1 p.m. | Are you navigating the challenges of divorce or seeking to heal from its impact? This group offers a supportive and transformative virtual course designed just for you. Contact Beth Frackleton to sign up. Details. 

Healthy Streets, Healthy People! 

Saturday, July 12 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Booker T. Washington Park, 1001 Preston Ave. | Free to attend; all welcome! More than 40 booths and activities featuring raffle prizes, music, field day games for children, cooking demonstrations, free trainings including Stop the Bleed and Bystander CPR, free Narcan and safety supplies, free container gardening, and local community leaders. Sponsored by UVA Health’s WellAware Program, and Move2Health Equity. Contact healthystreetshealthypeopleva@gmail.com for more information. 

Team Member Call for Artists: UVA Health Arts Program 

Submission deadline: Tuesday, July 15 | Art submissions are being accepted for the Team Member Art Exhibit. Guidelines:    

• No textile art or sculptures.    
• Art must be framed or on a canvas stretcher (so that it can be fitted with security hardware).    
• Submit no more than two pieces of art.    
• No oversized art. 

To submit: Mark your name, title of the piece (including medium), and price on the back of the art. Deliver your submissions to Anne Brown in McKim 3115a. The exhibit will run July 17-Sept. 17. 

Apply for a 2025 Nursing Degree Scholarship 

Submission deadline: Monday, July 21 | A total of $90,000 will be distributed to recipients in support of team members pursuing nursing degrees across all levels. Benefited UVA Health University Medical Center employees are eligible to apply for:     

• ADN degree programs      
• BSN degree programs and prerequisites      
• Higher nursing degree programs     

Applicants do not have to be an RN. Recipients will be announced in September. Learn more. Download a flyer to share. 

Rested and Ready: Enhancing Your Sleep, Restoring Your Energy, and Replenishing Your Resilience 

Wednesday, July 23 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Identify your sleep patterns and barriers to quality sleep. Develop strategies for addressing surface and root causes of sleep difficulties. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Accepting Applications: UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants 

Letter of intent deadline: Thursday, July 31 | Applications are now open for the UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants program. Community-based organizations serving residents within our catchment area are invited to apply for funding to support innovative projects that advance cancer prevention, early detection, and survivorship.   

Criteria: Projects should focus on cancer health promotion, prevention, early detection, risk factors, and/or survivorship within the UVACC catchment area. Priority will be given to those addressing UVACCC Community Advisory Council recommendations, screenable cancers, and health disparities. Proposed projects must be a new initiative or include a clearly defined new component to existing work. Visit the Community Grant website for full details. Questions? Contact cancerinfo@uvahealth.org or Brenna Robinson. 

Appreciation 

Building a Legacy: 2025 UVA Health Service Awards Honor Compassion and Commitment 

Congratulations to UVA Health team members marking milestone anniversaries at UVA Health this year! 

In recognition of their many contributions, we celebrated team members with 10, 15, and 20 years of service at a luncheon on June 13 — and team members with 25+ years of service at a dinner (and dance!) on June 23. See a photo gallery for each event on Connect. 

Wednesday, July 2

Deadline Extended: Charles L. Brown Award  

Application deadline: Thursday, July 31 | 5 p.m. | The Charles L. Brown Award for Patient Care Quality is UVA Health’s annual award for a care team who has worked to move our quality and patient safety efforts forward. Sponsored by the Department of Quality and Performance Improvement, this award offers a $10,000 prize to a team or teams to recognize excellence in patient care. To receive an application, or to ask questions, contact Jeff Lucas, Director, Performance Improvement, at 434.243.1755. 

Operations 

Impacts of July 4 Holiday 

• All UVA Health clinics will be closed. 
• Team Member Gym will be closed. 
• Parking and Transportation Modifications: 
  • University Transit Service bus and the Health System Fontaine and Northridge shuttle service will not operate Friday, July 4.  
  • University Medical Center Courtesy Shuttle will operate on the weekend schedule, running every 60 minutes, 7:20 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.   
  • UtoCar will operate normally.   
  • Parking is available for team members in the South Garage on Crispell Drive and 11th Street Garage (level D and above only) Friday, July 4.   
  • University Transit Bus and Health System Transit shuttle will operate normally Monday, July 7. 
• Cafe and retail locations | Closed Friday: 
  • Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center Outtakes Cafe   
  • Fontaine Research Park Building 500   
  • Orthopedic Center at Ivy Road   
  • University Hospital, Operating Room Cafe   
  • West Complex Cafe  
• UVA Health Update will not be sent Friday, July 4. It will resume Monday, July 7. 

Garages: Temporary Closures 

To allow for annual cleaning, the following parking garages will be closed temporarily:      

• Lee Street Garage | Friday, July 11, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 13, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed Friday, July 11, at 4 p.m., to allow the garage to empty prior to the washdown. Patients will be directed to park in the 11th Street Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.      
• 11th Street Garage | Friday, July 18, 6 p.m., through Sunday, July 20, 6 p.m. | Garage entrance will be closed at 4 p.m. to allow the garage to empty prior to the cleaning. Patients will be directed to park in the South Garage. Team members must park in the South Garage.   
• South Garage | Friday, July 25, 8 p.m., through Sunday, July 27, 6 p.m. | Team members must park in the 11th Street Garage. 

Parking and Transportation Update for Fontaine Research Park 

Wednesday, July 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join this virtual information session to hear important updates about upcoming changes to parking and transportation services at Fontaine Research Park. Leaders from UVA Health and the University Transit Service will share details on what to expect and how these changes may impact your daily commute. You’re encouraged to submit questions in advance via this form. (Meeting ID: 949 9074 7736 | Passcode: 24021477) 

Vehicles in 11th Street Garage Beyond Assigned Hours 

UVA Health recognizes that team members may be asked to stay on shift longer when working overnights or called in after business hours to offer additional support. When this occurs, please let us know by completing this form for each day an employee is held over. In the event this form is not completed, team members will be subject to ticketing and parking policy reinforcement. 

Monthly Update: Clinical and Operational Documents 

Having a working knowledge of policies and other clinical and operational documents relevant to your role and responsibilities at University Medical Center supports quality patient care and regulatory compliance. Learn What’s New in Clinical and Operational Documents. This month’s highlights include:   

• A new Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) After Cardiac Arrest Guideline 
• A new Surgical Smoke Safety and Evacuation Medical Center Policy 
• Updates to the Searching a Patient, Patient’s Belongings, and/or Room (Inpatient and ED) Medical Center Policy, and many more. 

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

Leadership 

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Service Awards Recap: 25 to 60+ Years of Service 

In her latest Vision and Voice blog, Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, celebrates UVA Health team members who have helped write a significant chapter of our story. Read more. 

Happenings 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Headshot 

McKim Hall | Ground Floor, Room G045 | No appointment necessary. Bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided. Photos taken in 10 minutes or less on:  

• Thursday, July 3 | 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  
• Wednesday, July 9 | noon-3 p.m.  
• Tuesday, July 15 | 8-11 a.m.  
• Tuesday, July 22 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.   
• Monday, July 28 | 9-12 p.m. 

New Wellness Class: SAIL 

Starting Monday, July 7 | Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m. | SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life) is a free, six-week strength, balance, fitness, and mindfulness class for adults. Each 45-minute session blends gentle movement, mindfulness, and strength-building exercises to support your physical and emotional health. View details and register. 

Roll Up Your Sleeve and Donate Blood 

Wednesday, July 9 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | The American Red Cross is experiencing a significant decline in donations, creating blood shortages worldwide, in particular the need for Type O blood. Make a lifesaving difference — whatever your type — please donate and encourage your teammates to join you. To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: Donors who give blood July 1-14 will receive a pair of Red Cross x goodr sunglasses. Additionally, those who donate July 1-16 will receive a bonus $15 gift card to a merchant of their choice. Details. 

Vascular Disease Lunch and Learn Series | Renal Denervation: An Innovative Treatment for High Blood Pressure 

Wednesday, July 9 | noon-1 p.m. | Thoracic Cardiovascular and Vascular Offices, Blue Ridge Shenandoah Room #4050 and Zoom | Join John Fritz Angle, MD, Director, Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, as he shares insights into this cutting-edge treatment and how it fits into the future of hypertensive care. High blood pressure is one of the most common and dangerous vascular conditions, yet many patients struggle to control it with medication alone. Discover how renal denervation, a minimally invasive and emerging therapy, is helping patients take back control of their cardiovascular health. Open to clinicians, students, and healthcare professionals of all backgrounds. Contact Bernie Ammons if you plan to attend in person, as seating is limited. (Meeting ID: 932 5727 6317 | Passcode: 35200806) 

Divorce Wellness Group 

July 9-Aug. 13 | Wednesdays, noon-1 p.m. | Are you navigating the challenges of divorce or seeking to heal from its impact? This group offers a supportive and transformative virtual course designed just for you. Contact Beth Frackleton to sign up. Details. 

Healthy Streets, Healthy People! 

Saturday, July 12 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Booker T. Washington Park, 1001 Preston Ave. | Free to attend; all welcome! More than 40 booths and activities featuring raffle prizes, music, field day games for children, cooking demonstrations, free trainings including Stop the Bleed and Bystander CPR, free Narcan and safety supplies, free container gardening, and local community leaders. Sponsored by UVA Health’s WellAware Program, and Move2Health Equity. Contact healthystreetshealthypeopleva@gmail.com for more information. 

Team Member Call for Artists: UVA Health Arts Program 

Submission deadline: Tuesday, July 15 | Art submissions are being accepted for the Team Member Art Exhibit. Guidelines:   

• No textile art or sculptures.   
• Art must be framed or on a canvas stretcher (so that it can be fitted with security hardware).   
• Submit no more than two pieces of art.   
• No oversized art. 

To submit: Mark your name, title of the piece (including medium), and price on the back of the art. Deliver your submissions to Anne Brown in McKim 3115a. The exhibit will run July 17-Sept. 17. 

Apply for a 2025 Nursing Degree Scholarship 

Submission deadline: Monday, July 21 | A total of $90,000 will be distributed to recipients in support of team members pursuing nursing degrees across all levels. Benefited UVA Health University Medical Center employees are eligible to apply for:    

• ADN degree programs     
• BSN degree programs and prerequisites     
• Higher nursing degree programs    

Applicants do not have to be an RN. Recipients will be announced in September. Learn more. Download a flyer to share. 

Rested and Ready: Enhancing Your Sleep, Restoring Your Energy, and Replenishing Your Resilience 

Wednesday, July 23 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Identify your sleep patterns and barriers to quality sleep. Develop strategies for addressing surface and root causes of sleep difficulties. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Accepting Applications: UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants 

Letter of intent deadline: Thursday, July 31 | Applications are now open for the UVA Cancer Center 2025 Comprehensive Community Grants program. Community-based organizations serving residents within our catchment area are invited to apply for funding to support innovative projects that advance cancer prevention, early detection, and survivorship.  

Criteria: Projects should focus on cancer health promotion, prevention, early detection, risk factors, and/or survivorship within the UVACC catchment area. Priority will be given to those addressing UVACCC Community Advisory Council recommendations, screenable cancers, and health disparities. Proposed projects must be a new initiative or include a clearly defined new component to existing work. Visit the Community Grant website for full details. Questions? Contact cancerinfo@uvahealth.org or Brenna Robinson. 

UVA School of Nursing Admissions Info Sessions 

Take the first step in furthering your education — join a Zoom info session:  

• PhD | Tuesday, Sept. 2, 12 p.m., and Tuesday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. | With demand for nurse scientists and academics at an all-time high, UVA offers one of the nation's premier doctoral programs for future nurse scholars and scientists interested in contributing to the study of aging, healthcare technology, social determinants of health — and beyond.  
• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) | Tuesday, Sept. 9, 5:30 p.m., and Tuesday, Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m. | A master’s program that prepares nurse leaders to use evidence-based practice to strengthen healthcare quality and efficiency, solve unit- and system-wide challenges, boost staff retention and collaboration, and improve patient care and satisfaction.  
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | Wednesday, Sept. 10, 7:30 a.m., and Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m. | For clinicians who wish to become nurse practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists, the UVA’s DNP program empowers nurses to practice at the highest clinical level and offers robust preparation for one of eight certification exams of their choice.  
• RN to BSN | Thursday, Sept. 18, 5:30 p.m., and Thursday, Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m. | Part-time, hybrid program offering working nurses who already have an associate's degree or nursing diploma — a pathway to earning personal, professional, and financial benefits of a BSN degree. In-person class once a month; balance of learning completed online. 

Continuing Medical Education: Free Training in LGBTQ+ Patient Centered Care 

Deadline: Friday, Dec. 19 | As a participant in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index, UVA Health team members have access to more than 200 free, on-demand, CME-accredited LGBTQ+ training options. These include interactive eLearning courses and webinars (live and recorded) from the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center. To register for courses, use Facility ID: 55856 after clicking here.   

All team members have access to participate in these free trainings (don’t forget to use our facility ID!) to improve care provided to patients seeking care at UVA Health. For more information, contact Bizz Glover. 

Appreciation 

UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center Donates Funds to Support Culpeper County Public Schools Dental Health 

UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center has announced the presentation of $8,333 to each of six elementary schools in Culpeper County to support oral healthcare initiatives for young students. The funding aims to promote healthy dental habits early in life, which can help prevent long-term dental issues and related health complications. 

“We are thrilled to support oral health education and care for children in our community,” says Donna Staton, Chief Operating Officer, UVA Health’s medical centers in Culpeper and Northern Virginia. “Thanks to a generous donation made to the UVA Community Health Foundation, we were able to allocate funds specifically for dental hygiene supplies and instruction. Partnering with Culpeper County Public Schools has been a pleasure as we work together to build confidence and promote lifelong wellness in our students.” Read the full story on Connect. 

Archive | UVA Health Update

• Jan. 2025
• Feb. 2025
• March 2025
• April 2025
• May 2025
• June 2025