Celebrating National Doctors’ Day

March 30 is National Doctors’ Day and UVA Health senior leadership took a moment this morning to recognize this special occasion dedicated to honoring the contributions of physicians. They said, “The selfless dedication and tireless efforts of our physicians improve and save lives, and truly make a world of difference. This one day of the year serves as a reminder of the profound impact they have on our patients, their families, and the communities we serve.”

“In celebration of National Doctors' Day, we encourage team members to take a moment to express your gratitude to those physicians you work with every day. A simple thank you can make all the difference, acknowledging the dedication and compassion our doctors bring to their work. We also invite you to watch a heartwarming video in which our doctors read patient appreciation comments, reflecting on the tremendous impact they have on those under their care.” Read the full message on Connect.

Operations

Limited Access: 11th Street Garage

Saturday, March 30 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | Due to roof repairs on 1222 Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA), the JPA entrance to 11th Street Garage will be closed. Please use the 11th Street entrance to enter 11th Street Garage — or prioritize parking at the South Garage on Crispell Drive to avoid traffic. Questions? Contact Warren Britts, RRO, Project Manager, at 434.962.0223.

New Suicide Prevention Policy 

UVA Health University Medical Center has updated its policy on suicide prevention to create the safest care environment for patients at risk of self-harm. The revised policy is now available on PolicyTech. Leaders and clinical team members can refer to the March 26 email from Reid Adams, MD, Chief Medical Officer, and Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, Chief Nursing Officer (sent from Health System Announcements inbox) for highlights, including supplemental training to be completed in Workday. Thank you for your continued dedication to providing the best care for our patients. Questions? Contact SIPrevention@uvahealth.org.

Cath Lab Response Team

Begins Monday, April 1 | A new Cath Lab Response team has been created to assist with medical emergencies occurring in the Cardiac Cath Lab and will only be activated by Cath Lab staff. This response team was developed to provide quick, safe, and efficient care to patients in the Cath Lab while also ensuring the safety of all team members. If you have questions or concerns, contact Rebekah Billings or Jennifer Killmer.

Traffic Enforcement 

Begins Monday, April 1 | UVA Police will monitor the 11th Street and Emmet/Ivy Garages on an ongoing basis and will conduct traffic enforcement as needed. Monitoring and enforcement is a result of numerous complaints concerning vehicles driving at excessive speeds as they exit these garages. Police officers will issue warnings and uniform summons to violators.

Rescheduled | Sidewalk and Road Closure: Lane Road

Saturday, April 6 | 7 a.m.-noon | Due to South Tower roof repairs, Lane Road will have a one-lane traffic pattern near the Crispell Drive intersection. The southbound lane will be closed. Flaggers and signage will be on-site to help with traffic. This work was originally scheduled to be performed on March 30. Questions? Contact Scott Guynes, Project Manager, at 434.982.3787.

Leadership

Podcast | Inside UVA: Learn How COVID Tested This UVA Health Chief’s Leadership Skills

Wendy Horton, PharmD, CEO, University Medical Center, recently joined UVA President Jim Ryan on the Inside UVA podcast. Horton discusses how the pandemic prompted her to start her new job at UVA Health a month early, and how she helped navigate hospital care and vaccinations for her new community. Listen now.

Be Heard Breakfast

Wednesday, April 3, 5:45 p.m., and Thursday, April 4, 9:30 a.m. | Health System Executive Board Room | There are still spots open for Wendy Horton’s Be Heard Breakfast. Come together and chat with colleagues from across UVA Health University Medical Center. Team members can clock in for their time spent contributing to these valuable conversations. Sign up.

Human Resources

University Medical Center: New Attendance Policy 

Effective, Monday, April 1 | In direct response to feedback we heard from leaders, and in support of our efforts to make UVA Health a great place to work, UVA Health University Medical Center will be revising its attendance policy to offer team members more flexibility. Changes include:

• Eliminating department addendums to have one consistent attendance policy across our operations.
• Extending the time at which disciplinary action occurs for unscheduled absences and/or lateness. Today, counseling is initiated on the team member’s fifth tardy within a year, followed by termination on their eighth occurrence. Now, we are instituting the following:
  • 7th tardy: informal counseling
  • 8th tardy: formal counseling
  • 9th tardy: performance warning
  • 10th tardy: termination
• For clinical areas: We’re changing the time a person is considered tardy from 1 minute to 5 minutes, giving our team members a bigger window in which to clock in while still recognizing the need to adequately staff our departments.

If you have questions about the new attendance policy, please contact your manager. Managers may contact their HR Business Partner with questions.

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor

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

UVA Health In the News

Top Story

• CEO Wendy Horton is featured on President Ryan’s Inside UVA podcast discussing the challenges of COVID.

Patient Care

• Dr. Peter Paige discusses Doctors’ Day and second opinions during this week’s NBC29 segment.
• Dr. Christopher Kramer talks with Time about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• Dr. Katherine DeGeorge talks with U.S. News & World Report about home remedies for colds.
• Dr. Neeral Shah is featured on Lead Stories (fact checker for Facebook) debunking a myth that stretching improves liver function.

Research

• More than 85 TV stations nationally — from D.C. to Las Vegas — cover Dr. Chris Holstege’s research about a rise in magic mushroom-related calls to poison centers.
• Dr. Fern Hauck’s safe-sleep research is featured in U.S. News & World Report.
• Dr. Andrew Wang talks with STAT about a higher risk of pneumonia following an endoscopy for patients taking weight-loss drugs.
• Dr. Steven Zeichner is featured locally and on TV stations nationally discussing his long COVID research.

Community

• WSLS and WFXR (Roanoke TV) features Dr. Jamie Zoellner on a partnership to improve Southwest Virginia colorectal cancer screening.

Education

• UVA School of Nursing student Nakayla Figgins is featured locally and on TV stations nationally discussing high-school students visiting the SON.

Happenings

Easter Eggspedition

Sunday, March 31 | 2-3 p.m. | The Forum Hotel | Hop over for a delightful Easter egg hunt set amid the scenic backdrop of the hotel's arboretum. Donations will be gratefully accepted to support UVA Health Children's Week of Giving, specifically aiding the expansion of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, ensuring the best care for our littlest ones. Entry is free. Get tickets. 

Protecting Health in a Changing Climate: Rising Heat and Health in Virginia

Saturday, April 13 | Claude Moore Nursing Education Building and Zoom | This conference will help you protect health, particularly for vulnerable communities and populations, through knowledge of evaluation and management of heat-related illness. It also will help you advocate for policies that protect individuals, families, and communities from rising temperatures. Registration deadline is April 8. Learn more and register. Questions? Contact Linda Hanson.

Call for Nominations: 2024 Thomas Jefferson Awards

Deadline: Monday, April 15 | noon | The Thomas Jefferson Awards are the highest honors given to members of the University community. Award recipients exemplify the principles, ideals, and mission of the University in their character, work, and influence. The committee is now soliciting nominations for two Jefferson Awards — one for service and one for scholarship. Learn more. Questions? Contact the Thomas Jefferson Awards Committee or Cecil Banks, Executive Director for Major Events and External Relations. 

BSF-ERG Awards Luncheon

Thursday, April 25 | noon-2 p.m. | Newcomb Hall, Commonwealth Room | RSVP by April 19 | The Black Faculty and Staff Employee Resource Group (BFS-ERG) serves as a voice for Black faculty and staff at UVA 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.

Deadline Extended: ​​Charles L. Brown Award

NEW deadline: Friday, May 17 | 5 p.m. | The Charles L. Brown Award for Patient Care Quality is UVA Health’s annual award for a care team who has worked to move our quality and patient safety efforts forward. Sponsored by the Department of Quality and Performance Improvement, this award offers a $10,000 prize to a team or teams to recognize excellence in patient care. Submit an application. Questions? Contact Jeff Lucas, Director, Performance Improvement, at 434.243.1755.

Save the Date: Annual Team Member Art Exhibit

July 11-Sept. 11 | Many team members have expressed interest in the annual Team Member Art Exhibit. This year, the exhibit will run from July to September. Watch this space in May for participation details. We look forward to seeing your art!

Appreciation

‘The Best Care’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

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

• “The triage doctor listened to my concerns and ordered a CT scan with contrast and labs. He was pleasant and efficient. The doctor I saw the second time I was brought back was exceptional. He took the time to explain what was going on and to answer all the questions when I got a surprise diagnosis of no kidney stones. As busy as the Emergency Department was, he made me feel like I was the only patient when he was in the room. I know he was running everywhere, so it was especially thoughtful for him to focus on the patient when he was in the room. My medical care by the doctors was greatly appreciated.”
• “Dr. Jeff Elias and his whole team are ‘rock stars.’ The nurses and everyone that participated, including the Medtronic representative, did an excellent job. I have always been impressed with the care and attention shown to me.”
• “Dr. Gelker is the absolute most professional, caring, and knowledgeable physician I or my husband have ever encountered. She is detail oriented, truly listens, and seems like she has all the time in the world for each and every patient, yet somehow is able to stay on schedule. Her reputation is excellent around Charlottesville!”
• “From the moment we arrived until the time we left, we were given the best care. Our questions were answered. All the staff were personable and caring. Jared was particularly very sensitive to our needs. The entire experience was very positive. Dr. James Browne was exceptional in his treatment. We only have good things to say about UVA Health Orthopedics!”

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

Previous Updates

Wednesday, March 27

Spring Cleaning Week

March 25-29 | As part of our ongoing commitment to patient safety and quality, it is essential that we regularly check our workspaces and all clinical areas for expired supplies and dispose of them in the most responsible manner possible. Spring is an opportune time for a housewide clean-up effort! To add a little extra motivation, we will raffle off a free lunch to participating departments/units/clinics. Details: 

• Spring Cleaning Week is March 25-29. 
• Scour your areas for expired supplies (and remember that supplies are stored in many locations, so search every corner!).  
• Bring expired supplies to the following drop off locations:
  • Inpatient: University Hospital room G821 (near loading dock) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Label box/bag with department/unit/clinic name to ensure entry in the raffle. 
  • Ambulatory: Ambulatory directors will collect supplies from their clinics and deliver them to Rachel Nauman’s office. 
• Please check for expired and outdated items. Examples:
  • point of care testing (POCT) supplies — glucose test strips and controls
  • old paper copies of POCT procedure manual
  • outdated Red Books
  • incomplete Orientation Competency Assessment forms
  • expired IV solution bags, blood culture bottles, or blood culture vacutainers
  • expired or opened single-use bottles (such as betadine or hydrogen peroxide)
• Any department/unit/clinic that participates will have their name recorded at drop off and entered in a raffle for a free lunch of their choosing. Tacos? Thai? Pizza? It’s your call! There will be one winner for inpatient and one winner for ambulatory.  

The expired supplies will be sorted, and any reusable items will be donated to the Medical Equipment Recovery of Clean Inventory (MERCI) Program, of which UVA Health is a proud supporter.  

While we are sponsoring this Spring Cleaning Week, review and disposal of expired supplies should happen regularly across all facilities. The MERCI Program operates year-round to accept expired supplies and funnel those that are safe to reuse to groups in need. Visit the MERCI Program page for more information. 

We know this is a very busy time with ongoing Joint Commission preparations, so we thank you in advance for your attention to this important matter.

Operations

New Suicide Prevention Policy 

UVA Health University Medical Center has updated its policy on suicide prevention to create the safest care environment for patients at risk of self-harm. The revised policy is now available on PolicyTech. Leaders and clinical team members can refer to the March 26 email from Reid Adams, MD, Chief Medical Officer, and Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, Chief Nursing Officer, (sent from Health System Announcements inbox) for highlights, including supplemental training to be completed in Workday. Thank you for your continued dedication to providing the best care for our patients. Questions? Contact SIPrevention@uvahealth.org.

Sidewalk and Road Closure: Lane Road

Saturday, March 30 | 7 a.m.-noon | Due to South Tower roof repairs, Lane Road will have a one-lane traffic pattern near the Crispell Drive intersection. The southbound lane will be closed. Flaggers and signage will be on site to help with traffic. Questions? Contact Scott Guynes, Project Manager, at 434.982.3787.

Limited Access: 11th Street Garage

Saturday, March 30 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | Due to roof repairs on 1222 Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA), the JPA entrance to 11th Street Garage will be closed. Please use the 11th Street entrance to enter 11th Street Garage — or prioritize parking at the South Garage on Crispell Drive to avoid traffic. Questions? Contact Warren Britts, RRO, Project Manager, at 434.962.0223.

Cath Lab Response Team

Begins Monday, April 1 | A new Cath Lab Response team has been created to assist with medical emergencies occurring in the Cardiac Cath Lab and will only be activated by Cath Lab staff. This response team was developed to provide quick, safe, and efficient care to patients in the Cath Lab while also ensuring the safety of all team members. If you have questions or concerns, contact Rebekah Billings or Jennifer Killmer.

University Medical Center: New Attendance Policy 

Effective, Monday, April 1 | In direct response to feedback we heard from leaders, and in support of our efforts to make UVA Health a great place to work, UVA Health University Medical Center will be revising its attendance policy to offer team members more flexibility. Changes include:

• Eliminating department addendums to have one consistent attendance policy across our operations.
• Extending the time at which disciplinary action occurs for unscheduled absences and/or lateness. Today, counseling is initiated on the team member’s fifth tardy within a year, followed by termination on their eighth occurrence. Now, we are instituting the following:
  • 7th tardy: informal counseling
  • 8th tardy: formal counseling
  • 9th tardy: performance warning
  • 10th tardy: termination
• For clinical areas: We’re changing the time a person is considered tardy from 1 minute to 5 minutes, giving our team members a bigger window in which to clock in while still recognizing the need to adequately staff our departments.

If you have questions about the new attendance policy, please contact your manager. Managers may contact their HR Business Partner with questions.

Fontaine Research Park Construction

• Relocation of parcel boxes: New concrete pads at 560 Ray C. Hunt Drive were completed last weekend. These pads allow for the relocation of the existing USPS, UPS, and FedEx boxes to move from 400 Ray C. Hunt Drive to a permanent location in front of 560 Ray C. Hunt Drive. Courier services have been notified and will be relocating those boxes over the next couple weeks.  
• Paving: Be aware of entrance paving, paving trucks, and asphalt smells occurring over the next several days.

For more information and construction alerts, visit the Fontaine Construction Projects website. 

Leadership

Celebrating National Doctors’ Day

March 30 is National Doctors’ Day and UVA Health senior leadership took a moment this morning to recognize this special occasion dedicated to honoring the contributions of physicians. They said, “The selfless dedication and tireless efforts of our physicians improve and save lives, and truly make a world of difference. This one day of the year serves as a reminder of the profound impact they have on our patients, their families, and the communities we serve.”

“In celebration of National Doctors' Day, we encourage team members to take a moment to express your gratitude to those physicians you work with every day. A simple thank you can make all the difference, acknowledging the dedication and compassion our doctors bring to their work. We also invite you to watch a heartwarming video in which our doctors read patient appreciation comments, reflecting on the tremendous impact they have on those under their care.” Read the full message on Connect.

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Five Team Member Benefits You Won’t Want to Overlook This Spring

In her new Vision and Voice post, Wendy Horton shares information about helpful programs and tools, from tax assistance to caregiving resources, that support our team members in all aspects of their lives. Read more. 

Happenings

Mastering Meal Prep for Busy Professionals

Thursday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join two registered dietitians from UVA Health's Nutrition Counseling Center as they share their tried-and-true tips for nourishing your body when time is limited. Learn more and register.

LGBTQ Meet and Greet: Virtual Coffee Chat

Friday, March 29 | 9-10 a.m. | Zoom | The LGBTQ Committee for faculty and staff invites you to a virtual coffee chat. This is an informal opportunity to meet committee members, ask questions, and build community. If interested, please email Tessa Farmer for the Zoom link.

Nominate a Great Nurse or Nursing Teacher for a Beta Kappa Award

Deadline: Sunday, March 31 | UVA School of Nursing’s 50-year-old Sigma honor society, Beta Kappa, seeks nominations for its annual awards, including the Community Service Award, the Research Dissemination Award, and the Nan Hilt Excellence in Practice Award. Nominees must be members of Sigma honor society. Contact Richard Ridge, PhD, RN, with questions.

Easter Eggspedition

Sunday, March 31 | 2-3 p.m. | The Forum Hotel | Hop over for a delightful Easter egg hunt set amid the scenic backdrop of the hotel's arboretum. Donations will be gratefully accepted to support UVA Health Children's Week of Giving, specifically aiding the expansion of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, ensuring the best care for our littlest ones. Entry is free. Get tickets. 

Run With Jim for UVA Health Children’s

Monday, April 15 | UVA President James Ryan will run his 13th Boston Marathon in support of UVA Health Children’s. You can honor a patient, physician, nurse, or other healthcare provider by adding their name to his race singlet with a minimum gift of $260, then you’ll also qualify to receive a special “Run With Jim” T-shirt to wear in solidarity. Contributions to UVA Health Children’s will not only help our youngest patients and their families, but also help provide the resources our team members need to deliver world-class care right here in Virginia. Your philanthropic support will help us continue to serve the patients who need us the most. Interested? Contact Malan Jackson or visit the Run With Jim campaign page.

Nominate: Hoos Building Bridges Award 

Deadline: Friday, April 19 | This award acknowledges the cross-disciplinary partnerships and projects of staff and team members. Recipients demonstrate leadership and build thoughtful collaborations and relationships across schools, units, and/or departments. Learn more and nominate. Questions? Please email AskHR@virginia.edu.

World Voice Day Concert

Saturday, April 20 | 5-8 p.m. | Eastwood Farm and Winery | The UVA Voice Center is excited to welcome singers who are returning to the stage following vocal rehabilitation, followed by featured performers Robin and Linda Williams. This event is free but will raise funds for the Music Health Alliance, a non-profit providing healthcare resources for folks in the music industry. Contact Joanna Lott with questions.

Appreciation

‘Passionate Focus’

This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month — we’re thanking UVA Health team members at University Medical Associates (UMA) — and the Cancer Center and its Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) — for supporting our strategic plan goal of community engagement and health equity by raising awareness of the disease and the fecal immunochemical test (FIT).

“Over many decades, dedicated colorectal cancer screening initiatives coupled with modifiable risk factors and improved treatments have resulted in both early detection and improved survival,” says David Callender, MD, MPH, UMA Medical Director and champion of the project, which includes UMA’s Missy Warren, BSN, RN, AMB-BC — and COE navigators Ashley Banegas, and pictured above at a recent community outreach event: Austin Matt-Beal and Keyri Lopez-Godoy.

On Connect, the team shares their lifesaving efforts which include reaching out to community members to help them overcome barriers to taking the FIT at home. Learn more about your screening options.

Monday, March 25

Spring Cleaning Week 

March 25-29 | As part of our ongoing commitment to patient safety and quality, it is essential that we regularly check our workspaces and all clinical areas for expired supplies and dispose of them in the most responsible manner possible. Spring is an opportune time for a housewide clean-up effort! To add a little extra motivation, we will raffle off a free lunch to participating departments/units/clinics. Details: 

• Spring Cleaning Week is March 25-29. 
• Scour your areas for expired supplies (and remember that supplies are stored in many locations, so search every corner!).  
• Bring expired supplies to the following drop off locations:
  • Inpatient: University Hospital room G821 (near loading dock) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Label box/bag with department/unit/clinic name to ensure entry in the raffle. 
  • Ambulatory: Ambulatory directors will collect supplies from their clinics and deliver them to Rachel Nauman’s office. 
• Any department/unit/clinic that participates will have their name recorded at drop off and entered in a raffle for a free lunch of their choosing. Tacos? Thai? Pizza? It’s your call! There will be one winner for inpatient and one winner for ambulatory.  

The expired supplies will be sorted, and any reusable items will be donated to the Medical Equipment Recovery of Clean Inventory (MERCI) Program, of which UVA Health is a proud supporter.  

While we are sponsoring this Spring Cleaning Week, review and disposal of expired supplies should happen regularly across all facilities. The MERCI Program operates year-round to accept expired supplies and funnel those that are safe to reuse to groups in need. Visit the MERCI Program page for more information. 

We know this is a very busy time with ongoing Joint Commission preparations, so we thank you in advance for your attention to this important matter.

Patient Care

Medical Care During Ramadan

Ramadan began on the evening of Sunday, March 10, and ends at sundown on Tuesday, April 9. 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.

Operations

Fontaine Research Park: Limited Parking and Bus Service

Monday, March 25, through May 2024 | Fontaine Research Park | Construction will impact team members and patients at 500, 515, and 545 Fontaine Research Park. Starting March 25, parking will be limited in front of the 500 building. Patients will need to park farther away and will experience a longer commute to their destination. Additionally, this same construction will limit the bus shuttle’s normal route and direct service to Fontaine’s 500 building will stop. All patients, team members, and visitors who need to go to Fontaine 500 must disembark at the stop in front of the 545 building. This will also cause a longer commute. Golf carts will be provided to assist patients to and from 500 Fontaine. Patients will be receiving text message reminders — in addition to their appointment reminders — alerting them of the construction and that additional time may be needed upon arrival. 

Human Resources

Save the Date: Your UVA Health Self-Evaluation 

Launches Monday April 1 | FY24 UVA Health self-evaluations launch soon for University Medical Center, UVA Physicians Group, School of Medicine, and Claude Moore Health Sciences Library team members. Your year-end review will focus on past year’s accomplishments and development areas. 

• The review will include a three-point rating scale.
• Manager and team member acknowledgment steps in Workday are required after the one-on-one meeting.
• University Medical Center Clinical Career Ladder (CCL) nurses will receive a “CCL Nurse Year-End Review” that includes a CCL behaviors’ review section. 
• Classified staff will receive the same review as regular staff. 

Training is available in Workday Learning (5-minute asynchronous) for team members and leaders to help with completing the performance review and to provide tips on goal setting and feedback.

For more information on eligibility, resources, and additional details about the review process, visit the UVA Health Performance Management webpage. Questions? Please contact the Solution Center by emailing AskHR@virginia.edu with the subject line, "Performance Management."

Happenings

Grand Rounds: UVA Radiology and Medical Imaging

Monday, March 25 | 4:30 p.m. reception; event 5-6 p.m. | Moss Auditorium and WebEx | Toma Omofoye, MD, Associate Professor and Strategic Director of Education, Department of Breast Imaging/Division of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, will deliver the talk “Radiology and Breast Cancer Disparities: Addressing Global Challenges.” Learn more.

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

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

• Tuesday March 26 | 9 a.m.-noon
• Tuesday, April 2 | 9 a.m.-noon
• Thursday, April 11 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 17 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Friday, April 26 | noon-3 p.m.
• Monday, April 29 | 9 a.m.-noon

Mastering Meal Prep for Busy Professionals

Thursday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join two registered dietitians from UVA Health's Nutrition Counseling Center as they share their tried-and-true tips for nourishing your body when time is limited. Learn more and register.

LGBTQ Meet and Greet: Virtual Coffee Chat

Friday, March 29 | 9-10 a.m. | Zoom | The LGBTQ Committee for faculty and staff invites you to a virtual coffee chat. This is an informal opportunity to meet committee members, ask questions, and build community. If interested, please email Tessa Farmer for the Zoom link.

Easter Eggspedition

Sunday, March 31 | 2-3 p.m. | The Forum Hotel | Hop over for a delightful Easter egg hunt set amid the scenic backdrop of the hotel's arboretum. Donations will be gratefully accepted to support UVA Health Children's Week of Giving, specifically aiding the expansion of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, ensuring the best care for our littlest ones. Entry is free. Get tickets. 

Deadline Extended: ​​Charles L. Brown Award

NEW deadline: Friday, May 17 | 5 p.m. | The Charles L. Brown Award for Patient Care Quality is UVA Health’s annual award for a care team who has worked to move our quality and patient safety efforts forward. Sponsored by the Department of Quality and Performance Improvement, this award offers a $10,000 prize to a team or teams to recognize excellence in patient care. Submit an application. Questions? Contact Jeff Lucas, Director, Performance Improvement, at 434.243.1755.

Appreciation

Making People Smile

Have you met this UVA Health dynamic duo? Joy Hilton is Director of Education, Department of Medicine, UVA School of Medicine — but she’s also a Pet Therapy Program volunteer, along with her three-and-a-half-year-old retriever Hank!

Last year, more than two dozen pet therapy teams volunteered 600+ hours at UVA Breast Care Center, UVA Children’s, and University Medical Center.

“When people see a dog, it just changes their whole demeanor in that moment,” Joy observes. “I am just a volunteer who can make people smile, and sometimes see people cry. And I know that I am contributing in a different kind of way.”

Get to know Joy and Hank in Connect’s Hope at Work series. And to request a pet therapy visit for a patient or team, call 434.924.5251 or email volunteerservices@uvahealth.org.

Friday, March 22

Spring Cleaning Week

March 25-29 | As part of our ongoing commitment to patient safety and quality, it is essential that we regularly check our workspaces and all clinical areas for expired supplies and dispose of them in the most responsible manner possible. Spring is an opportune time for a house-wide clean-up effort! To add a little extra motivation, we will raffle off a free lunch to participating departments/units/clinics. Details: 

• Spring Cleaning Week is March 25-29. 
• Scour your areas for expired supplies (and remember that supplies are stored in many locations, so search every corner!).  
• Bring expired supplies to the following drop off locations: 
  • Inpatient: University Hospital room G821 (near loading dock) between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Label box/bag with department/unit/clinic name to ensure entry in the raffle. 
  • Ambulatory: Ambulatory directors will collect supplies from their clinics and deliver them to Rachel Nauman’s office. 
• Any department/unit/clinic that participates will have their name recorded at drop off and entered in a raffle for a free lunch of their choosing. Tacos? Thai? Pizza? It’s your call! There will be one winner for inpatient and one winner for ambulatory.  

The expired supplies will be sorted, and any reusable items will be donated to the Medical Equipment Recovery of Clean Inventory (MERCI) Program, of which UVA Health is a proud supporter.  

While we are sponsoring this Spring Cleaning Week, review and disposal of expired supplies should happen regularly across all facilities. The MERCI Program operates year-round to accept expired supplies and funnel those that are safe to reuse to groups in need. Visit the MERCI Program page for more information. 

We know this is a very busy time with ongoing Joint Commission preparations, so we thank you in advance for your attention to this important matter.

Operations

Fontaine Research Park: Limited Parking and Bus Service

Monday, March 25, through May 2024 | Fontaine Research Park | Construction will impact team members and patients at 500, 515, and 545 Fontaine Research Park. Starting March 25, parking will be limited in front of the 500 building. Patients will need to park farther away and will experience a longer commute to their destination. Additionally, this same construction will limit the bus shuttle’s normal route and direct service to Fontaine’s 500 building will stop. All patients, team members, and visitors who need to go to Fontaine 500 must disembark at the stop in front of the 545 building. This will also cause a longer commute. Golf carts will be provided to assist patients to and from 500 Fontaine. Patients will be receiving text message reminders — in addition to their appointment reminders — alerting them of the construction and that additional time may be needed upon arrival. 

Test Patients in Epic

The use of test patients in the Epic production environment will be limited to approved scenarios using a pre-defined list of patient records. UVA Health Information Technology (HIT) is responsible for approving testing scenarios, creating the test patients, supporting the test scenarios, removing the creation of test patients, and supporting the testing records. Non-HIT team members may not create new test patients in the production environment. If a new test patient is needed, a request through IT Service Management should be sent to Grand Central — the Epic HIT team that supports patient flow — for review and approval. Questions? Contact the Epic Clinical and Revenue Cycle help desk at 434.924.5334.

UVA Health In the News

Top Story

• Wendy Horton is featured in this Becker’s Hospital Review listing of women hospital CEOs and presidents to know.

Patient Care

• Dr. David Callender discusses colorectal cancer screening during this week’s NBC29 segment.
• Min Lee and Becky Compton are featured in this Becker’s Hospital Review article on the changing face of leadership.
• Dr. Laurie Archbald-Pannone’s Conversation article on COVID boosters for seniors continues to receive strong national pickup, including in Scientific American.
• Newsweek ranking University Medical Center as the No. 1 hospital in Virginia and among the best hospitals in the world is featured in The Roanoke Times and The Daily Progress.
• Dr. Jeff Wilson discusses allergies with WUSA (D.C. TV).

Research

• Dr. James Stone’s research on the effects of repeated blasts on soldiers’ brains continues to receive major national news coverage, including NBCnews.com.
• Healio talks with Dr. Boris Kovatchev about his research into how AI could improve automated insulin delivery.
• Dr. Catherine Bonham’s research into how a blood test could predict long-term COVID lung problems continues to receive strong national coverage, including U.S. News & World Report. 
• Dr. Stephen Borowitz is quoted in a Daily Mail story about a condition that makes breastfeeding difficult.
• Dr. Leigh-Ann Webb is quoted in this CBS News story about a study on racial disparities in patient portal responses.

Community

• Lili Powell talks with CBS19 and NBC29 (and TV stations nationally) at Monday’s School of Nursing event with the Surgeon General.

Education

• Dr. Meg Keeley is featured on NBC29 and CBS19 (and TV stations nationally) discussing Match Day.

Happenings

Art Reception: Magnify at The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative

Friday, March 22 | 6-9 p.m. | The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative, 306 Main St. | The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative will be hosting an art show featuring art made by Charlottesville High School (CHS) students based on neuroscience research conducted at UVA Health. Our scientists shared their research with the CHS art students from which the students took inspiration for their works. This program is part of UVA’s Brain Awareness Outreach program, organized and staffed by the Neuroscience Graduate Program and the Department of Neuroscience at UVA School of Medicine. The show will be up through March 31.

Rotating Art Exhibit 

Through Wednesday, May 22 | University Medical Center lobby | UVA Health Arts Program presents “Virginia Hues 2024: The Art of Lea Boise.” (Pictured: “A Rosy Outlook,” oil paint on linen canvas.) Stop by and check it out!

Grand Rounds: UVA Radiology and Medical Imaging

Monday, March 25 | 4:30 p.m. reception; event 5-6 p.m. | Moss Auditorium and WebEx | Dr. Toma Omofoye, Associate Professor and Strategic Director of Education, Department of Breast Imaging/Division of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, will deliver the talk “Radiology and Breast Cancer Disparities: Addressing Global Challenges.” Learn more.

Mastering Meal Prep for Busy Professionals

Thursday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join two of our registered dietitians from UVA Health's Nutrition Counseling Center as they share their tried-and-true tips for nourishing your body when time is limited. Learn more and register.

LGBTQ Meet and Greet: Virtual Coffee Chat

Friday, March 29 | 9-10 a.m. | Zoom | The LGBTQ Committee for faculty and staff invites you to a virtual coffee chat. This is an informal opportunity to meet committee members, ask questions, and build community. If interested, please email Tessa Farmer for the Zoom link.

Protecting Health in a Changing Climate: Rising Heat and Health in Virginia

Saturday, April 13 | Claude Moore Nursing Education Building and Zoom | This conference will help you protect health, particularly for vulnerable communities and populations, through knowledge of evaluation and management of heat-related illness and will also help you advocate for policies that protect individuals, families, and communities from rising temperatures. Registration deadline is April 8. Learn more and register. Questions? Contact Linda Hanson.

Run With Jim for UVA Health Children’s

Monday, April 15 | UVA President James Ryan will run his 13th Boston Marathon in support of UVA Health Children’s. You can honor a patient, physician, nurse, or other healthcare provider by adding their name to his race singlet with a minimum gift of $260, then you’ll also qualify to receive a special “Run With Jim” T-shirt to wear in solidarity. Contributions to UVA Health Children’s will not only help our youngest patients and their families, but also help provide the resources our team members need to deliver world-class care right here in Virginia. Your philanthropic support will help us continue to serve the patients who need us the most. Interested? Contact Malan Jackson or visit the Run With Jim campaign page.

Appreciation

‘Treated With Friendliness and Respect’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

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

• “Everyone was great! The anesthesiologist listened very carefully to my concerns and needs, and addressed all of them fully, as did the MD performing my procedure. It was as good as a colonoscopy can get!”
• “Dr. Cooper listened to my health updates, asked me questions, and recommended a new medication as a treatment option. I feel very lucky to have Dr. Cooper as my provider. I highly recommend him.”
• “We felt like the whole team was listening to our questions and answering them patiently. I felt completely at ease. I was treated with friendliness and respect throughout.”
• “My doctor is the best always! He listens and treats me like a friend. This is the reason I travel from Delaware to be seen by a caring doctor. I am a retired nurse and know about quality care and compassion.”

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

Wednesday, March 20

Congratulations, SMD24, on a Successful Match Day!

On Friday, March 15, UVA School of Medicine’s Class of 2024 learned where they will continue their training as residents at hospitals across the country, including UVA Health University Medical Center. 

Match Day is held at the same time at medical schools across the United States. 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 2024 medical students performed magnificently this year: 144 students matched into 24 specialties across 27 states; 20 students will remain in Charlottesville to continue their training at UVA Health. The top five matched specialities are Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology, General Surgery, Obstetrics-Gynecology, and Pediatrics. Details on Match Day results can be found on the School of Medicine website.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024 on reaching this incredible milestone! See photos on Connect.

Patient Care

New Epic Tools for Lung Cancer Screening

On Thursday, March 14, new tools for lung cancer screening will be implemented in Epic. Any patient aged 50-77 with a qualifying smoking history will be included in a new health maintenance plan. Additionally, a new order panel may be accessed from the Care Gaps section of the Storyboard, as well as in the newly updated Medicare Annual Wellness Visit smartset. For further information, contact Gina Engel, MD, or Jason Lyman, MD.

Operations

Spring Cleaning Is Coming!

Monday-Friday, March 25-29 | During this time, UVA Health University Medical Center will be cleaning house and getting rid of old, expired items that are cluttering cabinets, drawers, and closets. Let’s work together to spring clean our various facilities! More information to come.

Test Patients in Epic

The use of test patients in the Epic production environment will be limited to approved scenarios using a pre-defined list of patient records. UVA Health Information Technology (HIT) is responsible for approving testing scenarios, creating the test patients, supporting the test scenarios, removing the creation of test patients, and supporting the testing records. Non-HIT team members may not create new test patients in the production environment. If a new test patient is needed, a request through IT Service Management should be sent to Grand Central — the Epic HIT team that supports patient flow — for review and approval. Questions? Contact the Epic Clinical and Revenue Cycle help desk at 434.924.5334.

Leadership

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Women Who Inspire Inclusion: And the Nominees Are …

At the beginning of Women's History Month, Wendy Horton had asked for nominations of women who inspire inclusion. Read about the nominees in her new Vision and Voice post. 

• There are still a few spots left for Wendy’s Be Heard Breakfast on March 20, at 5:45 p.m. Come together and chat with colleagues from across UVA Health University Medical Center. Team members can clock in for their time spent contributing to these valuable conversations. Sign up.

Human Resources

Save the Date: Your UVA Health Self-Evaluation 

Launches Monday April 1 | FY24 UVA Health self-evaluations launch soon for University Medical Center, UVA Physicians Group, School of Medicine, and Claude Moore Health Sciences Library team members. Your year-end review will focus on past year’s accomplishments and development areas. 

• The review will include a three-point rating scale.
• Manager and team member acknowledgment steps in Workday are required after the one-on-one meeting.
• University Medical Center Clinical Career Ladder (CCL) nurses will receive a “CCL Nurse Year-End Review” that includes a CCL behaviors’ review section. 
• Classified staff will receive the same review as regular staff. 

Training is available in Workday Learning (5-minute asynchronous) for team members and leaders to help with completing the performance review and to provide tips on goal setting and feedback.

For more information on eligibility, resources, and additional details about the review process, visit the UVA Health Performance Management webpage. Questions? Please contact the Solution Center by emailing AskHR@virginia.edu with the subject line, "Performance Management."

Happenings

Hospital Auxiliary Fundraiser Book Sale

Through Thursday, March 21 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Link between University Hospital and West Complex | UVA Health University Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary is holding a sale with award-winning Usborne and Kane Miller books, Learning Wrap Ups, and SmartLab Toys for infants through middle school. Operating since 1908, the auxiliary raises money for special initiatives at the hospital, such as golf carts used by the Welcome Team to transport patients, pet therapy, music therapy, and flowers for patients. The Hospital Auxiliary provides aid and comfort to patients and their families through volunteer service or fundraising. Please stop by and support the auxiliary by finding a great gift for a young person in your life!

Art Reception: Magnify at The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative

Friday, March 22 | 6-9 p.m. | The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative, 306 Main St. | The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative will be hosting an art show featuring art made by Charlottesville High School (CHS) students based on neuroscience research conducted at UVA Health. Our scientists shared their research with the CHS art students from which the students took inspiration for their works. This program is part of UVA’s Brain Awareness Outreach program, organized and staffed by the Neuroscience Graduate Program and the Department of Neuroscience at UVA School of Medicine. The show will be up through March 31.

LGBTQ Meet and Greet: Virtual Coffee Chat

Friday, March 29 | 9-10 a.m. | Zoom | The LGBTQ Committee for faculty and staff invites you to a virtual coffee chat. This is an informal opportunity to meet committee members, ask questions, and build community. If interested, please email Tessa Farmer for the Zoom link.

Nominate a Great Nurse or Nursing Teacher for a Beta Kappa Award

Deadline: Sunday, March 31 | UVA School of Nursing’s 50-year-old Sigma honor society, Beta Kappa, seeks nominations for its annual awards, including the Community Service Award, the Research Dissemination Award, and the Nan Hilt Excellence in Practice Award. Nominees must be members of Sigma honor society. Contact Richard Ridge, PhD, RN, with questions.

Run With Jim for UVA Health Children’s

UVA President James Ryan will run his 13th Boston Marathon on April 15 in support of UVA Health Children’s. You can honor a patient, physician, nurse, or other healthcare provider by adding their name to his race singlet with a minimum gift of $260, then you’ll also qualify to receive a special “Run With Jim” T-shirt to wear in solidarity. Contributions to UVA Health Children’s will not only help our youngest patients and their families, but also help provide the resources our team members need to deliver world-class care right here in Virginia. Your philanthropic support will help us continue to serve the patients who need us the most. Interested? Contact Malan Jackson or visit the Run With Jim campaign page.

Nominate: Hoos Building Bridges Award 

Deadline: Friday, April 19 | This award acknowledges the cross-disciplinary partnerships and projects of staff and team members. Recipients demonstrate leadership and build thoughtful collaborations and relationships across schools, units, and/or departments. Learn more and nominate. Questions? Please email AskHR@virginia.edu.

World Voice Day Concert

Saturday, April 20 | 5-8 p.m. | Eastwood Farm and Winery | The UVA Voice Center is excited to welcome singers who are returning to the stage following vocal rehabilitation, followed by featured performers Robin and Linda Williams. This event is free but will raise funds for the Music Health Alliance, a non-profit providing healthcare resources for folks in the music industry. Contact Joanna Lott with questions.

Appreciation

Rock Your Socks on World Down Syndrome Day

Thursday, March 21 | World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The date for WDSD — the 21st day of the third month — was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. Learn more about how this day is celebrated globally.

UVA Health Children’s is one of four Down syndrome medical care centers in Virginia. At UVA Health, children with Down syndrome are seen in both the Developmental Pediatric Clinic and the Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic, since Down syndrome is associated with multiple musculoskeletal problems, largely related to generalized ligamentous laxity and joint hypermobility. 

Every year, on March 21, people come together to celebrate WDSD by wearing brightly colored, mismatched socks. Socks were chosen because the karyotype of Down syndrome chromosomes actually looks like mismatched socks. Providers and clinic staff can support the Virginia Down Syndrome organization’s “Rock Your Socks” campaign by wearing fun socks in celebration of WDSD. 

• Step UP for Down Syndrome | Sunday, April 21 | 1-4 p.m. | Piedmont YMCA | This event is designed to bring the community together to show support and solidarity with individuals with Down syndrome. This is a great family festival which includes food, music, face painting, inflatables, silent auction, and more. Learn more and register.

Monday, March 18

Flower Sale: Daisy Day 

Wednesday, March 20 | 9 a.m. | Daisy Day aims to brighten our patients’ lives with flowers. Volunteers will be making daisy flower arrangements, which will be delivered to all inpatients (who are allowed to have flowers). To help fund this effort, bouquets will be sold on March 20, starting at 9 a.m. until supplies last. To purchase a beautiful vase arrangement for $5, stop by the cafeteria near Higher Grounds or the lobby near Volunteer Services. Sponsored by the UVA Hospital Auxiliary. 

Ambulatory

February Ambulatory Progress Report Now Available

Get the latest updates in the February Ambulatory Operations Report. This month’s report introduces a new feature highlighting key information about One Team | United on Access for faculty and other providers (see pages 5-6). It also includes Joint Commission news and reminders for University Medical Center ambulatory clinics, One Team updates, and our February Champions of Change.

Patient Care

Medical Care During Ramadan

Ramadan began on the evening of Sunday, March 10, and ends at sundown on Tuesday, April 9. 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.

Happenings

Women’s History Month: Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Throughout March, we join communities across the country to recognize Women’s History Month, a time to honor the accomplishments of women across all facets of life, including science and medicine. This year, we come together under the national theme, "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," to honor the dedicated efforts of women at UVA Health throughout our organization's history and present day. Check out upcoming Women's History Month events on Connect.

First Annual Health Workforce Well-Being Day

The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Clinician Well-Being Collaborative and founding partners have announced that March 18, 2024 is the first annual Health Workforce Well-Being (HWWB) Day. This day aims to recognize the importance of protecting health workers’ well-being to sustain our health system and ensure quality patient care. HWWB Day is also a day for action — learning from one another on the progress to advance the movement to support health worker well-being, and expand evidence-informed solutions to make systemwide changes to improve health worker well-being and transform cultures.

Learn more how health leaders, policymakers, health workers, and patients can participate on the day, as well as take further next steps in the movement.

Hospital Auxiliary Fundraiser Book Sale

March 18-March 21 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Link between University Hospital and West Complex | The UVA Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary is holding a sale with award-winning Usborne and Kane Miller books, Learning Wrap Ups, and SmartLab Toys for infants through middle school. Operating since 1908, the auxiliary raises money for special initiatives at the hospital, such as golf carts used by the Welcome Team to transport patients, pet therapy, music therapy, and flowers for patients. The Hospital Auxiliary provides aid and comfort to patients and their families through volunteer service or fundraising. Please stop by and support the auxiliary by finding a great gift for a young person in your life!

Dairy Queen — Dip It for Kids Free Cone Day

Tuesday, March 19 | Dairy Queen is celebrating Dip It For Kids Free Cone Day, when customers can dip their cone by donating $1 to their Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. This campaign kicks off the spring season for Dairy Queen and ignites their fundraising efforts for our hospital. In 2023, our locations raised more than $76,000 supporting kids and families at UVA Health Children’s. Participating locations include Harrisonburg Harmony Square, Harrisonburg Carlton St., Elkton, Bridgewater, Stuarts Draft, and Verona.

ROSE Program: Drop Off or Pick Up Reusable Office Supplies

Tuesday, March 19 | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Rooms 1 and 2 | Reusable Office Supply Exchange (ROSE) Program is a free service that collects new or gently used office supplies. Drop off office supplies or take what you need monthly. 

ECHO: Long COVID, Functional Implications

Wednesday, March 20 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Register | The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of collaboration among clinicians to address specific needs and challenges associated with providing care for people living in congregate communities. Free CME to registered attendees.

Quit Nicotine/Smoking Blue Ridge Program

Wednesdays, March 20-April 24 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Zoom | Free support for those who want to quit tobacco and nicotine. For residents of Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties. This program is a partner of the UVA Cancer Center’s Community Outreach and Education program. Contact Scott Mein for more information and to receive the Zoom link. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

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

• Thursday March 21 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday March 26 | 9 a.m.-noon
• Tuesday, April 2 | 9 a.m.-noon
• Thursday, April 11 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 17 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Friday, April 26 | noon-3 p.m.
• Monday, April 29 | 9 a.m.-noon

Art Reception: Magnify at The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative

Friday, March 22 | 6-9 p.m. | The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative, 306 Main St. | The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative will be hosting an art show featuring art made by Charlottesville High School (CHS) students based on neuroscience research conducted at UVA Health. Our scientists shared their research with the CHS art students from which the students took inspiration for their works. The show will be up through March 31.

Appreciation

Dress in Blue Day

March kicks off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and UVA Health celebrated with Dress in Blue Day to bring awareness to this disease, support our colleagues’ work, and honor all impacted by colorectal cancer. In 2023, an estimated 153,020 people were diagnosed with this highly preventable disease. They will join more than 1.4 million colorectal cancer patients and survivors living today. 

To mark this important awareness day, colleagues donned their blues and shared photos. Visit Connect to see images sent by your UVA Health colleagues! (If you missed sending your photo on Friday — it’s not too late! Email Connect and we’ll add it to the story.)

Learn more about colon cancer screenings.

Friday, March 15

Today Is Dress in Blue Day — Send Your Photos to Us

Friday, March 15 | March kicks off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and UVA Health is celebrating with Dress in Blue Day to bring awareness to this disease, support our colleagues’ work, and honor all impacted by colorectal cancer. 

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

Learn more about colon cancer screenings.

Ambulatory

Reminder: E-Visits Now Available for Adult Primary Care

Effective March 15, E-Visits are available to adult primary care providers across the health system. E-Visits are an Epic tool that helps providers respond to MyChart messages seeking medical advice that require provider time and expertise beyond a simple response, and document this care in the patient record. FAQs and an E-Visit User Guide have been created to help providers understand when and how to use E-Visits. E-Visits are most often used in primary care settings, but other departments interested in using E-Visits may request them by opening an HIT Help Desk ticket.

February Ambulatory Progress Report Now Available

Get the latest updates in the February Ambulatory Operations Report. This month’s report introduces a new feature highlighting key information about One Team | United on Access for faculty and other providers (see pages 5-6). It also includes Joint Commission news and reminders for University Medical Center ambulatory clinics, One Team updates, and our February Champions of Change.

Patient Care

New Epic Tools for Lung Cancer Screening

On Thursday, March 14, new tools for lung cancer screening will be implemented in Epic. Any patient aged 50-77 with a qualifying smoking history will be included in a new health maintenance plan. Additionally, a new order panel may be accessed from the Care Gaps section of the Storyboard, as well as in the newly updated Medicare Annual Wellness Visit smartset. For further information, contact Gina Engel, MD, or Jason Lyman, MD.

Operations

New Suicide Prevention Policy

In an effort to enhance patient care, and ensure we are operationally compliant with all regulatory processes and procedures, UVA Health is updating its policy on Suicide Prevention to create the safest care environment for patients at risk of self-harm. The revised policy will be available on PolicyTech and effective Tuesday, March 26. For details, refer to the March 12 email from Reid Adams, MD, Chief Medical Officer, and Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, Chief Nursing Officer.

• Learn more. If you are a patient-facing team member, you may be required to take a five-minute, computer-based tutorial on the revised policy. Please monitor your email for a Workday notification on the new training. Once you receive it, you will have two weeks to complete the course. You also may sign up for the training in Workday. On March 26, additional resources — including tips sheets and online training — will be made available. If you have questions about this revised policy, please email SIPrevention@uvahealth.org.

Test Patients in Epic

The use of test patients in the Epic production environment will be limited to approved scenarios using a pre-defined list of patient records. UVA Health Information Technology (HIT) is responsible for approving testing scenarios, creating the test patients, supporting the test scenarios, removing the creation of test patients, and supporting the testing records. Non-HIT team members may not create new test patients in the production environment. If a new test patient is needed, a request through IT Service Management should be sent to Grand Central — the Epic HIT team that supports patient flow — for review and approval. Questions? Contact the Epic Clinical and Revenue Cycle help desk at 434.924.5334.

Tune in to the Nightingale Channel

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

Leadership

Breakfast With Bennett at Battle Rescheduled

Wednesday, April 3 | 7-8 a.m. | UVA Health Battle Building, Quayle Learning Center | Register | After postponing the original February date, we are pleased to share that Breakfast With Bennett is coming to the Battle Building. Team members are invited to join UVA Health Chief Ambulatory Operations Officer John Bennett for this casual breakfast and informative conversation. Share your ideas and experiences, hear updates from the chief about the latest Ambulatory happenings, and network with colleagues. Seats are limited, so register today! This is a free event and team members do not have to work at the host location to attend.

UVA Health In the News

Top Story

• Dr. Craig Kent talks with NBC29 and CBS19 about the Cancer Moonshot visit to UVA Cancer Center, which is also featured in The Daily Progress and WTOP radio in Washington, D.C. (which also highlighted our efforts to boost colorectal cancer screening among Hispanic residents).

Patient Care

• Dr. Brian Weinshenker discusses multiple sclerosis during this week’s NBC29 segment.
• Becker’s Hospital Review features our Community Paramedicine team in a roundup of hospitals creating better ED experiences.
• Dr. Laurie Archbald-Pannone’s Conversation article on COVID boosters for seniors is featured nationally, including the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News.
• Dr. Craig Kent talks with NBC29 about Newsweek ranking University Medical Center the No. 1 hospital in Virginia. (This story is also featured on stations ranging from Ohio to Iowa.)

Research

• An Associated Press story about traumatic brain injury featuring Dr. James Stone continues to get strong pickup, including The Washington Post and PBS.
• Dr. Craig Kent and Dr. Lian-Wang Guo‘s high-tech approach to saving heart and dialysis patients from multiple surgeries continues to receive coverage, including from WSLS in Roanoke.
• Dr. Catherine Bonham’s research into how a blood test could predict long-term COVID lung problems is covered locally and is picked up by outlets nationally, including Yahoo.
• Dr. Siobhan Statuta talks with Everyday Health about how running a marathon affects your body.

Community

• Dr. Chris Holstege is featured locally and on stations from Richmond to Alaska discussing the use of ZYN nicotine pouches by high-school students.

Education

• Dr. Alyssa Mixon is featured locally and on stations from Biloxi to Birmingham talking with Louisa County students about healthy eating.

Happenings

The Wisdom, Well-Being, and Peer Support Training Program

This program provides a comprehensive approach to foster peer support skills in the healthcare workforce. Participants learn how to identify and reduce unnecessary stressors and how to improve resilience and communication skills. Register and complete the basic online training. For questions or additional information, email wwpst@virginia.edu. Read more on Connect.

Discounted Tickets | Virginia Baseball: Cavaliers vs. Wake Forest

Sunday, March 17 | 1 p.m. | Disharoon Park | UVA Athletics is offering discounted reserved ticket options to all team members for this game. Fans can purchase discounted reserved seats or take advantage of the ongoing youth ticket promotion. Kids attend all Virginia Baseball games for free in general admission seating areas with the purchase of at least one general admission ticket. Offer available online only. Purchase tickets.

UVA Exclusive Premiere Screening Featuring U.S. Surgeon General

Monday, March 18 | noon-1 p.m. | McLeod Hall Auditorium | To mark the first Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness — the UVA Compassionate Care Initiative, UVA Medical Center Hour, and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation will hold an exclusive premiere screening of a conversation between U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, and UVA Associate Professor and Director of the Compassionate Care Initiative Lili Powell, PhD. All medical and nursing students, as well as UVA Health team members, are invited to attend. 

Be the first to react to and discuss "Healing Healthcare,” a conversation that focuses on the national imperative to ensure well-being and mental health for all who work in healthcare. A few questions from UVA’s own nursing and medical students related to Dr. Murthy’s “Addressing Health Worker Burnout” advisory will be featured. Audience discussion follows. This event will kick off with an introduction of the inaugural Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness by Corey Feist, CEO of Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. 

Accredited continuing education provided by UVA School of Medicine and School of Nursing. Lunch will be provided to the first 100 participants. Register.

ROSE Program: Drop Off or Pick Up Reusable Office Supplies

Tuesday, March 19 | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Rooms 1 and 2 | Reusable Office Supply Exchange (ROSE) Program is a free service that collects new or gently used office supplies. Drop off office supplies or take what you need monthly. 

UVA Enlighten: New Path for Medical Center Team Members to Earn College Degree 

Accepting applications through May 15 | UVA Health University Medical Center leadership and UVA's School of Continuing and Professional Studies recently launched a new program — UVA Enlighten — that aligns with UVA Health’s journey to be a best place to work. This program, designed for University Medical Center team members, provides the first step in attaining an undergraduate degree. Learn more. Read more on Connect.

• Information session | Tuesday, March 19 | noon-1 p.m. | The School of Continuing and Professional Studies will host an information session for all prospective students. Register.

Flower Sale: Daisy Day 

Wednesday, March 20 | 9 a.m. | Daisy Day aims to brighten our patients’ lives with flowers. Volunteers will be making daisy flower arrangements, which will be delivered to all inpatients (who are allowed to have flowers). To help fund this effort, a sale of bouquets will occur on March 20, starting at 9 a.m. and will be available while supplies last. To purchase a beautiful vase arrangement for $5, stop by the cafeteria near Higher Grounds or the lobby near Volunteer Services. Sponsored by the UVA Hospital Auxiliary. 

Quit Nicotine/Smoking Blue Ridge Program

Wednesdays, March 20-April 24 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Zoom | Free support for those who want to quit tobacco and nicotine. For residents of Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties. This program is a partner of the UVA Cancer Center’s Community Outreach and Education program. Contact Scott Mein for more information and to receive the Zoom link. 

Last Chance: Rotating Art Exhibit 

Through Thursday, March 21 | University Medical Center lobby | Local Charlottesville artist Mary Jane Check will exhibit her art in the show “Eye Candy.” Stop by and check it out! 

Art Reception: Magnify at The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative

Friday, March 22 | 6-9 p.m. | The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative, 306 Main St. | The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative will be hosting an art show featuring art made by Charlottesville High School (CHS) students based on neuroscience research conducted at UVA Health. Our scientists shared their research with the CHS art students from which the students took inspiration for their works. The show will be up through March 31.

Protecting Health in a Changing Climate: Rising Heat and Health in Virginia

Saturday, April 13 | Claude Moore Nursing Education Building and Zoom | This conference will help you protect health, particularly for vulnerable communities and populations, through knowledge of evaluation and management of heat-related illness and will also help you advocate for policies that protect individuals, families, and communities from rising temperatures. Registration deadline is April 8. Learn more and register. Questions? Contact Linda Hanson.

Call for Nominations: 2024 Thomas Jefferson Awards

Deadline: Monday, April 15 | noon | The Thomas Jefferson Awards are the highest honors given to members of the University community. Award recipients exemplify the principles, ideals, and mission of the University in their character, work, and influence. The committee is now soliciting nominations for two Jefferson Awards — one for service and one for scholarship. Learn more. Questions? Contact the Thomas Jefferson Awards Committee or Cecil Banks, Executive Director for Major Events and External Relations. 

Save the Date: Annual Team Member Art Exhibit

July 11-Sept. 11 | Many team members have expressed interest in the annual Team Member Art Exhibit. This year, the exhibit will run from July to September. Watch this space in May for participation details. We look forward to seeing your art!

Appreciation | Special Double Edition!

‘A True Gem’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

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

• “I was provided with excellent customer service! This visit could not have been any better. I wish every medical care facility was this nice, well-coordinated, efficient, and staffed with the most pleasant professionals on the planet.”
• “It was a very good experience for me and my wife. I was fortunate to have Dr. Nicola as my hearing-aid doctor. She helped me improve my hearing with a very good hearing aid — allowing me to play golf without fear of losing them on the golf course — which is a very good relief for me. Dr. Nicola knows how to explain to me and my wife how to use the equipment. So far, they have worked very well. Thank you, Dr. Nicola.”
• “Destiny Dolin is a true gem. I had to communicate often with her due to my surgery getting canceled last minute as I had COVID. She is an amazing ambassador for the Plastics department, always responsive and understanding.”
• “Dr. Pinkerton came in to explain that she had a procedure and she would be right in. She made sure I was comfortable and warm while I waited an extra few minutes. Dr. Pinkerton always spends time with me, talking about my care. I'm very grateful for such excellent care.”

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

National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day

March 13 was National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day! The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognizes these experts during National Nutrition Month every year. At UVA Health, more than 75 dietitians care for patients and help them meet their health and nutrition goals.

Our registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are nationally credentialed and practice in all areas of health care from inpatient to outpatient to community. They provide medical nutrition therapy and nutrition counseling to adult, adolescent, and pediatric patients. Many RDNs work in specialized areas, such as transplant, nutrition support, oncology, renal, cardiology, GI, diabetes, bariatrics, neurology, and specialty pediatric areas —  just to name a few. Please extend (belated) gratitude to these important team members!

Wednesday, March 13

White House Leader Visits Following President Biden’s State of the Union Address

On Monday, March 11, following President Biden’s State of the Union Address, Danielle Carnival, PhD, Deputy Assistant to the President for the Cancer Moonshot and Director for Health Outcomes for Office of Science and Technology Policy, came to UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center to uplift new announcements made by the President to advance the goals of the Biden Cancer Moonshot and his Unity Agenda.

The Cancer Moonshot announced new commitments from seven leading health insurance companies to begin paying for navigation services for people living with cancer and their families. In total, these health insurers serve more than 150 million Americans across the country. 

Additionally, the Biden Cancer Moonshot announced 40 comprehensive cancer centers and community oncology practices nationwide that have committed to using the new navigation codes to deliver effective patient navigation to people facing cancer. Navigators guide families through every step of their cancer journey and have been shown to improve health outcomes and the patient experience by reducing times between diagnosis and treatment, and by increasing treatment completion.

Dr. Carnival discussed how this latest step will reduce cancer disparities, improve health outcomes, and create a pathway of continued support for more American families.

(Above image, from left: Thomas Loughran, MD; Blake Herring, MSN, RN, OCN, NE-BC; Dr. Carnival; Catherine Terrell, MSN, RN, OCN; Leigh Cantrell, MD; and Karen Ballen, MD. Photo by Kay Taylor.)

Patient Care

Newsweek Names UVA Health University Medical Center No. 1 Hospital in Virginia

Newsweek’s “World’s Best Hospitals 2024” guide ranks UVA Health University Medical Center as the No. 1 hospital in Virginia; No. 39 hospital in the United States; and among the world’s top 250. Read more on Connect.

New Epic Tools for Lung Cancer Screening

On Thursday, March 14, new tools for lung cancer screening will be implemented in Epic. Any patient aged 50-77 with a qualifying smoking history will be included in a new health maintenance plan. Additionally, a new order panel may be accessed from the Care Gaps section of the Storyboard, as well as in the newly updated Medicare Annual Wellness Visit smartset. For further information, contact Gina Engel, MD, or Jason Lyman, MD.

Operations

Joint Commission Readiness: Compliance Deficiency Action Report

UVA Health is now more than five weeks into its Survey Readiness Plan. To provide comprehensive oversight to Joint Commission (JC) chapter projects, a compliance deficiency action report (CDAR) has been created. The CDAR is an ongoing working document and includes: 

• All 2021 The Joint Commission (TJC) survey findings 
• All 2023 Vizient mock survey findings 
• Vizient findings from onsite visits (as applicable) 

Vizient advisors have continued to come for on-site visits every two weeks. During on-site visits, they will continue to review and assess compliance using the CDAR, as well as identify new items for correction. They will be available to discuss and support teams in immediate resolution. Learn more.

PolicyTech Document Cleanup

In February and March 2024, University Medical Center engaged in a broad project to clean up PolicyTech documents in preparation for The Joint Commission survey. For this project, 710 documents were identified as overdue for cyclical review. As of March 12, 95 documents have been revised, 160 documents have been reviewed with no substantive changes, and 356 documents have been retired. Thank you to the many team members across the institution who worked diligently to bring these documents into compliance. View the list of documents that have been revised, reviewed with no substantive changes, or retired.

Leadership

Breakfast With Bennett at Battle Rescheduled

Wednesday, April 3 | 7-8 a.m. | UVA Health Battle Building, Quayle Learning Center | Register | After postponing the original February date, we are pleased to share that Breakfast With Bennett is coming to the Battle Building. Team members are invited to join UVA Health Chief Ambulatory Operations Officer John Bennett for this casual breakfast and informative conversation. Share your ideas and experiences, hear updates from the chief about the latest Ambulatory happenings, and network with colleagues. Seats are limited, so register today! This is a free event and team members do not have to work at the host location to attend.

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Be Heard Breakfast at Night: Expanding Availability of My Team Member Collaboration Sessions!

In her new Vision and Voice post, Wendy Horton announced new weekend and evening dates for Be Heard Breakfast. Read more. 

February 2024 MCMG | Closing Reflections: Kate Bakich

During the February 2024 Medical Center Management Group meeting (MCMG), Kate Bakich, Administrator of IT Service Delivery, Education and Support, reflected on how she gets things done in a complex organization. Watch.

Happenings

The Wisdom, Well-Being, and Peer Support Training Program

This program provides a comprehensive approach to foster peer support skills in the healthcare workforce. Participants learn how to identify and reduce unnecessary stressors and how to improve resilience and communication skills. Register and complete the basic online training. For questions or additional information, email wwpst@virginia.edu. Read more on Connect.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Inflatable Colon on Display

Thursday, March 14 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | University Hospital cafeteria | A large, inflatable colon will be on display to help raise awareness during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Our community partner, Hitting Cancer Below the Belt, helped make this event and its awareness possible — and is a two-time grant recipient from UVA Cancer Center’s Community Grant program. Stop by the colon (and the table) to chat with UVA Cancer Center navigators. Learn more about colon cancer screening. 

UVA Pipelines and Pathways: Career Building 101 Workshop Series 

Learn the basics for building your career and get the tools you need to obtain your dream job at UVA or UVA Health. Questions? Contact Hollie Lee at 434.962.3996. Learn more and register.

• The Inside Scoop: Tips from a UVA Hiring Manager | Thursday, March 14 | noon-1:30 p.m. | Presented by Halima Walker, RN, Nurse Manager, Staffing Resource Office.
• Grow Your Career With Public Speaking | Tuesday, April 16 | noon-1:30 p.m. | Presented by Kristine Vey, LEED AP ID+C, UVA Construction Project Manager and Professional Development Coordinator.

School of Nursing Alumni Spotlight: Trina Kumodzi

Thursday, March 14 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | Join UVA School of Nursing PhD alumna Trina Kumodzi, a nurse scientist and an assistant professor of nursing at the University of Maryland, who studies gun violence and health. Learn more.

2024 Tegtmeyer Lecture | From Bedside to Biosphere: Embracing Planetary Health in Healthcare

Thursday, March 14 | 5-6 p.m. | Educational Resource Center, 2nd Floor, Auditorium A | UVA Radiology and Medical Imaging presents the 15th Annual Tegtmeyer Lecture. Reed A. Omary, MD, MS, the Carol D. and Henry P. Pendergrass Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, will deliver the lecture. Dr. Omary is an alumnus of UVA’s diagnostic radiology residency and completed his master’s degree in epidemiology at UVA. A welcome reception will be held 4:30-5 p.m. in the ERC auditorium lobby area.

Dress in Blue Day — Send Your Photos to Us

Friday, March 15 | March kicks off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and UVA Health is celebrating with Dress in Blue Day — which allows allies to join the mission to end colorectal cancer. By wearing blue, you bring awareness to this disease, support our colleagues’ work, and honor all impacted by colorectal cancer. Email photos of you (and your colleagues) wearing your best blue outfits on March 15 and we’ll share them on Connect. (Please include name and department in photo submissions.) Learn more about colon cancer screenings.

Jess Walters: Barriers to Belonging

Friday, March 15 | 8:30-10 a.m. | Welcome Gallery, 114 3rd St. NE, Charlottesville | Jess Walters (they/them) is a mixed-media artist, disability justice advocate, and independent scholar. As one of the inaugural Virginia Health Equity and Justice Fellows in collaboration with the UVA Center for Health Humanities and Ethics, Virginia Humanities, and the UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement, Jess is working to assess and improve accessibility accommodations in creative arts spaces throughout Charlottesville. Learn more and register.

UVA Enlighten: New Path for Medical Center Team Members to Earn College Degree 

Accepting applications through May 15 | UVA Health University Medical Center leadership and UVA's School of Continuing and Professional Studies recently launched a new program — UVA Enlighten — that aligns with UVA Health’s journey to be a best place to work. This program, designed for University Medical Center team members, provides the first step in attaining an undergraduate degree. Learn more. Read more on Connect.

• Information session | Tuesday, March 19 | noon-1 p.m. | The School of Continuing and Professional Studies will host an information session for all prospective students. Register. 

Hospital Auxiliary Fundraiser Book Sale

March 18-March 21 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Link between University Hospital and West Complex | The UVA Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary is holding a sale with award-winning Usborne and Kane Miller books, Learning Wrap Ups, and SmartLab Toys for infants through middle school. Operating since 1908, the auxiliary raises money for special initiatives at the hospital, such as golf carts used by the Welcome Team to transport patients, pet therapy, music therapy, and flowers for patients. The Hospital Auxiliary provides aid and comfort to patients and their families through volunteer service or fundraising. Please stop by and support the auxiliary by finding a great gift for a young person in your life!

ROSE Program: Drop Off or Pick Up Reusable Office Supplies

Tuesday, March 19 | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Rooms 1 and 2 | Reusable Office Supply Exchange (ROSE) Program is a free service that collects new or gently used office supplies. Drop off office supplies or take what you need monthly. 

Flower Sale: Daisy Day 

Wednesday, March 20 | 9 a.m. | Daisy Day aims to brighten our patients’ lives with flowers. Volunteers will be making daisy flower arrangements, which will be delivered to all inpatients (who are allowed to have flowers). To help fund this effort, a sale of bouquets will occur on March 20, starting at 9 a.m. and will be available while supplies last. To purchase a beautiful vase arrangement for $5, stop by the cafeteria near Higher Grounds or the lobby near Volunteer Services. Sponsored by the UVA Hospital Auxiliary. 

Quit Nicotine/Smoking Blue Ridge Program

Wednesdays, March 20-April 24 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Zoom | Free support for those who want to quit tobacco and nicotine. For residents of Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties. This program is a partner of the UVA Cancer Center’s Community Outreach and Education program. Contact Scott Mein for more information and to receive the Zoom link. 

Nominate a Great Nurse or Nursing Teacher for a Beta Kappa Award

Deadline: Sunday, March 31 | UVA School of Nursing’s 50-year-old Sigma honor society, Beta Kappa, seeks nominations for its annual awards, including the Community Service Award, the Research Dissemination Award, and the Nan Hilt Excellence in Practice Award. Nominees must be members of Sigma honor society. Contact Richard Ridge, PhD, RN, with questions.

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:

• Improving Lung Transplants | Researchers led by Swapnil K. Sonkusare, PhD (pictured), have identified a potential way to improve lung transplant success by preventing damage when blood flow is restored to the organ.
• Better Breast Care | A decision-making aid developed by Lynn Dengel, MD, and Crystal Chu, PhD, RN, to help women at high risk of breast cancer decide whether to add MRIs to their screening regimen has proved popular with both patients and care providers alike.
• Preventing Atherosclerosis | A new “atlas of atherosclerosis” developed by Clint L. Miller, PhD, and colleagues reveals, at the level of individual cells, key processes responsible for the harmful plaque buildup and advances efforts to find better ways to prevent and treat it.
• Understanding Alzheimer’s | George Bloom, PhD, and his team revealed how harmful tau proteins damage the essential operating instructions for our brain cells, a finding which could lead to new treatments.
• Omega-3s to Slow Lung Fibrosis | Higher levels of omega-3 in blood plasma is associated with better lung function and longer transplant-free survival among patients with pulmonary fibrosis, John Kim, MD, and his collaborators found.

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

Monday, March 11

Next Week: UVA Exclusive Premiere Screening Featuring U.S. Surgeon General

Monday, March 18 | noon-1 p.m. | McLeod Hall Auditorium | To mark the first Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness, the UVA Compassionate Care Initiative, UVA Medical Center Hour, and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation will hold an exclusive premiere screening of a conversation between U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, and UVA Associate Professor and Director of the Compassionate Care Initiative Lili Powell, PhD. All medical and nursing students, as well as UVA Health team members, are invited to attend. 

Be the first to react to and discuss "Healing Healthcare,” a conversation that focuses on the national imperative to ensure well-being and mental health for all who work in healthcare. A few questions from UVA’s own nursing and medical students related to Dr. Murthy’s “Addressing Health Worker Burnout” advisory will be featured. Audience discussion follows. This event will kick off with an introduction of the inaugural Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness by Corey Feist, CEO of Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. 

Accredited continuing education provided by UVA School of Medicine and School of Nursing. Lunch will be provided to the first 100 participants. Register.

Patient Care

Medical Care During Ramadan

Ramadan began on the evening of Sunday, March 10, and ends at sundown on Tuesday, April 9. 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.

Operations

Moving: 4 Central and 5 South

Monday, March 11 | As we continue to evaluate population needs, the inpatient Transplant Program has moved from 4 Central to 5 South with a 28-bed capacity. The Acute Care Medicine population has relocated from 5 South to 4 Central with a 17-bed capacity, with additional surge capacity.

Monthly Epic Update

Changes go live Tuesday, March 12 | This month’s Epic updates will impact ambulatory and inpatient licensed independent practitioners, nurses, and therapy services. Details about the latest changes can be found in the Epic Update Bundle. Questions? Contact the Help Desk at 434.924.5334.

Leadership

February 2024 MCMG | Succession Planning: Carolyn Cullen

During the February 2024 Medical Center Management Group (MCMG) meeting, Carolyn Cullen, MS, CPCC, CPRC, discussed succession planning. Watch the video to learn more about the resources available to help team members with their career development, and what tools managers have to support them along the way.

Human Resources

New Workday Hubs Available to University Medical Center and UPG Team Members

The Benefits and Pay Hub combines the functionality of the Benefits and My Pay apps into one convenient platform. Easily access your pay details, benefit expenses, one-time payments, current compensation, and more with quick links for adjusting preferences and accessing tax documents. Discover perks like education benefits, wellness programs, and discounts through the UVA Discount Program, all while getting a snapshot of the value of your Total Rewards statement. 

A new Jobs Hub consolidates the functions of Find UVA Jobs, My Jobs Alerts, My Applications, and My Referrals into one place and brings additional search filters to internal job postings. Search for “Jobs Hub” in the search field and personalize your menu of apps in Workday by going to Menu/Add Apps, then add “Jobs Hub.”

Explore these new features today to maximize your understanding of benefits, pay, and jobs in Workday. For more details, visit the Workday Announcements and News webpage.

Happenings

Women’s History Month: Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Throughout March, we join communities across the country to recognize Women’s History Month, a time to honor the accomplishments of women across all facets of life, including science and medicine. This year, we come together under the national theme, "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," to honor the dedicated efforts of women at UVA Health throughout our organization's history and present day. Check out upcoming Women's History Month events on Connect.

South Tower Lights Turn Blue for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March 11-15 | Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, behind only lung cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 153,020 people in the United States received a diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer in 2023. Approximately 52,550 died of it. In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, UVA Health will be lighting the South Tower blue this week. Learn more about colon cancer screening. 

Cancer Screening Landscape Webinar Series: Prostate Cancer Screening

Wednesday, March 13 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Learn about the latest prostate cancer screening information including guidelines, best practices, issues, and policies with a focus on interventions that can reduce barriers to cancer screening. Presented by Andrew Wolf, MD, MACP. Learn more and register.

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

Wednesday, March 13 | 6-7 p.m. | Zoom | Register | Join Virginia’s No. 1 RN to BSN, a part-time, executive-format program designed for working nurses ready to tap the personal, professional, and financial benefits of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Courses are taught mostly online with a once-a-month, in-person gathering.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Inflatable Colon on Display

Thursday, March 14 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | University Hospital cafeteria | A large, inflatable colon will be on display to help raise awareness during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Our community partner, Hitting Cancer Below the Belt, helped make this event (and its awareness) possible — and is a two-time grant recipient from UVA Cancer Center’s Community Grant program. Stop by the colon (and the table) to chat with UVA Cancer Center navigators. Learn more about colon cancer screening. 

UVA Pipelines and Pathways: Career Building 101 Workshop Series 

Learn the basics for building your career and get the tools you need to obtain your dream job at UVA or UVA Health. Questions? Contact Hollie Lee at 434.962.3996. Learn more and register.

• The Inside Scoop: Tips from a UVA Hiring Manager | Thursday, March 14 | noon-1:30 p.m. | Presented by Halima Walker, RN, Nurse Manager, Staffing Resource Office.
• Grow Your Career With Public Speaking | Tuesday, April 16 | noon-1:30 p.m. | Presented by Kristine Vey, LEED AP ID+C, UVA Construction Project Manager and Professional Development Coordinator.

School of Nursing Alumni Spotlight: Trina Kumodzi

Thursday, March 14 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | Join UVA School of Nursing PhD alumna Trina Kumodzi, a nurse scientist and an assistant professor of nursing at the University of Maryland, who studies gun violence and health. Learn more.

2024 Tegtmeyer Lecture | From Bedside to Biosphere: Embracing Planetary Health in Healthcare

Thursday, March 14 | 5-6 p.m. | Educational Resource Center, 2nd Floor, Auditorium A | UVA Radiology and Medical Imaging presents the 15th Annual Tegtmeyer Lecture. Reed A. Omary, MD, MS, the Carol D. and Henry P. Pendergrass Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, will deliver the lecture. Dr. Omary is an alumnus of UVA’s diagnostic radiology residency and completed his master’s degree in epidemiology at UVA. A welcome reception will be held 4:30-5 p.m. in the ERC auditorium lobby area.

Dress in Blue Day — Send Your Photos to Us

Friday, March 15 | March kicks off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and UVA Health is celebrating with Dress in Blue Day — which allows allies to join the mission to end colorectal cancer. By wearing blue, you bring awareness to this disease, support our colleagues’ work, and honor all impacted by colorectal cancer. Email photos of you (and your colleagues) wearing your best blue outfits on March 15 and we’ll share them on Connect. (Please include name and department in photo submissions.) Learn more about colon cancer screenings.

Jess Walters: Barriers to Belonging

Friday, March 15 | 8:30-10 a.m. | Welcome Gallery, 114 3rd St. NE, Charlottesville | Jess Walters (they/them) is a mixed-media artist, disability justice advocate, and independent scholar. As one of the inaugural Virginia Health Equity and Justice Fellows in collaboration with The UVA Center for Health Humanities and Ethics, Virginia Humanities, and the UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement, Jess is working to assess and improve accessibility accommodations in creative arts spaces throughout Charlottesville. Learn more and register.

Hospital Auxiliary Fundraiser Book Sale

March 18-March 21 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Link between University Hospital and West Complex | The UVA Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary is holding a sale with award-winning Usborne and Kane Miller books, Learning Wrap Ups, and SmartLab Toys for infants through middle school. Operating since 1908, the Auxiliary raises money for special initiatives at the hospital, such as golf carts used by the Welcome Team to transport patients, pet therapy, music therapy, and flowers for patients. The Hospital Auxiliary provides aid and comfort to patients and their families through volunteer service or fundraising. Please stop by and support the Auxiliary by finding a great gift for a young person in your life!

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

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

• Thursday, March 21 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 26 | 9 a.m.-noon

Appreciation

March Is Child Life Month

This global observance raises awareness of a 100-year-old career field in which child life specialists are certified by the Association of Child Life Professionals. “This team is small but mighty and does incredibly meaningful work that many people don’t know about. The impact that UVA Health Child Life has on the patients and families we serve is inspiring!” says Amy L. Cesak, Certified Child Life Specialist and Manager of Patient and Family Centered Care and Child Life Services. 

UVA Health’s certified Child Life Specialists help our youngest patients and their families cope with the challenges of illness, procedures, treatments, and more that can cause fear, anxiety, and stress. They provide evidence-based, developmentally, and psychologically appropriate interventions rooted in play, preparation, support, and education.

They also offer guidance to parents balancing the needs of their child in the hospital and siblings at home.
Thank you to Child Life for supporting our UVA Health strategic plan initiatives of superior quality, patient safety, and outcomes; easy access and experience of care; work as one UVA Health Team; and community engagement and healthy equity — to ensure health and hope for all! Learn more on Connect.

Friday, March 8

Town Hall Video Replay: One UVA Health Better Together

If you missed the town hall, here’s a chance to catch up. In the last in a series of five videos, UVA Health leaders discuss, “How are we as one UVA Health better together than individually?” Watch now.

The discussion was moderated by K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health and included: Marianne Baernholdt, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, Dean, UVA School of Nursing; Wendy Horton, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health University Medical Center; J. Scott Just, MD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Physicians Group; Melina R. Kibbe, MD, Dean, UVA School of Medicine; and Michelle Strider, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, UVA Community Health. Previously shared:

• Ensuring Best Outcomes
• Building a Workplace of Choice
• Expanding Research Initiatives
• Ensuring Quality Care for All Virginians

Patient Care

Medical Care During Ramadan

Ramadan will begin the evening of Sunday, March 10, and end at sundown on Tuesday, April 9. 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.

Operations

Moving: 4 Central and 5 South

Monday, March 11 | As we continue to evaluate population needs, the inpatient Transplant Program will move from 4 Central to 5 South with a 28-bed capacity. The Acute Care Medicine population will relocate from 5 South to 4 Central with a 17-bed capacity, with additional surge capacity.

Monthly Epic Update

Changes go live Tuesday, March 12 | This month’s Epic updates will impact ambulatory and inpatient licensed independent practitioners, nurses, and therapy services. Details about the latest changes can be found in the Epic Update Bundle. Questions? Contact the Help Desk at 434.924.5334.

Leadership

Dr. Monica Lawrence Named Designated Institutional Official

Following an extensive national search, UVA Health University Medical Center has selected Dr. Monica Lawrence as our new Designated Institutional Official (DIO) and Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education (GME), effective April 8. In this role, Dr. Lawrence will supervise all GME programs, overseeing approximately 850 residents, fellows, and trainees across our organization. Read more on Connect.

January 2024 MCMG Closing Reflections: Krista Barnes

During the January 2024 Medical Center Management Group (MCMG) meeting, Krista Barnes, JD, Chief Corporate Compliance and Privacy Officer, reflected on the qualities of a good leader. She emphasized the most crucial aspect that made her reluctant to leave her previous job was the exceptional support she received from her boss. Watch.

Breakfast With Bennett at Battle Rescheduled

Wednesday, April 3 | 7-8 a.m. | UVA Health Battle Building, Quayle Learning Center | Register | After postponing the original February date, we are pleased to share that Breakfast With Bennett is coming to the Battle Building. Team members are invited to join UVA Health Chief Ambulatory Operations Officer John Bennett for this casual breakfast and informative conversation. Share your ideas and experiences, hear updates from the chief about the latest Ambulatory happenings, and network with colleagues. Seats are limited, so register today! This is a free event and team members do not have to work at the host location to attend.

UVA Health in the News

Top Story

• An Associated Press story about traumatic brain injury featuring Dr. James Stone is picked up by hundreds of news outlets around the world, including ABC News, CBS News, The Independent, and U.S. News & World Report.

Patient Care

• Dr. Ziv Haskal discusses prostatic artery embolization during this week’s NBC29 segment.
• Wendy Horton, PharmD, talks with CBS19 about our success at hiring and retaining nurses.
• Dr. Mitch Rosner discusses hydrogen water with The New York Times.
• Dr. Karen Fairchild and Dr. Jagadish Elumalai talk to CBS19, Potomac Local, Culpeper Star-Exponent, and Prince William Living about the telehealth connection between Prince William Medical Center and UVA Health Children’s.
• In The Atlantic and New York magazine, Dr. Costi Sifri is featured addresses the CDC’s change to COVID isolation guidelines.
• Daniellg Griggs is interviewed on the Becker’s Hospital Review podcast.

Research

• Dr. Craig Kent and Dr. Lian-Wang Guo are featured locally and on TV stations ranging from Michigan to Alabama discussing their high-tech approach to saving heart and dialysis patients from multiple surgeries.
• Dr. Craig Kent is featured in this WVTF (Virginia NPR affiliate) story discussing a donation to support Alzheimer’s research at the Manning Institute of Biotechnology.
• The BBC features Dr. Alban Gaultier’s research into whether the bacteria found in yogurt can improve mental health.
• An article from Dr. Kyle Enfield describing what we know about how to treat persistent coughs is picked up in news outlets nationally, including the San Francisco Chronicle and Houston Chronicle. 

Community

• A visit by UVA men’s basketball players to UVA Health Children’s and UVA Cancer Center is covered locally and across the U.S., including in Wisconsin and Georgia.

Education

• Dr. Vivian Pinn talks with The Cancer Letter about becoming the second black woman to graduate from the UVA School of Medicine.

Happenings

The Wisdom, Well-Being, and Peer Support Training Program

This program provides a comprehensive approach to foster peer support skills in the healthcare workforce. Participants learn how to identify and reduce unnecessary stressors and how to improve resilience and communication skills. Register and complete the basic online training. For questions or additional information, email wwpst@virginia.edu. Read more on Connect.

Rotating Art Exhibit 

Through Thursday, March 21 | University Medical Center lobby | Local Charlottesville artist Mary Jane Check will exhibit her art in the show “Eye Candy.” Stop by and check it out! 

Mental Hygiene 101: Self-Care Tools for Optimal Well-Being and Resilience

Monday, March 11 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join this Hoos Well reward-eligible webinar to gain an understanding of mental hygiene, explore self-care techniques to proactively manage your daily mental well-being, and create your own personalized mental hygiene toolbox for optimal cognitive performance and resilience. Details.

Cancer Screening Landscape Webinar Series: Prostate Cancer Screening

Wednesday, March 13 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Learn about the latest prostate cancer screening information including guidelines, best practices, issues, and policies with a focus on interventions that can reduce barriers to cancer screening. Presented by Andrew Wolf, MD, MACP. Learn more and register.

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

Wednesday, March 13 | 6-7 p.m. | Zoom | Register | Join Virginia’s No. 1 RN to BSN, a part-time, executive-format program designed for working nurses ready to tap the personal, professional, and financial benefits of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Courses are taught mostly online with a once-a-month, in-person gathering.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Inflatable Colon on Display

Thursday, March 14 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | University Hospital cafeteria | A large, inflatable colon will be on display to help raise awareness during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Our community partner, Hitting Cancer Below the Belt, helped make this event (and its awareness) possible — and is a two-time grant recipient from UVA Cancer Center’s Community Grant program. Stop by the colon (and the table) to chat with UVA Cancer Center navigators. Learn more about colon cancer screening. 

UVA Pipelines and Pathways: Career Building 101 Workshop Series 

Learn the basics for building your career and get the tools you need to obtain your dream job at UVA or UVA Health. Questions? Contact Hollie Lee at 434.962.3996. Learn more and register.

• The Inside Scoop: Tips from a UVA Hiring Manager | Thursday, March 14 | noon-1:30 p.m. | Presented by Halima Walker, RN, Nurse Manager, Staffing Resource Office.
• Grow Your Career With Public Speaking | Tuesday, April 16 | noon-1:30 p.m. | Presented by Kristine Vey, LEED AP ID+C, UVA Construction Project Manager and Professional Development Coordinator.

School of Nursing Alumni Spotlight: Trina Kumodzi

Thursday, March 14 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | Join UVA School of Nursing PhD alumna Trina Kumodzi, a nurse scientist and an assistant professor of nursing at the University of Maryland, who studies gun violence and health. Learn more.

Dress in Blue Day — Send Your Photos to Us

Friday, March 15 | March kicks off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and UVA Health is celebrating with Dress in Blue Day — which allows allies to join the mission to end colorectal cancer. By wearing blue, you bring awareness to this disease, support our colleagues’ work, and honor all impacted by colorectal cancer. Email photos of you (and your colleagues) wearing your best blue outfits on March 15 and we’ll share them on Connect. (Please include name and department in photo submissions.) Learn more about colon cancer screenings.

UVA Exclusive Premiere Screening Featuring America’s Top Doctor

Monday, March 18 | noon-1 p.m. | McLeod Hall Auditorium | To mark the first Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness — the UVA Compassionate Care Initiative, UVA Medical Center Hour, and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation will hold an exclusive premiere screening of a conversation between U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, and UVA Associate Professor and Director of the Compassionate Care Initiative Lili Powell, PhD. All medical and nursing students, as well as UVA Health team members, are invited to attend. 

Be the first to react to and discuss "Healing Healthcare,” a conversation that focuses on the national imperative to ensure well-being and mental health for all who work in healthcare. A few questions from UVA’s own nursing and medical students related to Dr. Murthy’s “Addressing Health Worker Burnout” advisory will be featured. Audience discussion follows. This event will kick-off with an introduction of the inaugural Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness by Corey Feist, CEO of Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. 

Accredited continuing education provided by UVA School of Medicine and School of Nursing. Lunch will be provided to the first 100 participants. Register.

Appreciation

‘Medicine at Its Best’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

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

• “A heated massage chair and a comforting picture on the CT ceiling were much appreciated. Also, thank you for the snack basket goodies on the way out. I could feel the happiness of the staff working together. Someone said this was their second family. Medicine at its best.”
• “The whole of the emergency room personnel were efficient and quick to treat my injury. I was impressed with how I was received into the ER and how the process was orchestrated, so that so many procedures could be going on at the same time.”
• “I wish I could remember the name of the lady who performed my mammo — she is retiring this summer after 40 years with UVA Health — she was the absolute best. Of all the mammos I have had in the past, this was hands down the most pleasant experience. I also work at UVA Health and I hope I help my patients feel as comfortable as she made me.”
• “NP Emily Kock saved my life, because she took time to listen to me and my concerns. You are lucky to have her.”

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

Wednesday, March 6

Women’s History Month: Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Throughout March, we join communities across the country to recognize Women’s History Month, a time to honor the accomplishments of women across all facets of life, including science and medicine. This year, we come together under the national theme, "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," to honor the dedicated efforts of women at UVA Health throughout our organization's history and present day. 

Check out upcoming Women's History Month events on Connect.

Operations

Moving: 4 Central and 5 South

Monday, March 11 | As we continue to evaluate population needs, the inpatient Transplant Program will move from 4 Central to 5 South with a 28-bed capacity. The Acute Care Medicine population will relocate from 5 South to 4 Central with a 17-bed capacity, with additional surge capacity.

Leadership

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Inspiring Inclusion: Nominate Women Who Champion Equity at UVA Health

In her new Vision and Voice post, Wendy Horton asks team members to submit their nominations for women who inspire inclusion every day at the medical center. Read more. 

• There are still a few spots left for Wendy’s Be Heard Breakfast on March 8, at 9 a.m. Come together and chat with colleagues from across UVA Health University Medical Center. Sign up.

Happenings

Vote in STAT Madness: Two Major UVA Discoveries Vie for 2023’s Biggest Scientific Advancement

The editors of prominent health news site STAT have selected 64 of last year’s most important, innovative, and exciting scientific advances, including two from UVA School of Medicine. Those 64 will now duke it out in an online bracket tournament, STAT Madness, which is the scientific equivalent of the NCAA basketball tournament. Online voting will determine which findings advance through each round — and the ultimate winner. Voting is already under way — the bracket is now available. Voting in the first round of STAT Madness continues for seven days, and the championship round concludes April 4. Make sure to vote for UVA Health every day!

The Wisdom, Well-Being, and Peer Support Training Program

This program provides a comprehensive approach to foster peer support skills in the healthcare workforce. Participants learn how to identify and reduce unnecessary stressors and how to improve resilience and communication skills. Register and complete the basic online training. For questions or additional information, email wwpst@virginia.edu. Read more on Connect.

Cancer Screening Landscape Webinar Series: Prostate Cancer Screening

Wednesday, March 13 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Learn about the latest prostate cancer screening information including guidelines, best practices, issues, and policies with a focus on interventions that can reduce barriers to cancer screening. Presented by Andrew Wolf, MD, MACP. Learn more and register.

2024 Tegtmeyer Lecture | From Bedside to Biosphere: Embracing Planetary Health in Healthcare

Thursday, March 14 | 5-6 p.m. | Educational Resource Center, 2nd Floor, Auditorium A | UVA Radiology and Medical Imaging presents the 15th Annual Tegtmeyer Lecture. Reed A. Omary, MD, MS, the Carol D. and Henry P. Pendergrass Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, will deliver the lecture. Dr. Omary is an alumnus of UVA’s diagnostic radiology residency and completed his master’s degree in epidemiology at UVA. A welcome reception will be held 4:30-5 p.m. in the ERC auditorium lobby area.

ECHO: Long COVID, Functional Implications

Wednesday, March 20 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Register | The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of collaboration among clinicians to address specific needs and challenges associated with providing care for people living in congregate communities. Free CME to registered attendees.

Nominate a Great Nurse or Nursing Teacher for a Beta Kappa Award

Deadline: Sunday, March 31 | UVA School of Nursing’s 50-year-old Sigma honor society, Beta Kappa, seeks nominations for its annual awards, including The Community Service Award, the Research Dissemination Award, and the Nan Hilt Excellence in Practice Award. Nominees must be members of Sigma honor society. Contact Richard Ridge, PhD, RN, with questions.

BSF-ERG Awards Luncheon and Call for Nominations

Thursday, April 25 | noon-2 p.m. | Newcomb Hall, Commonwealth Room | RSVP by April 19 | 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: Friday, March 8 | The BFS-ERG is seeking nominations for the Armstead Robinson Faculty Recognition Award and the Lincoln Vernon Lewis Staff Recognition Award. Nominate.

Appreciation

Thank You to Our Social Worker Team Members

In celebration of Social Work Month, Leon Henry, MSW, LCSW, Ambulatory Social Work Manager, shares: “I want to express gratitude on behalf of the University Medical Center leadership team and care management. I have been blessed with the opportunity to engage with workers assigned to various units across inpatient units and in the ambulatory space. In doing so, I am moved — day in and day out — as a result of the work we do. The impact we have on patient care is invaluable and the value we bring to patient experience is immeasurable.”

“To my social worker colleagues: regardless of what department or patient population you are assigned, please know you are seen, respected, and appreciated. It takes a special person to sign up to be a social worker. We provide care for the most vulnerable patients in our health system; people who struggle everyday just to have their basic needs met during these challenging times.

“Thank you, UVA Health social workers, for your advocacy and commitment to providing patient care at the highest level. Also, I am grateful to University Medical Center leadership, who has been supportive and has prioritized the mission of addressing social determinants of health barriers.” 

Thank you for sharing this heartfelt message, Leon. And we echo his sentiment: UVA Health social workers are the best!

Monday, March 4

Vote in STAT Madness: Two Major UVA Discoveries Vie for 2023’s Biggest Scientific Advancement

The editors of prominent health news site STAT have selected 64 of last year’s most important, innovative, and exciting scientific advances, including two from UVA’s School of Medicine. Those 64 will now duke it out in an online bracket tournament, STAT Madness, which is the scientific equivalent of the NCAA basketball tournament. Online voting will determine which findings advance through each round — and the ultimate winner. Voting is already under way — the bracket is now available. Voting in the first round of STAT Madness continues for seven days, and the championship round concludes April 4. Make sure to vote for UVA every day!

Operations

Take the PolicyTech Survey

On Feb. 21, the University Medical Center PolicyTech Survey launched. PolicyTech is our agency’s document management system to house institutional policies, procedures, clinical guidelines, and protocol orders. This is a survey that allows everyone to provide feedback on our PolicyTech system to drive improvement. Everyone listed as a user in PolicyTech received an email invitation to participate. The survey is optional. The required task that users received from PolicyTech was a system error. The survey is not a requirement. This has been corrected so you should no longer have a task on your list. If interested, you can access the survey directly. For questions related to the survey, please contact PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org.

Planned Power Outage: New Switchgear Testing 

Wednesday, March 6 | 1-3 a.m. | Testing and commissioning of the new Switchgear will include 20 individual, short power outages of one minute. During these outages, the pneumatic tube system will be out of service. To accommodate operations, pneumatic tube runners will be available: two assigned to Pharmacy; one assigned to the Emergency Department; and five floating runners for University Hospital, Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center, and West Complex (Toxicology). Please note: 

• Not every department will experience every short power outage.
• The West and Central inpatient towers, the East Garage, and miscellaneous distribution on floors 0, 1, and 2 will be included in outages between 1 to 1:30 a.m.
• The East inpatient tower and miscellaneous distribution on floors 0, 1, and 2 will be included in the outages between 1:30 to 2 a.m. 
• All floors mentioned above will be included in the outages between 2 to 2:30 a.m.
• Extra time will be allowed for adjustments during testing from 2:30 to 3 a.m.
• These outages only apply to normal power outlets and normal power lighting. Emergency power, red receptacles, and emergency power lighting will not be impacted. Please make sure that critical devices are plugged into red outlets during this window of time. 
• These outages mostly affect University Hospital, including patient towers. They do not affect the South Tower, South Addition, or operating rooms. Affected equipment includes dietary and laundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers, copy machines, desktop computers, and pumps and fans not on emergency power.

The above times do not include cords and walk-throughs prior to outages. Managers: please alert overnight staff. Questions? Contact Todd Gibson, Health System Physical Plant Electric, or Scott Guynes, Senior Construction Administration Manager, at 434.282.3794.

Moving: 4 Central and 5 South

Monday, March 11 | As we continue to evaluate population needs, the inpatient Transplant Program will be moving from 4 Central to 5 South with a 28-bed capacity. The Acute Care Medicine population will be relocating from 5 South to 4 Central with a 17-bed capacity, with additional surge capacity.

Leadership

Celebrate Women’s History Month

Throughout March, we join communities across the country to recognize Women’s History Month, a time to honor the accomplishments of women across all facets of life, including science and medicine. This year, we come together under the national theme, "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," to honor the dedicated efforts of women at UVA Health throughout our organization's history and present day. Read more on Connect.

Breakfast With Bennett Heads to Fishersville

Wednesday, March 27 | 7-8 a.m. | UVA Health – Augusta, 57 Beam Lane, Fishersville | Register | Team members are invited to join UVA Health Chief Ambulatory Operations Officer John Bennett for a casual breakfast and conversation at UVA Health – Augusta in Fishersville. Share your ideas and experiences, hear updates from the chief about the latest Ambulatory happenings, and network with colleagues. Seats are limited, so register today! This is a free event and team members do not have to work at the host location to attend.

Human Resources

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor

Wednesday, March 6 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Room 3 | Ask questions and discuss your benefits with a Human Resources counselor. Walk-ins welcome. See monthly dates.

Happenings

Sign Up to Donate Blood

Tuesday, March 5 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Battle Building, First Floor | Quayle Learning Center | 1204 West Main St. | Support the American Red Cross — UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products — in alleviating the severe blood shortage by volunteering to donate blood. Sign up by emailing giveblood@uvahealth.org or visiting redcrossblood.org. Swag alert: Donate March 1-24 and receive a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice. Plus, you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 gift card. Terms apply.

Tuesday Talks With Locus

Tuesday, March 5 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Novella Thompson, Administrator, Population Health, discusses “Unlocking Access: Transforming Healthcare Delivery Through Population Health Programs That Leverage Innovative Technology.“ Register.

Staff Appreciation Breakfast

Wednesday, March 6 | 7-9 a.m. | Newcomb Hall, 2nd floor | Come for a sit-down meal or grab breakfast and/or a cup of coffee to go. Pancakes, sausage, eggs, oatmeal from the Hoos Well oatmeal bar, and fruit will be served along with vegan and gluten-free options. Catered by the Fresh Food Company. No RSVP required. Free parking available at Central Grounds Parking Garage. 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. Look for the UVA bus displaying Staff Appreciation Breakfast messaging.

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

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

• Wednesday, March 6 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Monday, March 11 | 8 -11 a.m.
• Thursday, March 21 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 26 | 9 a.m.-noon

Medical Center Hour | Everything Keeps Changing! Lessons of COVID-19 for Pandemic Surveillance

Wednesday, March 6 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium and Zoom | Marc Lipsitch, DPhil, Professor of Epidemiology, Director, Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, describes a decision-focused notion of design for surveillance systems that are designed to detect, track, characterize, and tailor treatment or prevention of new pathogens and variants.

Women's History Month | SOM Student Stories: A Panel Discussion

Thursday, March 7 | 7-8 p.m. | Zoom | RSVP | UVA School of Medicine Student Stories series offers an opportunity for exceptional student leaders to share more about their educational journeys, future aspirations, and experiences they’ve had navigating their way into medical and doctoral programs. Featured panelists include (pictured) Kendall Bromley (PhD student, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics), Hirra Chaudhary (medical student), Dana May (PhD student, Neuroscience Graduate Program), and Laiba Murad (medical student).

Mental Hygiene 101: Self-Care Tools for Optimal Well-Being and Resilience

Monday, March 11 | noon-1 p.m. | Join this Hoos Well reward-eligible webinar to gain an understanding of mental hygiene, explore self-care techniques to proactively manage your daily mental well-being, and create your own personalized mental hygiene toolbox for optimal cognitive performance and resilience. Details.

BSF-ERG Awards Luncheon and Call for Nominations

Thursday, April 25 | noon-2 p.m. | Newcomb Hall, Commonwealth Room | RSVP by April 19 | 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: Friday, March 8 | The BFS-ERG is seeking nominations for the Armstead Robinson Faculty Recognition Award and the Lincoln Vernon Lewis Staff Recognition Award. Nominate.

Appreciation

Wonderful Collaboration

Virginia Master Naturalists (VMN) has named The Cleopatra Project — a collaboration among VMN, UVA School of Medicine, and UVA Health’s Blue Ridge Poison Center — as the Most Impactful Project of the Year.

The outreach program by VMN chapters across the state aims to educate the public on how to live safely and respectfully with Virginia’s poisonous and venomous animals.

Virginia Master Naturalist Alfred Goossens led the project in 2021, in response to hundreds of reports of human exposure to poisonous and venomous animals annually in the state. The resulting peer-reviewed reference guide, featuring 32 poisonous and venomous animals in Virginia, is available online. Printed copies also are distributed, and The Cleopatra Project team hosts presentations at libraries and to volunteer and professional groups.

“It has been a wonderful collaborative partnership to work with the Virginia Master Naturalists to create this award-winning publication that helps to educate the public on these amazing animals found within Virginia’s natural habitats,” says Christopher Holstege, MD, UVA Professor of Emergency Medicine; Chief, UVA School of Medicine Division of Medical Toxicology; and Medical Director, UVA Health’s Blue Ridge Poison Center (pictured).

A companion guide, The Socrates Project: Poisonous Plants of Virginia, also is available. Thank you to all involved for cultivating healthy communities statewide!

Friday, March 1

UVA Exclusive Premiere Screening Featuring America’s Top Doctor

Monday, March 18 | noon-1 p.m. | McLeod Hall Auditorium | To mark the first Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness, the UVA Compassionate Care Initiative, UVA Medical Center Hour, and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation will hold an exclusive premiere screening of a conversation between U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, and UVA Associate Professor and Director of the Compassionate Care Initiative Lili Powell, PhD. All medical and nursing students, as well as UVA Health team members, are invited to attend. 

Be the first to react to and discuss "Healing Healthcare,” a conversation that focuses on the national imperative to ensure well-being and mental health for all who work in healthcare. A few questions from UVA’s own nursing and medical students related to Dr. Murthy’s “Addressing Health Worker Burnout” advisory will be featured. Audience discussion follows. This event will kick-off with an introduction of the inaugural Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness by Corey Feist, CEO of Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. 

Accredited continuing education provided by UVA School of Medicine and School of Nursing. Lunch will be provided to the first 100 participants. Register.

Patient Care

Same Day Care Clinic Available for Acute and Urgent Care Overflow 

As respiratory and other illnesses circulate in our area, ambulatory clinics are reminded that UVA Health Same Day Care (SDC) is an available overflow option for acute/urgent adult patients, offering provider and nurse visits. In order to be seen at SDC, patients must be scheduled by a UVA Health clinic, department, or provider. Team members may schedule appointments directly in the “JPA Same Day CL” Epic department using visit type “PC Same Day.”

Pediatric patients should not be scheduled at SDC, nor should patients with emergent issues such as chest pain, suspicion of stroke, etc. Same Day Care is not a walk-in urgent care — patients need an appointment. For questions, contact Ben Dolewski, Ambulatory Director, Primary Care.

Operations

Planned Medical Gas Outage

7 p.m. Friday, March 1, through 8 p.m., Sunday, March 3 | A planned medical gas outage will affect magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and interventional neuroradiology (INR). During this time, any INR cases requiring anesthesia will take place in interventional radiology (IR) room 6, located on the second floor of the IR department. To ensure that we can continue to provide safe and effective care to patients during this outage, each affected area has been stocked with portable suction and supplemental oxygen. If you are responding to a code event or other medical emergency in one of these areas during this time, please realize that wall-based oxygen outlets will be non-functional. Use supplemental oxygen in the provided tanks. Similarly, wall-based suction will not be functioning — instead, use the portable suction devices. Please share this information with your team and reach out to Rebekah Billings with questions or concerns about code response. For renovation project questions, please contact Hunter Durrer. 

Take the PolicyTech Survey

On Feb. 21, the University Medical Center PolicyTech Survey launched. PolicyTech is our agency’s document management system to house institutional policies, procedures, clinical guidelines, and protocol orders. This is a survey that allows everyone to provide feedback on our PolicyTech system to drive improvement. Everyone listed as a user in PolicyTech received an email invitation to participate. The survey is optional. The required task that users received from PolicyTech was a system error. The survey is not a requirement. This has been corrected so you should no longer have a task on your list. If interested, you can access the survey directly. For questions related to the survey, please contact PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org.

RVA2UVA Commuter Vanpool

Do you live in Richmond, Short Pump, the West End, Goochland, Chesterfield, Henrico, or a nearby area? Join the RVA2UVA Commuter Vanpool and get dropped off from and picked up at UVA Health. Details: 

• Costs approximately $150 per month (includes vehicle, gas, and parking).
• Departs from Gaskins Road Park and Ride (exit 180) at 6:10 a.m. and Rockville/Manakin Park and Ride (exit 173) at 6:20 a.m. Arrives at UVA Health at 7:15 a.m.
• Afternoon departure time from UVA Health is 4 p.m. Arrive in Rockville at 4:55 p.m. and Gaskins at 5:10 p.m.

Contact Isabel Palmer and Kendall Howell for more information.

Leadership

Town Hall Video Replay: Ensuring Quality Care for All Virginians

If you missed the town hall, here’s a chance to catch up. In the fourth in a series of five videos, UVA Health leaders discuss “How are we as one UVA Health ensuring that we are getting UVA Health-quality care to as many Virginians as possible?” Watch now.

The discussion was moderated by K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health and included: Marianne Baernholdt, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, Dean, UVA School of Nursing; Wendy Horton, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health University Medical Center; J. Scott Just, MD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Physicians Group; Melina R. Kibbe, MD, Dean, UVA School of Medicine; and Michelle Strider, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, UVA Community Health. Previously shared:

• Ensuring Best Outcomes
• Building a Workplace of Choice
• Expanding Research Initiatives

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Introducing the UVA Enlighten Program

In her new Vision and Voice post, Wendy Horton shares the latest program designed for University Medical Center team members eager to step toward a college degree. Read more.

Breakfast With Bennett Heads to Fishersville

Wednesday, March 27 | 7-8 a.m. | UVA Health – Augusta, 57 Beam Ln., Fishersville | Register | Team members are invited to join UVA Health Chief Ambulatory Operations Officer John Bennett for a casual breakfast and conversation at UVA Health – Augusta in Fishersville. Share your ideas and experiences, hear updates from the chief about the latest Ambulatory happenings, and network with colleagues. Seats are limited, so register today! This is a free event and team members do not have to work at the host location to attend.

UVA Health in the News

Top Story

• Dr. Craig Kent is named to the Virginia Business Power 50 list.

Patient Care

• Dr. Asma Habib discusses adult congenital heart disease during this week’s NBC29 segment.
• Dr. Mitch Rosner appears on the NPR program 1A — broadcast on 350 stations nationally — discussing America’s hydration fixation.
• UVA Health is featured in Becker’s Hospital Review among the health systems lobbying Congress to make permanent telehealth rules adopted during the pandemic.
• Dr. Patricia Rodriguez-Lozano is featured locally and on TV stations nationally — including Richmond and Nebraska — discussing women’s heart health.

Research

• Research discoveries from Dr. Alban Gaultier and Dr. Jeff Wilson are competing in this year’s STAT Madness — voting is now open.
• Dr. Christopher Holstege and Dr. Rita Farah are featured in news outlets nationally — including U.S. News & World Report and Politico — discussing their research into a spike in poison center calls for “magic mushrooms” following decriminalization efforts.
• Dr. John Kim’s article for The Conversation on how healthy fats can prevent lung scarring is picked up by news outlets nationally, including Yahoo and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
• Comments from Dr. Craig Kent and a mention of the Manning Institute of Biotechnology are part of this Virginia Business roundup of healthcare news. 

Community

• Lindsay Hauser is featured on NBC29 and TV stations nationally, including Indiana and Kansas, discussing UVA Cancer Center’s community grants.

Education

• Dr. Melanie Rutkowski and graduate student Audrey Putelo are featured in an AAMC News story about personalized medicine.

Human Resources

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor

Wednesday, March 6 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Room 3 | Ask questions and discuss your benefits with a Human Resources counselor. Walk-ins welcome. See monthly dates.

Happenings

Vote in STAT Madness: Two Major UVA Discoveries Vie for 2023’s Biggest Scientific Advancement

The editors of prominent health news site STAT have selected 64 of last year’s most important, innovative, and exciting scientific advances, including two from UVA’s School of Medicine. Those 64 will now duke it out in an online bracket tournament, STAT Madness, which is the scientific equivalent of the NCAA basketball tournament. Online voting will determine which findings advance through each round — and the ultimate winner. Voting is already under way — the bracket is now available. Voting in the first round of STAT Madness continues for seven days, and the championship round concludes April 4. Make sure to vote for UVA every day!

Rotating Art Exhibit 

Through Thursday, March 21 | University Medical Center lobby | Local Charlottesville artist Mary Jane Check will exhibit her art in the show “Eye Candy.” Stop by and check it out! 

Sign Up to Donate Blood

Tuesday, March 5 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Battle Building, First Floor | Quayle Learning Center | 1204 West Main St. | Support the American Red Cross — UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products — in alleviating the severe blood shortage by volunteering to donate blood. Sign up by emailing giveblood@uvahealth.org or visiting redcrossblood.org. Swag alert: Donate March 1-24 and receive a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice. Plus, you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 gift card. Terms apply.

Tuesday Talks With Locus

Tuesday, March 5 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Novella Thompson, Administrator, Population Health, discusses “Unlocking Access: Transforming Healthcare Delivery Through Population Health Programs That Leverage Innovative Technology.“ Register.

Medical Center Hour | Everything Keeps Changing! Lessons of COVID-19 for Pandemic Surveillance

Wednesday, March 6 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium and Zoom | Marc Lipsitch, DPhil, Professor of Epidemiology, Director, Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, describes a decision-focused notion of design for surveillance systems that are designed to detect, track, characterize, and tailor treatment or prevention of new pathogens and variants.

Staff Appreciation Breakfast

Wednesday, March 6 | 7-9 a.m. | Newcomb Hall, 2nd floor | Come for a sit-down meal or grab breakfast and/or a cup of coffee to go. Pancakes, sausage, eggs, oatmeal from the Hoos Well oatmeal bar, and fruit will be served along with vegan and gluten-free options. Catered by the Fresh Food Company. No RSVP required. Free parking available at Central Grounds Parking Garage. 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. Look for the UVA bus displaying Staff Appreciation Breakfast messaging.

Women's History Month | SOM Student Stories: A Panel Discussion

Thursday, March 7 | 7-8 p.m. | Zoom | RSVP | UVA School of Medicine Student Stories series offers an opportunity for exceptional student leaders to share more about their educational journeys, future aspirations, and experiences they’ve had navigating their way into medical and doctoral programs. Featured panelists include (pictured) Kendall Bromley (PhD student, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics), Hirra Chaundhary (medical student), Dana May (PhD student, Neuroscience Graduate Program), and Laiba Murad (medical student).

Mental Hygiene 101: Self-Care Tools for Optimal Well-Being and Resilience

Monday, March 11 | noon-1 p.m. | Join this Hoos Well reward-eligible webinar to gain an understanding of mental hygiene, explore self-care techniques to proactively manage your daily mental well-being, and create your own personalized mental hygiene toolbox for optimal cognitive performance and resilience. Details.

2024 Tegtmeyer Lecture | From Bedside to Biosphere: Embracing Planetary Health in Healthcare

Thursday, March 14 | 5-6 p.m. | Educational Resource Center, 2nd Floor, Auditorium A | UVA Radiology and Medical Imaging presents the 15th Annual Tegtmeyer Lecture. Reed A. Omary, MD, MS, the Carol D. and Henry P. Pendergrass Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, will deliver the lecture. Dr. Omary is an alumnus of the University of Virginia’s diagnostic radiology residency and completed his master’s degree in epidemiology at UVA. A welcome reception will be held 4:30-5 p.m. in the ERC auditorium lobby area.

Save the Date: Annual Team Member Art Exhibit

July 11-Sept. 11 | Many team members have expressed interest in the annual Team Member Art Exhibit. This year, the exhibit will run from July to September. Watch this space in May for participation details. We look forward to seeing your art!

Appreciation

‘Truly Amazing’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

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

• “The care my son received during this visit was phenomenal. We were blown away by how genuinely caring and kind every person we encountered was toward us. They were professional and very informative. Everyone spent time answering our questions and were clearly very knowledgeable. I have already recommended UVA Health to my friends and family.”
• “Vivian in scheduling was so helpful with each of my calls. She was truly amazing. I really appreciate her kindness. She was a great resource, as I was new to the system and looking specifically for a contrast-enhanced mammogram.”
• “Dr. Asthagiri is amazing. I came to him because of his level of expertise. But I also stay with him because of his willingness to explain everything in a way that I can understand. And I believe that he listens to me and considers my input.”
• “Always the best experience. My transplant team always gets back to me as soon as possible; they have supported me since day 1. They never give up on me. They root for me — even when I was difficult — and they saved my life several times and more. They are all truly amazing!”

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

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