New UVA Children's Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Care Clinic

Wendy Horton, PharmD, CEO, UVA Medical Center, announced today a unique partnership between UVA Children’s and Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, in which we will be opening a new clinic providing neurodevelopmental and behavioral health services for children within the greater Charlottesville community and beyond. Called the UVA Children's Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Care clinic, the new facility is scheduled to open in mid-2024 and will be staffed by UVA Children’s care providers. It is supported by a substantial investment from Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, along with other generous gifts from private donors. Read more on Connect.

Operations

Habit Forming: Campaign Aims to Increase Patient Safety Through Hand Hygiene

Hospital-associated infections (HAIs) are the most frequent adverse events that happen in healthcare. Practicing consistent hand hygiene (e.g., cleaning your hands) is the most important thing we can do to prevent HAIs in our patients and keep our teams safe from infection. Despite this fact, studies show that some health care providers clean their hands less than half of the time they should.

With the theme, “Get Into the Habit,” a new Medical Center campaign looks to bolster hand hygiene practices with new patient and team member signage. Members of the Infection Prevention and Control team also will be raising awareness about best practices for hand hygiene with a “Spin the Wheel” game in the East Cafeteria on Monday, April 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The wheel also will visit units throughout the Medical Center on April 5, 6, and 7. Prizes include coffee cards, Amazon and Target gift cards, and UVA Health swag, so don’t miss the wheel! Read more on Connect.

Traffic Alert | Traffic Shift on Emmet Street for Seven Months

Monday, April 3, to Friday, Nov. 17 | The flow of traffic will be shifting on a portion of Emmet Street near the Newcomb Hall parking garage to accommodate utility work in the tunnel that runs on the east side of the street. Both lanes of traffic and access to all intersecting streets will remain open; however, turn lanes will be modified. This work will continue into the fall. Questions? Contact John Marshall, Supervisory Team Leader, at jsm7uz@virginia.edu.

Back-Up Child and Elder Care Available

All benefited UVA team members are eligible to receive back-up care, which provides temporary care in times of need.

• Care is provided either at Bright Horizons affiliated facilities, or in home by professional care providers. (In-home care is sourced for you based on specific needs.)
• Back-up care can be available 24/7, including weekends and overnight.
• Care can be provided for team members’ dependents of any age (do not need to reside in your home).

If you anticipate needing care for a child, adult, or elderly dependent, Bright Horizons strongly encourages you to register in advance. Learn more.

Leadership

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

If you missed the town hall (or want to re-watch), here's your chance to catch up. Visit Connect to find time-code stamps for agenda topics and the embedded video for your convenience. The meeting included opening remarks from K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO, UVA Health; a patient letter; a National Doctors’ Day panel moderated by Tracey Hoke, MD, Chief of Quality and Process Improvement; a One Team | United on Access panel moderated by Jason Lineen, MBA, Chief Strategy Officer; team member-submitted questions related to masking, COVID-19, the strategic plan, safety, and engagement-survey results; and the UVA Health mission-moment video. Watch the video on Connect.

Celebrating National Doctors’ Day

In celebration of National Doctors’ Day, Thursday, March 30, leadership took the opportunity to recognize and thank our exceptional physicians for all that they do for our patients at UVA Health. This special occasion allowed UVA Health to express gratitude for our physicians’ tireless and unwavering commitment exhibited to our patients and our organization every day of the year. In recognition of doctors’ dedication and service to our patients and communities, UVA Health made $50,000 in charitable contributions to three free clinics: Charlottesville Free Clinic, Free Clinic of Culpeper, and Mother of Mercy Free Clinic in Manassas.

Happenings

April | Earth Day Every Day

Each year, UVA Sustainability partners with organizations on Grounds and across the Charlottesville-area community to host Earth Day Every Day, a month-long celebration of our shared environment. Earth Day Every Day includes dozens of events and activities, including volunteer litter clean-up days, workshops, art-making, tours, career fairs, and much more. See all events.

UVA Schwartz Center Rounds Is Seeking Cases

UVA Schwartz Center Rounds (SCR) is an interdisciplinary, panel-based discussion that allows healthcare workers to reflect on the social and emotional side of caring for patients and families. The goal is to foster and support empathy, collaboration, and compassion for self and others. UVA SCR’s planning committee is seeking cases to address pertinent issues occurring in our healthcare system, examples of which include challenging patients, uncertainty, unexpected losses, and violence. To submit a case for consideration, please complete this form or contact Dr. Julie Haizlip at jah4ub@virginia.edu. Learn more.

Celebrating Patient Access Week

Sunday, April 2, to Saturday, April 8 | Patient Access Week recognizes healthcare access professionals for their continued accomplishments of service in the healthcare access continuum. This week, access associates will be dressing up, engaging in team activities, and participating in lunch-and-learn sessions. Please take a moment to recognize the outstanding work of these team members.

Sale | Collective Goods

Link just outside of Primary Care Center | Sponsored by, and proceeds benefit, the UVA Hospital Auxiliary. Times:

• Tuesday, April 4 | 9 a.m.-5 .p.m.
• Wednesday, April 5 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Thursday, April 6 | 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Clinical Concerns for Novel Recreational Drug Use

This ECHO series will provide a better understanding of emerging clinical and epidemiological trends in the misuse of substances. Featuring toxicology experts from UVA and the Blue Ridge Poison Center, topics will include emerging substances such as synthetic cannabinoids, designer opioids, and benzodiazepines; the increase in nitrous oxide abuse; emerging trends in over-the-counter substances of misuse; and the limitations and utility of routine urine drug screens. While live attendance is strongly encouraged, sessions also will be recorded and shared with those who register. CME credits available. Register.

• Nitrous Oxide | Tuesday, April 4 | 4-5 p.m.
• Opioids and Benzodiazepines | Tuesday, May 2 | 4-5 p.m.
• Over-the-Counter Substance Abuse | Tuesday, June 6 | 4-5 p.m.

Submit Now: Team Member Art Exhibit

Deadline: Friday, April 7 | The UVA Health Arts Committee’s annual Team Member Art Exhibit will run from May 4 to July 5. Interested team artists should email three or four .jpg images to Anne Brown at ABB4B@uvahealth.org for consideration by the committee. Paintings, watercolors, photography, and fine art prints (e.g., silk screen) will be considered. The committee cannot accept sculptures or fiber art. Images cannot contain nudity, violence, religious imagery, or racism. No oversized pieces.

Good Friday Worship Service

Friday, April 7 | Protestant Service: 1:30-2 p.m. | Dining Conference Rooms 1-3 |Chaplaincy Services & Pastoral Education will be holding a religious Good Friday service and all who are interested are invited to attend. To request a visit from the priest or a chaplain, contact the pastoral care office at 434.924.2642.

UVA Health Maternal Critical Care Conference

Friday, April 14, and Saturday, April 15 | Virtual and in person | The Draftsman Hotel |The main sessions will present an overview of maternal morbidity and mortality, common and unique obstetric emergencies, and how to build bridges between labor and delivery and the critical care units. Designed for physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, ICU nurses, labor and delivery nurses, pharmacists, and all other healthcare providers with an interest in maternal critical care. CME credits available. Details and registration.

UVA Edge Is Now Accepting Applications

Deadline: Monday, May 15 | UVA Edge is an online program that helps working adults develop career skills and take a step toward a degree. It’s designed for adult learners with little-to-no college experience who also may be juggling work and other responsibilities. Apply by May 15 to be considered for the Fall semester starting in August. Sign up for a free informational webinar. Questions? Email edge@virginia.edu.

Eleventh Annual Research Trainee Competition

Friday, May 12 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center | Features presentations by residents, medical fellows, medical students, graduate students, and undergraduates. Trainees of any member of the Department of Pediatrics or the Child Health Research Center are encouraged to participate. Details. Scroll to the bottom of the web page for abstract guidelines.

Call for Abstracts | 35th Annual Research Symposium

Thursday, May 25 | Battle Building, Quayle Center | UVA Children’s Child Health Research Center invites you to a full day of presentations, awards, and a featured speaker. Participants will display poster presentations summarizing their work, followed by the opportunity for a lively discussion with faculty and colleagues. Abstracts due Friday, April 14. Details. Scroll to the bottom of the web page for abstract guidelines.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 11:19 a.m. March 31)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. March 31)
UVA Health team members affected and on leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources

Appreciation

“5 Stars Out of 5!” | Kudos for Our Physician Colleagues

To provide the best possible service and care for our community, UVA Health regularly surveys our patients on their recent healthcare experience. Every week, the health system receives feedback from these patient experience surveys. In honor of National Doctors’ Day on March 30, we picked out a few wonderful comments praising UVA Health physicians.

• “Dr. Putnam is the absolute best. My children are a very hard crowd and she stole their hearts at hello. From her mild demeanor to her caring loving sincere kindness of what she does — you can truly see she is not faking. She really gives you the true ‘her.’ I love her as a doctor for my children. I trust her diagnosis and her recommendations always!”
• “Dr. Brand is amazing. He listened to my concerns regarding my child, and was very good at interacting with her. My child has never opened up that much to a provider. I love Dr. Brand and I'm so glad he's her provider.”
• “Dr. Post is so wonderful and I am so grateful to be her patient!”
• “We have been seeing Dr. Romness for 17 years. He is a pleasure to work with and has taken excellent care of our son. We appreciate him and his team that we have seen for so many years.”
• “It has been many years since I received such detailed care from a physician. Drs. Clark and Hryvniak took a significant amount of time to investigate and assess my injury, provide a detailed explanation of what muscle was injured, what my expected full recovery time would be, and also asked about my overall physical activities. I have told several other people about the exceptional care they provided — 5 stars out of 5!”
• “Drs. Jason Pickett and Grant Robinson are great listeners and empathetic to my concerns in regard to my chest pain. Thank you so much for providing me with excellent medical and physical care. I am most grateful for your kindness!”
• “Dr. Portell just instills extreme confidence in me and I strongly feel he prescribed the right treatments. All of the doctors involved in my case were very competent and caring. I would only want to go back to your hospital for future care.”

Thanks to all of our physicians for providing outstanding, compassionate, and safe care.

Previous Updates

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Town Hall Replay | Speed-Watcher’s Guide Now Available

If you missed the Tuesday, March 28, town hall (or want to re-watch), here's your chance to catch up. Visit Connect to find time-code stamps for agenda topics and the embedded video for your convenience.

The meeting included opening remarks from K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO, UVA Health; a patient letter; a National Doctors’ Day panel moderated by Tracey Hoke, MD, Chief of Quality and Process Improvement; a One Team | United on Access panel moderated by Jason Lineen, MBA, Chief Strategy Officer; team member-submitted questions related to masking, COVID-19, the strategic plan, safety, and engagement-survey results; and the UVA Health mission-moment video.

Watch the video on Connect.

Leadership

Medical Center CEO Blog | Thank You Doctors!

In her new Vision and Voice blog post, Wendy Horton, Medical Center CEO, looks forward to celebrating National Doctors’ Day and paying tribute to the incredible dedication of our doctors across UVA Health! Read more.

Operations

Traffic Alert | Traffic Shift on Emmet Street for Seven Months

Monday, April 3, to Friday, Nov. 17 | The flow of traffic will be shifting on a portion of Emmet Street near the Newcomb Hall parking garage to accommodate utility work in the tunnel that runs on the east side of the street. Both lanes of traffic and access to all intersecting streets will remain open; however, turn lanes will be modified. This work will continue into the fall. Questions? Contact John Marshall, Supervisory Team Leader, at jsm7uz@virginia.edu.

Happenings

UVA Schwartz Center Rounds Is Seeking Cases

UVA Schwartz Center Rounds (SCR) is an interdisciplinary, panel-based discussion that allows healthcare workers to reflect on the social and emotional side of caring for patients and families. The goal is to foster and support empathy, collaboration, and compassion for self and others. UVA SCR’s planning committee is seeking cases to address pertinent issues occurring in our healthcare system, examples of which include challenging patients, uncertainty, unexpected losses, and violence. To submit a case for consideration, please complete this form or contact Dr. Julie Haizlip at jah4ub@virginia.edu. Learn more.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Find Out if You Are Eligible for an At-Home Test

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death in men and women. Fortunately, there’s a secret weapon to beat it: screening — 45 is the recommended age to begin screening for colorectal cancer in average-risk men and women. This year, team members can choose a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) called Polymedco OC-Auto FIT or Cologuard, which detects certain DNA markers and blood in the stool. Questions? Contact Shari Stanley at crcscreening@virginia.edu or 434.297.8427 to see if you are eligible for a test. Read more on Connect.

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

McKim Hall | Ground Floor | Room G045 | Physicians and advanced practice providers can get a new or updated headshot taken for the provider directory on the dates listed below. No appointment is needed. The shoot should take 10 minutes or less. Please bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided.

• Thursday, March 30 | 9 a.m.-noon
• Wednesday, April 12 | 9 a.m.-noon
• Tuesday, April 18 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Friday, April 28 | 9 a.m.-noon

Submit Now: Team Member Art Exhibit

Deadline: Friday, April 7 | The UVA Health Arts Committee’s annual Team Member Art Exhibit will run from May 4 to July 5. Interested team artists should email three or four .jpg images to Anne Brown at ABB4B@uvahealth.org for consideration by the committee. Paintings, watercolors, photography, and fine art prints (e.g., silk screen) will be considered. The committee cannot accept sculptures or fiber art. Images cannot contain nudity, violence, religious imagery, or racism. No oversized pieces.

Nominate Now | Hoos Building Bridges Award

Deadline: Friday, April 14 | The Hoos Building Bridges Award recognizes team members who demonstrate leadership and build thoughtful collaborations and relationships across schools, units, and/or departments that advance our work as an institution. Those eligible for consideration include: currently employed, salaried, and non-probationary University staff; classified staff; UPG staff; UVA Health team members; and contingent workers (UVA Foundation, Aramark, Morrisons). Faculty are ineligible for this award. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu. Learn more.

Call for Abstracts | 1st Annual UVA Health Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement/Patient Safety Showcase

Deadline: Friday, April 14 | 11:59 p.m. | Download details from Connect | A UVA Health patient-safety event to recognize local improvements in quality and patient safety from all disciplines. Participants will be selected to present a poster or give an oral presentation of their work. Questions? Contact Co-Chairs Jess Dreicer, MD, Department of Medicine, at jd3nd@uvahealth.org, or Elisa Hampton, MD, Department of Pediatrics, at ep2v@uvahealth.org. Showcase will be on Monday, June 5, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. More details to come.

Work-Life Harmony: Composing a Life That Works With a Life That Counts for Women in Academic Medicine

Monday, April 17 | 4-5 p.m. | Pinn Hall Auditorium and Zoom | The Department of Pediatrics invites you to the second annual Nancy McDaniel Lectureship on Women in Leadership. Featured speaker is Dorothy “Dorrie” Fontaine, Dean Emerita and Professor at the University of Virginia, School of Nursing. Reception to follow. (Zoom access: meeting ID: 917 6795 9254 / passcode: 944100) Details.

2023 Protecting Health in a Changing Climate: Healthcare Sustainability

Saturday, April 22 | 7:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. | Fontaine Research Park, 560 Ray C. Hunt Dr. and Zoom | The health sector’s global climate footprint is massive — if it were a country, it would be the fifth-largest emitter on the planet, and the U.S. healthcare sector is the worst offender. This conference is designed to equip people who are interested in healthcare sustainability with resources and strategies for reducing healthcare-sector contributions to climate change. Details and registration.

BSF-ERG Awards Luncheon

Tuesday, April 25 | noon-2 p.m. | Pinn Hall, 2ABC | RSVP | The Black Faculty and Staff Employee Resource Group (BFS-ERG) serves as a voice for Black faculty and staff at the University of Virginia in matters relative to the intellectual, professional, and emotional betterment within the UVA community and beyond. Join this luncheon in recognizing the outstanding work of our colleagues at the University, specifically related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Free Mindfulness for UVA Healthcare Employees Class

Monday, May 1, to Monday June 19 | 6-8 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, June 10 | Zoom | Register.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 1:19 p.m. March 29)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. March 29)
UVA Health team members affected and on leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources

Appreciation

Improving Hand Hygiene in the TCV-ICU

As a first-year nurse in the Thoracic-Cardiovascular Surgical Intensive Care Unit (TCV-ICU), Casey Shatz (pictured) has already made a difference at UVA Health. When her nurse manager, Marcia White, RN, shared the underwhelming results of a recent hand-hygiene audit, Shatz knew they could do better. “It was bad,” Shatz admits. “We were one of the lowest-ranked units in the hospital.”

Connect recently sat down with Shatz to find out how she inspired her interdisciplinary team to come together and improve hand-hygiene rates in the TCV-ICU. Thank you, Casey, for making safety a priority and taking action! Read more in a Q&A with Shatz on Connect.

Monday, March 27, 2023

Tomorrow: UVA Health Town Hall

Tuesday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | In our first town hall of 2023, UVA Health is excited to update our teams on key initiatives and the latest developments for our organization. We’ll also have a special feature in honor of National Doctors' Day! Please join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders to learn more. To join in person, stop by the Leonard Sandridge Auditorium, located on the first floor of McKim Hall.

Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event.

Operations

Change in COVID-19 Protocols and Policies? | Details to Come

Over the last several weeks, some of our team members have been asking questions about the status of our masking requirements and other COVID-19 protocols that were enacted over the past three years. UVA Health leadership is currently reviewing these policies and will provide an update as soon as possible. Please be patient as the best course of action that will keep both our patients and our team members safe is determined.

Relocation and Name Change | UVA Physical and Occupational Therapy Fontaine

Effective Monday, April 3 | UVA Physical and Occupational Therapy Fontaine will be relocating to 545 Ray C. Hunt Drive, Suite 2100, and will be changing its name to UVA Health Therapy Services Fontaine. Its phone number has not changed. You can reach them at 434.297.9700. Effective immediately, all internal referrals for neurology PT/OT and speech therapy should be sent via Epic to the below departments:

• Neurology Occupational Therapy: F545 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
• Neurology Physical Therapy: F545 PHYSICAL THERAPY
• Neurology Speech Therapy: F545 SPEECH NEUROREHAB 

Please note: 545 Ray C. Hunt Drive, Suite 2100, was previously occupied by the orthopedic and sports medicine therapy team, who relocated to the UVA Orthopedic Center Ivy Road in February 2022. Please continue to route all orthopedic and sports medicine related referrals to UVA Orthopedic Center Therapy Services (OCIR).

Transportation Options | Afton Express Expands Hours to Accommodate UVA Health Team Members

The Afton Express has updated its service times to better meet the needs of health system team members. Providing rides to and from Staunton, Fishersville, and Waynesboro, the service now accommodates 12-hour shift schedules. The exact pick-up and drop-off times and locations can be viewed on the Afton Express website. Discounted fare cards are available for purchase from UVA Parking and Transportation. Questions? Email transportation@virginia.edu. Additional resources:

• Want to save on gas? Try these different commuting options.
• Driving Lives Forward | United Way

Happenings

UVA Schwartz Center Rounds Is Seeking Cases

UVA Schwartz Center Rounds (SCR) are interdisciplinary, panel-based discussions that allow healthcare workers to reflect on the social and emotional side of caring for patients and families. Its goal is to foster and support empathy, collaboration, and compassion for self and others. UVA SCR’s planning committee is seeking cases to address pertinent issues occurring in our healthcare system, examples of which include challenging patients, uncertainty, unexpected losses, and violence. To submit a case for consideration, please complete this form or contact Dr. Julie Haizlip at jah4ub@virginia.edu. Learn more.

Voices in Clinical and Translational Science Series | Children and Neuromotor Diagnoses: Using Science to Maximize Development

Tuesday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Speaker: Stephanie DeLuca, PhD, Associate Professor, Co-Director, Neuromotor Research Clinic, Virginia Tech. This quarterly seminar series serves as a platform to lift underrepresented voices in research across the iTHRIV partnership with a focus on promoting dialogue and encouraging team science. Presenters will share their science and also their lived experience as an underrepresented person in research. Details.

Apology Languages: Sometimes 'I’m Sorry' Isn’t Enough

Tuesday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Learn tools to enhance your apology and conflict-resolution skills. This webinar will focus on the dynamics of giving and receiving apologies to nurture connections and recover in situations of personal and professional conflict. Register.

Medical Center Hour | Two Ends of the Stethoscope: Writing as a Patient-Physician

Wednesday, March 29 | 12:15-1:15 p.m. | UVA Education Resource Center (ERC-B) and Zoom | Celeste Lipkes, MD, MFA, Writer and Staff Inpatient Consult Psychiatrist, Charles George VA Hospital, Asheville, North Carolina, will read from her new poetry collection, Radium Girl, which explores the challenges of navigating medical training as a person with chronic illness. Moderated by Irène Mathieu, MD, Center for Health Humanities and Ethics, Assistant Professor, General Pediatrics, UVA. Details.

Sale | Collective Goods

Link just outside of Primary Care Center | Sponsored by, and proceeds benefit, the UVA Hospital Auxiliary. Times:

• Tuesday, April 4 | 9 a.m.-5 .p.m.
• Wednesday, April 5 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Thursday, April 6 | 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Clinical Concerns for Novel Recreational Drug Use

This ECHO series will provide a better understanding of emerging clinical and epidemiological trends in substances of misuse. Featuring toxicology experts from UVA and the Blue Ridge Poison Center, topics will include emerging substances such as synthetic cannabinoids, designer opioids, and benzodiazepines; the increase in nitrous oxide abuse; emerging trends in over-the-counter substances of misuse; and the limitations and utility of routine urine drug screens. While live attendance is strongly encouraged, sessions also will be recorded and shared with those who register. CME credits available. Register.

• Nitrous Oxide | Tuesday, April 4 | 4-5 p.m.
• Opioids and Benzodiazepines | Tuesday, May 2 | 4-5 p.m.
• Over-the-Counter Substance Abuse | Tuesday, June 6 | 4-5 p.m.

Submit Now: Team Member Art Exhibit

Deadline: Friday, April 7 | The UVA Health Arts Committee’s annual Team Member Art Exhibit will run from May 4 to July 5. Interested team artists should email three or four .jpg images to Anne Brown at ABB4B@uvahealth.org for consideration by the committee. Paintings, watercolors, photography, and fine art prints (e.g., silk screen) will be considered. The committee cannot accept sculptures or fiber art. Images cannot contain nudity, violence, religious imagery, or racism. No oversized pieces.

RN-to-BSN Information Sessions

UVA School of Nursing's RN-to-BSN program is the region's very best, and offers all the personal, professional, and financial benefits a BSN brings. Classes are once a month, with the balance of learning done online. Learn more. Upcoming sessions:

• Monday, April 10 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Zoom
• Wednesday, May 10 | 6-7 p.m. | Zoom

Free Concert | World Voice Day

Friday, April 28 | 6-9 p.m. | Potter's Craft Cider | 1350 Arrowhead Valley Road | This annual event hosted by the UVA Voice Center provides singers who have gone through vocal rehabilitation with the UVA Voice Team an opportunity to return to the stage after vocal injury. This year’s featured performer is Virginia's own Toni Clare. The World Voice Day concert is brought to you by James Daniero, MD, UVA Voice Center Director; Joanna Lott, Speech-Language Pathologist, and the UVA Voice Team; and is sponsored by the Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery and the UVA Communication Sciences and Disorders Program. Free and open to the public.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 1:49 p.m. March 27)

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources

Workforce Impact | The Workforce Impact dashboard is experiencing technical difficulties. New data will be provided when it becomes available.

Appreciation

Vote in STAT Madness Final Four

Throughout March, three UVA Health discoveries have been competing for the title of 2022's most significant biomedical advances in STAT Madness, and we’re excited to share that a UVA Health discovery that could help us better treat Alzheimer’s disease has a strong chance to make it to the Final Four!

The other two, top UVA Health contenders in this year’s STAT Madness included outstanding discoveries from labs led by Kenneth Walsh, PhD, and Melanie Rutkowski, PhD. We are so proud that UVA had three entries in this year’s competition.

The next 12 hours will determine which innovations move on to the Final Four. The discovery from the lab of John Lukens, PhD, has the incredible potential to win the entire STAT Madness competition.

It’s exciting to see STAT Madness used to spotlight the scientific advancements of our researchers who are expanding our excellence and enabling discoveries for better health. Congratulations to all three competitors in this year’s tournament. Learn more and vote!

Friday, March 24, 2023

Free Baseball Tickets | UVA vs. Florida State

Saturday, March 25 | 1 p.m. | Cavalier baseball invites all UVA Health team members out to Disharoon Park to enjoy a free game. K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO, UVA Health, will be throwing out the first pitch. Claim up to four complimentary general-admission tickets to Saturday's baseball game. Additional tickets can be purchased at a discounted price. Offer valid online only and expires March 24 at midnight. Get tickets.

Operations

Traffic Alert | Charlottesville Ten Miler

Saturday, March 25 | 7:15-9:45 a.m. | The Charlottesville Ten Miler race will impact many of the roads around University Hospital. During this time Charlottesville’s roads will be filled with runners. Affected roads include Grady Avenue, Preston Avenue, Park Street, Water Street, Main Street, and University Avenue. Please plan on using alternate routes to UVA. Roads that will not be directly impacted by the race include Cherry Avenue, Avon Street, Elliot Avenue, Jefferson Park Avenue, and Emmet Street. See the entire course.

Warning | Smishing Alert

There have been numerous recent reports of suspicious text messages being sent to members of the UVA Health community. This activity is known as “smishing” and it is a form of social engineering that exploits text messages which contain links to web pages, email addresses, or phone numbers that, when clicked, may automatically open a web browser, email message, or dial a number. Smishing messages often imitate reputable companies or trusted individuals to induce the recipient to open files, click on website links, or reveal personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. Learn more.

If you receive a suspicious message from a UVA Health colleague, please reach out to them directly via UVA Health phone or email to validate the message’s legitimacy. Received a smishing message? Send an email with details to MCCSecurity@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu.

Back-Up Child and Elder Care Available

All benefited UVA team members are eligible to receive back-up care, which provides temporary care in times of need.

• Care is provided either at Bright Horizons affiliated facilities, or in home by professional care providers. (In-home care is sourced for you based on specific needs.)
• Back-up care can be available 24/7, including weekends and overnight.
• Care can be provided for team members’ dependents of any age (do not need to reside in your home).

If you anticipate needing care for a child, adult, or elderly dependent, Bright Horizons strongly encourages you to register in advance. Learn more.

Leadership

Next Week: UVA Health Town Hall

Tuesday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | In our first town hall of 2023, UVA Health is excited to update our teams on key initiatives and the latest developments for our organization. We’ll also have a special feature in honor of National Doctors' Day! Please join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders to learn more. To join in person, stop by the Leonard Sandridge Auditorium, located on the first floor of McKim Hall. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event.

Happenings

Vote Today: UVA Discovery Makes Elite 8 in Hunt for Biggest Biomedical Advancement

A UVA Health discovery that could help us better treat Alzheimer’s disease has fought its way to the Elite 8 in STAT Madness, an online competition to crown 2022’s biggest biomedical advancement. Elite 8 voting is now underway. You can vote once per day. Every vote counts from the Hoo faithful! Read more on Connect.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Find Out if You Are Eligible for an At-Home Test

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death in men and women. Fortunately, there’s a secret weapon to beat it: screening — 45 is the recommended age to begin screening for colorectal cancer in average-risk men and women. This year, team members can choose a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) called Polymedco OC-Auto FIT or Cologuard, which detects certain DNA markers and blood in the stool. Questions? Contact Shari Stanley at crcscreening@virginia.edu or 434.297.8427 to see if you are eligible for a test. Read more on Connect.

Sickle Cell Blood Drive

Monday, March 27 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Quayle Learning Center | Battle Building, first floor | Support the American Red Cross — UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products — in alleviating the severe blood shortage by volunteering to donate blood. All who give blood from March 1-31 will receive a $10 Visa prepaid card by email. Plus, they'll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa prepaid card. There will be five lucky winners. Restrictions apply. Appointments required. Sign up by emailing giveblood@virginia.edu or visiting redcrossblood.org. Read more on Connect.

Quality and Safety Grand Rounds | How Our Biases Can Lead to Misdiagnosis: A Patient’s Story

Monday, March 27 | noon-1 p.m. | WebEx | Join a discussion with patient Alice Tapper and parents Jennifer and Jake Tapper as they share personal insights in follow-up to a recent CNN story. Also, explore the impact of cognitive bias on our clinical decision-making and how errors in judgment can lead to misdiagnosis. Sponsored by Quality and Performance Improvement (QPI).

Voices in Clinical and Translational Science Series | Children and Neuromotor Diagnoses: Using Science to Maximize Development

Tuesday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Speaker: Stephanie DeLuca, PhD, Associate Professor, Co-Director, Neuromotor Research Clinic, Virginia Tech. This quarterly seminar series serves as a platform to lift underrepresented voices in research across the iTHRIV partnership with a focus on promoting dialogue and encouraging team science. Presenters will share their science and also their lived experience as an underrepresented person in research. Details.

Medical Center Hour | Two Ends of the Stethoscope: Writing as a Patient-Physician

Wednesday, March 29 | 12:15-1:15 p.m. | UVA Education Resource Center (ERC-B) and Zoom | Celeste Lipkes, MD, MFA, Writer and Staff Inpatient Consult Psychiatrist, Charles George V.A. Hospital, Asheville, North Carolina, will read from her new poetry collection, Radium Girl, which explores the challenges of navigating medical training as a person with chronic illness. Moderated by Irène Mathieu, MD, Center for Health Humanities and Ethics, Assistant Professor, General Pediatrics, UVA. Details.

UVA Health Maternal Critical Care Conference

Friday, April 14, and Saturday, April 15 | Virtual and in person | The Draftsman Hotel |The main sessions will present an overview of maternal morbidity and mortality, common and unique obstetric emergencies, and how to build bridges between labor and delivery and the critical care units. Designed for physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, ICU nurses, labor and delivery nurses, pharmacists, and all other healthcare providers with an interest in maternal critical care. CME credits available. Details and registration.

Eleventh Annual Research Trainee Competition

Friday, May 12 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center | Features presentations by residents, medical fellows, medical students, graduate students, and undergraduates. Trainees of any member of the Department of Pediatrics or the Child Health Research Center are encouraged to participate. Details. Scroll to the bottom of the web page for abstract guidelines.

Call for Abstracts | 35th Annual Research Symposium

Thursday, May 25 | Battle Building, Quayle Center | UVA Children’s Child Health Research Center invites you to a full day of presentations, awards, and a featured speaker. Participants will display poster presentations summarizing their work, followed by the opportunity for a lively discussion with faculty and colleagues. Abstracts due Friday, April 14. Details. Scroll to the bottom of the web page for abstract guidelines.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 10:49 a.m. March 24)

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources

Workforce Impact | The Workforce Impact dashboard is experiencing technical difficulties. New data will be provided when it becomes available.

Appreciation

“She Took the Time to Hear Me” | Kudos for Our Team Members

In order to provide the best possible service and care for our community, UVA Health regularly surveys our patients on their recent healthcare experience. Every week, the health system receives feedback from these patient experience surveys. Below are just a few of our favorite comments recently made about our team members.

• “The nurses at UVA continue to be phenomenal. Very caring and thorough. Made me feel at ease during preparation for my procedure when tension is high. Additionally, my nurse, Bea, went the extra step and wrote a little note for me to see after my procedure wishing me well. Was very heartwarming! Additionally, the man who checked me in, Tyler, was also fantastic. I am non-binary and he was very courteous and asked my pronouns and made note of them. Made me feel safe and seen.”
• “I have always looked forward to my visits to the cancer center on Pantops. Everyone is incredibly professional, knowledgeable, kind, collaborative, caring, good at listening and offering options. Susie was all of these, plus she took the time to hear me. Not just listen, but really HEAR me. Then we worked together to find a solution that worked for both of us. Amazing practitioner.”
• “Communication between team members and across different offices was cohesive. All personnel operated like they were on the same team, the same family. It made me comfortable knowing I was placed in hands I could trust and feel connected with.”
• “The hospital staff from the first moment at UVA to departure was awesome. This includes Adam, food service, cleaning crews, medical support, nurses and doctors. Extremely professional. My nurses and techs did an incredible job.”
• “​​We cannot express our gratitude enough to the doctors, nurses, and entire staff at UVA Hospital. They are the gold standard of healthcare that all other places should aspire to be. They were so knowledgeable and compassionate. I would like to give special recognition to Dr. Crane, Dr. Podboy and his nurse Michelle, the team of 3 West nurses — Anna and Candice to name a few — I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for taking such excellent care of my mother!”

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

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Next Week: UVA Health Town Hall

Tuesday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | In our first town hall of 2023, UVA Health is excited to update our teams on key initiatives and the latest developments for our organization. We’ll also have a special feature in honor of National Doctors' Day! Please join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders to learn more. To join in person, stop by the Leonard Sandridge Auditorium, located on the first floor of McKim Hall.

Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org  — now or during the town hall event.

Patient Care

Medical Care During Ramadan, March 22 to April 21

Ramadan will begin the evening of Wednesday, March 22, and end at sundown on Friday, April 21. One of the fundamental principles in observing this holy month for followers of Islam is fasting during daylight, which includes not taking oral medications. Please be aware of this custom and ask patients if they will be observing Ramadan. If so, it would be prudent to discuss a medication plan with them to ensure optimal medical care while they observe this holy month. Read more on Connect.

WHYW | Are Keyboard Covers Necessary Outside of Patient Rooms?

Published in the We Hear You Wednesday (WHYW) brief: One of our team members recently asked a question about keyboard covers and if they are necessary outside of patient rooms. The feedback we heard was that the keyboard covers make it difficult to type. After looking into this issue further, here is our response:

According to Infection Prevention and Control, keyboard covers must be used within all patient-facing areas of the hospital or the keyboards themselves must be able to tolerate hospital grade disinfectants. Some time ago, UVA Health experimented with keyboards that could withstand the disinfectants, but team member feedback was that they did not like using the keyboards themselves. Following this question, though, we will test out different keyboard and keyboard cover options within an inpatient unit of the hospital over the next couple of months to see if they perform better than what’s currently being used. More to come on this topic.

Operations

Traffic Alert | Charlottesville Ten Miler

Saturday, March 25 | 7:15-9:45 a.m. | The Charlottesville Ten Miler race will impact many of the roads around University Hospital. During this time Charlottesville’s roads will be filled with runners. Affected roads include Grady Avenue, Preston Avenue, Park Street, Water Street, Main Street, and University Avenue. Please plan on using alternate routes to UVA. Roads that will not be directly impacted by the race include Cherry Avenue, Avon Street, Elliot Avenue, Jefferson Park Avenue, and Emmet Street. See the entire course.

Leadership

Medical Center CEO Blog | Our Part in Women’s History Month

In her new Vision and Voice blog post, Wendy Horton, Medical Center CEO, reflects on the incredible examples of female mentors, leaders, and innovators who are breaking through gender inequity while paving the way for future generations. Read more.

Human Resources

Submit Nominations | Uteam Member of the Month

Deadline: 15th of every month | This program recognizes team members each month for their outstanding service to UVA Health and commitment to our ASPIRE values. Any team member, patient, or visitor may nominate an eligible team member, including individuals from UVA Medical Center, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and UVA Physicians Group. Nominate a colleague.

Happenings

Vote Today: UVA Discovery Makes Elite 8 in Hunt for Biggest Biomedical Advance

A UVA Health discovery that could help us better treat Alzheimer’s disease has fought its way to the Elite 8 in STAT Madness, an online competition to crown 2022’s biggest biomedical advancement. Elite 8 voting is now under way. You can vote once per day. Every vote counts from the Hoo faithful! Read more on Connect.

Meeting Patients Where They Are: Healthcare With(in) Communities

Friday, March 24 | noon-1 p.m. | McLeod Hall, Room 1020 | In this Public Service Week panel discussion, University of Virginia Provost Ian Baucom will speak with Dr. Mohan Nadkarni and Dr. Karen Rheuban about their experiences working with communities for better health outcomes, both here in Charlottesville and far afield using telehealth practices. Learn more.

Child Health Research Center | New Insights Into Control of Breathing

Friday, March 24 | noon-1 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Conference Center and Zoom | Speaker: Benjamin Gaston, MD, Vice Chair for Translational Research, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Riley Hospital for Children. Light lunch provided. For more information on the Child Health Research Center Seminar Series, please contact the CHRC office at 434.243.0867. (Meeting ID: 918 9125 5193 / Passcode: 377394) Details.

Sickle Cell Blood Drive

Monday, March 27 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Quayle Learning Center | Battle Building, first floor | Support the American Red Cross — UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products — in alleviating the severe blood shortage by volunteering to donate blood. All who give blood from March 1-31 will receive a $10 Visa prepaid card by email. Plus, they'll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa prepaid card. There will be five lucky winners. Restrictions apply. Appointments required. Sign up by emailing giveblood@virginia.edu or visiting redcrossblood.org. Read more on Connect.

Quality and Safety Grand Rounds | How Our Biases Can Lead to Misdiagnosis: A Patient’s Story

Monday, March 27 | noon-1 p.m. | WebEx | Join a discussion with patient Alice Tapper and parents Jennifer and Jake Tapper as they share personal insights in follow-up to a recent CNN story. Also, explore the impact of cognitive bias on our clinical decision-making and how errors in judgment can lead to misdiagnosis. Sponsored by Quality and Performance Improvement (QPI).

Medical Center Hour | Two Ends of the Stethoscope: Writing as a Patient-Physician

Wednesday, March 29 | 12:15-1:15 p.m. | UVA Education Resource Center (ERC-B) and Zoom | Celeste Lipkes, MD, MFA, Writer and Staff Inpatient Consult Psychiatrist, Charles George VA Hospital, Asheville, North Carolina, will read from her new poetry collection, Radium Girl, which explores the challenges of navigating medical training as a person with chronic illness. Moderated by Irène Mathieu, MD, Center for Health Humanities and Ethics, Assistant Professor, General Pediatrics, UVA. Details.

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

McKim Hall | Ground Floor | Room G045 | Physicians and advanced practice providers can get a new or updated headshot taken for the provider directory on the dates listed below. No appointment is needed. The shoot should take 10 minutes or less. Please bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided.

• Thursday, March 30 | 9 a.m.-noon
• Wednesday, April 12 | 9 a.m.-noon
• Tuesday, April 18 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Friday, April 28 | 9 a.m.-noon

Submit Now: Team Member Art Exhibit

Deadline: Friday, April 7 | The UVA Health Arts Committee’s annual Team Member Art Exhibit will run from May 4 to July 5. Interested team artists should email three or four .jpg images to Anne Brown at ABB4B@uvahealth.org for consideration by the committee. Paintings, watercolors, photography, and fine art prints (e.g., silk screen) will be considered. The committee cannot accept sculptures or fiber art. Images cannot contain nudity, violence, religious imagery, or racism. No oversized pieces.

Call for Abstracts | 1st Annual UVA Health Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement/Patient Safety Showcase

Deadline: Friday, April 14 | 11:59 p.m. | Download details from Connect | A UVA Health patient-safety event to recognize local improvements in quality improvement and patient safety from all disciplines. Participants will be selected to present a poster or give an oral presentation of their work. Questions? Contact Co-Chairs Jess Dreicer, MD, Department of Medicine, at jd3nd@uvahealth.org, or Elisa Hampton, MD, Department of Pediatrics, at ep2v@uvahealth.org. Showcase will be on Monday, June 5, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. More details to come.

Hoos Building Bridges Award

Deadline: Friday, April 14 | The Hoos Building Bridges Award recognizes team members who demonstrate leadership and build thoughtful collaborations and relationships across schools, units, and/or departments that advance our work as an institution. Those eligible for consideration include: currently employed, salaried, and non-probationary University staff; classified staff; UPG staff; UVA Health team members; and contingent workers (UVA Foundation, Aramark, Morrisons). Faculty are ineligible for this award. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu. Learn more.

Work-Life Harmony: Composing a Life That Works With a Life That Counts for Women in Academic Medicine

Monday, April 17 | 4-5 p.m. | Pinn Hall Auditorium and Zoom | The Department of Pediatrics invites you to the second annual Nancy McDaniel Lectureship on Women in Leadership. Featured speaker is Dorothy “Dorrie” Fontaine, Dean Emerita and Professor at the University of Virginia, School of Nursing. Reception to follow. (Zoom access: meeting ID: 917 6795 9254 / passcode: 944100) Details.

Mindfulness Classes

• Unwinding Anxiety Class | Mondays, May 1-June 12 I 6-7:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register.
• Free Mindfulness for UVA Health Team Members | Saturdays, May 6-June 24 | 9-11 a.m. | Retreat: Sunday, June 11 | Zoom | Register.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 10:49 a.m. March 22)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. March 22)
UVA Health team members affected and on leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources

Appreciation

Thanks for Helping Keep Our Kidneys, and Community, Healthy

Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program (KDSAP) was founded in 2008 at Harvard College by Dr. Li-Li Hsiao, when she noticed a need in her local Boston community to provide kidney health screenings for community members who could not afford healthcare or did not trust healthcare institutions. Since then, KDSAP has expanded to over 28 chapters across the United States, including at UVA Health.

KDSAP focuses on student professional development and community outreach. Undergraduate students gain leadership skills by hosting free kidney health screenings in the community. These screenings can inform community members about their overall health and if they have clinical test results that indicate chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is a silent disease — 1 in 7 Americans have CKD, but 90% don’t know they have it. Early detection, like through a KDSAP free kidney health screening, is vital to slowing the progression of CKD.

"We are so appreciative of the opportunity as undergraduates to provide a service like this to the Charlottesville community,” say students Madeline Snyder and Morgan Greig, “and we are very excited to share our passion for promoting kidney health!"

Student Marissa Yee says, "After a year-and-a-half of work, we are very excited to hold our first screening on March 25! The students have been working hard to make sure we are prepared. A lot of planning goes into hosting a free kidney health screening, including a lot of help from our physician advisors, Dr. Chopra and Dr. Okusa, but it all is worth it to provide the screening free of cost, serve our community, and make an impact."

KDSAP at UVA will host their first kidney health screening clinic on Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church. All community members are welcome to attend.

Thank you to all for helping to keep our community healthy!

Monday, March 20, 2023

Congratulations, SMD23, on a Successful Match Day!

On Friday, March 17, the UVA School of Medicine’s Class of 2023 learned where they will continue their training as residents at hospitals across the country, including UVA Medical Center. Match Day is held at the same time at medical schools across the U.S. The event brings together family and friends to help the soon-to-be doctors celebrate. At noon, the students simultaneously opened envelopes that revealed the location of their residencies.

The Class of 2023 medical students performed magnificently this year, matching into 25 different specialty programs across 30 states. Twenty-three students matched to residency programs at UVA. Please join us in congratulating our medical students and in wishing them well in their continued journeys. Read more and see photos of the event on Connect.

Patient Care

Update | COVID-19 Exposure Quarantine Procedures

Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Prevention and Control (IP&C) will be updating the quarantine procedure for patients who have had an exposure to COVID-19 based on revised Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. This update is being implemented today, Monday, March 20. Highlights include:

• Asymptomatic-exposed patients will be placed into a single occupancy room on droplet precautions, but do not need to be placed into full COVID-19 precautions.
• Exposed patients with recent history of COVID-19 do not require isolation, but should be tested if they develop signs or symptoms.
• Follow-up testing occurring on day 1, 3, and 5.
• Shortened quarantine for asymptomatic-exposed patients to 7 full days, out on day 8

Severely immunocompromised patients are not eligible for this updated protocol. They will continue to complete the full 10-day quarantine.

Questions regarding a COVID-19-exposed patient? Contact IP&C at PIC 1243 or 434.924.0260. For details, review Quarantine for Patients with Confirmed Exposure to COVID-19 SOP.

Resolved: Clinical Microbiology Reagent Shortage

Information on the new panel for rapid identification of most Gram positive cocci in blood cultures:

• The Clinical Microbiology Laboratory resumed rapid testing and reporting of these organisms.
  • Communication of results as performed prior to shortage has resumed.
  • An emergency validation of a similar test was performed to meet this clinical need.
  • The previous vendor remains unable to provide reagents and supplies.
• Organisms detected with this new panel include:
  • Enterococcus faecalis (with or without vancomycin resistance)
  • Enterococcus faecium (with or without vancomycin resistance)
  • Streptococcus sp (those not listed below)
  • Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Strep)
  • Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Strep)
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Staphylococcus sp (those not listed below)
  • Staphylococcus aureus (with or without methicillin resistance)
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis
  • Staphylococcus lugdunensis
• Notable differences in reporting:
  • Reporting from this panel is restricted to Gram positive cocci in chains and clusters (Staph, Strep, Enterococci).
  • No Gram positive bacilli will be reported at this time.
  • Streptococcus anginosus will not be identified as a separate organism identification, but will be detected as “Streptococcus sp” and cannot differentiated from other organisms in this group.
• Testing for Gram negative organisms and yeast have not been disrupted.  

If there are concerns, please page PIC 1221 to reach the Clinical Microbiology director on call.

Medical Care During Ramadan, March 22 to April 21

Ramadan will begin the evening of Wednesday, March 22, and ends at sundown on Friday, April 21. One of the fundamental principles in observing this holy month for followers of Islam is fasting during daylight, which includes not taking oral medications. Please be aware of this custom and ask patients if they will be observing Ramadan. If so, it would be prudent to discuss a medication plan with them to insure optimal medical care while they observe this holy month. Read more on Connect.

Operations

Traffic Alert | Charlottesville Ten Miler

Saturday, March 25 | 7:15-9:45 a.m. | The Charlottesville Ten Miler race will impact many of the roads around University Hospital. During this time Charlottesville’s roads will be filled with runners. Affected roads include Grady Avenue, Preston Avenue, Park Street, Water Street, Main Street, and University Avenue. Please plan on using alternate routes to UVA. Roads that will not be directly impacted by the race include Cherry Avenue, Avon Street, Elliot Avenue, Jefferson Park Avenue, and Emmet Street. See the entire course.

Leadership

UVA Health Town Hall

Tuesday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | In our first town hall of 2023, UVA Health is excited to update our teams on key initiatives and the latest developments for our organization. We’ll also have a special feature in honor of National Doctor’s Day! Please join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders to learn more. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event.

Happenings

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Find Out if You Are Eligible for an At-Home Test

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death in men and women. Fortunately, there’s a secret weapon to beat it: screening — 45 is the recommended age to begin screening for colorectal cancer in average-risk men and women. This year, team members can choose a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) called Polymedco OC-Auto FIT or Cologuard, which detects certain DNA markers and blood in the stool. Questions? Contact Shari Stanley (pictured) at crcscreening@virginia.edu or 434.297.8427 to see if you are eligible for a test. Read more on Connect.

Two UVA Discoveries Advance to Sweet 16 in Search for 2022’s Biggest Biomedical Advancement

Not one but two UVA Health discoveries have made it to the Sweet 16 in STAT Madness, an online competition to crown 2022’s biggest biomedical advancement. UVA’s two contenders — important findings that could help us battle Alzheimer’s and heart failure — now go head-to-head, meaning one is guaranteed to advance to the Elite 8. But which will it be? Your votes will decide. You can vote once per day. Read more on Connect.

ROSE Program | Drop-Off or Pick Up Reusable Office Supplies

Tuesday, March 21 | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Rooms 1 and 2 | The Reusable Office Supply Exchange (ROSE) Program is a free service that collects new or gently used office supplies. The ROSE Supply Closet is available monthly for dropping off office supplies or taking what you need. The inventory includes a variety of supplies, like envelopes, staplers, and desk lamps. Read more on Connect.

Quit Nicotine/Smoking Blue Ridge Program

Wednesdays, March 22-April 2 | Zoom | Free support for those who want to quit tobacco. Learn about and experience strategies for quitting such as medication, acupuncture, stress reduction, nutrition, and more. Contact Scott Mein at scottrmein@gmail.com to receive a link to participate.

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

McKim Hall | Ground Floor | Room G045 | Physicians and advanced practice providers can get a new or updated headshot taken for the provider directory on the dates listed below. No appointment is needed. The shoot should take 10 minutes or less. Please bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided.

• Wednesday, March 22 | 8-11 a.m.
• Thursday, March 30 | 9 a.m.-noon
• Wednesday, April 12 | 9 a.m.-noon
• Tuesday, April 18 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Friday, April 28 | 9 a.m.-noon

Seizure Recognition and First Aid Training

Wednesday, March 22 | 1-2 p.m. | University Hospital | Room 6614 (Near 6 Central) |Want to learn how to recognize different seizure types or how to use Seizure First Aid? The Seizure First Aid Certification is a two-year certification that is designed for anyone who might come into contact with someone having a seizure, as well as people who have a loved one with epilepsy or those who work with the public. Questions? Contact Tamia Walker-Atwater at TAW6YE@uvahealth.org.

Meeting Patients Where They Are: Healthcare With(in) Communities

Friday, March 24 | noon-1 p.m. | McLeod Hall, Room 1020 | In this Public Service Week panel discussion, University of Virginia Provost Ian Baucom will speak with Dr. Mohan Nadkarni and Dr. Karen Rheuban about their experiences working with communities for better health outcomes, both here in Charlottesville and far afield using telehealth practices. Learn more.

Child Health Research Center | New Insights into Control of Breathing

Friday, March 24 | noon-1 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Conference Center and Zoom | Speaker: Benjamin Gaston, MD, Vice Chair for Translational Research, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Riley Hospital for Children. Light lunch provided. For more information on the Child Health Research Center Seminar Series, please contact the CHRC office at 434.243.0867. (Meeting ID: 918 9125 5193 / Passcode: 377394) Details.

Sickle Cell Blood Drive

Monday, March 27 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Quayle Learning Center | Battle Building, first floor | Support the American Red Cross — UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products — in alleviating the severe blood shortage by volunteering to donate blood. All who give blood from March 1-31 will receive a $10 Visa prepaid card by email. Plus, they'll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa prepaid card. There will be five lucky winners. Restrictions apply. Appointments required. Sign up by emailing giveblood@virginia.edu or visiting redcrossblood.org. Read more on Connect.

Free Concert | World Voice Day

Friday, April 28 | 6-9 p.m. | Potter's Craft Cider | 1350 Arrowhead Valley Road | This annual event hosted by the UVA Voice Center provides singers who have gone through vocal rehabilitation with the UVA Voice Team an opportunity to return to the stage after vocal injury. This year’s featured performer is Virginia's own Toni Clare. The World Voice Day concert is brought to you by James Daniero, MD, UVA Voice Center Director; Joanna Lott, Speech-Language Pathologist, and the UVA Voice Team; and is sponsored by the Department of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery and the UVA Communication Sciences and Disorders Program. Free and open to the public.

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

Deadline: Friday, Sept. 1 | Because UVA Health is a participant in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index, our 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 and the Center for Affiliated Learning (CAL).

• National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center courses | Register. (Facility ID: 55856.)
• The CAL courses | Register. (Facility ID: 55856. Security keyword: HRC.)

As part of UVA Health’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, we encourage all team members to participate in these free trainings by Sept. 1. Don’t forget to use our facility ID! Doing so will help UVA Health remain a leader in LGBTQ+ healthcare equality. For more information, contact Tonya Fredericks at TRF4G@uvahealth.org or Bizz Glover at EBG7F@uvahealth.org.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 2:49 p.m. March 20)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. March 20)
UVA Health team members affected and on leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources

Appreciation

A Big Round of Applause on Certified Nurses Day

Sunday, March 19, was National Certified Nurses Day, and we applaud all those nurses among our students, faculty, staff, and alumni who have taken this additional step to validate their nursing expertise.

Held every March 19, Certified Nurses Day also marks the birthday of Margretta "Gretta" Madden Styles, RN, EdD, FAAN, one of the greatest leaders in the field of nursing certification.

Why become a certified nurse? It's good for patients, it's good for health systems, and it's good for nurses' pride and pocketbooks. Learn more.

Please join us in a round of applause and a great many high fives to all the certified nurses at UVA Health — you are very much appreciated!

Friday, March 17, 2023

UVA Health Announces Results of 2022 Press Ganey and AAMC Engagement Surveys

On Friday, March 17, UVA Health senior leadership shared the following message: “UVA Health conducted a system-wide engagement survey this past fall to receive feedback from our team members in order to achieve our vision of being the best place to work, as outlined in our strategic plan. Thank you for taking the time to participate and share your thoughts. These surveys provide us with invaluable feedback and insights to measure organizational and department/unit level engagement, benchmark ourselves to peer organizations, and develop strategies to improve.

“We were fortunate to have an incredibly high participation rate. This means our teams care deeply about UVA Health and want to help move our organization forward. We are thankful to have so many team members eager to share their thoughts about what we are doing well and where there might be opportunities to further improve.

“The results of the survey highlight several improvements since our last survey as well as many opportunities for UVA Health to be a better and stronger organization.”

Over the next month, all leaders will be provided with a summary of their survey results to share with their teams. This is an opportunity to celebrate what is working well and to strategize ways to improve. To read the full message and to review a high-level summary of the results, please refer to the March 17 email or read it on Connect.

Patient Care

Medical Care During Ramadan, March 22 to April 21

Ramadan will begin the evening of Wednesday, March 22, and ends at sundown on Friday, April 21. One of the fundamental principles in observing this holy month for followers of Islam is fasting during daylight, which includes not taking oral medications. Please be aware of this custom and ask patients if they will be observing Ramadan. If so, it would be prudent to discuss a medication plan with them to insure optimal medical care while they observe this holy month. Read more on Connect.

Operations

Back-Up Care Available for You

All benefited UVA team members are eligible to receive back-up care, which provides temporary care in times of need.

• Care is provided either at Bright Horizons affiliated facilities, or in home by professional care providers. (In-home care is sourced for you based on specific needs.)
• Back-up care can be available 24/7, including weekends and overnight.
• Care can be provided for team members’ dependents of any age (do not need to reside in your home).

If you anticipate needing care for a child, adult, or elderly dependent, Bright Horizons strongly encourages you to register in advance. Learn more.

Construction Alerts |

• Lane Road Closure | Saturday, March 18, to Sunday, March 19 | 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | To conduct work on replacing HVAC units, a portion of Lane Road (between MR-4 and University Hospital) will be closed this weekend. Please use alternate routes during this time. Questions? Contact Scott Guynes at sg2tf@virginia.edu.
• Sewer Repair | Sunday, March 19 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lee Street | A crew will be repairing the inside of a sanitary sewer manhole cover on Lee Street, near the intersection of Crispell Drive and 11th Street. Traffic will be shifted to the center lane on Lee Street. Additionally, to complete this work several parking spaces will be unavailable near the corner of Crispell Drive and MR-4 and MR-6 at the manhole. Questions? Contact Mark Richardson, Senior Project Manager, Faulconer Construction, at mrichardson@faulconerconstruction.com.

Traffic Alert | Charlottesville Ten Miler

Saturday, March 25 | 7:15-9:45 a.m. | The Charlottesville Ten Miler race will impact many of the roads around University Hospital. During this time Charlottesville’s roads will be filled with runners. Affected roads include Grady Avenue, Preston Avenue, Park Street, Water Street, Main Street, and University Avenue. Please plan on using alternate routes to UVA. Roads that will not be directly impacted by the race include Cherry Avenue, Avon Street, Elliot Avenue, Jefferson Park Avenue, and Emmet Street. See the entire course.

Leadership

UVA Health Town Hall

Tuesday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | In our first town hall of 2023, UVA Health is excited to update our teams on key initiatives and the latest developments for our organization. We’ll also have a special feature in honor of National Doctor’s Day! Please join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders to learn more. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event.

Happenings

Two UVA Discoveries Advance to Sweet 16 in Search for 2022’s Biggest Biomedical Advancement

Not one but two UVA Health discoveries have made it to the Sweet 16 in STAT Madness, an online competition to crown 2022’s biggest biomedical advancement. UVA’s two contenders — important findings that could help us battle Alzheimer’s and heart failure — now go head-to-head, meaning one is guaranteed to advance to the Elite 8. But which will it be? Your votes will decide. You can vote once per day. (Pictured: John Lukens, PhD, and Kenneth Walsh, PhD) Read more on Connect.

Emergency Management: Active Attacker Functional Exercise

Monday, March 20 | Transitional Care Hospital | 2965 Ivy Rd. | Emergency Management is inviting team members to sign up for an active-attacker exercise. The goal of this event is to validate emergency plans and procedures, provide team members with an opportunity to practice their training, and respond to a simulated active attacker situation in a clinical space (which will include integrating law-enforcement’s response). Choose from five one-hour sessions. Limited to 20 participants per session. Questions? Contact Nat Sellers at NS3ZX@uvahealth.org. Sign up.

Be a Hero: Donate Blood

Quayle Learning Center | Battle Building, first floor | Support the American Red Cross — UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products — in alleviating the severe blood shortage by volunteering to donate blood. All who give blood from March 1-31 will receive a $10 Visa prepaid card by email. Plus, they'll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa prepaid card. There will be five lucky winners. Restrictions apply. Appointments required. Sign up by emailing giveblood@virginia.edu or visiting redcrossblood.org. Read more on Connect. Dates and times:

• Monday, March 20 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Monday, March 27 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

ROSE Program | Drop-Off or Pick Up Reusable Office Supplies

Tuesday, March 21 | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Rooms 1 and 2 | The Reusable Office Supply Exchange (ROSE) Program is a free service that collects new or gently used office supplies. The ROSE Supply Closet is available monthly for dropping off office supplies or taking what you need. The inventory includes a variety of supplies, like envelopes, staplers, and desk lamps. Read more on Connect.

Quit Nicotine/Smoking Blue Ridge Program

Wednesdays, March 22-April 2 | Zoom | Free support for those who want to quit tobacco. Learn about and experience strategies for quitting such as medication, acupuncture, stress reduction, nutrition, and more. Contact Scott Mein at scottrmein@gmail.com to receive a link to participate.

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

McKim Hall | Ground Floor | Room G045 | Physicians and advanced practice providers can get a new or updated headshot taken for the provider directory on the dates listed below. No appointment is needed. The shoot should take 10 minutes or less. Please bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided.

• Wednesday, March 22 | 8-11 a.m.
• Thursday, March 30 | 9 a.m.-noon
• Wednesday, April 12 | 9 a.m.-noon
• Tuesday, April 18 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Friday, April 28 | 9 a.m.-noon

Seizure Recognition and First Aid Training

Wednesday, March 22 | 1-2 p.m. | University Hospital | Room 6614 (Near 6 Central) |Want to learn how to recognize different seizure types or how to use Seizure First Aid? The Seizure First Aid Certification is a two-year certification that is designed for anyone who might come into contact with someone having a seizure, as well as people who have a loved one with epilepsy or those who work with the public. Questions? Contact Tamia Walker-Atwater at TAW6YE@uvahealth.org.

Child Health Research Center | New Insights into Control of Breathing

Friday, March 24 | noon-1 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Conference Center and Zoom | Speaker: Benjamin Gaston, MD, Vice Chair for Translational Research, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Riley Hospital for Children. Light lunch provided. For more information on the Child Health Research Center Seminar Series, please contact the CHRC office at 434.243.0867. (Meeting ID: 918 9125 5193 / Passcode: 377394) Details.

Voices in Clinical and Translational Science Series | Children and Neuromotor Diagnoses: Using Science to Maximize Development

Tuesday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Speaker: Stephanie DeLuca, PhD, Associate Professor, Co-Director, Neuromotor Research Clinic, Virginia Tech. This quarterly seminar series serves as a platform to lift underrepresented voices in research across the iTHRIV partnership with a focus on promoting dialogue and encouraging team science. Presenters will share their science and also their lived experience as an underrepresented person in research. Details.

UVA Health Maternal Critical Care Conference

Friday, April 14, and Saturday, April 15 | Virtual and in person | The Draftsman Hotel |The main sessions will present an overview of maternal morbidity and mortality, common and unique obstetric emergencies, and how to build bridges between labor and delivery and the critical care units. Designed for physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, ICU nurses, Labor and Delivery nurses, pharmacists, and all other healthcare providers with an interest in maternal critical care. CME credits available. Details and registration.

Eleventh Annual Research Trainee Competition

Friday, May 12 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center | Features presentations by residents, medical fellows, medical students, graduate students, and undergraduates. Trainees of any member of the Department of Pediatrics or the Child Health Research Center are encouraged to participate. Details. Scroll to the bottom of the web page for abstract guidelines.

Call for Abstracts | 35th Annual Research Symposium

Thursday, May 25 | Battle Building, Quayle Center | UVA Children’s Child Health Research Center invites you to a full day of presentations, awards, and a featured speaker. Participants will display poster presentations summarizing their work, followed by the opportunity for a lively discussion with faculty and colleagues. Abstracts due Friday, April 14. Details. Scroll to the bottom of the web page for abstract guidelines.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 11:05 a.m. March 17)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. March 17)
UVA Health team members affected and on leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources

Appreciation

“Professional and Respectful” | Kudos for Our Home-Health Team Members

In order to provide the best possible service and care for our community, UVA Health regularly surveys our patients on their recent healthcare experience. Every week, the health system receives feedback from these patient experience surveys. Below are just a few of our favorite comments recently made about home-health team members.

• “PT, OT, and speech are outstanding.”
• “Prareen was my physical therapist in November and December. He was excellent.”
• “My nurse was fantastic. Made lots of recommendations to help keep me comfortable and helped me resolve some issues with eating, sleeping, drinking plenty of fluids, and keeping constipation at bay. Very helpful.”
• “This is a wonderful agency. The home-health nurse was great, very compassionate.”
• “All the therapists and nurses have been caring, thorough, and knowledgeable. They are professional and respectful!”
• “Everyone with UVA has been the best!”
• “This service was outstanding. It's helped my recovery.“
• “Valeria was the therapist who provided home-health care. She was outstanding. Patient, thoughtful, kind, and helpful!”

Thanks to all of our home-health team members for providing outstanding, compassionate, and safe care.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Two UVA Discoveries Advance to Sweet 16 in Search for 2022’s Biggest Biomedical Advancement

Not one but two UVA Health discoveries have made it to the Sweet 16 in STAT Madness, an online competition to crown 2022’s biggest biomedical advancement. UVA’s two contenders — important findings that could help us battle Alzheimer’s and heart failure — now go head-to-head, meaning one is guaranteed to advance to the Elite 8. But which will it be? Your votes will decide. You can vote once per day. (Pictured: John Lukens, PhD, and Kenneth Walsh, PhD)

Read more on Connect.

Operations

Construction Alerts |

• Lane Road Closure | Saturday, March 18, to Sunday, March 19 | 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | To conduct work on replacing HVAC units, a portion of Lane Road (between MR-4 and University Hospital) will be closed this weekend. Please use alternate routes during this time. Questions? Contact Scott Guynes at sg2tf@virginia.edu.
• Sewer Repair | Sunday, March 19 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lee Street | A crew will be repairing the inside of a sanitary sewer manhole cover on Lee Street, near the intersection of Crispell Drive and 11th Street. Traffic will be shifted to the center lane on Lee Street. Additionally, to complete this work several parking spaces will be unavailable near the corner of Crispell drive and MR-4 and MR-6. at the manhole Questions? Contact Mark Richardson, Senior Project Manager, Faulconer Construction, at mrichardson@faulconerconstruction.com.

Leadership

UVA Health Town Hall

Tuesday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | In our first town hall of 2023, UVA Health is excited to update our teams on key initiatives and the latest developments for our organization. We’ll also have a special feature in honor of National Doctor’s Day! Please join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders to learn more. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event.

Happenings

Spring Into Safety: Patient Safety Awareness Celebrations

This year, National Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW) is March 12-18. PSAW is an annual recognition event intended to highlight healthcare safety and quality. Activities highlighting patient safety and quality include:

• Tuesday, March 14 | Vision and Voice | Strengthening Our Foundation: Superior Quality, Patient Safety and Outcomes | In her blog, Vision and Voice, Medical Center CEO Wendy Horton spotlights two resources available that help all of us create a safe environment for our patients and for each other.
• Wednesday, March 15 |
  • WHYW and Be Safe | The We Hear You Wednesday (WHYW) brief highlighted recent examples of changes made as a result of Be Safe Events, including the below. To learn more about and submit Be Safe Events, visit besafe.uvahs.org.
    • Epic change to Infant Immunization Panel for physician notification
    • Change to electrophysiology scheduling practices to decrease patient wait times
    • Improved delineation on TRIP sheet to signal when patient needs RN or Medic accompaniment from Emergency Department
    • Sidewalk repair to prevents trips and falls
    • New standard operating procedure for surgery cancellations in Children’s
    • Adjustment to pre-alert process for trauma patients
    • Practice change to handoffs of infusions from Operating Room to floors
    • Modification of setpoint for hot liquids to prevent burns
  • Call for Abstracts | 1st Annual UVA Health Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement/Patient Safety Showcase | A UVA Health patient-safety event to recognize local improvements in quality improvement and patient safety from all disciplines. Participants will be selected to present a poster or give an oral presentation of their work. Questions? Contact Co-Chairs Jess Dreicer, MD, Department of Medicine, at jd3nd@uvahealth.org, or Elisa Hampton, MD, Department of Pediatrics, at ep2v@uvahealth.org.
    • Deadline for abstracts | Friday, April 14 | 11:59 p.m. | Download details from Connect.
    • Showcase | Monday, June 5 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Details to come.
• Thursday, March 16 |
  • Charles L. Brown Award for Patient Care Quality Awardees | The winners of this award will be announced at the Medical Center Management Meeting.
  • Good Catch Awardees | Connect will shine a spotlight on recent Good Catch awardees.
• Monday, March 27 | Quality and Safety Grand Rounds | How Our Biases Can Lead to Misdiagnosis: A Patient’s Story | noon-1 p.m. | WebEx | Join a discussion with patient Alice Tapper and parents Jennifer and Jake Tapper as they share personal insights in follow-up to a recent CNN story. Also, explore the impact of cognitive bias on our clinical decision-making and how errors in judgment can lead to misdiagnosis. Sponsored by Quality and Performance Improvement (QPI).

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Find Out if You Are Eligible for an At-Home Test

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death in men and women. Fortunately, there’s a secret weapon to beat it: screening — 45 is the recommended age to begin screening for colorectal cancer in average-risk men and women. This year, team members can choose a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) called Polymedco OC-Auto FIT or Cologuard, which detects certain DNA markers and blood in the stool. Questions? Contact Shari Stanley at crcscreening@virginia.edu or 434.297.8427 to see if you are eligible for a test. Read more on Connect.

Enter for a Chance to Win an iTHRIV Engraved 20 oz. Tumbler

Deadline: Thursday, March 16 | iTHRIV (integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia) wants to connect with you — sign up for its mailing list and enter to win a prize. iTHRIV offers people a way to learn and change how health research is conducted. As part of this email list, you'll receive helpful mailers with health-related updates, as well as opportunities to engage with health researchers in your community. Five winners will be chosen and contacted on Friday, March 17. Read more on Connect.

When Can I Donate Blood in March?

Quayle Learning Center | Battle Building, first floor | Support the American Red Cross — UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products — in alleviating the severe blood shortage by volunteering to donate blood. All who give blood from March 1-31 will receive a $10 Visa prepaid card by email. Plus, they'll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa prepaid card. There will be five lucky winners. Restrictions apply. Appointments required. Sign up by emailing giveblood@virginia.edu or visiting redcrossblood.org. Read more on Connect. Dates and times:

• Monday, March 20 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Monday, March 27 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

McKim Hall | Ground Floor | Room G045 | Physicians and advanced practice providers can get a new or updated headshot taken for the provider directory on the dates listed below. No appointment is needed. The shoot should take 10 minutes or less. Please bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided.

• Wednesday, March 22 | 8-11 a.m.
• Thursday, March 30 | 9 a.m.-noon
• Wednesday, April 12 | 9 a.m.-noon
• Tuesday, April 18 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Friday, April 28 | 9 a.m.-noon

Seizure Recognition and First Aid Training

Wednesday, March 22 | 1-2 p.m. | University Hospital | Room 6614 (Near 6 Central) | Want to learn how to recognize different seizure types or how to use Seizure First Aid? The Seizure First Aid Certification is a two-year certification that is designed for anyone who might come into contact with someone having a seizure, as well as people who have a loved one with epilepsy or those who work with the public. Questions? Contact Tamia Walker-Atwater at TAW6YE@uvahealth.org.

Women’s History Month

• Aftershock: Screening and Panel Discussion | Claude Moore Medical Education Building Learning Studio and virtual | The School of Medicine's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Health Sciences Library; and UVA Physicians Group are hosting a screening of Aftershock, a documentary on Black maternal mortality and the Birth Justice Movement. The screening will be followed by a panel of members from both the Charlottesville and UVA communities who are working to improve outcomes for BIPOC mothers and their families. Registration deadline is Thursday, March 16. Register.
  • Screening | Wednesday, March 22 | dinner at 5:30 p.m.; screening at 6 p.m.  
  • Panel | Wednesday, March 29 | dinner at 5:30 p.m.; screening at 6 p.m.
• More Events | More University of Virginia Women’s History Month events can be found here. 

Submit Now: Team Member Art Exhibit

Deadline: Friday, April 7 | The UVA Health Arts Committee’s annual Team Member Art Exhibit will run from May 4 to July 5. Interested team artists should email three or four .jpg images to Anne Brown at ABB4B@uvahealth.org for consideration by the committee. Paintings, watercolors, photography, and fine art prints (e.g., silk screen) will be considered. The committee cannot accept sculptures or fiber art. Images cannot contain nudity, violence, religious imagery, or racism. No oversized pieces.

Work-Life Harmony: Composing a Life That Works With a Life That Counts for Women in Academic Medicine

Monday, April 17 | 4-5 p.m. | Pinn Hall Auditorium and Zoom | The Department of Pediatrics invites you to the second annual Nancy McDaniel Lectureship on Women in Leadership. Featured speaker is Dorothy “Dorrie” Fontaine, Dean Emerita and Professor at the University of Virginia, School of Nursing. Reception to follow. (Zoom access: meeting ID: 917 6795 9254 / passcode: 944100) Details.

2023 Protecting Health in a Changing Climate: Healthcare Sustainability

Saturday, April 22 | 7:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. | Fontaine Research Park, 560 Ray C. Hunt Dr. and Zoom | The health sector’s global climate footprint is massive — if it were a country, it would be the fifth-largest emitter on the planet, and the U.S. healthcare sector is the worst offender. This conference is designed to equip people who are interested in healthcare sustainability with resources and strategies for reducing healthcare-sector contributions to climate change. Details and registration.

BFS-ERG Awards Luncheon

Tuesday, April 25 | noon-2 p.m. | Pinn Hall, 2ABC | RSVP | The Black Faculty and Staff Employee Resource Group (BFS-ERG) serves as a voice for Black faculty and staff at the University of Virginia in matters relative to the intellectual, professional, and emotional betterment within the UVA community and beyond. Join this luncheon in recognizing the outstanding work of our colleagues at the University, specifically related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Mindfulness Classes

• Unwinding Anxiety Class | Mondays, May 1-June 12 I 6-7:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register.
• Free Mindfulness for UVA Health Team Members | Saturdays, May 6-June 24 | 9-11 a.m. | Retreat: Sunday, June 11 | Zoom | Register.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 11:49 p.m. March 15)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. March 15)
UVA Health team members affected and on leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources

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. Recent examples include:

• Reducing COVID-19 Risk | New School of Medicine research could prevent runaway inflammation and dangerous blood sugar spikes in COVID-19 patients with obesity or diabetes, two groups at great risk. (Jie Sun, PhD)
• Slowing Aging | Detoxing the body of two harmful by-products of fat that accumulate over time could offer a powerful anti-aging benefit, UVA scientists found. (Eyleen Jorgelina O’Rourke, PhD, pictured)
• Safer Childbirth | A single dose of the antibiotic azithromycin can help protect mothers from dangerous sepsis infections and death during vaginal childbirth, a sweeping new international study determined. (William Petri Jr., MD, PhD)
• Preventing Blindness | UVA’s discovery of a key contributor to harmful blood vessel growth in the eye could lead to new treatments for blinding macular degeneration and other common causes of vision loss. (Jayakrishna Ambati, MD, and Shao-bin Wang, PhD)
• Targeting MS Inflammation | UVA’s identification of a vital contributor to the hyperactive autoimmune response and neuroinflammation that are the hallmarks of multiple sclerosis could lead to better treatments. (Andrea Merchak and Alban Gaultier, PhD)
• Understanding Fatty Liver Disease | New insights into non-alcoholic fatty liver disease help explain the condition in younger people and could lead to the first treatment for the world’s most common liver disease. (Irina Bochkis, PhD)

This is a minute 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!

To keep up with the School of Medicine's research news, subscribe to the Making of Medicine blog.

Monday, March 13, 2023

Have You Voted? | All Three UVA Contenders Advance in Search for 2022’s Biggest Biomedical Discovery

All three of UVA Health’s contenders for the biggest biomedical advancement of 2022 have made it to the second round of the STAT Madness bracket tournament. STAT Madness is the scientific version of the NCAA basketball tournament. The three UVA School of Medicine contenders are working to fight Alzheimer’s, halt breast cancer’s spread, and prevent heart failure.

Voting closes soon! Cast your ballot here. You may vote once each day. Read more on Connect.

Operations

Construction Alerts

• Paving Between Pinn Hall and Primary Care Center Annex | Through Friday, March 17 | Concrete work is being performed in a small area between Lane Road and Lee Street (near the short, dead-end road). The section that leads to Lee Street is barricaded and no pedestrian usage will be allowed, except in case of emergencies. Bicycle parking is accessible from Lee Street. Expect some noise. Questions? Contact Brian Thomas, Construction Project Manager, at 434.235.8638 or bkt4x@virginia.edu.
• Lane Road Closure | Saturday, March 18, to Sunday, March 19 | 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | To conduct work on replacing HVAC units, a portion of Lane Road (between MR-4 and University Hospital) will be closed this weekend. Please use alternate routes during this time. Questions? Contact Scott Guynes at sg2tf@virginia.edu.

Monthly Epic Update: Changes Go Live Tuesday, March 14

This month’s Epic updates will impact ambulatory and inpatient LIPs, nurses, and therapy services. Details about the latest changes can be found in the Epic Update Bundle. Questions? Contact the Help Desk at 434.924.5334.

Traffic Alert | Charlottesville Ten Miler

Saturday, March 25 | 7:15-9:45 a.m. | The Charlottesville Ten Miler race will impact many of the roads around University Hospital. During this time Charlottesville’s roads will be filled with runners. Affected roads include Grady Avenue, Preston Avenue, Park Street, Water Street, Main Street, and University Avenue. Please plan on using alternate routes to UVA. Roads that will not be directly impacted by the race include Cherry Avenue, Avon Street, Elliot Avenue, Jefferson Park Avenue, and Emmet Street. See the entire course here.

Leadership

UVA Health Town Hall

Tuesday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | In our first town hall of 2023, UVA Health is excited to update our teams on key initiatives and the latest developments for our organization. We’ll also have a special feature in honor of National Doctor’s Day! Please join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders to learn more. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event.

Human Resources

Benefits Wednesday: Meet With a Counselor to Discuss Benefits

Wednesday, March 15 | Medical Center Dining Conference Room 3 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. |The Human Resources team will have a benefits counselor on site at the Medical Center every month in 2023 to discuss your benefits and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions. No appointments necessary; walk-ins welcome.

Submit Nominations | Uteam Member of the Month

Deadline: 15th of every month | This program recognizes team members each month for their outstanding service to UVA Health and commitment to our ASPIRE values. Any team member, patient, or visitor may nominate an eligible team member, including individuals from UVA Medical Center, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and UVA Physicians Group. Nominate a colleague.

Happenings

Help Still Needed: Volunteer Services Wants Your Empty Glass Bottles

Deadline: Wednesday, March 15 | Volunteer Services needs to collect only 100 more empty glass bottles or jars for the upcoming Daisy Days, when they give a bouquet of flowers to every inpatient at UVA Health. Any glass jar (about 5 to 7.5 inches tall with a mouth opening of 1.25 to 1.5 inches) will work well. Call Volunteer Services at 434.924.5251 for pick-up or drop-off. Thank you to all who have already donated!

Spring Into Safety: Patient Safety Awareness Celebrations

This year, National Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW) is March 12-18. PSAW is an annual recognition event intended to highlight healthcare safety and quality. Upcoming activities highlighting patient safety and quality include:

• Tuesday, March 14 | Vision and Voice | Medical Center CEO Wendy Horton will discuss patient safety in her blog, Vision and Voice.
• Wednesday, March 15 | WHYW and Be Safe | The We Hear You Wednesday (WHYW) brief will highlight recent examples of changes made as a result of Be Safe Events.
• Thursday, March 16 |
  • Charles L. Brown Award for Patient Care Quality Awardees | The winners of this award will be announced at the Medical Center Management Meeting.
  • Good Catch Awardees | Connect will shine a spotlight on recent Good Catch awardees.
• Friday, March 17 | Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement/Patient Safety Showcase Kickoff | A Medical Center and School of Medicine event to recognize local improvements in quality improvement and patient safety from all disciplines. Participants will be selected to present a poster or give an oral presentation of their work and compete for awards for the top-three ranked abstracts.
• Monday, March 27 | Quality and Safety Grand Rounds | How Our Biases Can Lead to Misdiagnosis: A Patient’s Story | noon-1 p.m. | WebEx | Join a discussion with patient Alice Tapper and parents Jennifer and Jake Tapper as they share personal insights in follow-up to a recent CNN story. Also, explore the impact of cognitive bias on our clinical decision-making and how errors in judgment can lead to misdiagnosis. Sponsored by Quality and Performance Improvement (QPI).

Medical Center Hour | Dr. Nurse: Science, Politics, and the Transformation of American Nursing

Wednesday, March 15 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | This lecture probes nursing history to examine major changes that have taken place in American healthcare in the second half of the 20th century. Speakers: Dominique Tobbell, PhD, Centennial Distinguished Professor, Director, Bjoring Center for Nursing Historical Inquiry, UVA School of Nursing; Elizabeth Epstein, PhD, RN (moderator), Associate Dean for Academic Programs, Professor, UVA Center for Health Humanities and Ethics; and Justin Mutter, MD, (co-moderator) Center for Health Humanities and Ethics, Division of General, Geriatric, Hospital & Palliative Medicine, UVA. Details. 

Enter for a Chance to Win an iTHRIV Engraved 20 oz. Tumbler

Deadline: Thursday, March 16 | iTHRIV (integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia) wants to connect with you — sign up for its mailing list and enter to win a prize. iTHRIV offers people a way to learn and change how health research is conducted. As part of this email list, you'll receive helpful mailers with health-related updates, as well as opportunities to engage with health researchers in your community. Five winners will be chosen and contacted on Friday, March 17. Read more on Connect.

Emergency Management: Active Attacker Functional Exercise

Monday, March 20 | Transitional Care Hospital | 2965 Ivy Rd. | Emergency Management is inviting team members to sign up for an active-attacker exercise. The goal of this event is to validate emergency plans and procedures, provide team members with an opportunity to practice their training, and respond to a simulated active attacker situation in a clinical space (which will include integrating law-enforcement’s response). Choose from five one-hour sessions. Limited to 20 participants per session. Questions? Contact Nat Sellers at NS3ZX@uvahealth.org. Sign up.

When Can I Donate Blood in March?

Quayle Learning Center | Battle Building, first floor | Support the American Red Cross — UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products — in alleviating the severe blood shortage by volunteering to donate blood. All who give blood from March 1-31 will receive a $10 Visa prepaid card by email. Plus, they'll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa prepaid card. There will be five lucky winners. Restrictions apply. Appointments required. Sign up by emailing giveblood@virginia.edu or visiting redcrossblood.org. Read more on Connect. Dates and times:

• Monday, March 20 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Monday, March 27 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

ROSE Program | Drop-Off or Pick Up Reusable Office Supplies

Tuesday, March 21 | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Rooms 1 and 2 | The Reusable Office Supply Exchange (ROSE) Program is a free service that collects new or gently used office supplies. The ROSE Supply Closet is available monthly for dropping off office supplies or taking what you need. The inventory includes a variety of supplies, like envelopes, staplers, and desk lamps. Read more on Connect.

Free Concert | World Voice Day

Friday, April 28 | 6-9 p.m. | Potter's Craft Cider | 1350 Arrowhead Valley Road | This annual event hosted by the UVA Voice Center provides singers who have gone through vocal rehabilitation with the UVA Voice Team an opportunity to return to the stage after vocal injury. This year’s featured performer is Virginia's own Toni Clare. The World Voice Day concert is brought to you by James Daniero, MD, UVA Voice Center Director; Joanna Lott, Speech-Language Pathologist, and the UVA Voice Team; and is sponsored by the Department of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery and the UVA Communication Sciences and Disorders Program. Free and open to the public.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 12:34 p.m. March 13)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. March 13)
UVA Health team members affected and on leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources

Appreciation

Thank You to Our Social Worker Team Members

Over the past several years, as a result of national and state crises, including COVID, systemic racism, and other complicating factors responsible for health inequities, social workers have been tasked to problem-solve issues that directly and indirectly impact healthcare treatment outcomes. Some of these barriers present as homelessness, food insecurities, mental health illness, substance abuse, uninsured, domestic violence, and lack of caregiver support, to name a few.

We join Leon Henry, MSW, LCSW, Interim Manager, Social Work Department, and Joey Usher, MSW, LCSW, Supervisor, Inpatient Social Work, in acknowledging social workers nationally, but specifically at UVA Health for their resilience during these challenging times. “Like so many professionals,” says Henry, “we have been faced with workforce shortages, burnout, and secondary trauma as a result of the career we have chosen and the values we uphold.”

Henry adds, “The department in which I have had Interim Manager responsibility for over the past two years consists of around 75 team members. We are assigned by units across the inpatient area, the Emergency Department, and clinics in the ambulatory space. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to each and every one of our team members. Your work is invaluable! Your leadership team is nothing less than impressed by your efforts, day in and out, as you provide care for our most vulnerable patients.” Henry and Usher are also grateful to the Medical Center leadership team for their commitment to this work, which we all have a responsibility in supporting — regardless of expertise.

Let’s all give a round of applause to our social worker colleagues during March, which is celebrated nationally as Social Worker Month.

Friday, March 10, 2023

Save the Date | UVA Health Town Hall

Tuesday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | In our first town hall of 2023, UVA Health is excited to update our teams on key initiatives and the latest developments for our organization. We’ll also have a special feature in honor of National Doctor’s Day! Please join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders to learn more.

Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event.

Patient Care

Clinical Microbiology Reagent Shortage

Reagents for rapid detection of Gram-positive organisms from blood culture are currently unavailable from the manufacturer.

• Available supplies at UVA are critically low.
• This impacts rapid identification of Gram-positive organisms only.
• The remainder of culture and susceptibility process remains unchanged.

Triage of testing for patients with blood cultures growing Gram-positive organisms:

• Gram stain performed and called to ordering clinician as usual.
• Culture and susceptibility performed per routine protocols.
• Performance of rapid testing will be based on a case-by-case evaluation of patients by the Clinical Microbiology director to determine risk of sepsis versus contamination.
  • Those with greatest risk of sepsis will be tested with rapid method as long as supplies are available.
  • Please page the Clinical Microbiology director on call at PIC 1221 if you believe your patient should be prioritized for rapid testing.
• The Clinical Microbiology directors will evaluate patients and determine need, but decisions may require discussion with clinicians.

If there are concerns, please page PIC 1221 to reach the Clinical Microbiology director on call.

Help Virginia Medicaid Members Maintain Their Coverage

With the sunset of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in May, Medicaid agencies across the country are returning to normal enrollment processes. The Commonwealth needs our help to make sure this is a smooth process and is asking healthcare providers to reach out to Medicaid members to ask them to update their contact information with the state Medicaid agency. This will help ensure members receive important paperwork related to their coverage. Read more on Connect.

Operations

Monthly Epic Update: Changes Go Live Tuesday, March 14

This month’s Epic updates will impact ambulatory and inpatient LIPs, nurses, and therapy services. Details about the latest changes can be found in the Epic Update Bundle. Questions? Contact the Help Desk at 434.924.5334.

Construction Impacts | Paving Between Pinn Hall and Primary Care Center Annex

Through Friday, March 17 | Concrete work is being performed in a small area between Lane Road and Lee Street (near the short, dead-end road). The section that leads to Lee Street is barricaded and no pedestrian usage will be allowed, except in case of emergencies. Bicycle parking is accessible from Lee Street. Expect some noise. Questions? Contact Brian Thomas, Construction Project Manager, at 434.235.8638 or bkt4x@virginia.edu.

Human Resources

Submit Nominations | Uteam Member of the Month

Deadline: 15th of every month | This program recognizes team members each month for their outstanding service to UVA Health and commitment to our ASPIRE values. Any team member, patient, or visitor may nominate an eligible team member, including individuals from UVA Medical Center, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and UVA Physicians Group. Nominate a colleague.

Happenings

Have You Voted? | All Three UVA Contenders Advance in Search for 2022’s Biggest Biomedical Discovery

All three of UVA Health’s contenders for the biggest biomedical advance of 2022 have made it to the second round of the STAT Madness bracket tournament. STAT Madness is the scientific version of the NCAA basketball tournament. The three UVA School of Medicine contenders are working to fight Alzheimer’s, halt breast cancer’s spread, and prevent heart failure. Cast your ballot here. You may vote once each day. Read more on Connect.

Help Still Needed: Volunteer Services Wants Your Empty Glass Bottles

Deadline: Wednesday, March 15 | Volunteer Services needs to collect only 100 more empty glass bottles or jars for the upcoming Daisy Days, when they give a bouquet of flowers to every inpatient at UVA Health. Any glass jar (about 5 to 7.5 inches tall with a mouth opening of 1.25 to 1.5 inches) will work well. Call Volunteer Services at 434.924.5251 for pick-up or drop-off. Thank you to all who have already donated!

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Find Out if You Are Eligible for a Free At-Home Test

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death in men and women. Fortunately, there’s a secret weapon to beat it: screening — 45 is the recommended age to begin screening for colorectal cancer in average-risk men and women. This year, team members can choose a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) called Polymedco OC-Auto FIT or Cologuard, which detects certain DNA markers and blood in the stool. Questions? Contact Shari Stanley at crcscreening@virginia.edu or 434.297.8427 to see if you are eligible for a free test. Read more on Connect.

Spring Into Safety: Patient Safety Awareness Celebrations

This year, National Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW) is March 12-18. PSAW is an annual recognition event intended to highlight healthcare safety and quality. Upcoming activities highlighting patient safety and quality include:

• Tuesday, March 14 | Vision and Voice | Medical Center CEO Wendy Horton will discuss patient safety in her blog, Vision and Voice.
• Wednesday, March 15 | WHYW and Be Safe | The We Hear You Wednesday (WHYW) brief will highlight recent examples of changes made as a result of Be Safe Events.
• Thursday, March 16 |
  • Charles L. Brown Award for Patient Care Quality Awardees | The winners of this award will be announced at the Medical Center Management Meeting.
  • Good Catch Awardees | Connect will shine a spotlight on recent Good Catch awardees.
• Friday, March 17 | Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement/Patient Safety Showcase Kickoff | A Medical Center and School of Medicine event to recognize local improvements in quality improvement and patient safety from all disciplines. Participants will be selected to present a poster or give an oral presentation of their work and compete for awards for the top-three ranked abstracts.
• Monday, March 27 | Quality and Safety Grand Rounds | How Our Biases Can Lead to Misdiagnosis: A Patient’s Story | noon-1 p.m. | WebEx | Join a discussion with patient Alice Tapper and parents Jennifer and Jake Tapper as they share personal insights in follow-up to a recent CNN story. Also, explore the impact of cognitive bias on our clinical decision-making and how errors in judgment can lead to misdiagnosis. Sponsored by Quality and Performance Improvement (QPI).

Benefits Wednesday: Meet With a Counselor to Discuss Benefits

Wednesday, March 15 | Medical Center Dining Conference Room 3 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. |The Human Resources team will have a benefits counselor on site at the Medical Center every month in 2023 to discuss your benefits and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions. No appointments necessary; walk-ins welcome.

Medical Center Hour | Dr. Nurse: Science, Politics, and the Transformation of American Nursing

Wednesday, March 15 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | This lecture probes nursing history to examine major changes that have taken place in American healthcare in the second half of the 20th century. Speakers: Dominique Tobbell, PhD, Centennial Distinguished Professor, Director, Bjoring Center for Nursing Historical Inquiry, UVA School of Nursing; Elizabeth Epstein, PhD, RN (moderator), Associate Dean for Academic Programs, Professor, UVA Center for Health Humanities and Ethics; and Justin Mutter, MD, (co-moderator) Center for Health Humanities and Ethics, Division of General, Geriatric, Hospital & Palliative Medicine, UVA. Details. 

Enter for a Chance to Win an iTHRIV Engraved 20 oz. Tumbler

Deadline: Thursday, March 16 | iTHRIV (integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia) wants to connect with you — sign up for its mailing list and enter to win a prize. iTHRIV offers people a way to learn and change how health research is conducted. As part of this email list, you'll receive helpful mailers with health-related updates, as well as opportunities to engage with health researchers in your community. Five winners will be chosen and contacted on Friday, March 17. Read more on Connect.

Emergency Management: Active Attacker Functional Exercise

Monday, March 20 | Transitional Care Hospital | 2965 Ivy Rd. | Emergency Management is inviting team members to sign up for an active-attacker exercise. The goal of this event is to validate emergency plans and procedures, provide team members with an opportunity to practice their training, and respond to a simulated active attacker situation in a clinical space (which will include integrating law-enforcement’s response). Choose from five one-hour sessions. Limited to 20 participants per session. Questions? Contact Nat Sellers at NS3ZX@uvahealth.org. Sign up.

Quit Nicotine/Smoking Blue Ridge Program

Wednesdays, March 22-April 2 | Zoom | Free support for those who want to quit tobacco. Learn about and experience strategies for quitting such as medication, acupuncture, stress reduction, nutrition, and more. Contact Scott Mein at scottrmein@gmail.com to receive a link to participate.

Aftershock: Screening and Panel Discussion

Claude Moore Medical Education Building Learning Studio and virtual | The School of Medicine's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Health Sciences Library; and UVA Physicians Group are hosting a screening of Aftershock, a documentary on Black maternal mortality and the Birth Justice Movement. The screening will be followed by a panel of members from both the Charlottesville and UVA communities who are working to improve outcomes for BIPOC mothers and their families. Registration deadline is Thursday, March 16. Register.

• Screening | Wednesday, March 22 | dinner at 5:30 p.m.; screening at 6 p.m.  
• Panel | Wednesday, March 29 | dinner at 5:30 p.m.; screening at 6 p.m.

Voices in Clinical and Translational Science Series | Children and Neuromotor Diagnoses: Using Science to Maximize Development

Tuesday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Speaker: Stephanie DeLuca, PhD, Associate Professor, Co-Director, Neuromotor Research Clinic, Virginia Tech. This quarterly seminar series serves as a platform to lift underrepresented voices in research across the iTHRIV partnership with a focus on promoting dialogue and encouraging team science. Presenters will share their science and also their lived experience as an underrepresented person in research. Details.

Early-Bird Registration Ends Soon: UVA Health Maternal Critical Care Conference

Friday, April 14, and Saturday, April 15 | Virtual and in person | The Draftsman Hotel |The main sessions will present an overview of maternal morbidity and mortality, common and unique obstetric emergencies, and how to build bridges between labor and delivery and the critical care units. Designed for physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, ICU nurses, Labor and Delivery nurses, pharmacists, and all other healthcare providers with an interest in maternal critical care. CME credits available. Early-bird registration through Saturday, March 11. Details and registration.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 1:19 p.m. March 10)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. March 10)
UVA Health team members affected and on leave

(Information source: UVA Health)

Appreciation

“I Was Treated With Respect and Kindness” | Kudos for Our Team Members Who Care for Inpatient Adults

In order to provide the best possible service and care for our community, UVA Health regularly surveys our patients on their recent healthcare experience. Every week, the health system receives feedback from these patient experience surveys. Below are just a few of our favorite comments recently made about team members who care for inpatient adults.

• “Thank you for all the expert time and attention at all staff levels. During my many recent visits to UVA I’m always impressed by the cleanliness of the hospital.”
• “My procedure check-in, prep, and operation went very well! My overnight stay was very good, as well — very nice support staff. Great physician and NP interactions!”
• “The staff were very kind and listened to my questions and concerns — no matter how small. I was treated with respect and kindness.”
• “The absolute best nurses: patient and always kind.”
• “I would like to say that the nurses, CNAs, and technicians on 5 South are an awesome group of people!”
• “Dr. Young and Dr. Gabby Smith are two of the best doctors I've ever had. I am so thankful for their kindness and support during my labor and even after. They personally checked on me multiple times, not only when it was time for something that they had to be in the room for. Both made me feel truly heard in my wants for my delivery and were very supportive of anything I wanted. … I was just so very happy with both doctors. All the staff and doctors were wonderful, but these two truly went above and beyond.”

Thanks to all of our team members who care for inpatient adults for providing outstanding, compassionate, and safe care!

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

All Three UVA Contenders Advance in Search for 2022’s Biggest Biomedical Discovery

The people have spoken! All three of UVA Health’s contenders for the biggest biomedical advance of 2022 have made it to the second round of the STAT Madness bracket tournament. STAT Madness is the scientific version of the NCAA basketball tournament. It lets the public vote for the most significant biomedical discovery of last year, with the goal of increasing awareness of biomedical research and its impact. The three UVA School of Medicine contenders are working to fight Alzheimer’s, halt breast cancer’s spread, and prevent heart failure. Cast your ballot here. You may vote once each day.

With the advancement of both the Alzheimer’s and breast cancer discoveries, UVA is guaranteed at least one place in the STAT Madness Sweet 16, as those two findings are going head-to-head in the latest matchups. The winner will move on to the next round. As the tournament progresses, Hoo faithful should make sure to return each day to cast their vote. If you haven’t already, bookmark that bracket. And to keep up with the latest medical research news from UVA, subscribe to the Making of Medicine blog. Read more on Connect.

Patient Care

Help Virginia Medicaid Members Maintain Their Coverage

With the sunset of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in May, Medicaid agencies across the country are returning to normal enrollment processes. The Commonwealth needs our help to make sure this is a smooth process and is asking healthcare providers to reach out to Medicaid members to ask them to update their contact information with the state Medicaid agency. This will help ensure members receive important paperwork related to their coverage. Read more on Connect.

Operations

Construction Impacts | Paving Between Pinn Hall and Primary Care Center Annex

Thursday, March 9, to Friday, March 17 | Concrete work will be performed in a small area between Lane Road and Lee Street (near the short, dead-end road). The section that leads to Lee Street will be barricaded and no pedestrian usage will be allowed, except in cases of emergencies. Bicycle parking will be accessible from Lee Street. Expect some noise. Questions? Contact Brian Thomas, Construction Project Manager, at 434.235.8638 or bkt4x@virginia.edu.

Leadership

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall

Tuesday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | In our first Town Hall of 2023, UVA Health is excited to update our teams on key initiatives and the latest developments for our organization. We’ll also have a special feature in honor of National Doctor’s Day! Please join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders to learn more. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event.

Medical Center CEO Blog | Caring for Our Team Members: How To Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer

In her new Vision and Voice blog post, Wendy Horton, Medical Center CEO, is pleased to share the launch of an employee colorectal cancer screening campaign this month, which is March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Read more.

Human Resources

Submit Nominations | Uteam Member of the Month

Deadline: 15th of every month | This program recognizes team members each month for their outstanding service to UVA Health and commitment to our ASPIRE values. Any team member, patient, or visitor may nominate an eligible team member, including individuals from UVA Medical Center, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and UVA Physicians Group. Nominate a colleague.

Hoos Building Bridges Award

Nominations open Wednesday, March 22 | The Hoos Building Bridges Award recognizes team members who demonstrate leadership and build thoughtful collaborations and relationships across schools, units, and/or departments that advance our work as an institution. Those eligible for consideration include: currently employed, salaried, and non-probationary University staff; classified staff; UPG staff; UVA Health team members; and contingent workers (UVA Foundation, Aramark, Morrisons). Faculty are ineligible for this award. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu.

Happenings

Help Still Needed: Volunteer Services Wants Your Empty Glass Bottles

Deadline: Wednesday, March 15 | Volunteer Services needs to collect only 100 more empty glass bottles or jars for the upcoming Daisy Days, when they give a bouquet of flowers to every inpatient at UVA Health. Any glass jar (about 5 to 7.5 inches tall with a mouth opening of 1.25 to 1.5 inches) will work well. Call Volunteer Services at 434.924.5251 for pick-up or drop-off. Thank you to all who have already donated!

Medical Center Hour | Dr. Nurse: Science, Politics, and the Transformation of American Nursing

Wednesday, March 15 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | This lecture probes nursing history to examine major changes that have taken place in American healthcare in the second half of the 20th century. Speakers: Dominique Tobbell, PhD, Centennial Distinguished Professor, Director, Bjoring Center for Nursing Historical Inquiry, UVA School of Nursing; Elizabeth Epstein, PhD, RN (moderator), Associate Dean for Academic Programs, Professor, UVA Center for Health Humanities and Ethics; and Justin Mutter, MD, (co-moderator) Center for Health Humanities and Ethics, Division of General, Geriatric, Hospital & Palliative Medicine, UVA. Details. 

Aftershock: Screening and Panel Discussion

Wednesdays, March 22 and March 29 | Dinner at 5:30 p.m.; screening at 6 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building Learning Studio and virtual | The School of Medicine's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Health Sciences Library; and UVA Physicians Group are hosting a screening of Aftershock, a documentary on Black maternal mortality and the Birth Justice Movement. Both screenings will be followed by a panel of members from both the Charlottesville and UVA communities who are working to improve outcomes for BIPOC mothers and their families. Registration deadline is Monday, March 13. Register.

Submit Now: Team Member Art Exhibit

Deadline: Friday, April 7 | The UVA Health Arts Committee’s annual Team Member Art Exhibit will run from May 4 to July 5. Interested team artists should email three or four .jpg images to Anne Brown at ABB4B@uvahealth.org for consideration by the committee. Paintings, watercolors, photography, and fine art prints (e.g., silk screen) will be considered. The committee cannot accept sculptures or fiber art. Images cannot contain nudity, violence, religious imagery, or racism. No oversized pieces.

Work-Life Harmony: Composing a Life That Works With a Life That Counts for Women in Academic Medicine

Monday, April 17 | 4-5 p.m. | Pinn Hall Auditorium and Zoom | The Department of Pediatrics invites you to the second annual Nancy McDaniel Lectureship on Women in Leadership. Featured speaker is Dorothy “Dorrie” Fontaine, Dean Emerita and Professor at the University of Virginia, School of Nursing. Reception to follow. (Zoom access: meeting ID: 917 6795 9254 / passcode: 944100) Details.

Early-Bird Registration Ends Soon: UVA Health Maternal Critical Care Conference

Friday, April 14, and Saturday, April 15 | Virtual and in person | The Draftsman Hotel |The main sessions will present an overview of maternal morbidity and mortality, common and unique obstetric emergencies, and how to build bridges between labor and delivery and the critical care units. Designed for physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, ICU nurses, Labor and Delivery nurses, pharmacists, and all other healthcare providers with an interest in maternal critical care. CME credits available. Early-bird registration through Saturday, March 11. Details and registration.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 2:19 p.m. March 8)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. March 8)
UVA Health team members affected and on leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data)

Appreciation

Celebrating International Women’s Day

In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Marianne Baernholdt, RN, Dean, School of Nursing; Wendy Horton, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health Medical Center; and Melina R. Kibbe, MD, Dean, School of Medicine, shared this: “Though words are a powerful motivator for change, actions speak louder; at UVA Health, there are many examples of women whose actions are forging new frontiers in healthcare to address equity in our community and beyond. Today, we highlight three unsung heroes whose undying commitment to improving women’s and our local community’s health is bettering the lives of many across our UVA Health community. These women prove the possibility of change and the importance of accountability in our modern healthcare system, whether it’s expanding our standards of excellence, cultivating community and belonging, or delivering better health outcomes.” The three women referenced are Jennifer Payne, MD; Christina Feggans-Langston, BSN, MSN; and Emma Mitchell, PhD, MSN, RN (pictured). Read more on Connect.

And, in a special International Women’s Day edition of The CEO’s List, K. Craig Kent, MD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health, highlighted a few of the outstanding accomplishments of women throughout our institution. He says, “From nationwide advocacy to improving outcomes and experiences for our patients, I am so proud of the ways these women transform health and inspire hope for all Virginians and beyond. Please join me in celebrating their achievements, honors and awards.” In that communication he gives special shout-outs to J. Kim Penberthy, PhD, ABPP; Heather Ferris, MD, PhD; Rozlyn Giddens; Vickie Marsh; Anna Blackburn; and Linda Montalto. Read more on Connect.

Please join us in a GIANT round of applause in honor of these women’s — and all UVA Health women’s — achievements, honors, and awards!

Monday, March 6, 2023

Newsweek Ranks UVA Medical Center No. 1 Hospital in Virginia

University of Virginia Medical Center is ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Virginia and in the top 50 hospitals nationally in Newsweek’s “World’s Best Hospitals 2023” guide. The news magazine rates UVA as the No. 42 hospital in the United States and among the top 250 hospitals in the world in this year’s guide.

Newsweek’s ratings criteria include recommendations from more than 80,000 medical experts in 28 countries, results from patient-experience surveys and measures of high-quality care and patient safety. Read more on Connect.

Patient Care

Help Virginia Medicaid Members Maintain Their Coverage

With the sunset of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in May, Medicaid agencies across the country are returning to normal enrollment processes. The Commonwealth needs our help to make sure this is a smooth process and is asking healthcare providers to reach out to Medicaid members to ask them to update their contact information with the state Medicaid agency. This will help ensure members receive important paperwork related to their coverage. Read more on Connect.

New Program: Transitions of Care Advocacy

The Transitions of Care (TOC) program is for patients discharged from UVA Health to skilled nursing facilities, initially focusing on discharge to five local skilled nursing facilities (SNF) — Albemarle Health & Rehab, Charlottesville Health & Rehab, The Laurels, Monroe Health & Rehab, and The Cedars. The program provides continuity of care post-discharge by serving as the one constant that is accountable for bi-directional communication of the care plan across multiple settings. The program’s mission is to enhance the care experience of both patient and provider, decrease length of stay of inpatient for the Short Term Acute Care Hospital and/or SNF, increase accessibility of the UVA care team, and decrease overall readmission rates. Care teams: Please be aware of this program when discharging a patient to one of the five SNFs mentioned in this announcement. Questions? Contact Beverly Tucker at 434.409.4190 or bmt4Q@uvahealth.org.

Operations

Construction Impacts | Paving Between Pinn Hall and Primary Care Center Annex

Thursday, March 9, to Friday, March 17 | Concrete work will be performed in a small area between Lane Road and Lee Street (near the short, dead-end road). The section that leads to Lee Street will be barricaded and no pedestrian usage will be allowed, except in case of emergencies. Bicycle parking will be accessible from Lee Street. Expect some noise. Questions? Contact Brian Thomas, Construction Project Manager, at 434.235.8638 or bkt4x@virginia.edu.

Human Resources

Submit Nominations | Uteam Member of the Month

Deadline: 15th of every month | This program recognizes team members each month for their outstanding service to UVA Health and commitment to our ASPIRE values. Any team member, patient, or visitor may nominate an eligible team member, including individuals from UVA Medical Center, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and UVA Physicians Group. Nominate a colleague.

Happenings

Vote Daily: Three UVA Health Discoveries Nominated for 2022’s Biggest Biomedical Advance

Three UVA Health discoveries have been selected to compete for the title of 2022’s biggest biomedical advance in the STAT health news site’s annual “STAT Madness” bracket tournament. You may vote here once per day. The three UVA School of Medicine contenders are working to fight Alzheimer’s, halt breast cancer’s spread, and prevent heart failure. Read more on Connect. Vote here.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Find Out if You Are Eligible for a Free At-Home Test

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death in men and women. Fortunately, there’s a secret weapon to beat it: screening — 45 is the recommended age to begin screening for colorectal cancer in average-risk men and women. This year, team members can choose a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) called Polymedco OC-Auto FIT or Cologuard, which detects certain DNA markers and blood in the stool. Questions? Contact Shari Stanley at crcscreening@virginia.edu or 434.297.8427 to see if you are eligible for a free test. Read more on Connect.

Staff Appreciation Breakfast

Tuesday, March 7 | 7-9 a.m. | Newcomb Hall, second floor | Come for a sit-down meal or grab breakfast and/or a cup of coffee to go. Pancakes, sausage, eggs, oatmeal, and fruit will be served along with vegan and gluten-free options. Catered by the Fresh Food Company. Senior leaders will be on site to thank you for your service, and the HR Benefits team will be there to answer questions. No RSVP required. Free parking available at Central Grounds Parking Garage and a shuttle will be available for UVA Health team members from Lane Road (near the hospital loading dock) at 7, 7:30, 8, and 8:30 a.m.

Clinical Concerns for Novel Recreational Drug Use

This four-part ECHO series will provide a better understanding of emerging clinical and epidemiological trends in substances of misuse. Featuring toxicology experts from UVA and the Blue Ridge Poison Center, topics will include emerging substances such as synthetic cannabinoids, designer opioids, and benzodiazepines; the increase in nitrous oxide abuse; emerging trends in over-the-counter substances of misuse; and the limitations and utility of routine urine drug screens. While live attendance is strongly encouraged, sessions also will be recorded and shared with those who register. CME credits available. Register.

• Cannabinoids | Tuesday, March 7 | 4-5 p.m.
• Nitrous Oxide | Tuesday, April 4 | 4-5 p.m.
• Opioids and Benzodiazepines | Tuesday, May 2 | 4-5 p.m.
• Over-the-Counter Substance Abuse | Tuesday, June 6 | 4-5 p.m.

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

McKim Hall | Ground Floor | Room G045 | Physicians and advanced practice providers can get a new or updated headshot taken for the provider directory on the dates listed below. No appointment is needed. The shoot should take 10 minutes or less. Please bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided.

• Wednesday, March 8 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 14 | noon-3 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 22 | 8-11 a.m.
• Thursday, March 30 | 9 a.m.-noon

Help Needed: Volunteer Services Wants Your Empty Glass Bottles

Deadline: Wednesday, March 15 | Volunteer Services needs to collect 250 more empty glass bottles or jars for the upcoming Daisy Days, when they give a bouquet of flowers to every inpatient at UVA Health. Any glass jar (about 5 to 7.5 inches tall with a mouth opening of 1.25 to 1.5 inches) will work well. Call Volunteer Services at 434.924.5251 for pick-up or drop-off. Thank you to all who have already donated!

Medical Center Hour | Dr. Nurse: Science, Politics, and the Transformation of American Nursing

Wednesday, March 15 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | This lecture probes nursing history to examine major changes that have taken place in American healthcare in the second half of the 20th century. Speakers: Dominique Tobbell, PhD, Centennial Distinguished Professor, Director, Bjoring Center for Nursing Historical Inquiry, UVA School of Nursing; Elizabeth Epstein, PhD, RN (moderator), Associate Dean for Academic Programs, Professor, UVA Center for Health Humanities and Ethics; and Justin Mutter, MD, (co-moderator) Center for Health Humanities and Ethics, Division of General, Geriatric, Hospital & Palliative Medicine, UVA. Details. 

Enter for a Chance to Win an iTHRIV Engraved 20 oz. Tumbler

Deadline: Thursday, March 16 | iTHRIV (integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia) wants to connect with you — sign up for its mailing list and enter to win a prize. iTHRIV offers people a way to learn and change how health research is conducted. As part of this email list, you'll receive helpful mailers with health-related updates, as well as opportunities to engage with health researchers in your community. Five winners will be chosen and contacted on Friday, March 17. Read more on Connect.

Emergency Management: Active Attacker Functional Exercise

Monday, March 20 | Transitional Care Hospital | 2965 Ivy Rd. | Emergency Management is inviting team members to sign up for an active-attacker exercise. The goal of this event is to validate emergency plans and procedures, provide team members with an opportunity to practice their training, and respond to a simulated active attacker situation in a clinical space (which will include integrating law-enforcement’s response). Choose from five one-hour sessions. Limited to 20 participants per session. Questions? Contact Nat Sellers at NS3ZX@uvahealth.org. Sign up.

Aftershock: Screening and Panel Discussion

Wednesdays, March 22 and March 29 | Dinner at 5:30 p.m.; screening at 6 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building Learning Studio and virtual | The School of Medicine's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Health Sciences Library; and UVA Physicians Group are hosting a screening of Aftershock, a documentary on Black maternal mortality and the Birth Justice Movement. Both screenings will be followed by a panel of members from both the Charlottesville and UVA communities who are working to improve outcomes for BIPOC mothers and their families. Registration deadline is Monday, March 13. Register.

Save the Date: UVA Health Maternal Critical Care Conference

Friday, April 14, and Saturday, April 15 | Virtual and in person | The Draftsman Hotel |The main sessions will present an overview of maternal morbidity and mortality, common and unique obstetric emergencies, and how to build bridges between labor and delivery and the critical care units. Designed for physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, ICU nurses, Labor and Delivery nurses, pharmacists, and all other healthcare providers with an interest in maternal critical care. CME credits available. Early-bird registration through Saturday, March 11. Details and registration.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 12:49 p.m. March 6)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. March 6)
UVA Health team members affected and on leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data)

Appreciation

Torrence Delivers 20 Hygiene-Bag Donations to The Haven

Maria Torrence, LCSW, Bariatrics Surgery program, enjoys community service and on Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, she reached out to find a local cause where she could help. She found The Haven, a multi-resource day center in Charlottesville that endeavors to end homelessness in the greater Charlottesville community.

Because Maria is so active in the community and is involved in social work professionally, she knew of the facility. When she saw they needed hygiene packs, she rolled up her sleeves and began gathering items like deodorant, toothbrushes, soap, washcloths, laundry detergent pods, and toilet paper. “I asked my team members to join me in my efforts and they did,” says Maria. “They were very excited to help.” Through her efforts, The Haven received about 20 bags full of hygiene products and some extra items. “Now we know there’s such a need, we’ll do another drive later this year and collect even more.”

Thank you, Maria, for organizing and delivering these much-needed items and for caring for our community members — you’re a model for us all. Read more on Connect.

Friday, March 3, 2023

School of Nursing Team Members Meet President Joe Biden

UVA Health clinician Mesha Jones, Nursing Professional Governance Organization President; Professor of Nursing and alumna Malinda Whitlow, UVA School of Nursing’s RN-to-BSN Program Director; and third-year BSN student Morgan Allen (pictured with President Joe Biden), President of the Black Student Nurses Alliance, joined Vivienne McDaniel, President of the central Virginia chapter of the National Black Nurses’ Association, for a recent event in Virginia Beach focused on making healthcare affordable and accessible. They were invited with a small group of fellow nurse leaders from around the Commonwealth.

Thanks to this team for representing UVA Health and advocating for our patients!

Ambulatory

The February Ambulatory Operations Progress Report Is Here

Get the latest on the Ambulatory transformation in the February edition of the Ambulatory Operations Progress Report, including updates on the One Team | United on Access specialty wave schedule, enhancements to Ambulatory Scorecard metrics, this month’s Champions of Change, and more.

Operations

Construction Impact | McKim Elevator

Begins Monday, March 6 | A project to modernize the two McKim Hall elevators will start on March 6 and last for approximately ten weeks. The work will begin with Elevator #1 (running from ground to the third floor) and will take five weeks. During this time, occupants can use Elevator #2 to access all floors. The work to modernize Elevator #2 will follow directly after the completion of Elevator #1. Revised schedules and impacts will be sent out once dates are confirmed.

Happenings

Vote Daily: Three UVA Health Discoveries Nominated for 2022’s Biggest Biomedical Advance

Three UVA Health discoveries have been selected to compete for the title of 2022’s biggest biomedical advance in the STAT health news site’s annual “STAT Madness” bracket tournament. You may vote here once per day. The three UVA School of Medicine contenders are working to fight Alzheimer’s, halt breast cancer’s spread, and prevent heart failure. Read more on Connect. Vote here.

Staff Appreciation Breakfast

Tuesday, March 7 | 7-9 a.m. | Newcomb Hall, second floor | Come for a sit-down meal or grab breakfast and/or a cup of coffee to go. Pancakes, sausage, eggs, oatmeal, and fruit will be served along with vegan and gluten-free options. Catered by the Fresh Food Company. Senior leaders will be on site to thank you for your service, and the HR Benefits team will be there to answer questions. No RSVP required. Free parking available at Central Grounds Parking Garage and a shuttle will be available for UVA Health team members from Lane Road (near the hospital loading dock) at 7, 7:30, 8, and 8:30 a.m.

Clinical Concerns for Novel Recreational Drug Use

This four-part ECHO series will provide a better understanding of emerging clinical and epidemiological trends in substances of misuse. Featuring toxicology experts from UVA and the Blue Ridge Poison Center, topics will include emerging substances such as synthetic cannabinoids, designer opioids, and benzodiazepines; the increase in nitrous oxide abuse; emerging trends in over-the-counter substances of misuse; and the limitations and utility of routine urine drug screens. While live attendance is strongly encouraged, sessions also will be recorded and shared with those who register. CME credits available. Register.

• Cannabinoids | Tuesday, March 7 | 4-5 p.m.
• Nitrous Oxide | Tuesday, April 4 | 4-5 p.m.
• Opioids and Benzodiazepines | Tuesday, May 2 | 4-5 p.m.
• Over-the-Counter Substance Abuse | Tuesday, June 6 | 4-5 p.m.

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

McKim Hall | Ground Floor | Room G045 | Physicians and advanced practice providers can get a new or updated headshot taken for the provider directory on the dates listed below. No appointment is needed. The shoot should take 10 minutes or less. Please bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided.

• Wednesday, March 8 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 14 | noon-3 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 22 | 8-11 a.m.
• Thursday, March 30 | 9 a.m.-noon

Save These Dates | Spring Into Safety: Patient Safety Awareness Celebrations

This year, National Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW) is March 12-18. PSAW is an annual recognition event intended to highlight healthcare safety and quality. Upcoming activities highlighting patient safety and quality include:

• Tuesday, March 14 | Vision and Voice | Medical Center CEO Wendy Horton will discuss patient safety in her blog, Vision and Voice.
• Wednesday, March 15 | WHYW and Be Safe | The We Hear You Wednesday (WHYW) brief will highlight recent examples of changes made as a result of Be Safe Events.
• Thursday, March 16 |
  • Charles L. Brown Award for Patient Care Quality Awardees | The winners of this award will be announced at the Medical Center Management Meeting.
  • Good Catch Awardees | Connect will shine a spotlight on recent Good Catch awardees.
• Friday, March 17 | Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement/Patient Safety Showcase Kickoff | A Medical Center and School of Medicine event to recognize local improvements in quality improvement and patient safety from all disciplines. Participants will be selected to present a poster or give an oral presentation of their work and compete for awards for the top-three ranked abstracts.
• Monday, March 27 | Quality and Safety Grand Rounds | How Our Biases Can Lead to Misdiagnosis: A Patient’s Story | noon-1 p.m. | WebEx | Join a discussion with patient Alice Tapper and parents Jennifer and Jake Tapper as they share personal insights in follow-up to a recent CNN story. Also, explore the impact of cognitive bias on our clinical decision-making and how errors in judgment can lead to misdiagnosis. Sponsored by Quality and Performance Improvement (QPI).

Help Needed: Volunteer Services Wants Your Empty Glass Bottles

Deadline: Wednesday, March 15 | Volunteer Services needs to collect 250 more empty glass bottles or jars for the upcoming Daisy Days, when they give a bouquet of flowers to every inpatient at UVA Health. Any glass jar (about 5 to 7.5 inches tall with a mouth opening of 1.25 to 1.5 inches) will work well. Call Volunteer Services at 434.924.5251 for pick-up or drop-off. Thank you to all who have already donated!

Quit Nicotine/Smoking Blue Ridge Program

Wednesdays, March 22-April 2 | Zoom | Free support for those who want to quit tobacco. Learn about and experience strategies for quitting such as medication, acupuncture, stress reduction, nutrition, and more. Contact Scott Mein at scottrmein@gmail.com to receive a link to participate.

Voices in Clinical and Translational Science Series | Children and Neuromotor Diagnoses: Using Science to Maximize Development

Tuesday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Speaker: Stephanie DeLuca, PhD, Associate Professor, Co-Director, Neuromotor Research Clinic, Virginia Tech. This quarterly seminar series serves as a platform to lift underrepresented voices in research across the iTHRIV partnership with a focus on promoting dialogue and encouraging team science. Presenters will share their science and also their lived experience as an underrepresented person in research. Details.

BSF-ERG Awards Luncheon and Call for Nominations

Tuesday, April 25 | noon-2 p.m. | Pinn Hall, 2ABC | RSVP | The Black Faculty and Staff Employee Resource Group (BFS-ERG) serves as a voice for Black faculty and staff at the University of Virginia in matters relative to the intellectual, professional, and emotional betterment within the UVA community and beyond. Join this luncheon in recognizing the outstanding work of our colleagues at the University, specifically related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Nominate today! | Deadline: Monday, March 6 | The BFS-ERG is seeking nominations for the Armstead Robinson Faculty Recognition Award and the Lincoln Vernon Lewis Staff Recognition Award. Nominations can be submitted to Ashley Woodard at adw5x@uvahealth.org.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 12:04 p.m. March 3)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. March 3)
UVA Health team members affected and on leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data)

Appreciation

“I Don't See How You Could Do Better” | Kudos for Our Ancillary Services Colleagues

In order to provide the best possible service and care for our community, UVA Health regularly surveys our patients on their recent healthcare experience. Every week, the health system receives feedback from these patient experience surveys. Below are just a few of our favorite comments recently made about team members in ancillary services.

• “Dr. Kesser was extraordinary and his resident was skilled and professional.”
• “The audiologist was very professional and sensitive to my son’s needs and disability.”
• “I don't see how you could do better.”
• “Bonnie (Bonita) was an excellent echo tech. She was friendly and informative. She cared about my comfort and made me laugh. Erica came in to do my IV and she was excellent as well.”
• “Everyone I came in contact with during registration and in the waiting area was polite, friendly, and professional. I arrived on time and was helped immediately.”
• “Super-impressed all around. I felt completely treated with respect, listened to, and even though it was a medical appointment, felt it was a very positive experience.”
• “I've been coming to UVA Imaging facilities for over 10 years now and you've been consistently perfect. Dealing with cancer and treatments and testing is stressful, but your staff eases that every time. Bravo! And thanks to all.”
• “The X-ray technician was great, and Chad Wilson, the PA who examined me and did the diagnosis, was great. I am 100% satisfied!”
• “I had a great experience with Wanda the receptionist, Shaheen the nurse, and Michael the MRI tech. I am claustrophobic and was not looking forward to this appointment at all. They made the experience very streamlined and comfortable for me.”
• “Debbie B. was so nice and gave us help in such a kind way that we wanted to adopt her. She gives UVA a good reflection of service.”
• “I would rate the knowledge, expertise, and overall care I receive from audiologist Elizabeth Rabin as consistently A+ across the board.”

Thanks to all of our ancillary services team members for providing outstanding, compassionate, and safe care!

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

3 UVA Health Discoveries Nominated for 2022’s Biggest Biomedical Advance

Not one but three UVA Health discoveries have been selected to compete for the title of 2022’s biggest biomedical advance in the STAT health news site’s annual “STAT Madness” bracket tournament. It’s the fifth year in a row that a UVA Health discovery has been recognized as one of the year’s most significant.

STAT Madness is like the scientific version of the NCAA basketball tournament. Voting is open to the public and begins today — you can do so here. New rounds will open weekly, with winners advancing until a final victor is determined. You may vote once per day. UVA occupies three of the 64 slots in this year’s tournament. The three UVA School of Medicine contenders are working to fight Alzheimer’s, halt breast cancer’s spread, and prevent heart failure. Read more on Connect.

As the STAT Madness tournament progresses, Hoo faithful should remember to return each day to cast their vote. Bookmark that bracket!

Ambulatory

The February Ambulatory Operations Progress Report Is Here

Get the latest on the Ambulatory transformation in the February edition of the Ambulatory Operations Progress Report, including updates on the One Team | United on Access specialty wave schedule, enhancements to Ambulatory Scorecard metrics, this month’s Champions of Change, and more.

Operations

Construction Impact | McKim Elevator

Begins Monday, March 6 | A project to modernize the two McKim Hall elevators will start on March 6 and last for approximately ten weeks. The work will begin with Elevator #1 (running from ground to the third floor) and will take five weeks. During this time, occupants can use Elevator #2 to access all floors. The work to modernize Elevator #2 will follow directly after the completion of Elevator #1. Revised schedules and impacts will be sent out once dates are confirmed. 

Afton Express Expands Hours to Accommodate UVA Health Team Members

The Afton Express has updated its service times to better meet the needs of health system team members. Providing rides to and from Staunton, Fishersville, and Waynesboro, the service now accommodates 12-hour shift schedules. The exact pick-up and drop-off times and locations can be viewed on the Afton Express website. Discounted fare cards are available for purchase from UVA Parking and Transportation. If you have any questions, please email transportation@virginia.edu.

Leadership

Medical Center CEO Blog | Thank You for Caring for Our Patients’ Hearts

In her new Vision and Voice blog post, Wendy Horton, Medical Center CEO, discusses American Heart Month and shows some love to the UVA Health team members who go above and beyond to care for our patients’ hearts. Read more.

Happenings

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Find Out if You Are Eligible for a Free At-Home Test

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death in men and women. Fortunately, there’s a secret weapon to beat it: screening — 45 is the recommended age to begin screening for colorectal cancer in average-risk men and women. This year, team members can choose a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) called Polymedco OC-Auto FIT or Cologuard, which detects certain DNA markers and blood in the stool. Questions? Contact Shari Stanley (pictured) at crcscreening@virginia.edu or 434.297.8427 to see if you are eligible for a free test. Read more on Connect.

Nominate an RN for a Nursing Excellence Award

Deadline: Thursday, March 2, at 11:59 p.m. | The Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors several nurses each year for demonstrating excellence in their roles. Award recipients are selected based on peer-reviewed nominations received by the NPGO Awards and Recognition Committee. Please consider nominating one or more of your well-deserving RN colleagues for these honors. Learn more. Questions? Email npgo@uvahealth.org.

Mindfulness Renewal

Mondays, March 6-27 I 4-6 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, March 11 | Register.

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

McKim Hall | Ground Floor | Room G045 | Physicians and advanced practice providers can get a new or updated headshot taken for the provider directory on the dates listed below. No appointment is needed. The shoot should take 10 minutes or less. Please bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided.

• Wednesday, March 8 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 14 | noon-3 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 22 | 8-11 a.m.
• Thursday, March 30 | 9 a.m.-noon

Enter for a Chance to Win an iTHRIV Engraved 20 oz. Tumbler

Deadline: Thursday, March 16 | iTHRIV (integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia) wants to connect with you — sign up for its mailing list and enter to win a prize. iTHRIV offers people a way to learn and change how health research is conducted. As part of this email list, you'll receive helpful mailers with health-related updates, as well as opportunities to engage with health researchers in your community. Five winners will be chosen and contacted on Friday, March 17. Read more on Connect.

Emergency Management: Active Attacker Functional Exercise

Monday, March 20 | Transitional Care Hospital | 2965 Ivy Rd. | Emergency Management is inviting team members to sign up for an active-attacker exercise. The goal of this event is to validate emergency plans and procedures, provide team members with an opportunity to practice their training, and respond to a simulated active attacker situation in a clinical space (which will include integrating law-enforcement’s response). Choose from five one-hour sessions. Limited to 20 participants per session. Questions? Contact Nat Sellers at NS3ZX@uvahealth.org. Sign up.

2023 Protecting Health in a Changing Climate: Healthcare Sustainability

Saturday, April 22 | 7:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. | Fontaine Research Park, 560 Ray C. Hunt Dr. and Zoom | The health sector’s global climate footprint is massive — if it were a country, it would be the fifth-largest emitter on the planet, and the U.S. healthcare sector is the worst offender. This conference is designed to equip people who are interested in healthcare sustainability with resources and strategies for reducing healthcare-sector contributions to climate change. Details and registration.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 12:49 p.m. March 1)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. March 1)
UVA Health team members affected and on leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data)

Appreciation

Celebrating Women’s History Month

UVA Health launches its official observance of Women’s History Month on March 8, International Women’s Day, which captures that campaign’s theme, “Embrace Equity.” (On social media, use #EmbraceEquity throughout the month of March.)

International Women’s Day, celebrated since 1911, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements for women. This year’s theme, “Embrace Equity,” adopted by UVA Health for Women’s History month, marks the call to action for hastening gender equity.

In 1987, March was declared National Women History Month, by the U.S Congress. This dedicated month honoring the contributions of women sprouted from week-long celebrations in schools in Sonoma, Calif., in 1978. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first National Women’s History Week, which grew into today’s month-long celebration.

As March rolls forward, look for coverage of distinguished UVA Health women who are making a difference to embrace equity in their work and communities. We’ll be spotlighting influential leaders, team members, and researchers in our online publications. Stay tuned for details.

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