UVA Health Leadership Institute Virtual Info Session 

Thursday, April 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom (Meeting ID: 937 9062 9032, Passcode: 19aEQ^YB) | If you’re considering applying to the UVA Health Leadership Institute (HLI) cohort program now or in the future, plan to attend this virtual information session to learn more about the program’s many benefits and what you can expect from the curriculum. The session will feature first-person perspectives from HLI graduates and current cohort members serving in a variety of roles across the health system, with plenty of time for team member questions. 

In the meantime, you can learn more about HLI and the cohort leadership program application process on Connect. If you’re ready to apply, submit your application, essay, and letter of recommendation via the HLI application portal by April 30. 

Patient Care 

Expanding the Use of Electronic Consents at UVA Health 

Phase 1 launches Tuesday, April 8 | As part of our commitment to improving workflows and enhancing patient care, UVA Health is expanding the use of electronic consents (e-consents) across the system. The expansion will occur in two phases, with Phase 1 launching on April 8. This phase includes updates to existing e-consent forms, the introduction of new blood e-consents for five early adopter groups, and workflow adjustments for inpatient doctors, APPs, and perioperative teams. Phase 2, planned for summer 2025, will introduce additional e-consents, including those for anesthesia, nerve blocks, ICU procedures, and more.     

To prepare for Phase 1 — providers, nurses, and perioperative team members should familiarize themselves with the updated procedural and surgical consents:   

• Review ELL tip sheet: Obtaining E-Consents with Blood.  
• Early adopter providers in Orthopedics, Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and UVA Health Imaging must complete a brief Workday training module by April 8.    

More details on Phase 2 will be shared later this spring. Thank you for your support as we enhance our electronic documentation processes for a more streamlined and efficient patient experience. 

Operations 

University Hospital Lobby: Women’s Restroom Temporarily Closed 

Saturday, April 5 | As part of the fire alarm upgrades project on the first floor of University Hospital, the women’s restroom near the main lobby will be temporarily closed. Signage will be installed to direct people to the nearest restrooms. 

Clinical Team Members: Help Improve Epic — Share Your Feedback in the Epic Experience Survey 

Deadline: Monday, April 21 | UVA Health is conducting a nationally benchmarked Epic Experience Survey to better understand the clinician experience and identify opportunities across our health system for improving Epic. Clinical team members (including but not limited to physicians, APPs, nurses, medical assistants, therapists, pharmacists, social workers, and technicians) who interact with patients and use Epic in their daily work should complete the survey no later than April 21. Your collective input is essential in shaping the future of our electronic medical record system. Thank you for providing feedback. 

Human Resources 

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor 

Wednesday, April 2 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | University Medical Center Dining Conference Room 3 | Ask questions and discuss your benefits with a Human Resources counselor. Walk-ins welcome. See monthly dates. 

Happenings 

One Healthcare Ecochallenge 

April 2025 | Join the One Healthcare Ecochallenge and show how UVA Health promotes health, sustainability, and community well-being. All clinicians, staff, and students are welcome to join and begin taking actions big or small. Example actions. Learn more. 

Earth Month Events 

April 2025 | Join this month-long celebration of our shared planet. Planned events include clothing swaps, Corner clean-ups, talks, garden tours, eco-fair, and more. See the full list of events. Learn more about UVA Sustainability. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot 

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

• Monday, March 31 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 
• Friday, April 4 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. 
• Tuesday, April 8 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.  
• Thursday, April 17 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 
• Monday, April 21 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 
• Wednesday, April 30 | 9 a.m.-noon 

ITHRIV: Voices in Clinical Translational Science Seminar Series 

Tuesday, April 1 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom | This series is designed to lift voices from a variety of spaces across the research spectrum. The virtual series focuses on promoting dialogue and encouraging team science to foster innovation in an inclusive environment. Madhav Marathe, PhD, will discuss “Real-time Pandemic Science.” Registration required. 

Clinical Nurse Leader Virtual Info Session 

Tuesday, April 8 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Speak with admissions and student services team members to learn more about the role, program, financial aid options, and what you can expect after graduation. Questions? Contact Austin Stajduhar. Register. 

Advanced Practice (APRN) Virtual Info Session 

Wednesday, April 9 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Hear from student ambassadors currently enrolled in the UVA School of Nursing program and speak with admissions and student services team members and faculty members to learn more about UVA’s advanced practice programs, financial aid, career opportunities, and what to expect after graduation. Questions? Contact Austin Stajduhar. Register. 

AI in Healthcare Symposium 

Wednesday, April 9 | 6-7:45 p.m., networking reception to follow | Kimpton The Forum Hotel | An engaging evening exploring the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, featuring insights from industry leaders and opportunities to network with peers. Keynote speaker Girish Nadkarni, MD, Chair, Windreich Department of AI and Human Health at Mount Sinai, and a panel discussion. Free. Learn more and RSVP by April 1. Hosted by the UVA Health Leadership Institute, UVA Darden School of Business, and UVA School of Data Science. 

HUMAINE and the Future of Healthcare: Implications for Nursing Science, Education, and Practice 

Thursday, April 10 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | Speaker Michael Cary, PhD, RN, FAAN, Associate Professor, Duke University School of Nursing, AI Heath Equity Scholar, Duke University Health System, leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to study health disparities related to aging and develops strategies to improve healthcare delivery for diverse older adult populations. As co-director of HUMAINE (Human-Centered Use of Multidisciplinary Artificial Intelligence for Next-Gen Education and Research) at Duke University School of Nursing, he works to enhance AI literacy among nurses and to promote equitable AI integration in healthcare. Details. 

Hoos Research Champion Awards — Nominate a Colleague Today 

Deadline: Friday, April 11 | UVA Health is proud to launch the Hoos Research Champion Awards, a new initiative recognizing the dedication, expertise, and teamwork of research team members who enhance our culture of research excellence. Originating from the Spark Innovation Competition, this award celebrates those who conduct or support research at UVA Health. Each year, three outstanding recipients will be selected to receive a $1,000 prize, engraved award, and recognition in UVA Health publications.     

All UVA Health team members who contribute to research — such as research lab staff, clinical research coordinators, grants and contracts staff, core facility staff, and vivarium staff — are eligible. Faculty and students are not eligible. Nominations are open until April 11 and can be submitted by any UVA Health team member. Simply provide the nominee’s name, title/department, and a brief statement on why they deserve recognition. Submit a nomination. For questions, contact Danny Burdine, Director of Research Operations. Read more on Connect. 

PhD Virtual Info Session 

Tuesday, April 15 | noon-1 p.m. | Speak with admissions and student services team members to learn more about UVA School of Nursing’s PhD programs, financial aid options, career opportunities, and what you can expect after graduation. Questions? Contact Austin Stajduhar. Register. 

Appreciation 

‘This Is All of Us!’

Some of the UVA Health clinics that recently won the HX Pinnacle of Excellence Award from Press Ganey gathered to celebrate. The award supports healthcare providers nationwide to improve overall safety, quality, and experience of care and is based on top ratings from patients. 

UVA Health Heart and Vascular Clinic at Fontaine gathered with congratulatory cake, cheers, and of course — the Pinnacle of Excellence Award! “I think it just shows that we all do make a difference,” Christina VanDerveer, MSN, RN, CV-BC, Ambulatory Clinic Nurse Manager, told local media covering the event. “No matter if you're answering the phone, no matter if you're greeting somebody at the door, whether you're a tech, a nurse, an MD — this is all of us! That's what's so unique about this one, and I think that’s why we get emotional about it.” 

And at Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center, Hematology/Oncology Clinic West and Hematology/Oncology Clinic East gathered recently for a combined celebration. “From the moment a patient walks through the door, it takes the entire team to ensure our patients feel supported and cared for,” says Devon K. Bloxsom, MSN, RN AMB-BC, Ambulatory Nurse Manager. “What makes our clinic special isn’t just the work we do, but how we do it together. Every day, we show up for one another, face challenges as a team, and remain focused on what matters most — our patients.” 

“Each day, UVA Health exemplifies dedication to their patients, workforce, and larger community, setting a remarkable standard for compassionate healthcare,” says Patrick T. Ryan, Chair and CEO, Press Ganey. “It is with great honor that we celebrate their outstanding achievements.” 

Previous Updates

Friday, March 28

Celebrating National Doctors’ Day 

This Sunday, we recognize and celebrate National Doctors’ Day — a time when we show our immense gratitude for the work they do to promote health and wellness among our patients and communities. Every day, they are delivering outstanding care, advancing our knowledge and practices through critical research, and teaching the next generation of talented physicians — all while being valued team members within our health system. 
 
In honor of National Doctors’ Day, we invite you to watch this video in which we tell the story of how one patient’s life was transformed thanks to the expert care she received at UVA Health. This story is reflective of the outstanding care all our doctors provide every day to our patients. 

Thank you to all our doctors for everything they do for our communities and for our organization. We are truly grateful and appreciative for what they do today and every day. 

Match Day Marks Milestone for UVA School of Medicine Class of 2025 

The UVA School of Medicine Class of 2025 was excited to learn where they matched for residency programs across the country on Match Day, March 21. The annual, nationwide event celebrates a major milestone in their medical career journey as they learn where they will start the next stage of their training. 
 
After four years of intensive classes, rigorous clinical experiences, and the long residency application season, our medical students gathered with friends and family at Old Cabell Hall to celebrate the momentous occasion. The Class of 2025 matched into 21 different specialties across 34 different states, with 19 matching at UVA Health! See photos and read more on Connect. 

Patient Care 

Expanding the Use of Electronic Consents at UVA Health 

Phase 1 launches Tuesday, April 8 | As part of our commitment to improving workflows and enhancing patient care, UVA Health is expanding the use of electronic consents (e-consents) across the system. The expansion will occur in two phases, with Phase 1 launching on April 8. This phase includes updates to existing e-consent forms, the introduction of new blood e-consents for five early adopter groups, and workflow adjustments for inpatient doctors, APPs, and perioperative teams. Phase 2, planned for summer 2025, will introduce additional e-consents, including those for anesthesia, nerve blocks, ICU procedures, and more.    

To prepare for Phase 1 — providers, nurses, and perioperative team members should familiarize themselves with the updated procedural and surgical consents:  

• Review ELL tip sheet: Obtaining E-Consents with Blood. 
• Early adopter providers in Orthopedics, Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and UVA Health Imaging must complete a brief Workday training module by April 8.   

More details on Phase 2 will be shared later this spring. Thank you for your support as we enhance our electronic documentation processes for a more streamlined and efficient patient experience. 

Operations 

Traffic Impact: JPA, Battle Building, University Medical Center, and Garages 

Saturday, March 29 | Please be aware that a signage survey will be taking place and may briefly impact the following areas:   

• 9-9:30 a.m. | Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA) | The right lane of traffic (westbound) will be blocked at the railway overpass on JPA; traffic will be diverted around the truck.    
• 9:30-10 a.m. | JPA | The middle turn lane (westbound) at the JPA pedestrian overpass will be blocked; traffic will be diverted around the truck.   
• 10-10:30 a.m. | Battle Building | The roundabout in front of the Battle Building will be blocked. Pedestrians can enter through the second-floor garage entrance.   
• 10:30-11:30 a.m. | University Medical Center | One entrance door to University Medical Center will be blocked. The other doors will be open.   
• 11:30-11:45 a.m. | University Medical Center lobby | A small area of the lobby will be cordoned off and pedestrians will be directed around it.    
• 1-1:30 p.m. | Lee Street Garage | The middle lane of the entrance and exit will be blocked. The far left and far right lanes will be open for incoming and outgoing traffic.   
• 1:30-2 p.m. | 11th Street Garage | The left exit lane will be blocked. The middle exit lane and far right entrance lane will be open for incoming and outgoing traffic.   

Please note: timeframes are estimated and may be subject to change. 

Maintenance on Safety Data Sheet 

Sunday, March 30 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Maintenance to UVA’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) database provider may affect its accessibility for approximately six hours. Users attempting to access the SDS database will experience intermittent interruption in service during this period. During the downtime, team members should use an internet search engine (like Google) to search for a specific SDS. For example, if there is a problem with an infant heel warmer, search for "infant heel warmer safety data sheet." The SDS would show what actions should be taken to contain a spill or address an exposure. Team members should also refer to the Red Book in their areas. 

University Hospital Lobby: Women’s Restroom Temporarily Closed 

Saturday, April 5 | As part of the fire alarm upgrades project on the first floor of University Hospital, the women’s restroom near the main lobby will be temporarily closed. Signage will be installed to direct people to the nearest restrooms. 

Clinical Team Members: Help Improve Epic — Share Your Feedback in the Epic Experience Survey 

Deadline: Monday, April 21 | UVA Health is conducting a nationally benchmarked Epic Experience Survey to better understand the clinician experience and identify opportunities across our health system for improving Epic. Clinical team members (including but not limited to physicians, APPs, nurses, medical assistants, therapists, pharmacists, social workers, and technicians) who interact with patients and use Epic in their daily work should complete the survey no later than April 21. Your collective input is essential in shaping the future of our electronic medical record system. Thank you for providing feedback. 

New UVA Health Brand Site: Clearer Guidelines, Easier Access, More Functionality

UVA Health is excited to announce the launch of a new and improved brand site, brand.uvahealth.com, designed to provide all team members with streamlined access to brand guidelines and standards, design templates, and digital assets. With this improved brand site, team members will find it easier than ever to create professional, on-brand materials that reflect our commitment to excellence. The guidelines provide direction on how to apply our visual identity standards to ensure a clear, consistent, and compelling brand. We encourage all team members to explore the new site, check out the FAQs, and take advantage of these enhanced resources. 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• Research from Dr. James Stone on the effect of repeated blast exposures on soldiers’ brains is highlighted on 60 Minutes. 

Patient Care 

• Dr. Paul Skelton participates in our weekly NBC29 segment, discussing kidney cancer. 
• Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Lisa Badeau is named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of chief marketing officers to know. 
• Cindy Bo’s appointment as the inaugural chief of UVA Health Children’s is featured locally, across Virginia, and in Becker’s Hospital Review. 
• Dr. Laurie Archbald-Pannone talks with WebMD for two stories on RSV. 
• The Press Ganey patient experience award for Heart & Vascular Center clinic at Fontaine Research Park is featured in Becker’s Hospital Review. 
• Dr. Christopher Holstege is featured on Yahoo discussing the dangers of carbon monoxide. 

Research 

• Population Health Department Administrator Novella Thompson is featured locally, across Virginia and on TV stations nationally discussing a new mobile care collaborative that UVA Health has joined. 
• Dr. Helen Wang’s grant from the Alzheimer’s Association to support her research is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally. 
• Incoming Chief of UVA Health Children’s Cindy Bo and Chief of Human Resources Karmen Fittes talk with Becker’s Hospital Review for a story about what health system leaders learned in 2024. 
• Dr. Alexandra Kadl is featured locally and across Virginia discussing clinical trials examining potential long COVID treatments. 
• Dr. Susanna Keller and dietitian Sibylle Kranz are featured in media outlets across the United Kingdom discussing their research that showed the impact of genetics on weight loss. 

Community 

• UVA Health volunteer Karen Weinberg is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing the UVA Hospital Auxiliary’s Daisy Days event. 

Education 

• Dr. Meg Keeley and medical student Michael Goncalves talk with NBC29 and CBS19 about Match Day at UVA School of Medicine. 

Human Resources 

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor  

Wednesday, April 2 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | University Medical Center Dining Conference Room 3 | Ask questions and discuss your benefits with a Human Resources counselor. Walk-ins welcome. See monthly dates. 

Happenings 

Following the Flow of My Brushes: The Art of Anne Delatour Hopper 

Through Wednesday, May 14 | University Hospital Lobby | UVA Health Arts Program is pleased to present “Following the Flow of My Brushes.” Pictured: “Mont Saint Michel,” oil on canvas. Stop by and check it out! 

ITHRIV: Voices in Clinical Translational Science Seminar Series 

Tuesday, April 1 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom | This series is designed to lift voices from a variety of spaces across the research spectrum. The virtual series focuses on promoting dialogue and encouraging team science to foster innovation in an inclusive environment. Madhav Marathe, PhD, will discuss “Real-time Pandemic Science.” Registration required. 

AI in Healthcare Symposium 

Wednesday, April 9 | 6-7:45 p.m., networking reception to follow | Kimpton The Forum Hotel | An engaging evening exploring the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, featuring insights from industry leaders and opportunities to network with peers. Keynote speaker Girish Nadkarni, MD, Chair, Windreich Department of AI and Human Health at Mount Sinai, and a panel discussion. Free. Learn more and RSVP by April 1. Hosted by the UVA Health Leadership Institute, UVA Darden School of Business, and UVA School of Data Science. 

Hoos Research Champion Awards — Nominate a Colleague Today 

Deadline: Friday, April 11 | UVA Health is proud to launch the Hoos Research Champion Awards, a new initiative recognizing the dedication, expertise, and teamwork of research team members who enhance our culture of research excellence. Originating from the Spark Innovation Competition, this award celebrates those who conduct or support research at UVA Health. Each year, three outstanding recipients will be selected to receive a $1,000 prize, engraved award, and recognition in UVA Health publications.    

All UVA Health team members who contribute to research — such as research lab staff, clinical research coordinators, grants and contracts staff, core facility staff, and vivarium staff — are eligible. Faculty and students are not eligible. Nominations are open until April 11 and can be submitted by any UVA Health team member. Simply provide the nominee’s name, title/department, and a brief statement on why they deserve recognition. Submit a nomination. For questions, contact Danny Burdine, Director of Research Operations. Read more on Connect. 

Call for Nominations: 2025 Thomas Jefferson Awards 

Deadline: Monday, April 14 | noon | These awards are the highest honors given to members of the University community. Recipients exemplify the principles, ideals, and mission of the University in their character, work, and influence. Questions? Contact the Thomas Jefferson Awards Committee or Cecil Banks, Executive Director for Major Events and External Relations. Learn more. 

Nominate: Hoos Building Bridges Award 

Deadline: Friday, April 18 | This award recognizes team members who demonstrate leadership and build thoughtful collaborations and relationships across schools, units, and/or departments that advance our work as an institution. See eligibility requirements and nominate. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu. 

UVA Research Computing Exhibition 

Wednesday, April 23 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Newcomb Hall Ballroom | This exhibition showcases the incredible research happening across UVA. Whether you are interested in sharing your research or discovering what others are working on, this exhibition offers the opportunity to see and discuss research posters, hear lightning talks from UVA faculty, learn about resources for research, explore diverse research methods, find potential collaborators, and connect with the broader research community. Free food and beverages, Poster submission deadline: Monday, March 31. Details. 

Advancing Discoveries and Driving Innovation 

Wednesday, April 23 | 5-7 p.m. | The Link Lab | This event is about sparking new ideas, building connections, and exploring interdisciplinary collaborations. Attendees will share a one-minute elevator pitch about their research, so it's a great opportunity to hear what researchers are working on across Grounds. Register. 

Appreciation 

‘Simply Having the Best and Being the Best’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues  

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

• “Dr. Bilchik is the best! The nurses in the pre-op/post-op area were so great! In particular, Jenn, Deeba, Sarah, Sophie, and Amanda were so great — all so professional and cared for me so well before and after my procedure. They took excellent care of me, and all should be nominated for a DAISY Award! Thank you, UVA Health, for simply having the best and being the best!” 
• “I was very pleased with the professionalism and efficiency/effectiveness of Dianna, the imaging technician. She made me feel at ease and was very personable. Overall, probably the most pleasant ultrasound experience that I have had at UVA Health. We talked about the background music, which was Hawaiian music and very relaxing. What really cracked me up was when she said mahalo when I checked out. That's Hawaiian for thank you. I'm from Hawaii, so that made me feel good about the whole experience. Dianna is a credit to her profession. We need more folks like her. Thank you.” 
• “A patient before me arrived late and Dr. Caldwell spoke to me personally to make sure I would be OK waiting. This was absolutely above and beyond. In a medical practice, delays are not uncommon. But the communication from the staff at this clinic was perfect.” 
• “Dr. Preston Grice intently listened to my concerns. After the examination, he explained what he felt was causing the issues, then offered remedies. He included me in the informed decision making. He is very funny and entertaining as well. We did a montage of “Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In,” which I think we should take on the road. All in all, Dr. Grice makes a patient feel comfortable and like they've known him for years. He is very easy to talk to.” 

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

Wednesday, March 26

Clinical Team Members: Help Improve Epic — Share Your Feedback in the Epic Experience Survey  

Deadline: Monday, April 21 | UVA Health is conducting a nationally benchmarked Epic Experience Survey to better understand the clinician experience and identify opportunities across our health system for improving Epic. Clinical team members (including but not limited to physicians, APPs, nurses, medical assistants, therapists, pharmacists, social workers, and technicians) who interact with patients and use Epic in their daily work should complete the survey no later than April 21. Your collective input is essential in shaping the future of our electronic medical record system. Thank you for providing feedback. 

Operations 

Traffic Impact: JPA, Battle Building, University Medical Center, and Garages 

Saturday, March 29 | Please be aware that a signage survey will be taking place and may briefly impact the following areas:  

• 9-9:30 a.m. | Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA) | The right lane of traffic (westbound) will be blocked at the railway overpass on JPA; traffic will be diverted around the truck.   
• 9:30-10 a.m. | JPA | The middle turn lane (westbound) at the JPA pedestrian overpass will be blocked; traffic will be diverted around the truck.  
• 10-10:30 a.m. | Battle Building | The roundabout in front of the Battle Building will be blocked. Pedestrians can enter through the second-floor garage entrance.  
• 10:30-11:30 a.m. | University Medical Center | One entrance door to University Medical Center will be blocked. The other doors will be open.  
• 11:30-11:45 a.m. | University Medical Center lobby | A small area of the lobby will be cordoned off and pedestrians will be directed around it.   
• 1-1:30 p.m. | Lee Street Garage | The middle lane of the entrance and exit will be blocked. The far left and far right lanes will be open for incoming and outgoing traffic.  
• 1:30-2 p.m. | 11th Street Garage | The left exit lane will be blocked. The middle exit lane and far right entrance lane will be open for incoming and outgoing traffic.  

Please note: timeframes are estimated and may be subject to change.  

Leadership 

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Earn While You Learn Builds Bright Futures  

In her latest Vision and Voice blog, Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, shares what's new and coming soon with the Earn While You Learn program. Read more. 

Happenings 

Micro Health Breaks 

Through Thursday, May 15 | Zoom | Take a 10-minute break to refresh your mind and body with this eight-week series. These quick, engaging, virtual sessions offer benefits like improved flexibility, reduced anxiety, enhanced energy, and a stronger mind-body connection — perfect for fitting wellness into your busy day. Learn more and see the full schedule. 

ECHO: The 5 Ms of Obesity Management 

This series aims to enhance clinician competence in obesity management by offering expert-led sessions across essential domains, fostering better patient outcomes through interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. All sessions are noon-1 p.m. Register.   

• Thursday, March 27 | Meals: From Fast Food to Fit — How Smart Meals Can Fight Obesity   
• Thursday, April 10 | Mind: Mind Over Matter — How Mental Health Impacts Obesity   
• Thursday, April 24 | Move: Move More, Weigh Less — How Exercise Combats Obesity   
• Thursday, May 8 | Medications: From Struggle to Solutions — Can New Medications End the Obesity Epidemic? 

Wellness Book Club 

Orientation: Friday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Are you passionate about wellness and love diving into a good book? This monthly book club is the perfect place for you. Connect with fellow book lovers monthly to explore and discuss wellness-related books in a warm and welcoming environment. Learn more. 

ITHRIV: Voices in Clinical Translational Science Seminar Series 

Tuesday, April 1 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom | This series is designed to lift voices from a variety of spaces across the research spectrum. The virtual series focuses on promoting dialogue and encouraging team science to foster innovation in an inclusive environment. Madhav Marathe, PhD, will discuss “Real-time Pandemic Science.” Registration required. 

Clinical Nurse Leader Virtual Info Session 

Tuesday, April 8 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Speak with admissions and student services team members to learn more about the role, program, financial aid options, and what you can expect after graduation. Questions? Contact Austin Stajduhar. Register. 

Advanced Practice (APRN) Virtual Info Session 

Wednesday, April 9 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Hear from student ambassadors currently enrolled in the UVA School of Nursing program and speak with admissions and student services team members and faculty members to learn more about UVA’s advanced practice programs, financial aid, career opportunities, and what to expect after graduation. Questions? Contact Austin Stajduhar. Register. 

AI in Healthcare Symposium 

Wednesday, April 9 | 6-7:45 p.m., networking reception to follow | Kimpton The Forum Hotel | An engaging evening exploring the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, featuring insights from industry leaders and opportunities to network with peers. Keynote speaker Girish Nadkarni, MD, Chair, Windreich Department of AI and Human Health at Mount Sinai, and a panel discussion. Free. Learn more and RSVP by April 1. Hosted by the UVA Health Leadership Institute, UVA Darden School of Business, and UVA School of Data Science. 

YOU@UVA Leadership Program 

Application deadline: Thursday, April 10 | This six-month dynamic professional development initiative is aimed at fostering leadership, mentorship, and research excellence across UVA’s diverse academic and clinical landscape. This program is specifically tailored for faculty, trainees, and clinical research professional staff, equipping them with the skills and networks to thrive in leadership roles while driving impactful research. Kickoff lunch is April 22. Learn more. Apply. Questions? Contact Jennifer Phillips RN, CCRC. 

National Summit for Building Healthy Academic Communities 

April 10-11 | Kimpton's The Forum Hotel | Learn best practices for creating healthier academic environments from renowned experts in health and well-being and learn how to apply these best practices through workshops and networking opportunities. Hoos Well hosts. Learn more and register. 

Hoos Research Champion Awards — Nominate a Colleague Today 

Deadline: Friday, April 11 | UVA Health is proud to launch the Hoos Research Champion Awards, a new initiative recognizing the dedication, expertise, and teamwork of research team members who enhance our culture of research excellence. Originating from the Spark Innovation Competition, this award celebrates those who conduct or support research at UVA Health. Each year, three outstanding recipients will be selected to receive a $1,000 prize, engraved award, and recognition in UVA Health publications.   

All UVA Health team members who contribute to research — such as research lab staff, clinical research coordinators, grants and contracts staff, core facility staff, and vivarium staff — are eligible. Faculty and students are not eligible. Nominations are open until April 11 and can be submitted by any UVA Health team member. Simply provide the nominee’s name, title/department, and a brief statement on why they deserve recognition. Submit a nomination. For questions, contact Danny Burdine, Director of Research Operations. Read more on Connect. 

PhD Virtual Info Session 

Tuesday, April 15 | noon-1 p.m. | Speak with admissions and student services team members to learn more about UVA School of Nursing’s PhD programs, financial aid options, career opportunities, and what you can expect after graduation. Questions? Contact Austin Stajduhar. Register. 

The Enemy Within — How Does the Immune System Sense DNA as Danger? 

Thursday, April 17 | 3-4 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building Auditorium | The 2025 John F. Anderson Distinguished Lecture will be presented by Zhijian “James” Chen, PhD, Professor, Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center. Refreshments follow the lecture. Read more. 

3rd Annual UVA Health Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement/Patient Safety (QI/PS) Showcase 

Tuesday, June 10 | 11:30-1:30 p.m. | Education Resource Center, Room A | Recognizing local improvements in QI/PS from all disciplines. Any UVA faculty member, staff member, fellow resident, postdoc, graduate student, or medical student who has engaged in implementation and assessment of a QI/PS project is eligible to download and submit a form and abstract by 11:59 p.m., April 14, to QIPSshowcase@uvahealth.org. Accepting works in progress and QI/PS projects. Authors of abstracts selected for presentation will be notified by May 1. 

Appreciation 

Paying It Forward 

Congratulations to Min Lee, MBA, MHA! 

The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Women's Round Table (BWRT) has honored the UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Operating Officer with the Distinguished Mentor Award — recognizing a woman in the greater Charlottesville region who demonstrates a powerful commitment to leading or advising others in a manner that will help them in their personal and/or professional development.  

BWRT hailed her for “exuding sincere dedication in the education and evolution of others,” and being “established in her career, inspiring, empowering, and supportive, such that her influence has had a notable impact … in a significant way.” 

In addition, Lee “demonstrates leadership and a willingness to teach and mentor others in her profession, consistently upholding the standards and ethics that govern her field.” 

Lee received the award on March 20 at the BWRT Women of Excellence Luncheon. “I’ve had mentors who transformed the trajectory of my life, and the best way I know to honor them is by paying it forward. So this award is not about me — it’s about those who guided me, lifted me up, and instilled in me the responsibility to do the same for others,” she says. 

Monday, March 24

Prepare for Scheduled SPOK Downtime 

Tuesday, March 25 | Starting at 2 a.m. | UVA Health’s SPOK paging software will be down for required maintenance during this time. Downtime is not expected to exceed four hours. All care team members should follow downtime procedures for paging on-call providers and call groups and for emergency calls:   

Paging providers and call groups   

• Vocera text page. (Note: not all providers have Vocera.)   
• Click on SPOK desktop app (“radar” icon) to reach out directly to on-call providers.   
  • Clicking the icon will open a list of on-call providers and their phone numbers.   
  • You may also use Qgenda to look up on-call providers.   
• Call the Contact Center at 434.924.0000 and they will call the on-call provider.    
  • The Contact Center will schedule additional staff during the downtime to ensure timely support is available.   
• On-call providers and call groups MUST keep their phone and ringers turned on to receive Vocera text pages and phone calls.   

Emergency calls to 924.2012 

• Overhead announcement in hospital. 
• Contact Center will send Vocera message for Stroke, Stemi, and MET teams and then call the on-call teams. 

Operations 

Traffic Impact: JPA, Battle Building, University Medical Center, and Garages 

Saturday, March 29 | Please be aware that a signage survey will be taking place and may briefly impact the following areas: 

• 9-9:30 a.m. | Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA) | The right lane of traffic (westbound) will be blocked at the railway overpass on JPA; traffic will be diverted around the truck.  
• 9:30-10 a.m. | JPA | The middle turn lane (westbound) at the JPA pedestrian overpass will be blocked; traffic will be diverted around the truck. 
• 10-10:30 a.m. | Battle Building | The roundabout in front of the Battle Building will be blocked. Pedestrians can enter through the second-floor garage entrance. 
• 10:30-11:30 a.m. | University Medical Center | One entrance door to University Medical Center will be blocked. The other doors will be open. 
• 11:30-11:45 a.m. | University Medical Center lobby | A small area of the lobby will be cordoned off and pedestrians will be directed around it.  
• 1-1:30 p.m. | Lee Street Garage | The middle lane of the entrance and exit will be blocked. The far left and far right lanes will be open for incoming and outgoing traffic. 
• 1:30-2 p.m. | 11th Street Garage | The left exit lane will be blocked. The middle exit lane and far right entrance lane will be open for incoming and outgoing traffic. 

Please note: timeframes are estimated and may be subject to change. 

Clinical Team Members: Help Improve Epic — Share Your Feedback in the Epic Experience Survey 

Deadline: Monday, April 21 | UVA Health is conducting a nationally benchmarked Epic Experience Survey to better understand the clinician experience and identify opportunities across our health system for improving Epic. Clinical team members (including but not limited to physicians, APPs, nurses, medical assistants, therapists, pharmacists, social workers, and technicians) who interact with patients and use Epic in their daily work should complete the survey no later than April 21. Your collective input is essential in shaping the future of our electronic medical record system. Thank you for providing feedback. 

Leadership 

Innovative Hospital Leader Named Inaugural Chief of UVA Health Children’s 

UVA Health has named Cindy Bo, MBA, FACHE, a seasoned hospital leader, as the inaugural chief of UVA Health Children’s. Bo will oversee all operations and team members at the children’s hospital, including patient care, strategy, finances, and efforts to expand access to care for patients across Virginia and beyond. Bo begins her new role at UVA Health Children’s on March 31. Upon her arrival, please join us in welcoming Cindy Bo to our team. Read more on Connect. 

Apply Now for UVA Health Leadership Institute 

Application deadline: Wednesday, April 30 | The UVA Health Leadership Institute (HLI) is ready to welcome a new cohort of emerging leaders to the institute: applications for cohort four are open now. Interested candidates should complete their application, essay, and submit a letter of recommendation via the HLI application portal. The institute is seeking candidates who meet the following criteria:    

• Currently employed by any UVA Health entity.  
• Demonstrated exceptional leadership potential.  
• Invested in their career at UVA Health.  
• Shown a strong commitment to our ASPIRE values.  

Selected candidates will be notified in May and monthly cohort sessions will begin in October. Additional details about the HLI curriculum, application process, and more are available in the FAQs on Connect. 

Happenings 

Flower Sale: Daisy Day 

Wednesday, March 26 | 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 26, 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.  

Medical Center Hour | First Do No Harm, Then Do Good: The Case for Sustainable Healthcare 

Wednesday, March 26 | noon-1 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, 3rd Floor Auditorium and Zoom | Speaker: Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, PhD, MSHA, MACP, FACMI, FAMIA, President and CEO, The Joint Commission, Washington, D.C. 

UVA Enlighten 

Interested in beginning the journey to an undergraduate degree? UVA Enlighten is a program developed for working adults who have little-to-no previous college experience. You’ll find the support you need to be successful in this online, flexible program.        

• Information Session | Wednesday, March 26 | noon-1 p.m. | Join an interactive webinar about the Enlighten program offered online through UVA's School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Register. 

Navigating Transformation: Change Management and Organizational Culture 

Wednesday, March 26 | 1-2 p.m. | Educational Resource Center, Meeting Room B | This session will help you understand the people side of change and provide strategies to foster adaptability, overcome resistance, and inspire a culture that embraces change. Participants will learn about valuable insights from the transformative initiatives the health system has implemented over the past three years. Presenter: Mary Frances Southerland, Chief Administrative Officer. Sponsored by UVA Organizational Excellence. Register. 

Purple Day for Epilepsy 

Wednesday, March 26 | Purple Day aims to help people with epilepsy by educating the public about epilepsy, including proper procedures when a seizure occurs, showing the historic progress of people with epilepsy, and encouraging people with epilepsy to persevere. Show support by wearing purple on March 26 to help raise awareness. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot 

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

• Thursday, March 27 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.  
• Monday, March 31 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 

ECHO: The 5 Ms of Obesity Management 

This series aims to enhance clinician competence in obesity management by offering expert-led sessions across essential domains, fostering better patient outcomes through interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. All sessions are noon-1 p.m. Register.  

• Thursday, March 27 | Meals: From Fast Food to Fit — How Smart Meals Can Fight Obesity  
• Thursday, April 10 | Mind: Mind Over Matter — How Mental Health Impacts Obesity  
• Thursday, April 24 | Move: Move More, Weigh Less — How Exercise Combats Obesity  
• Thursday, May 8 | Medications: From Struggle to Solutions — Can New Medications End the Obesity Epidemic? 

Wellness Book Club 

Orientation meeting: Friday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Are you passionate about wellness and love diving into a good book? This monthly book club is the perfect place for you. Connect with fellow book lovers monthly to explore and discuss wellness-related books in a warm and welcoming environment. Learn more. 

Hoos Research Champion Awards — Nominate a Colleague Today 

Deadline: Friday, April 11 | UVA Health is proud to launch the Hoos Research Champion Awards, a new initiative recognizing the dedication, expertise, and teamwork of research team members who enhance our culture of research excellence. Originating from the Spark Innovation Competition, this award celebrates those who conduct or support research at UVA Health. Each year, three outstanding recipients will be selected to receive a $1,000 prize, an engraved award, and recognition in UVA Health publications.  

All UVA Health team members who contribute to research — such as research lab staff, clinical research coordinators, grants and contracts staff, core facility staff, and vivarium staff — are eligible. Faculty and students are not eligible. Nominations are open until April 11, and can be submitted by any UVA Health team member. Simply provide the nominee’s name, title/department, and a brief statement on why they deserve recognition. Submit a nomination. For questions, contact Danny Burdine, Director of Research Operations. Read more on Connect. 

Appreciation 

Shout Out to Our Researchers! 

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

• Alarming Nicotine Trend | Melissa Little, PhD (right), and collaborators found that American soldiers are 10 times more likely to use nicotine pouches that can cause serious health issues than average American adults. They’re working to develop interventions to address this troubling trend.  
• Assessing Heart Risk | Frederick H. Epstein, PhD, and colleagues have developed a noninvasive imaging approach to assess the health risks of unseen fat around the heart. This could let doctors ID patients at greatest risk for potentially deadly cardiac problems, and to predict how well those patients may respond to treatments. 
• Powerfully Precise Antibiotics | Jason Papin, PhD, lab member Emily Glass, and collaborators have developed cutting-edge computer models to give antibiotics a laser-like precision to target only specific bacteria in specific parts of the body — a potentially huge step forward in the battle against antibiotic resistance. 
• Understanding Rett Syndrome | Sameer Bajikar, PhD, identified key molecular changes that far precede the manifestation of symptoms in Rett syndrome, opening the door for better treatments for the devastating, life-shortening developmental disorder. 
• Identifying Babies at Risk of SIDS | Research by Fern R. Hauck, MD, MS; Chad Aldridge, DPT, MS-CR; and their collaborators has revealed the fingerprints of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) within blood samples, paving the way for simple tests to identify babies at risk. 

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

Friday, March 21

New UVA Health Brand Site: Clearer Guidelines, Easier Access, More Functionality 

UVA Health is excited to announce the launch of a new and improved brand site, brand.uvahealth.com, designed to provide all team members with streamlined access to brand guidelines and standards, design templates, and digital assets. With this improved brand site, team members will find it easier than ever to create professional, on-brand materials that reflect our commitment to excellence. The guidelines provide direction on how to apply our visual identity standards to ensure a clear, consistent, and compelling brand. We encourage all team members to explore the new site, check out the FAQs, and take advantage of these enhanced resources. 

Operations 

Prepare for Scheduled SPOK Downtime 

Tuesday, March 25 | Starting at 2 a.m. | UVA Health’s SPOK paging software will be down for required maintenance during this time. Downtime is not expected to exceed four hours. All care team members should follow downtime procedures for paging on-call providers and call groups and for emergency calls:  

Paging providers and call groups  

• Vocera text page. (Note: not all providers have Vocera.)  
• Click on SPOK desktop app (“radar” icon) to reach out directly to on-call providers.  
  • Clicking the icon will open a list of on-call providers and their phone numbers.  
  • You may also use Qgenda to look up on-call providers.  
• Call the Contact Center at 434.924.0000 and they will call the on-call provider.   
  • The Contact Center will schedule additional staff during the downtime to ensure timely support is available.  
• On-call providers and call groups MUST keep their phone and ringers turned on to receive Vocera text pages and phone calls.  

Emergency calls to 924.2012  

• Overhead announcement in hospital. 

Clinical Team Members: Help Improve Epic — Share Your Feedback in the Epic Experience Survey 

Deadline: Monday, April 21 | UVA Health is conducting a nationally benchmarked Epic Experience Survey to better understand the clinician experience and identify opportunities across our health system for improving Epic. Clinical team members (including but not limited to physicians, APPs, nurses, medical assistants, therapists, pharmacists, social workers, and technicians) who interact with patients and use Epic in their daily work should complete the survey no later than April 21. Your collective input is essential in shaping the future of our electronic medical record system. Thank you for providing feedback. 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• A UVA Health medical discovery from Dr. Jie Sun advances to the Sweet 16 of the competition for 2024’s most important scientific advance in STAT Madness. (Sweet 16 voting is open now.) 

Patient Care 

• Dr. Daniel Sheeran (discussing histotripsy for liver cancer) and Dr. Laura Cook (discussing how our vision changes as we age) are featured in this week’s NBC29 segments. 
• University Medical Center CEO Wendy Horton is named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s Great Leaders in Healthcare list. 
• Dr. Rebecca Scharf talks with Scientific American about the value of kids doing chores. 
• Dr. Michael Nelson talks with MedPage Today about new-onset seasonal allergies in adults. 
• Dr. Samantha Ruff is featured locally and across Virginia discussing a combined surgical/heated chemotherapy treatment for several cancers, including colon cancer. 

Research 

• Dr. Laurie Archbald-Pannone’s article for The Conversation on how to increase vaccination rates for older adults is picked up in more than 50 outlets nationwide, including Houston Chronicle, San Francisco Chronicle, and Yahoo. 
• Dr. Frederick Hayden is featured in Time, Medscape, and Yahoo discussing a clinical trial he helped lead into a medication that could prevent the spread of COVID-19. 
• Dr. Jeffrey Saucerman’s research into an AI tool to identify existing drugs that could treat new conditions is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally. 
• Dr. Linda Duska is quoted in Medscape and MedPage Today discussing a clinical trial examining treatment options for advanced cervical cancer. 
• Dr. Lu Le is featured on Virginia public radio stations discussing a potential treatment for baldness. 

Community 

• Inside NOVA and Rappahannock News highlight the opening of applications for UVA Community Health’s community grants program. 

Education 

• Blue Ridge Poison Center Education Coordinator Kristin Wenger and Director of Ambulatory Pharmacy Justin Vesser are featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing safe medication disposal. 

Happenings 

UVA Health Makes It to Sweet 16 of STAT Madness 

An important UVA Health discovery about COVID-19 has made it to the Sweet 16 of STAT Madness, a fun online tournament to crown 2024’s biggest scientific advance. In a hard fought contest in the Round of 32, UVA’s discovery — revealing how malfunctioning immune cells can fuel harmful lung inflammation long after a COVID-19 infection — ousted an admittedly very cool effort from MIT, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Novo Nordisk to develop a new drug delivery method inspired by how squids shoot ink. Read more on Connect. Keep voting for UVA Health. 

National Poison Prevention Week 

Through March 22 | When the unexpected happens, Poison Help is here for you with fast, free treatment advice by calling the Poison Help line (800.222.1222) or visiting PoisonHelp.org. Whether it’s a question or an emergency, Poison Help can provide lifesaving information when people need it most. Calling a poison center is faster and more accurate than an internet search. On average, 90% of poisonings happen in homes in America each year, and more than 70% of people who call Poison Help get the help they need right where they are — saving the cost of a trip to a healthcare professional or hospital. In Charlottesville and surrounding counties, your call is answered by specialists at the Blue Ridge Poison Center right here at UVA Health. Prevention education materials and other resources are available. Get medication disposal tips on Connect. 

Discounted Baseball Tickets: UVA vs. Duke 

Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22 | UVA Athletic Department is excited to give all UVA Health team members the opportunity to watch our Virginia baseball team take on Duke University. To celebrate the immense impact you make on our community, UVA Athletics is offering a special 20% discount to all UVA Health employees, as well as their friends and families. Details and ticketing information. 

Charlottesville Ten Miler and Cheer Zone 

Saturday, March 22 | Downtown Charlottesville | Details | This year marks the 50th running of the race, a milestone event that celebrates decades of tradition and community. Whether you're a seasoned runner or looking to tackle your first long-distance race, this event is the perfect way to experience the beauty and spirit of Charlottesville. If you’re a UVA Health team member:  

• Cheer | 7:30-10:30 a.m. | Outside the Team Member Gym | Join CavMan in the cheer zone to support runners during the race. There will be cowbells, coffee, and plenty of energy to keep the spirit high. The first 30 team members to arrive will receive a UVA Health long-sleeve performance shirt. 

Luncheon and Memorial Honoring John Hanks, MD 

Saturday, March 22 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, Learning Studio | Please join UVA School of Medicine Department of Surgery as they honor the life of John Hanks, MD, a remarkable surgeon, mentor, and professor emeritus. Dr. Hanks was not only a pillar of excellence in our surgical community at UVA, but a true friend, guide, and source of inspiration to many across UVA School of Medicine. Questions? Contact Christina Mondelli. Read more. 

Flower Sale: Daisy Day 

Wednesday, March 26 | 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 26, 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. 

Medical Center Hour | First Do No Harm, Then Do Good: The Case for Sustainable Healthcare 

Wednesday, March 26 | noon-1 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, 3rd Floor Auditorium and Zoom | Speaker: Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, PhD, MSHA, MACP, FACMI, FAMIA, President and CEO, The Joint Commission, Washington, D.C. 

UVA Enlighten  

Interested in beginning the journey to an undergraduate degree? UVA Enlighten is a program developed for working adults who have little-to-no previous college experience. You’ll find the support you need to be successful in this online, flexible program.       

• Information Session | Wednesday, March 26 | 1-2 p.m. | Join an interactive webinar about the Enlighten program offered online through UVA's School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Register. 

Navigating Transformation: Change Management and Organizational Culture 

Wednesday, March 26 | 1-2 p.m. | Educational Resource Center, Meeting Room B | This session will help you understand the people side of change and provide strategies to foster adaptability, overcome resistance, and inspire a culture that embraces change. Participants will learn about valuable insights from the transformative initiatives the health system has implemented over the past three years. Presenter: Mary Frances Southerland, Chief Administrative Officer. Sponsored by UVA Organizational Excellence. Register. 

AI in Healthcare Symposium 

Wednesday, April 9 | 6-7:45 p.m., networking reception to follow | Kimpton The Forum Hotel | An engaging evening exploring the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, featuring insights from industry leaders and opportunities to network with peers. Featuring keynote speaker Girish Nadkarni, MD, Chair, Windreich Department of AI and Human Health at Mount Sinai, and a panel discussion. Free. Learn more and RSVP by April 1. Hosted by the UVA Health Leadership Institute, UVA Darden School of Business, and UVA School of Data Science. 

Hoos Research Champion Awards — Nominate a Colleague Today 

Deadline: Friday, April 11 | UVA Health is proud to launch the Hoos Research Champion Awards, a new initiative recognizing the dedication, expertise, and teamwork of research team members who enhance our culture of research excellence. Originating from the Spark Innovation Competition, this award celebrates those who conduct or support research at UVA Health. Each year, three outstanding recipients will be selected to receive a $1,000 prize, an engraved award, and recognition in UVA Health publications. 

All UVA Health team members who contribute to research — such as research lab staff, clinical research coordinators, grants and contracts staff, core facility staff, and vivarium staff — are eligible. Faculty and students are not eligible. Nominations are open until April 11, and can be submitted by any UVA Health team member. Simply provide the nominee’s name, title/department, and a brief statement on why they deserve recognition. Submit a nomination. For questions, contact Danny Burdine, Director of Research Operations. Read more on Connect. 

Call for Nominations: 2025 Thomas Jefferson Awards 

Deadline: Monday, April 14 | noon | These awards are the highest honors given to members of the University community. Recipients exemplify the principles, ideals, and mission of the University, in their character, work, and influence. Questions? Contact the Thomas Jefferson Awards Committee or Cecil Banks, Executive Director for Major Events and External Relations. Learn more. 

Nominate: Hoos Building Bridges Award 

Deadline: Friday, April 18 | This award recognizes team members who demonstrate leadership and build thoughtful collaborations and relationships across schools, units, and/or departments that advance our work as an institution. See eligibility requirements and nominate. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu. 

Advancing Discoveries and Driving Innovation 

Wednesday, April 23 | 5-7 p.m. | The Link Lab | This event is about sparking new ideas, building connections, and exploring interdisciplinary collaborations. Attendees will share a one-minute elevator pitch about their research, so it's a great opportunity to hear what researchers are working on across Grounds. Register.

Appreciation 

‘Never Been Anything But Excellent’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues 

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

• “I was impressed with how compassionate and caring the staff were from start to finish. My situation was awkward and difficult. Everyone handled it like champs and made me feel very comfortable. From the nice administrator who brought out blankets, to the nurses and staff who took care of me, and the ER physician who helped me laugh at what was going on: I would say my experience was better than I expected.”  
• “The five nurses who interacted with my daughter on her surgery date were exceptional. They addressed her anxieties and took extra good care of her to make sure all her needs were met. Dr. Brand went above and beyond to take care of my daughter before and after surgery. He seemed to genuinely care about her and was kind enough to call to check on her when she had a post-surgery problem. His kindness and generosity helped us feel reassured through the entire process.” 
• “Emma, who was the receptionist who helped me, was extremely pleasant and helpful. It is said that the first person encountered at an appointment sets the tone for the rest of the time there, and she is an excellent example of a positive encounter.” 
• “Amy, NP, is one of my favorite [providers] at the practice! Her attention to detail, thoroughness, and overall care is simply top notch. She also remembered me from prior visits and was able to recall details of my history seamlessly. If I am sick, I always hope that she's the one working, because she's never been anything but excellent!” 

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

Wednesday, March 19

Discounted Baseball Tickets: UVA vs. Duke 

Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22 | UVA Athletic Department is excited to give all UVA Health team members the opportunity to watch our Virginia baseball team take on Duke University. To celebrate the immense impact you make on our community, UVA Athletics is offering a special 20% discount to all UVA Health employees, as well as their friends and families. Details and ticketing information. 

Operations 

Prepare for Scheduled SPOK Downtime 

Tuesday, March 25 | Starting at 2 a.m. | UVA Health’s SPOK paging software will be down for required maintenance during this time. Downtime is not expected to exceed four hours. All care team members should follow downtime procedures for paging on-call providers and call groups and for emergency calls: 

Paging providers and call groups 

• Vocera text page. (Note: not all providers have Vocera.) 
• Click on SPOK desktop app (“radar” icon) to reach out directly to on-call providers. 
  • Clicking the icon will open a list of on-call providers and their phone numbers. 
  • You may also use Qgenda to look up on-call providers. 
• Call the Contact Center at 434.924.0000 and they will call the on-call provider.  
  • The Contact Center will schedule additional staff during the downtime to ensure timely support is available. 
• On-call providers and call groups MUST keep their phone and ringers turned on to receive Vocera text pages and phone calls. 

Emergency calls to 924.2012 

• Overhead announcement in hospital. 

Coming Soon: Windows 11 Upgrade for All PCs Across UVA Health 

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

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

Leadership 

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Tackling Capacity While Strengthening Patient Care Through Observation Medicine 

In her latest Vision and Voice blog, Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, shares how our Observation Unit is helping us prepare for the South Tower expansion and other exciting developments at UVA Health. Read more. 

Happenings 

UVA Health Makes It to Sweet 16 of STAT Madness 

An important UVA Health discovery about COVID-19 has made it to the Sweet 16 of STAT Madness, a fun online tournament to crown 2024’s biggest scientific advance. In a hard fought contest in the Round of 32, UVA’s discovery — revealing how malfunctioning immune cells can fuel harmful lung inflammation long after a COVID-19 infection — ousted an admittedly very cool effort from MIT, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Novo Nordisk to develop a new drug delivery method inspired by how squids shoot ink. Read more on Connect. Keep voting for UVA Health. 

National Poison Prevention Week 

Through March 22 | When the unexpected happens, Poison Help is here for you with fast, free treatment advice by calling the Poison Help line (800.222.1222) or visiting PoisonHelp.org. Whether it’s a question or an emergency, Poison Help can provide lifesaving information when people need it most. Calling a poison center is faster and more accurate than an internet search. On average, 90% of poisonings happen in homes in America each year, and more than 70% of people who call Poison Help get the help they need right where they are — saving the cost of a trip to a healthcare professional or hospital. In Charlottesville and surrounding counties, your call is answered by specialists at the Blue Ridge Poison Center right here at UVA Health. Prevention education materials and other resources are available. Get medication disposal tips on Connect. 

Quit Nicotine/Smoking Blue Ridge Program 

Wednesdays, March 19-April 23 | 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. 

UVA Health Run With Jim  

Thursday, March 20 | 7:15 a.m. | Madison Hall front steps | UVA Health is invited to run with UVA President Jim Ryan. Whether you’re a runner or prefer a more relaxed pace, join for a morning of movement and community. Mary Frances Southerland, Chief Administrative Officer, will start the event by highlighting UVA Health’s role as the title sponsor of the Charlottesville Ten Miler followed by a choice of a two-mile or four-mile route through UVA Grounds. After, enjoy Bodo’s Bagels and connect with other participants. Questions? Contact Melissa Grossman. 

Intro to Strengths: Unlock Your Potential 

Thursday, March 20 | noon-12:30 p.m. | Virtual | Tapping into your strengths creates a pathway for excellence. Your strengths contribute to your success and the success of those around you. Discover how the CliftonStrengths framework can help you and your team unlock full potential by focusing on individual and collective strengths. Register. 

Charlottesville Ten Miler and Cheer Zone 

Saturday, March 22 | Downtown Charlottesville | Details | This year marks the 50th running of the race, a milestone event that celebrates decades of tradition and community. Whether you're a seasoned runner or looking to tackle your first long-distance race, this event is the perfect way to experience the beauty and spirit of Charlottesville. If you’re a UVA Health team member: 

• Cheer | 7:30-10:30 a.m. | Outside the Team Member Gym | Join CavMan in the cheer zone to support runners during the race. There will be cowbells, coffee, and plenty of energy to keep the spirit high. The first 30 team members to arrive will receive a UVA Health long-sleeve performance shirt. 

Flower Sale: Daisy Day 

Wednesday, March 26 | 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 26, 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. 

Medical Center Hour | First Do No Harm, Then Do Good; A Deep Dive on Sustainable Healthcare 

Wednesday, March 26 | noon-1 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, 3rd Floor Auditorium and Zoom | Speaker: Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, PhD, MSHA, MACP, FACMI, FAMIA, President and CEO, The Joint Commission, Washington, D.C. 

ECHO: The 5 Ms of Obesity Management  

This series aims to enhance clinician competence in obesity management by offering expert-led sessions across essential domains, fostering better patient outcomes through interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. All sessions are noon-1 p.m. Register. 

• Thursday, March 27 | Meals: From Fast Food to Fit — How Smart Meals Can Fight Obesity 
• Thursday, April 10 | Mind: Mind Over Matter — How Mental Health Impacts Obesity 
• Thursday, April 24 | Move: Move More, Weigh Less — How Exercise Combats Obesity 
• Thursday, May 8 | Medications: From Struggle to Solutions — Can New Medications End the Obesity Epidemic? 

ITHRIV: Voices in Clinical Translational Science Seminar Series 

Tuesday, April 1 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom | This series is designed to lift voices from a variety of spaces across the research spectrum. The virtual series focuses on promoting dialogue and encouraging team science to foster innovation in an inclusive environment. Madhav Marathe, PhD, will discuss “Real-time Pandemic Science.” Registration required. 

YOU@UVA Leadership Program 

Application deadline: Thursday, April 10 | This six-month dynamic professional development initiative is aimed at fostering leadership, mentorship, and research excellence across UVA’s diverse academic and clinical landscape. This program is specifically tailored for faculty, trainees, and clinical research professional staff, equipping them with the skills and networks to thrive in leadership roles while driving impactful research. Kickoff lunch is April 22. Learn more. Apply. Questions? Contact Jennifer Phillips RN, CCRC. 

National Summit for Building Healthy Academic Communities 

April 10-11 | Kimpton's The Forum Hotel | Learn best practices for creating healthier academic environments from renowned experts in health and well-being and learn how to apply these best practices through workshops and networking opportunities. Hoos Well hosts. Learn more and register. 

Hoos Research Champion Awards — Nominate a Colleague Today  

Deadline: Friday, April 11 | UVA Health is proud to launch the Hoos Research Champion Awards, a new initiative recognizing the dedication, expertise, and teamwork of research team members who enhance our culture of research excellence. Originating from the Spark Innovation Competition, this award celebrates those who conduct or support research at UVA Health. Each year, three outstanding recipients will be selected to receive a $1,000 prize, an engraved award, and recognition in UVA Health publications. 

All UVA Health team members who contribute to research — such as research lab staff, clinical research coordinators, grants and contracts staff, core facility staff, and vivarium staff — are eligible. Faculty and students are not eligible. Nominations are open until April 11, and can be submitted by any UVA Health team member. Simply provide the nominee’s name, title/department, and a brief statement on why they deserve recognition. Submit a nomination. For questions, contact Danny Burdine, Director of Research Operations. Read more on Connect. 

New Training Program | Excellence in Clinical Trials: Practical Skills for Principal Investigators 

Thursdays, April 24, May 1, May 8, and May 15 | 3-5 p.m. | MR5, Room 3005 | An ideal program for first-time principal investigators (PIs), aspiring PIs, and clinical researchers looking to enhance their skills in managing clinical trials. Supported by the UVA School of Medicine Clinical Trials Unit and the integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia (iTHRIV). Download the flyer or visit the site. Apply. 

3rd Annual UVA Health Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement/Patient Safety (QI/PS) Showcase 

Tuesday, June 10 | 11:30-1:30 p.m. | Education Resource Center, Room A | Recognizing local improvements in QI/PS from all disciplines. Any UVA faculty member, staff member, fellow resident, postdoc, graduate student, or medical student who has engaged in implementation and assessment of a QI/PS project is eligible to download and submit a form and abstract by 11:59 p.m., April 14, to QIPSshowcase@uvahealth.org. Accepting works in progress and QI/PS projects. Authors of abstracts selected for presentation will be notified by May 1. 

Appreciation 

Winning Spark Innovation Competition Project Fosters Sense of Community, Improves Well-Being 

UVA Health's most recent Spark Innovation Competition — established in 2022 to leverage the wisdom, energy, and dedication of team members — concluded in July 2024. The competition invites participants across the organization to submit ideas that could bring positive change to the culture of UVA Health. 

One of the standout submissions came from Brant Isakson, PhD, Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, and a resident faculty member of the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center. Project teammate Randy Speight, Director of Capital and Facilities Planning, brought Isakson’s idea to life. 

Isakson's idea addressed a longstanding issue faced by researchers in the MR4, MR5, and MR6 buildings: limited access to outdoor space during the workday. Despite a large courtyard connecting these buildings, the area was underutilized due to a lack of seating. Many researchers and staff members were left to eat lunch while sitting on the short walls or standing while enjoying brief breaks outside. 

"When I was here as a post-doc, the space between MR4 and MR5 was just a gravel pit. It flooded frequently and was messy," Isakson recalls. "When they built MR6, they put in a beautiful courtyard.” 

Recognizing the potential of the courtyard, Isakson proposed adding outdoor seating and tables to make the space more inviting. Read more and see the results on Connect. 

Monday, March 17

UVA Health Makes It to Sweet 16 of STAT Madness 

An important UVA Health discovery about COVID-19 has made it to the Sweet 16 of STAT Madness, a fun online tournament to crown 2024’s biggest scientific advance.  

In a hard fought contest in the Round of 32, UVA’s discovery — revealing how malfunctioning immune cells can fuel harmful lung inflammation long after a COVID-19 infection — ousted an admittedly very cool effort from MIT, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Novo Nordisk to develop a new drug delivery method inspired by how squids shoot ink.  

Read more on Connect. Keep voting for UVA Health. 

Ambulatory 

Adult Primary Care Providers: Improvements to Epic Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Note Template 

On March 13, an improved version of the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) note template was implemented in Epic. This iteration is intended to make the note faster and easier to complete and help ensure that key documentation requirements are met so that the visits are appropriately reimbursed.    

• It will be much easier to tell if the cognitive status assessment still needs to be done, and a new smartlist will allow you to quickly document the results of that assessment.  
• The layout of the Personalized Preventive Plan services component has been shortened and re-arranged to make it visually cleaner, and now many of the items will only require documentation if they are considered "overdue" in the Health Maintenance activity.   
• A new optional documentation prompt for ASCVD risk assessment has been added.  

We encourage providers to use this standard template to ensure that the necessary documentation is captured as Medicare regulations change. Screenshots and additional details are available on the Epic Learning Library. Also please note that some additional improvements have been made to the AWV smartset, including some additional charge codes (e.g., ASCVD risk assessment) and an update so that selection of an LOS code will automatically associate the appropriate billing diagnosis. 

Operations 

Prepare for Scheduled SPOK Downtime 

Tuesday, March 25 | Starting at 2 a.m. | UVA Health’s SPOK paging software will be down for required maintenance during this time. Downtime is not expected to exceed four hours. All care team members should follow downtime procedures for paging on-call providers and call groups and for emergency calls: 

Paging providers and call groups 

• Vocera text page. (Note: not all providers have Vocera.) 
• Click on SPOK desktop app (“radar” icon) to reach out directly to on-call providers. 
  • Clicking the icon will open a list of on-call providers and their phone numbers. 
  • You may also use Qgenda to look up on-call providers. 
• Call the Contact Center at 434.924.0000 and they will call the on-call provider.  
  • The Contact Center will schedule additional staff during the downtime to ensure timely support is available. 
• On-call providers and call groups MUST keep their phone and ringers turned on to receive Vocera text pages and phone calls. 

Emergency calls to 924.2012 

• Overhead announcement in hospital. 

Leadership 

Apply Now for UVA Health Leadership Institute 

Application deadline: Wednesday, April 30 | The UVA Health Leadership Institute (HLI) is ready to welcome a new cohort of emerging leaders to the institute: applications for cohort four are open now. Interested candidates should complete their application, essay, and submit a letter of recommendation via the HLI application portal. The institute is seeking candidates who meet the following criteria:   

• Currently employed by any UVA Health entity. 
• Demonstrated exceptional leadership potential. 
• Invested in their career at UVA Health. 
• Shown a strong commitment to our ASPIRE values. 

Selected candidates will be notified in May and monthly cohort sessions will begin in October. Additional details about the HLI curriculum, application process, and more are available in the FAQs on Connect. 

Happenings 

National Poison Prevention Week 

Through March 22 | When the unexpected happens, Poison Help is here for you with fast, free treatment advice by calling the Poison Help line (800.222.1222) or visiting PoisonHelp.org. Whether it’s a question or an emergency, Poison Help can provide lifesaving information when people need it most. Calling a poison center is faster and more accurate than an internet search. On average, 90% of poisonings happen in homes in America each year, and more than 70% of people who call Poison Help get the help they need right where they are — saving the cost of a trip to a healthcare professional or hospital. In Charlottesville and surrounding counties, your call is answered by specialists at the Blue Ridge Poison Center right here at UVA Health. Prevention education materials and other resources are available. Get medication disposal tips on Connect. 

Micro Health Breaks 

March 17-May 15 | Zoom | Take a 10-minute break to refresh your mind and body with this eight-week series. These quick, engaging, virtual sessions offer benefits like improved flexibility, reduced anxiety, enhanced energy, and a stronger mind-body connection — perfect for fitting wellness into your busy day. Learn more and see the full schedule. 

Health Workforce Well-Being Day 

Tuesday, March 18 | Health Workforce Well-Being Day aims to recognize the importance of protecting health workers’ well-being to sustain our health system and ensure quality patient care. It 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 system-wide changes to improve health worker well-being and transform cultures. Learn more. Related resources are available on the Wisdom and Well-being website. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot 

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

• Wednesday, March 19 | 8-11 a.m. 
• Thursday, March 27 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 
• Monday, March 31 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 

How to Create a Culture of Appreciation and Celebrate Your Team (Manager Series) 

Wednesday, March 19 | noon-1 p.m. | Virtual | Explore the power of creating a culture of appreciation and budget-friendly ways to celebrate your team. Register. 

UVA Health Run With Jim  

Thursday, March 20 | 7:15 a.m. | Madison Hall front steps | UVA Health is invited to run with UVA President Jim Ryan. Whether you’re a runner or prefer a more relaxed pace, join for a morning of movement and community. Mary Frances Southerland, Chief Administrative Officer, will start the event by highlighting UVA Health’s role as the title sponsor of the Charlottesville Ten Miler followed by a choice of a two-mile or four-mile route through UVA Grounds. After, enjoy Bodo’s Bagels and connect with other participants. Questions? Contact Melissa Grossman. 

Intro to Strengths: Unlock Your Potential 

Thursday, March 20 | noon-12:30 p.m | Virtual | Tapping into your strengths creates a pathway for excellence. Your strengths contribute to your success and the success of those around you. Discover how the CliftonStrengths framework can help you and your team unlock full potential by focusing on individual and collective strengths. Register. 

Discounted Baseball Tickets: UVA vs. Duke 

Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22 | UVA Athletic Department is excited to give all UVA Health team members the opportunity to watch our Virginia baseball team take on Duke University. To celebrate the immense impact you make on our community, UVA Athletics is offering a special 20% discount to all UVA Health employees, as well as their friends and families. Details and ticketing information. 

Charlottesville Ten Miler and Cheer Zone 

Saturday, March 22 | Downtown Charlottesville | Details | This year marks the 50th running of the race, a milestone event that celebrates decades of tradition and community. Whether you're a seasoned runner or looking to tackle your first long-distance race, this event is the perfect way to experience the beauty and spirit of Charlottesville. If you’re a UVA Health team member: 

• Cheer | 7:30-10:30 a.m. | Outside the Team Member Gym | Join CavMan in the cheer zone to support runners during the race. There will be cowbells, coffee, and plenty of energy to keep the spirit high. The first 30 team members to arrive will receive a UVA Health long-sleeve performance shirt. 

Medical Center Hour | First Do No Harm, Then Do Good; A Deep Dive on Sustainable Healthcare 

Wednesday, March 26 | noon-1 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, 3rd Floor Auditorium and Zoom | Speaker: Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, PhD, MSHA, MACP, FACMI, FAMIA, President and CEO, The Joint Commission, Washington, D.C. 

Navigating Transformation: Change Management and Organizational Culture 

Wednesday, March 26 | 1-2 p.m. | Educational Resource Center, Meeting Room B | This session will help you understand the people side of change and provide strategies to foster adaptability, overcome resistance, and inspire a culture that embraces change. Participants will learn about valuable insights from the transformative initiatives the health system has implemented over the past three years. Presenter: Mary Frances Southerland, Chief Administrative Officer. Sponsored by UVA Organizational Excellence. Register. 

Wellness Book Club 

Orientation meeting: Friday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Are you passionate about wellness and love diving into a good book? This monthly book club is the perfect place for you. Connect with fellow book lovers monthly to explore and discuss wellness-related books in a warm and welcoming environment. Learn more. 

⁠Embrace Your Menopause Journey: A Five-Week Transformation to Renewed Vitality 

April 22-May 20 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Zoom | Join this inspiring five-week group where you will learn to see menopause as a powerful new chapter in life. Guided by the expertise of Beth Frackleton, RN, National Board-Certified Health Coach, ACSM Certified PT, and Mary Sherman, LCSW, CEAP, CAPP. Limited spots. To register or ask questions, email Beth Frackleton or call 434.243.8199. Learn more. 

Accepting Applications: Charles L. Brown Award 

Deadline: Friday, May 23 | 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 

2025 Radiology Safety Fair Uses Fun to Combat Mayhem 

“Avoid mayhem!” was the theme of the annual Radiology Safety Fair, hosted by the Radiology Safety Committee. More than 120 visitors attended the event to learn about safety topics in a fun setting — which featured candy, games, gift card drawings, and more. 

Founded in 2003, the safety committee’s purpose is to monitor and problem-solve issues within all divisions of UVA Health Radiology, as well as to increase safety awareness. It includes a member from each modality and work area, with representatives from University Medical Center, outpatient services, and the hospital mobility coach. 

The fair itself was a true group effort. Members of the safety committee supervised various educational sections about safety topics, with special assistance from Physical Therapy Volunteers Naja Pressley and Nader Bashammakh. UVA Health Physical Therapy’s Leslie Wood provided homemade cupcakes to fuel the learning. 

The event was also an opportunity to recognize a founding member and former Chair of the Safety Committee, Vickie Taylor, who retired from her position as radiology nurse manager this year. At the Safety Fair, she was honored with the presentation of a Jefferson Cup. See the full list of stations and pictures from the event. Thank you to all who participated and for providing the safest care possible! 

Friday, March 14

UVA Health Run With Jim  

Thursday, March 20 | 7:15 a.m. | Madison Hall front steps | UVA Health is invited to run with UVA President Jim Ryan. Whether you’re a runner or prefer a more relaxed pace, join for a morning of movement and community. Mary Frances Southerland, Chief Administrative Officer, will start the event by highlighting UVA Health’s role as the title sponsor of the Charlottesville Ten Miler followed by a choice of a two-mile or four-mile route through UVA Grounds. After, enjoy Bodo’s Bagels and connect with other participants. Questions? Contact Melissa Grossman. 

Charlottesville Ten Miler and Cheer Zone 

Saturday, March 22 | Downtown Charlottesville | Details | This year marks the 50th running of the race, a milestone event that celebrates decades of tradition and community. Whether you're a seasoned runner or looking to tackle your first long-distance race, this event is the perfect way to experience the beauty and spirit of Charlottesville. If you’re a UVA Health team member:

• Cheer | 7:30-10:30 a.m. | Outside the Team Member Gym | Join CavMan in the cheer zone to support runners during the race. There will be cowbells, coffee, and plenty of energy to keep the spirit high. The first 30 team members to arrive will receive a UVA Health long-sleeve performance shirt.

Ambulatory 

Adult Primary Care Providers: Improvements to the Epic Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Note Template 

On March 13, an improved version of the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) note template was implemented in Epic. This iteration is intended to make the note faster and easier to complete and help ensure that key documentation requirements are met so that the visits are appropriately reimbursed.    

• It will be much easier to tell if the cognitive status assessment still needs to be done, and a new smartlist will allow you to quickly document the results of that assessment.  
• The layout of the Personalized Preventive Plan services component has been shortened and re-arranged to make it visually cleaner, and now many of the items will only require documentation if they are considered "overdue" in the Health Maintenance activity.   
• A new optional documentation prompt for ASCVD risk assessment has been added.  

We encourage providers to use this standard template to ensure that the necessary documentation is captured as Medicare regulations change. Screenshots and additional details are available on the Epic Learning Library. Also please note that some additional improvements have been made to the AWV smartset, including some additional charge codes (e.g., ASCVD risk assessment) and an update so that selection of an LOS code will automatically associate the appropriate billing diagnosis. 

Operations 

Construction Impact | Sidewalk Near Lane Road and Crispell Drive 

Through March 28 | To accommodate the installation of metal panels on exposed ductwork, the sidewalk near the exterior entrance to University Hospital by the intersection of Lane Road and Crispell Drive will be closed. Questions? Contact Jim Loman. 

New Restrictions on DeepSeek AI Usage 

In response to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 46, UVA has implemented new restrictions on the use of the DeepSeek AI application and we will actively block this application in our firewall beginning this week. Effective Feb. 12, 2025, employees, agents, and contractors of the University may not download or use DeepSeek AI on any University-issued, owned, or leased device, nor may anyone access the application while connected to UVA’s wired or wireless networks. Additionally, anyone who has previously installed the application on a University device must remove it immediately.   

To align with this mandate, UVA has updated Policy IRM-002: Acceptable Use of the University’s Information Technology Resources, effective Feb. 17. Employees and students who violate these restrictions may face disciplinary action. However, the order does not restrict the use of DeepSeek AI on personal devices connected to private networks. UVA is working with other Virginia institutions to clarify whether the order also applies to offline deployments of DeepSeek AI Large Language Models. Questions about this policy can be directed to policy@virginia.edu. 

Introduction to PolicyTech Now Available in Workday 

Team members can access this digital course which covers basic PolicyTech functionality, including search tips. Access the course or search “Introduction to PolicyTech” in Workday. Additional PolicyTech Help Resources are available on the Accreditation website. Questions or suggestions for additional PolicyTech training topics? Please contact PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• Two UVA Health medical discoveries advance to the second round of the competition for 2024’s most important scientific advance in STAT Madness. (Second round voting is open now.) 

Patient Care 

• Dr. David Callender participates in our weekly NBC29 segment, discussing the importance of colorectal cancer screening. 
• Nurse Care Coordinator Brandi Teel and RN Care Coordinator Dakota Clemmons are featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing colorectal cancer awareness month. 
• Operation Manager Amy Cesak and LilyPads Housing’s Jen Koym are featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing a new care cart for UVA Health Children’s families. 
• Dr. Alissa Bahl is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing parent-child interaction therapy. 
• Dr. Taison Bell is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing measles and meningitis. 

Research 

• Dr. Jie Sun’s research into a potential long COVID treatment is featured locally, across Virginia, on TV stations nationally, and in Germany. 
• Dr. Scott Hollenbeck talks with Medscape about an abdominal condition that often affects pregnant women. 
• Dr. Anelyssa D’Abreu speaks with WJLA (DC TV station) about new research predicting the number of Americans with dementia will double by 2060. 
• Dr. Frederick Hayden is featured locally and across Virginia discussing a clinical trial he helped lead into a medication that could prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Community 

• Prince William Living highlights the opening of applications for UVA Community Health’s community grants program. 

Education 

• Research from nursing doctoral student Yeonsu Kim on how waking up to phone alarms can harm your health is featured in Best Life. 

Happenings 

UVA Health Contenders Advance in Contest to ID 2024’s Biggest Scientific Discovery 

Major medical findings from UVA Health are closer to being crowned 2024’s most important scientific discovery after advancing to the second round of STAT Madness, a fun online tournament highlighting the year’s most significant and influential research. Vote now. Read more on Connect. 

Following the Flow of My Brushes: The Art of Anne Delatour Hopper 

Through May 14 | University Hospital Lobby | UVA Health Arts Program is pleased to present “Following the Flow of My Brushes.” Stop by and check it out! 

Student Art at University Hospital 

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

New Earn While You Learn Advanced Program Opportunity: Cardiac and Vascular Sonography 

Earn While You Learn (EWYL) has announced new programs for Adult Cardiac (Echo) Sonography and Adult Vascular Sonography, starting August 2025. A limited number of positions are available to University Medical Center employees for this year-long training program. Please refer to the EWYL website for program requirements. Participant selection will occur in April for the program starting in August. For consideration, please contact the EWYL team by March 14. Questions? Email earnwhileyoulearn@uvahealth.org. 

Micro Health Breaks 

March 17-May 15 | Zoom | Take a 10-minute break to refresh your mind and body with this eight-week series. These quick, engaging, virtual sessions offer benefits like improved flexibility, reduced anxiety, enhanced energy, and a stronger mind-body connection — perfect for fitting wellness into your busy day. Learn more and see the full schedule. 

Women’s History Month: UVA Health Storytellers Featuring Ashley Woodard, Ed.D. 

Monday, March 17 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall 1005 and Zoom | Registration Required for On-site or to Receive Zoom Link | This series spotlights a leading expert — inside UVA Health — in healthcare, mental health, and restorative justice. Read a message from leadership and learn more on Connect. 

UVA Enlighten 

Interested in beginning the journey to an undergraduate degree? UVA Enlighten is a program developed for working adults who have little-to-no previous college experience. You’ll find the support you need to be successful in this online, flexible program.      

• Information Session | Monday, March 17 | 2-3 p.m. | Education Resource Center, Room B | Stop by for cupcakes, coffee, and the chance to learn more. Register. 

How to Create a Culture of Appreciation and Celebrate Your Team (Manager Series) 

Wednesday, March 19 | noon-1 p.m. | Virtual | Explore the power of creating a culture of appreciation and budget-friendly ways to celebrate your team. Register. 

Intro to Strengths: Unlock Your Potential 

Thursday, March 20 | noon-12:30 p.m. | Virtual | Tapping into your strengths creates a pathway for excellence. Your strengths contribute to your success and the success of those around you. Discover how the CliftonStrengths framework can help you and your team unlock full potential by focusing on individual and collective strengths. Register. 

AI in Healthcare Symposium 

Wednesday, April 9 | 6-7:45 p.m., networking reception to follow | Kimpton The Forum Hotel | An engaging evening exploring the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, featuring insights from industry leaders, and opportunities to network with peers. Featuring keynote speaker Girish Nadkarni, MD, Chair, Windreich Department of AI and Human Health at Mount Sinai, and a panel discussion. Free. Learn more and RSVP by April 1. Hosted by the UVA Health Leadership Institute, UVA Darden School of Business, and UVA School of Data Science. 

Call for Nominations: 2025 Thomas Jefferson Awards 

Deadline: Monday, April 14 | noon | These awards are the highest honors given to members of the University community. Recipients exemplify the principles, ideals, and mission of the University, in their character, work, and influence. Questions? Contact the Thomas Jefferson Awards Committee or Cecil Banks, Executive Director for Major Events and External Relations. Learn more. 

Nominate: Hoos Building Bridges Award 

Deadline: Friday, April 18 | This award recognizes team members who demonstrate leadership and build thoughtful collaborations and relationships across schools, units, and/or departments that advance our work as an institution. See eligibility requirements and nominate. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu. 

Advancing Discoveries and Driving Innovation 

Wednesday, April 23 | 5-7 p.m. | The Link Lab | This event is about sparking new ideas, building connections, and exploring interdisciplinary collaborations. Attendees will share a one-minute elevator pitch about their research, so it's a great opportunity to hear what researchers are working on across Grounds. Register. 

Appreciation 

‘We Felt Great Care and Compassion’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues 

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

• “We were part of the shelter in place experience that day. The staff did an excellent job of keeping us informed. They provided drinks and snacks as needed. Although my husband and I were there several more hours than anticipated, we felt great care and compassion.” 
• “Dr. Kirby is certainly an outstanding physician. She demonstrates excellence in clinical knowledge and expertise, especially in the field of endocrinology. She has been my doctor for several years and always shows genuine empathy and compassion when discussing my medical issues. Dr. Kirby engages well with her patients and communicates in a way that makes me feel very comfortable and makes sure I understand all that we discussed. Clearly one of the best doctors!” 
• “Loved the team approach. These professionals seem to work very well together. I became a little emotional at how blessed I felt to have found a team that made me feel comfortable to share. They seem to care.” 
• “Dr. Caldwell was amazing! She listened, provided me with options, displayed empathy and concern for my situation, and eased my concerns. I have known about this clinic, but it was my first time visiting. I hope UVA Health keeps this clinic as is.”  

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

Wednesday, March 12

UVA Health Contenders Advance in Contest to ID 2024’s Biggest Scientific Discovery 

Major medical findings from UVA Health are closer to being crowned 2024’s most important scientific discovery after advancing to the second round of STAT Madness, a fun online tournament highlighting the year’s most significant and influential research.  

Vote now. Read more on Connect. 

Ambulatory 

Adult Primary Care Providers: Improvements to the Epic Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Note Template 

On March 13, an improved version of the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) note template will be implemented in Epic. This iteration is intended to make the note faster and easier to complete and help ensure that key documentation requirements are met so that the visits are appropriately reimbursed.   

• It will be much easier to tell if the cognitive status assessment still needs to be done, and a new smartlist will allow you to quickly document the results of that assessment. 
• The layout of the Personalized Preventive Plan services component has been shortened and re-arranged to make it visually cleaner, and now many of the items will only require documentation if they are considered "overdue" in the Health Maintenance activity.  
• A new optional documentation prompt for ASCVD risk assessment has been added. 

We encourage providers to use this standard template to ensure that the necessary documentation is captured as Medicare regulations change. Screenshots and additional details are available on the Epic Learning Library. Also please note that some additional improvements have been made to the AWV smartset, including some additional charge codes (e.g., ASCVD risk assessment) and an update so that selection of an LOS code will automatically associate the appropriate billing diagnosis. 

Operations 

Construction Impact | Sidewalk Near Lane Road and Crispell Drive 

March 10-28 | To accommodate the installation of metal panels on exposed ductwork, the sidewalk near the exterior entrance to University Hospital by the intersection of Lane Road and Crispell Drive will be closed. Questions? Contact Jim Loman. 

New Restrictions on DeepSeek AI Usage 

In response to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 46, UVA has implemented new restrictions on the use of the DeepSeek AI application and we will actively block this application in our firewall beginning this week. Effective Feb. 12, 2025, employees, agents, and contractors of the University may not download or use DeepSeek AI on any University-issued, owned, or leased device, nor may anyone access the application while connected to UVA’s wired or wireless networks. Additionally, anyone who has previously installed the application on a University device must remove it immediately.  

To align with this mandate, UVA has updated Policy IRM-002: Acceptable Use of the University’s Information Technology Resources, effective Feb. 17. Employees and students who violate these restrictions may face disciplinary action. However, the order does not restrict the use of DeepSeek AI on personal devices connected to private networks. UVA is working with other Virginia institutions to clarify whether the order also applies to offline deployments of DeepSeek AI Large Language Models. Questions about this policy can be directed to policy@virginia.edu. 

Introduction to PolicyTech Now Available in Workday 

Team members can access this digital course which covers basic PolicyTech functionality, including search tips. Access the course or search “Introduction to PolicyTech” in Workday. Additional PolicyTech Help Resources are available on the Accreditation website. Questions or suggestions for additional PolicyTech training topics? Please contact PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

Leadership 

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Take Pride: Thank You for an Incredible Magnet Site Visit! 

In her latest Vision and Voice blog, Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, expresses pride in our team members who dedicated countless hours to ensuring the recent Magnet site visit was a success. Read more. 

Apply Now for the UVA Health Leadership Institute 

Application deadline: Wednesday, April 30 | The UVA Health Leadership Institute (HLI) is ready to welcome a new cohort of emerging leaders to the institute: applications for cohort four are open now. Interested candidates should complete their application, essay, and submit a letter of recommendation via the HLI application portal. The institute is seeking candidates who meet the following criteria:  

• Currently employed by any UVA Health entity. 
• Demonstrated exceptional leadership potential. 
• Invested in their career at UVA Health. 
• Shown a strong commitment to our ASPIRE values. 

Selected candidates will be notified in May and monthly cohort sessions will begin in October. Additional details about the HLI curriculum, application process, and more are available in the FAQs on Connect. 

Happenings 

ECHO: The 5 Ms of Obesity Management 

This series aims to enhance clinician competence in obesity management by offering expert-led sessions across essential domains, fostering better patient outcomes through interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. All sessions are noon-1 p.m. Register.   

• Thursday, March 13 | Metabolic Surgery: The Surgical Fix? Understanding Metabolic Surgery for Weight Loss   
• Thursday, March 27 | Meals: From Fast Food to Fit — How Smart Meals Can Fight Obesity   
• Thursday, April 10 | Mind: Mind Over Matter — How Mental Health Impacts Obesity   
• Thursday, April 24 | Move: Move More, Weigh Less — How Exercise Combats Obesity   
• Thursday, May 8 | Medications: From Struggle to Solutions — Can New Medications End the Obesity Epidemic? 

2025 Joint SAHMS and Agnes Dillon Randolph Nursing History Conference 

March 14-15 | UVA School of Nursing | An interdisciplinary event on topics related to the history of medicine, science, nursing, and healthcare. Details. Questions? Contact Dominique Tobbell or Maura Singleton. 

Women’s History Month: UVA Health Storytellers Featuring Ashley Woodard, Ed.D. 

Monday, March 17 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall 1005 and Zoom | Registration Required for On-site or to Receive Zoom Link | This series spotlights a leading expert — inside UVA Health — in healthcare, mental health, and restorative justice. Read a message from leadership and learn more on Connect. 

Micro Health Breaks 

March 17-May 15 | Zoom | Take a 10-minute break to refresh your mind and body with this eight-week series. These quick, engaging, virtual sessions offer benefits like improved flexibility, reduced anxiety, enhanced energy, and a stronger mind-body connection — perfect for fitting wellness into your busy day. Learn more and see the full schedule. 

UVA Enlighten 

Interested in beginning the journey to an undergraduate degree? UVA Enlighten is a program developed for working adults who have little-to-no previous college experience. You’ll find the support you need to be successful in this online, flexible program.     

• Information Session | Monday, March 17 | 2-3 p.m. | Education Resource Center, Room B | Stop by for cupcakes, coffee, and the chance to learn more. Register. 

How to Create a Culture of Appreciation and Celebrate Your Team (Manager Series) 

Wednesday, March 19 | noon-1 p.m. | Virtual | Explore the power of creating a culture of appreciation and budget-friendly ways to celebrate your team. Register. 

Quit Nicotine/Smoking Blue Ridge Program 

Wednesdays, March 19-April 23 | 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. 

UVA Health Run With Jim 

Thursday, March 20 | 7:15 a.m. | Madison Hall front steps | UVA Health is invited to run with UVA President Jim Ryan. Whether you’re a runner or prefer a more relaxed pace, join for a morning of movement and community. President Ryan and Mary Frances Southerland, Chief Administrative Officer, will start the event with a brief address, followed by a choice of a two-mile or four-mile route through UVA Grounds. After, enjoy Bodo’s Bagels and connect with other participants. The first 30 team members to arrive will receive a UVA Health long-sleeve performance shirt. Questions? Contact Melissa Grossman. 

Intro to Strengths: Unlock Your Potential 

Thursday, March 20 | noon-12:30 p.m | Virtual | Tapping into your strengths creates a pathway for excellence. Your strengths contribute to your success and the success of those around you. Discover how the CliftonStrengths framework can help you and your team unlock full potential by focusing on individual and collective strengths. Register. 

Charlottesville Ten Miler 

Saturday, March 22 | Downtown Charlottesville | Details | This year marks the 50th running of the race, a milestone event that celebrates decades of tradition and community. Whether you're a seasoned runner or looking to tackle your first long-distance race, this event is the perfect way to experience the beauty and spirit of Charlottesville. If you’re a UVA Health team member:

• Cheer | 7:30-10:30 a.m. | Outside the Team Member Gym | Join CavMan in the cheer zone to support runners during the race. There will be cowbells, coffee, and plenty of energy to keep the spirit high. The first 30 team members to arrive will receive a UVA Health long-sleeve performance shirt. 
• Group run | Every Thursday until March 20 a short run will be hosted weekly at 5:30 a.m., departing from the Team Member Gym. All paces are welcome. 

ITHRIV: Voices in Clinical Translational Science Seminar Series  

Tuesday, April 1 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom | This series is designed to lift voices from a variety of spaces across the research spectrum. The virtual series focuses on promoting dialogue and encouraging team science to foster innovation in an inclusive environment. Madhav Marathe, PhD, will discuss “Real-time Pandemic Science.” Registration required. 

National Summit for Building Healthy Academic Communities 

April 10-11 | Kimpton's The Forum Hotel | Learn best practices for creating healthier academic environments from renowned experts in health and well-being and learn how to apply these best practices through workshops and networking opportunities. Hoos Well hosts. Early bird registration ends March 7. Learn more and register. 

New Training Program: Excellence in Clinical Trials: Practical Skills for Principal Investigators 

Thursdays, April 24, May 1, May 8, May 15 | 3-5 p.m. | MR5, Room 3005 | An ideal program for first-time principal investigators (PIs), aspiring PIs, and clinical researchers looking to enhance their skills in managing clinical trials. Supported by the UVA School of Medicine Clinical Trials Unit and the integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia (iTHRIV). Download the flyer or visit the site. Apply. 

3rd Annual UVA Health Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement/Patient Safety (QI/PS) Showcase 

Tuesday, June 10 | 11:30-1:30 p.m. | Education Resource Center, Room A | Recognizing local improvements in QI/PS from all disciplines. Any UVA faculty member, staff member, fellow resident, postdoc, graduate student, or medical student who has engaged in implementation and assessment of a QI/PS project is eligible to download and submit a form and abstract by 11:59 p.m., April 14, to QIPSshowcase@uvahealth.org. Accepting works in progress and QI/PS projects. Authors of abstracts selected for presentation will be notified by May 1. 

Appreciation 

Cultivating Healthy Communities 

UVA Health Heart and Vascular Center is making an impact on patients at the center — and on residents-in-need in the community. 

For the second consecutive year, the Heart and Vascular Center ran the Lew Lipson, MD, Memorial Food Drive throughout the Heart Health Month of February. Team members collected 147 pounds of food such as staples, proteins, grains, etc. — providing more than 122 meals — along with personal care items such as toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, toothbrushes, and more. They also received $685 in donations. 

Donors dropped off non-perishable items in specially marked bins around the Heart and Vascular Center at University Medical Center. The items then were delivered to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. 

“Dr. Lipson was a vital part of the Heart and Vascular Center for more than 20 years,” says Robbin Shifflett, BSN, RN-BC, Nurse Manager, Catheterization Lab. He passed away on Dec. 26, 2023. The Harvard Medical School graduate also had served as an Associate Professor of Medicine at UVA School of Medicine since 2003. He was drawn to a medical career because of a desire “to do something that could improve the quality of people’s lives.” Indeed, the food drive honors that legacy. 

Donations also can be made year-round online or on-site at the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, 1207 Harris Street, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22903. 

Monday, March 10

Patient Safety Awareness Week 

Through March 15 | This week, we recognize Patient Safety Awareness Week, a time to highlight the importance of safety in healthcare and to encourage everyone — patients, families, and healthcare professionals — to work together in preventing harm. By fostering open communication, following best practices, and promoting a culture of safety, we can improve outcomes and ensure that every patient receives safe, high quality care. Let’s use this week to educate, engage, and advocate for zero harm. At UVA Health University Medical Center, we see evidence of patient safety work all around us; a few examples include: 

• The Charles L. Brown winning improvement project led by David Callender, MD, from the University Medical Associates clinic, together with Gastroenterology and the Cancer Center, to improve detection of colorectal cancer through increased screening rates. 
• The Magnet surveyor’s description of our frontline staff’s dedication to local and housewide improvement metrics. 
• Impressive improvement in Emergency Department throughput measures. 
• 4,524 of you utilizing the Be Safe Events system to call out opportunities for improvement in 2024. 
• A 41% reduction in Catheter Associated Blood Stream Infections and 47% reduction in Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections over the past two years. 

Thank you for the work you do every day by participating in unit huddles, using checklists, honing muscle memory through mock codes, encouraging vaccinations, verifying two patient identifiers, and pausing for Time Outs — all critical ways to prevent patient harm. 

Operations 

Construction Impact | Sidewalk Near Lane Road and Crispell Drive 

March 10-28 | To accommodate the installation of metal panels on exposed ductwork, the sidewalk near the exterior entrance to University Hospital by the intersection of Lane Road and Crispell Drive will be closed. Questions? Contact Jim Loman. 

New Restrictions on DeepSeek AI Usage 

In response to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 46, UVA has implemented new restrictions on the use of the DeepSeek AI application and we will actively block this application in our firewall beginning this week. Effective Feb. 12, 2025, employees, agents, and contractors of the University may not download or use DeepSeek AI on any University-issued, owned, or leased device, nor may anyone access the application while connected to UVA’s wired or wireless networks. Additionally, anyone who has previously installed the application on a University device must remove it immediately. 

To align with this mandate, UVA has updated Policy IRM-002: Acceptable Use of the University’s Information Technology Resources, effective Feb. 17. Employees and students who violate these restrictions may face disciplinary action. However, the order does not restrict the use of DeepSeek AI on personal devices connected to private networks. UVA is working with other Virginia institutions to clarify whether the order also applies to offline deployments of DeepSeek AI Large Language Models. Questions about this policy can be directed to policy@virginia.edu. 

Our Pathway to Growing Operating Room Capacity 

In what will likely be the first phase of a longer-term expansion plan, our Perioperative leadership is underway with a plan that will expand our operating room (OR) capacity — across all our sites — by 12% over the next 18 months. Called the University Medical Center Perioperative Roadmap Expansion Plan (PREP), this initiative serves as our strategy to meet our initial 12% expansion goal by increasing staffing, expanding hours, maximizing efficiency, opening new OR space, and providing the associated operational infrastructure to generate the equivalent capacity of six additional ORs. Read more on Connect. 

Monthly Epic Update 

Changes go live Tuesday, March 11 | This month’s Epic updates will impact ambulatory and inpatient licensed independent practitioners, nurses, and therapy services, as well as all Epic users and Access/Patient Access Team. Details about the latest changes can be found in the Epic Update Bundle. Questions? Contact the Service Desk at 434.924.5334. 

Leadership 

60 Minutes With Wendy Horton 

Wednesday, March 12 | noon-1 p.m. | Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, Multipurpose Innovative Learning Lab (MILL) | There are still spots open for University Medical Center CEO Wendy Horton’s listening session. Ask Wendy anything that's on your mind, share your thoughts, and discuss topics of interest related to your work at University Medical Center. Sign up. 

Happenings 

UVA Health Contenders Advance in Contest to ID 2024’s Biggest Scientific Discovery 

Major medical findings from UVA Health are closer to being crowned 2024’s most important scientific discovery after advancing to the second round of STAT Madness, a fun online tournament highlighting the year’s most significant and influential research. Vote now. Read more on Connect. 

Staff Appreciation Breakfast 

Tuesday, March 11 | 7-9 a.m. | Newcomb Hall, 2nd floor | Breakfast will be catered by the Fresh Food Company. Pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, oatmeal from the Hoos Well oatmeal bar, and fruit will be served. Vegan and gluten-free options available upon request. No RSVP required; free parking at Central Grounds Parking Garage. A shuttle will be available for UVA Health team members from Lane Road (near University Hospital loading dock) at 7 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 8 a.m., and 8:30 a.m. Look for the UVA bus displaying Staff Appreciation Breakfast messaging. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu with the subject line "Staff Appreciation Breakfast." 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot 

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

• Tuesday, March 11 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.   
• Wednesday, March 19 | 8-11 a.m.   
• Thursday, March 27 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.   
• Monday, March 31 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Elevate Your Nursing With a UVA Graduate Degree 

UVA School of Nursing is Virginia’s top-ranked program and offers a multitude of programs and pathways for nurses interested in advancing their education and professional trajectory. Choose from the newly reformatted hybrid BSN to DNP program, which offers students a choice of one of eight specialty areas, to the school’s five specialty master’s programs and six post-master’s specialty programs. With programs designed for working nurses, many of which require minimal time on Grounds, our graduates earn more, rise faster, and reap the rewards a graduate nursing degree brings. With flexible schedules, affordable programs, and more than $4 million in financial aid distributed every year, there’s never been a better time to consider becoming an advanced practice nurse and supercharging your career. Join to learn more.        

• Wednesday, March 12 | 7:30-8:30 a.m. | RSVP   
• Wednesday, April 9 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | RSVP 

Vascular Disease Lunch and Learn Series: Messenteric Ischemia — Types and Treatments With W. Darrin Clouse, MD 

Wednesday, March 12 | noon-1 p.m. | Thoracic Cardiovascular and Vascular Offices, Albemarle/Blue Ridge Conference Room 405 or Zoom | What is messenteric ischemia? Learn about the types and treatments from W. Darrin Clouse, MD. If you plan on attending in person, please email Bernie Ammons. For those attending in person, lunch will be provided in the Glass Top Table Room in the Heart and Vascular Clinic. (Meeting ID: 964 9179 0992, Passcode: Pv^T66kC) 

Medical Center Hour | Value-Based Payment in Academic Health Centers: A Pathway to Quality for Patients and Clinicians 

Wednesday, March 12 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Speaker Barbara Markham Smith, JD, President, Barbara Smith Health Strategies, former Vice President of Community Health and Innovation at VCU Health System, explores the purpose and operation of value-based payment in academic medical centers.    

ECHO: Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome UVA 2025 

This ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) is designed for providers and community members who care or support care for pregnant and parenting patients and newborns with or at risk for opioid use disorder. Register.             

• Wednesday, March 12 | 4-5 p.m. | Postpartum Depression: NOWS and SUD 

Information Session: RN to BSN 

Wednesday, March 12 | 6-7 p.m. | RSVP | Earn a BSN on your terms! UVA’s top-ranked RN to BSN program offers a part-time, hybrid, two-year pathway for RNs interested in the personal, professional, and financial benefits a BSN brings. In-person classes take place once a month across three sites: Charlottesville, Richmond, and Fairfax. Virtual info sessions offer prospective RN to BSN students a chance to chat with friendly students, faculty, and admissions staffers to learn about a degree that opens doors. Join to learn more.   

ECHO: The 5 Ms of Obesity Management 

This series aims to enhance clinician competence in obesity management by offering expert-led sessions across essential domains, fostering better patient outcomes through interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. All sessions are noon-1 p.m. Register.  

• Thursday, March 13 | Metabolic Surgery: The Surgical Fix? Understanding Metabolic Surgery for Weight Loss   
• Thursday, March 27 | Meals: From Fast Food to Fit — How Smart Meals Can Fight Obesity   
• Thursday, April 10 | Mind: Mind Over Matter — How Mental Health Impacts Obesity   
• Thursday, April 24 | Move: Move More, Weigh Less — How Exercise Combats Obesity   
• Thursday, May 8 | Medications: From Struggle to Solutions — Can New Medications End the Obesity Epidemic? 

New Earn While You Learn Advanced Program Opportunity: Cardiac and Vascular Sonography 

Earn While You Learn (EWYL) has announced new programs for Adult Cardiac (Echo) Sonography and Adult Vascular Sonography, starting August 2025. A limited number of positions are available to University Medical Center employees for this year-long training program. Please refer to the EWYL website for program requirements. Participant selection will occur in April for the program starting in August. For consideration, please contact the EWYL team by March 14. Questions? Email earnwhileyoulearn@uvahealth.org. 

Micro Health Breaks 

March 17-May 15 | Zoom | Take a 10-minute break to refresh your mind and body with this eight-week series. These quick, engaging, virtual sessions offer benefits like improved flexibility, reduced anxiety, enhanced energy, and a stronger mind-body connection — perfect for fitting wellness into your busy day. Learn more and see the full schedule. 

UVA Enlighten 

Interested in beginning the journey to an undergraduate degree? UVA Enlighten is a program developed for working adults who have little-to-no previous college experience. You’ll find the support you need to be successful in this online, flexible program.    

• Information Session | Monday, March 17 | 2-3 p.m. | Education Resource Center, Room B | Stop by for cupcakes, coffee, and the chance to learn more. Register. 

Wellness Book Club 

Orientation meeting: Friday, March 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Are you passionate about wellness and love diving into a good book? This monthly book club is the perfect place for you. Connect with fellow book lovers monthly to explore and discuss wellness-related books in a warm and welcoming environment. Learn more. 

YOU@UVA Leadership Program  

Application deadline: Thursday, April 10 | This six-month dynamic professional development initiative is aimed at fostering leadership, mentorship, and research excellence across UVA’s diverse academic and clinical landscape. This program is specifically tailored for faculty, trainees, and clinical research professional staff, equipping them with the skills and networks to thrive in leadership roles while driving impactful research. Kickoff lunch is April 22. Learn more. Apply. Questions? Contact Jennifer Phillips RN, CCRC. 

⁠Embrace Your Menopause Journey: A Five-Week Transformation to Renewed Vitality 

April 22-May 20 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Zoom | Join this inspiring five-week group where you will learn to see menopause as a powerful new chapter in life. Guided by the expertise of Beth Frackleton, RN, National Board-Certified Health Coach, ACSM Certified PT, and Mary Sherman, LCSW, CEAP, CAPP. Limited spots. To register or ask questions, email Beth Frackleton or call 434.243.8199. Learn more. 

3rd Annual UVA Health Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement/Patient Safety (QI/PS) Showcase 

Tuesday, June 10 | 11:30-1:30 p.m. | Education Resource Center, Room A | Recognizing local improvements in QI/PS from all disciplines. Any UVA faculty member, staff member, fellow resident, postdoc, graduate student, or medical student who has engaged in implementation and assessment of a QI/PS project is eligible to download and submit a form and abstract by 11:59 p.m., April 14, to QIPSshowcase@uvahealth.org. Accepting works in progress and QI/PS projects. Authors of abstracts selected for presentation will be notified by May 1. 

Appreciation 

UVA Community Health Awards Roundup 

Last week, three UVA Community Health leaders were recognized for their outstanding work for our patients and the communities we serve. Please join us in congratulating them! 

• Joanne Ondrush, MD, Medical Director of Critical Care Services at Prince William Medical Center, won a 2025 Women of Influence award from Prince William Living. She was nominated for being a transformative advocate for environmental sustainability in healthcare. 
• Ross Snare, IV, Associate Chief External Affairs Officer, was named in Virginia Business' 40 Under 40. Ross is out in the community building relationships with our local, state, and federal lawmakers to advance UVA Health's vision and to help UVA Community Health partner with local non-profit organizations. 
• Steve Danziger, Manassas Site Executive for BAE Systems and Chair, UVA Community Health Unified Community Board, was awarded the Charles J. Colgan Visionary Award from the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. Steve is a fierce advocate for UVA Community Health and is often at events at its hospitals and in the community. 

Friday, March 7

UVA Health — Moving Forward 

From Mitchell H. Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP, Acting EVP for Health Affairs, Henry B. Mulholland Professor of Medicine: “First, I’d like to express my sincere appreciation to all of you who have reached out, providing your support, asking thoughtful questions, and suggesting ideas. It is with open dialogue and collaboration that we will continue to move forward together and please keep the thoughts and ideas coming! 

“In my role as acting EVP for Health Affairs, and in close partnership with Dr. Melina Kibbe, Dean of the School of Medicine, and Wendy Horton, CEO of University Medical Center, I am committed to ensuring that our health system continues to excel in all our missions. I fully recognize the critical importance of stability at this time and I am committed to this leadership team, inclusive of Dr. Scott Just, leading the University Physicians Group, Marianne Baernholdt, Dean of the UVA School of Nursing, Erik Shannon, CEO of UVA Community Health, and the broader senior leadership team.” Read the full message on KnowledgeLink. 

Patient Care 

Update to Epic Health Maintenance Plan for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes 

On Tuesday, March 4, the Epic Health Maintenance plan for diabetes mellitus was updated to include all diabetic (Type 2) patients who receive their primary care at UVA Health as well as patients on the Accountable Care Organization registry or on one of our value-based care registries. This health maintenance plan offers provider and patient reminders and tracking for things like Hemoglobin A1C, eye exam, foot exam, etc. — helping more of our diabetic patients get the care they need. 

Operations 

Monthly Update: Clinical and Operational Documents 

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

• New Vasopressor Administration Through Peripheral Intravenous Catheters Guideline   
• Updates to Perioperative Antithrombotic Therapy Management Guideline, and many more.  

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

Monthly Epic Update 

Changes go live Tuesday, March 11 | This month’s Epic updates will impact ambulatory and inpatient licensed independent practitioners, nurses, and therapy services, as well as all Epic users and Access/Patient Access Team. Details about the latest changes can be found in the Epic Update Bundle. Questions? Contact the Service Desk at 434.924.5334. 

Leadership 

60 Minutes With Wendy Horton 

Wednesday, March 12 | noon-1 p.m. | Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, Multipurpose Innovative Learning Lab (MILL) | There are still spots open for University Medical Center CEO Wendy Horton’s listening session. Ask Wendy anything that's on your mind, share your thoughts, and discuss topics of interest related to your work at University Medical Center. Sign up. 

Apply Now for the UVA Health Leadership Institute 

Application deadline: Wednesday, April 30 | The UVA Health Leadership Institute (HLI) is ready to welcome a new cohort of emerging leaders to the institute: applications for cohort four are open now. Interested candidates should complete their application, essay, and submit a letter of recommendation via the HLI application portal. The institute is seeking candidates who meet the following criteria: 

• Currently employed by any UVA Health entity. 
• Demonstrated exceptional leadership potential. 
• Invested in their career at UVA Health. 
• Shown a strong commitment to our ASPIRE values. 

Selected candidates will be notified in May and monthly cohort sessions will begin in October. Additional details about the HLI curriculum, application process, and more are available in the FAQs on Connect. 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• UVA Health has three medical discoveries competing for the title of 2024’s most important scientific advance in STAT Madness. (First-round voting is open now.) 

Patient Care 

• Dr. Bobby Chhabra participates in our weekly NBC29 segment, discussing our new orthopedics walk-in injury care clinic. 
• A UVA Cancer Center partnership with the Quit Nicotine/Smoking Blue Ridge program is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally. 
• Dr. Scott Hollenbeck is featured in Allure and Yahoo discussing the challenges plastic surgeons face working with insurance companies for coverage of medically necessary procedures. 
• Becker’s Hospital Review features University Medical Center’s inclusion on a national list of top orthopedic centers for women. 
• Dr. Behzad Farivar is featured locally and regionally discussing a new procedure to treat thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. 

Research 

• Dr. Jennifer Payne’s research into menopause symptoms among younger women continues to receive strong coverage, appearing in more than 100 additional outlets, including U.S. News & World Report and Axios. 
• Dr. Taison Bell talks with The Atlantic about the importance of NIH funding for medical research. 
• Dr. Steve Borowitz is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing how school absences can signal hard-to-diagnose GI conditions in kids. 
• Dr. Michael Nelson speaks with MedPage Today for two stories on the latest research into seasonal allergies. 
• Dr. Kim Penberthy is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing how daylight saving time can affect your mental health. 

Community 

• Regional media outlets, including Virginia Mercury and WTOP, cover a partnership with The Health Wagon to expand rural telehealth. 

Education 

• Dr. Paul Matherne is featured in U.S. News & World Report discussing AI and healthcare. 

Happenings 

Vote in STAT Madness: 3 UVA Health Discoveries Up for 2024’s Biggest Scientific Advance  

For the seventh year in a row, major medical discoveries from UVA Health have been selected to compete for the title of the preceding year’s most important scientific advance. The public’s vote ultimately will crown the winner in the online contest, called STAT Madness. The bracket-style tournament is sponsored each year by the prominent health news site STAT to highlight the nation’s most important and influential scientific research. Voting is open, and you can (and should!) vote daily. Read more on Connect. 

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month  

• Friday, March 7 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Inflatable Colon in University Hospital Cafeteria | Team members, patients, and visitors can walk through the colon and talk to the team about colorectal cancer screening.    
• March 7-9 | South Tower Lighting | The South Tower will be lighted blue over the weekend in honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. 

Fashion Illustration: Reflections of Earth and Sky | The Art of Aleona Isakova  

Through Wednesday, March 12 | University Hospital Lobby | UVA Health Arts Program is pleased to present “Fashion Illustration: Reflections of Earth and Sky.” Pictured: Inspired by African Ankara fabric Giclee with gold, hand-painted. Stop by and check it out! 

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

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

Women’s History Month  

March is Women's History Month and International Women's Day is March 8.  

• My Voice, My Story Featuring Toiya Sosa, ECDHE, NDCCDP, MLS, MBA | Monday, March 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Registration Required to Receive Zoom Link | The Associate Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Riverside Health System, Newport News, Virginia, shares her journey using storytelling, significant mileposts, new learnings, and recommended best practices and benchmarks. This series spotlights a leading expert — outside UVA Health — in healthcare, mental health, restorative justice, or diversity, equity, and inclusion.  
• UVA Health Storytellers Featuring Ashley Woodard, Ed.D. | Monday, March 17 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall 1005 and Zoom | Registration Required for On-site or to Receive Zoom Link | The Director of Diversity Programs and Strategic Partnerships, UVA School of Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, shares her academic and career journey via storytelling, significant mileposts, new learnings, and recommendations for positive individual, team, and institutional growth. This series spotlights a leading expert — inside UVA Health — in healthcare, mental health, restorative justice, or diversity, equity, and inclusion.  
• University Medical Center Historical Tour | Friday, March 21 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Meet in front of West Complex, off University Avenue and Hospital Drive | Registration Required | Melody M. Pannell, DMin., MSW, M.Div., MACE, GC, Director, ODCE, leads this tour and discusses the history of race at UVA Health, 1901-1964 and beyond, particularly concerning policies that affected Black women throughout the community in Charlottesville. Sponsored by UVA Health ODCE.  

Read a message from leadership and learn more on Connect. 

Staff Appreciation Breakfast 

Tuesday, March 11 | 7-9 a.m. | Newcomb Hall, 2nd floor | Breakfast will be catered by the Fresh Food Company. Pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, oatmeal from the Hoos Well oatmeal bar, and fruit will be served. Vegan and gluten-free options available upon request. No RSVP required; free parking at Central Grounds Parking Garage. A shuttle will be available for UVA Health team members from Lane Road (near University Hospital loading dock) at 7 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 8 a.m., and 8:30 a.m. Look for the UVA bus displaying Staff Appreciation Breakfast messaging. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu with the subject line "Staff Appreciation Breakfast." 

Vascular Disease Lunch and Learn Series: Messenteric Ischemia — Types and Treatments With W. Darrin Clouse, MD 

Wednesday, March 12 | noon-1 p.m. | Thoracic Cardiovascular and Vascular Offices, Albemarle/Blue Ridge Conference Room 405 or Zoom | What is messenteric ischemia? Learn about the types and treatments from W. Darrin Clouse, MD. If you plan on attending in person, please email Bernie Ammons. For those attending in person, lunch will be provided in the Glass Top Table Room in the Heart and Vascular Clinic. (Meeting ID: 964 9179 0992, Passcode: Pv^T66kC) 

Medical Center Hour | Value-Based Payment in Academic Health Centers: A Pathway to Quality for Patients and Clinicians 

Wednesday, March 12 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Speaker Barbara Markham Smith, JD, President, Barbara Smith Health Strategies, former Vice President of Community Health and Innovation at VCU Health System, explores the purpose and operation of value-based payment in academic medical centers.   

ECHO: Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome UVA 2025 

This ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) is designed for providers and community members who care or support care for pregnant and parenting patients and newborns with or at risk for opioid use disorder. Register.            

• Wednesday, March 12 | 4-5 p.m. | Postpartum Depression: NOWS and SUD 

Following the Flow of My Brushes: The Art of Anne Delatour Hopper 

March 13-May 14 | University Hospital Lobby | UVA Health Arts Program is pleased to present “Following the Flow of My Brushes.” Pictured: “Mont Saint Michel,” oil on canvas. Stop by and check it out!

ECHO: The 5 Ms of Obesity Management 

This series aims to enhance clinician competence in obesity management by offering expert-led sessions across essential domains, fostering better patient outcomes through interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. All sessions are noon-1 p.m. Register.  

• Thursday, March 13 | Metabolic Surgery: The Surgical Fix? Understanding Metabolic Surgery for Weight Loss   
• Thursday, March 27 | Meals: From Fast Food to Fit — How Smart Meals Can Fight Obesity   
• Thursday, April 10 | Mind: Mind Over Matter — How Mental Health Impacts Obesity   
• Thursday, April 24 | Move: Move More, Weigh Less — How Exercise Combats Obesity   
• Thursday, May 8 | Medications: From Struggle to Solutions — Can New Medications End the Obesity Epidemic? 

New Earn While You Learn Advanced Program Opportunity: Cardiac and Vascular Sonography 

Earn While You Learn (EWYL) has announced new programs for Adult Cardiac (Echo) Sonography and Adult Vascular Sonography, starting August 2025. A limited number of positions are available to University Medical Center employees for this year-long training program. Please refer to the EWYL website for program requirements. Participant selection will occur in April for the program starting in August. For consideration, please contact the EWYL team by March 14. Questions? Email earnwhileyoulearn@uvahealth.org. 

UVA Enlighten 

Interested in beginning the journey to an undergraduate degree? UVA Enlighten is a program developed for working adults who have little-to-no previous college experience. You’ll find the support you need to be successful in this online, flexible program.   

• Information Session | Monday, March 17 | 2-3 p.m. | Education Resource Center, Room B | Stop by for cupcakes, coffee, and the chance to learn more. Register. 

Appreciation 

‘Amazing as Usual’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues 

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

• “Just wanted to rave about my amazing experience at UVA Health! Seriously, from start to finish, everyone was incredible. Nurse Suzanne — what a star! So attentive and sweet, she really calmed my nerves. Dr. So was super thorough, explaining everything clearly so I felt completely at ease with the plan. And Mackenzie in X-ray was a total pro and so kind — she made the whole thing way less stressful than I expected. Left there feeling so much better, physically and mentally! I'm seriously grateful for the whole team. Felt incredibly lucky to be in their care.” 
• “Dr. Hoang is amazing as usual. Her expertise and sensitive bedside manner is appreciated. Our family is so thankful for Dr. Hoang. This was a simple procedure for her, but she did an extensive surgery on my husband a year ago. She is an expert surgeon and has the kindest bedside manner. I hope UVA Health realizes what a skilled and talented surgeon they have with Dr. Hoang. Forever we will be grateful for her.” 
• “I commend the receptionist who handled my call. Amanda was very patient, attentive, and caring. She took the time to ask me specific questions and determined that I needed to be seen the same day. Then, she went out of her way to secure an appointment for me at another location. I made the call at about 1:40 p.m., by 1:51 p.m., she informed me of the appointment at 3 p.m. I think this was outstanding and I truly appreciate it.” 

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

Wednesday, March 5

Apply Now for the UVA Health Leadership Institute 

Application deadline: Wednesday, April 30 | The UVA Health Leadership Institute (HLI) is ready to welcome a new cohort of emerging leaders to the institute: applications for cohort four are open now. Interested candidates should complete their application, essay, and submit a letter of recommendation via the HLI application portal. The institute is seeking candidates who meet the following criteria: 

• Currently employed by any UVA Health entity. 
• Demonstrated exceptional leadership potential. 
• Invested in their career at UVA Health. 
• Shown a strong commitment to our ASPIRE values. 

Selected candidates will be notified in May and monthly cohort sessions will begin in October. Additional details about the HLI curriculum, application process, and more are available in the FAQs on Connect. 

Patient Care 

Update to Epic Health Maintenance Plan for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes 

On Tuesday, March 4, the Epic Health Maintenance plan for diabetes mellitus was updated to include all diabetic (Type 2) patients who receive their primary care at UVA Health as well as patients on the Accountable Care Organization registry or on one of our value-based care registries. This health maintenance plan offers provider and patient reminders and tracking for things like Hemoglobin A1C, eye exam, foot exam, etc. — helping more of our diabetic patients get the care they need. 

Operations 

Monthly Update: Clinical and Operational Documents 

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

• New Vasopressor Administration Through Peripheral Intravenous Catheters Guideline  
• Updates to Perioperative Antithrombotic Therapy Management Guideline, and many more. 

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

New UVA Health Brand Site: Easier Access, More Functionality 

UVA Health is excited to announce the launch of a new and improved brand site, brand.uvahealth.com, designed to provide all team members with streamlined access to brand resources, design templates, and digital assets. With this improved brand site, team members will find it easier than ever to create professional, on-brand materials that reflect our commitment to excellence. We encourage all team members to explore the new site, check out the FAQs, and take advantage of these enhanced resources. 

Leadership 

University Medical Center CEO Blog | The Power of Art in Healing  

In her latest Vision and Voice blog, Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, shares an art exhibit that reminded her that what we do goes beyond medicine. Read more. 

60 Minutes With Wendy Horton 

Wednesday, March 12 | noon-1 p.m. | Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, Multipurpose Innovative Learning Lab (MILL) | There are still spots open for University Medical Center CEO Wendy Horton’s listening session. Ask Wendy anything that's on your mind, share your thoughts, and discuss topics of interest related to your work at University Medical Center. Sign up here. 

Happenings 

Vote in STAT Madness: 3 UVA Health Discoveries Up for 2024’s Biggest Scientific Advance 

For the seventh year in a row, major medical discoveries from UVA Health have been selected to compete for the title of the preceding year’s most important scientific advance. The public’s vote ultimately will crown the winner in the online contest, called STAT Madness. The bracket-style tournament is sponsored each year by the prominent health news site STAT to highlight the nation’s most important and influential scientific research. Voting is open, and you can (and should!) vote daily. Read more on Connect. 

March Is Child Life Month 

Help recognize the invaluable contributions of our Child Life Team during Child Life Month! These dedicated professionals work tirelessly to support the emotional and developmental needs of our young patients and their families. With compassion and expertise, they promote positive coping — and decrease stress, trauma, and anxiety that can be associated with healthcare experiences.    

UVA Health Children’s is proud to have a team of child life specialists and a child life assistant who bring comfort, joy, and a sense of normalcy to our patients’ lives. Child life specialists provide preparation, education, distraction, play, and coping tools to children and their families. Their work is essential in creating a healing environment for the kids, teens, and families we serve. Find out more about the Child Life profession. Let’s come together to honor the incredible patient- and family-centered care provided by our Child Life Team! 

March Is National Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month 

National Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about inherited bleeding disorders — such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease — and to promote understanding and support for individuals and families affected by these conditions. Did you know UVA Health has a Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC)? It treats hemophilia, von Willebrand, and other rare bleeding disorders. HTC is a lifespan treatment center — with both pediatric and adult clinics — and provides comprehensive care to patients and their families by physicians, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, genetic counselors, nutritionists, and education specialists. HTC works closely with the Virginia Hemophilia Foundation (our state hemophilia chapter). While HTC’s website is under renovation, please explore the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation website for more information. 

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 

• Friday, March 7 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Inflatable Colon in University Hospital Cafeteria | Team members, patients, and visitors can walk through the colon and talk to the team about colorectal cancer screening.   
• March 7-9 | South Tower Lighting | The South Tower will be lighted blue over the weekend in honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. 

Women’s History Month 

March is Women's History Month and International Women's Day is March 8. 

• Opening Celebration: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations | Friday, March 7 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall, G1/G2 | Registration Required | Join UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement (ODCE) for a luncheon featuring keynote speaker Nassima Tiouririne, MD, Addiction Medicine Fellowship Director; Associate Director, Psychiatry Residency Program; Director, Center for Leading-Edge Addiction Research (CLEAR) Outpatient Psychiatry Services; and Medical Director, Ambulatory Psychiatry and Office-Based Opioid Treatment. 
• My Voice, My Story Featuring Toiya Sosa, ECDHE, NDCCDP, MLS, MBA | Monday, March 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Registration Required to Receive Zoom Link | The Associate Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Riverside Health System, Newport News, Virginia, shares her journey using storytelling, significant mileposts, new learnings, and recommended best practices and benchmarks. This series spotlights a leading expert — outside UVA Health — in healthcare, mental health, restorative justice, or diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• UVA Health Storytellers Featuring Ashley Woodard, Ed.D. | Monday, March 17 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall 1005 and Zoom | Registration Required for On-site or to Receive Zoom Link | The Director of Diversity Programs and Strategic Partnerships, UVA School of Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, shares her academic and career journey via storytelling, significant mileposts, new learnings, and recommendations for positive individual, team, and institutional growth. This series spotlights a leading expert — inside UVA Health — in healthcare, mental health, restorative justice, or diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• University Medical Center Historical Tour | Friday, March 21 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Meet in front of West Complex, off University Avenue and Hospital Drive | Registration Required | Melody M. Pannell, DMin., MSW, M.Div., MACE, GC, Director, ODCE, leads this tour and discusses the history of race at UVA Health, 1901-1964 and beyond, particularly concerning policies that affected Black women throughout the community in Charlottesville. Sponsored by UVA Health ODCE. 

Read more on Connect. 

Team Member Art Day 

Friday, March 7 | 1-3 p.m. | Dining Conference Rooms 1, 2, and 3 | Drop in for a creative break in your day. All art supplies will be provided. Hosted by The Fralin Museum of Art at UVA and UVA Health. Free for all UVA Health team members. 

Staff Appreciation Breakfast 

Tuesday, March 11 | 7-9 a.m. | Newcomb Hall, 2nd floor | Breakfast will be catered by the Fresh Food Company. Pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, oatmeal from the Hoos Well oatmeal bar, and fruit will be served. Vegan and gluten-free options available upon request. No RSVP required; free parking at Central Grounds Parking Garage. A shuttle will be available for UVA Health team members from Lane Road (near University Hospital loading dock) at 7 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 8 a.m., and 8:30 a.m. Look for the UVA bus displaying Staff Appreciation Breakfast messaging. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu with the subject line "Staff Appreciation Breakfast." 

Vascular Disease Lunch and Learn Series: Messenteric Ischemia — Types and Treatments With W. Darrin Clouse, MD 

Wednesday, March 12 | noon-1 p.m. | Thoracic Cardiovascular and Vascular Offices, Albemarle/Blue Ridge Conference Room 405 or Zoom | What is messenteric ischemia? Learn about the types and treatments from W. Darrin Clouse, MD. If you plan on attending in person, please email Bernie Ammons. For those attending in person, lunch will be provided in the Glass Top Table Room in the Heart and Vascular Clinic. (Meeting ID: 964 9179 0992, Passcode: Pv^T66kC) 

Medical Center Hour | Value-Based Payment in Academic Health Centers: A Pathway to Quality for Patients and Clinicians 

Wednesday, March 12 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Speaker Barbara Markham Smith, JD, President, Barbara Smith Health Strategies, former Vice President of Community Health and Innovation at VCU Health System, explores the purpose and operation of value-based payment in academic medical centers.  

2025 Joint SAHMS and Agnes Dillon Randolph Nursing History Conference 

March 14-15 | UVA School of Nursing | An interdisciplinary event on topics related to the history of medicine, science, nursing, and healthcare. Details. Questions? Contact Dominique Tobbell or Maura Singleton. 

UVA Enlighten 

Interested in beginning the journey to an undergraduate degree? UVA Enlighten is a program developed for working adults who have little-to-no previous college experience. You’ll find the support you need to be successful in this online, flexible program.  

• Information Session | Monday, March 17 | 2-3 p.m. | Education Resource Center, Room B | Stop by for cupcakes, coffee, and the chance to learn more. Register. 

Quit Nicotine/Smoking Blue Ridge Program 

Wednesdays, March 19-April 23 | 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. 

Charlottesville Ten Miler 

Saturday, March 22 | Downtown Charlottesville | Details | This year marks the 50th running of the race, a milestone event that celebrates decades of tradition and community. Whether you're a seasoned runner or looking to tackle your first long-distance race, this event is the perfect way to experience the beauty and spirit of Charlottesville. If you’re a UVA Health team member: 

• Cheer | A cheer zone to support runners during the race will be set up outside the Team Member Gym.       
• Group run | Every Thursday until March 20 a short run will be hosted weekly at 5:30 a.m., departing from the Team Member Gym. All paces are welcome. 

National Summit for Building Healthy Academic Communities 

April 10-11 | Kimpton's The Forum Hotel | Learn best practices for creating healthier academic environments from renowned experts in health and well-being and learn how to apply these best practices through workshops and networking opportunities. Hoos Well hosts. Early bird registration ends March 7. Learn more and register. 

New Training Program: Excellence in Clinical Trials: Practical Skills for Principal Investigators 

Thursdays, April 24, May 1, May 8, May 15 | 3-5 p.m. | MR5, Room 3005 | An ideal program for first-time principal investigators (PIs), aspiring PIs, and clinical researchers looking to enhance their skills in managing clinical trials. Supported by the UVA School of Medicine Clinical Trials Unit and the integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia (iTHRIV). Download the flyer or visit the site. Apply. 

3rd Annual UVA Health Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement/Patient Safety (QI/PS) Showcase 

Tuesday, June 10 | 11:30-1:30 p.m. | Education Resource Center, Room A | Recognizing local improvements in QI/PS from all disciplines. Any UVA faculty member, staff member, fellow resident, postdoc, graduate student, or medical student who has engaged in implementation and assessment of a QI/PS project is eligible to download and submit a form and abstract by 11:59 p.m., April 14, to QIPSshowcase@uvahealth.org. Accepting works in progress and QI/PS projects. Authors of abstracts selected for presentation will be notified by May 1. 

Appreciation 

3 for the Win! 

Congratulations to UVA Health University Medical Center Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit (STICU), Surgical Intermediate Care Unit (SIMU), and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurses on each earning a prestigious Beacon Award from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). 

“This is an outstanding achievement that demonstrates the commitment of these teams to high quality and excellent patient care,” hails UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, FAAN. 

“We have really devoted nurses who don't hesitate to bring issues forward,” says STICU and SIMU Nurse Manager Jess Alford, RN, MSN, CCRN. ”We give them space to own their work, identify areas for improvement, and work as a team to make adjustments for themselves and their patients.” 

Mia Campbell, RN, CCRN, Assistant Nurse Manager, PICU, says team members “show up for our patients and for each other every day!" 

Learn more and see the teams on Connect. 

Monday, March 3

Update From President Ryan and Dr. Rosner 

Dear UVA Health Team Members,  

In the spirit of transparency, and related to the completion of the recent investigation by outside counsel, I am sharing a communication that President Ryan sent to the School of Medicine faculty over the weekend.  

Most sincerely,  

Mitchell H. Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP
Acting EVP for Health Affairs, University of Virginia 
Henry B. Mulholland Professor of Medicine 

Patient Care 

New Charlottesville-Based Mobile Mammography Unit  

The UVA Health Breast Care Center and the Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging received a new mobile mammography unit. It screened its first patients Feb. 17. Highlights of the new unit: 

• Offers patients a comfortable experience as well as cutting-edge, 3D mammography technology. 
• The new, state-of-the-art 3D mammography system is the same one in place at UVA Health’s permanent mammography locations. That means our mobile mammography patients experience the exact same imaging quality and comfort as our other patients. 
• Smaller (by 11 feet!), allowing it to reach patients the previous unit couldn’t, thus expanding access to UVA Health’s world-class care to more people in our communities. 
• All mammograms are read by UVA Health’s subspecialty-trained breast imaging radiologists, who have the highest level of training and expertise possible in interpreting breast images. 

Learn more and view the mobile unit’s regular central Virginia screening locations.  

Medical Care During Ramadan 

Ramadan began on the evening of Friday, Feb. 28, and ends at sundown on Sunday, March 29. 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. 

Update to Epic Health Maintenance Plan for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes 

On Tuesday, March 4, the Epic Health Maintenance plan for diabetes mellitus will be updated to include all diabetic (Type 2) patients who receive their primary care at UVA Health as well as patients on the Accountable Care Organization registry or on one of our value-based care registries. This health maintenance plan offers provider and patient reminders and tracking for things like Hemoglobin A1C, eye exam, foot exam, etc. — helping more of our diabetic patients get the care they need. 

Operations 

Monthly Update: Clinical and Operational Documents 

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

• New Vasopressor Administration Through Peripheral Intravenous Catheters Guideline  
• Updates to Perioperative Antithrombotic Therapy Management Guideline, and many more. 

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

Human Resources 

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor 

Wednesday, March 5 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | University Medical Center Dining Conference Room 3 | Ask questions and discuss your benefits with a Human Resources counselor. Walk-ins welcome. See monthly dates. 

Happenings 

3 UVA Health Discoveries Up for 2024’s Biggest Scientific Advance 

For the seventh year in a row, major medical discoveries from UVA Health have been selected to compete for the title of the preceding year’s most important scientific advance. 

The public’s vote ultimately will crown the winner in the online contest, called STAT Madness. The bracket-style tournament is sponsored each year by the prominent health news site STAT to highlight the nation’s most important and influential scientific research.  

Voting opened this morning, and you can (and should!) vote daily here. 

STAT Madness operates like the NCAA basketball tournament, with contenders facing off in rounds until there are only two finalists and, ultimately, one big winner. Read more on Connect.  

Innovation in Education Week 

March 3-7 | This annual event serves as an opportunity to celebrate original scholarship produced by members of the UVA School of medicine community, provide networking opportunities, and welcome accomplished internal and external scholars who will provide professional development through keynote presentations. Hosted by the Center for Excellence in Education. See the full lineup of events. 

Blood Drive: Your Donation Is Needed Urgently 

Tuesday, March 4 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | Recent winter weather caused many blood donation cancelations. As such, our blood supply has dropped to critical levels. Please consider donating! Help save lives and empower your health. Contact Sharon Jones at GiveBlood@uvahealth.org to make an appointment. Swag alert: give in March and you’ll receive a $10 Amazon gift card. Additionally, Red Cross is offering free A1C testing for all who successfully donate blood, platelets, or plasma. Details.   

Ash Wednesday Services 

Wednesday, March 5 | noon-12:30 p.m. | University Hospital Chapel | Catholic Service provided by St. Thomas Aquinas Church. For those who wish to receive ashes but are unable to attend services, a Catholic priest from St. Thomas Aquinas Church and members of the UVA Health Chaplaincy staff will be available to distribute ashes after the services. To request a visit from the priest or a chaplain, please page the on-call chaplain at PIC# 1391 (or “Chaplain” in Vocera). 

ECHO: Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome UVA 2025  

This ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) is designed for providers and community members who care or support care for pregnant and parenting patients and newborns with or at risk for opioid use disorder. All sessions below are from 4 to 5 p.m. Register.           

• Wednesday, March 5 | NOWS Research, Predictive Analytics, Scoring, and the Future 
• Wednesday, March 12 | Postpartum Depression: NOWS and SUD 

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 

• Friday, March 7 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Inflatable Colon in University Hospital Cafeteria | Team members, patients, and visitors can walk through the colon and talk to the team about colorectal cancer screening.  
• March 7-9 | South Tower Lighting | The South Tower will be lighted blue over the weekend in honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot 

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

• Friday, March 7 | 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.  
• Tuesday, March 11 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  
• Wednesday, March 19 | 8-11 a.m.  
• Thursday, March 27 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.  
• Monday, March 31 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Women’s History Month 

March is Women's History Month and International Women's Day is March 8. 

• Opening Celebration: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations | Friday, March 7 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall, G1/G2 | Registration Required | Join UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement (ODCE) for a luncheon featuring keynote speaker Nassima Tiouririne, MD, Addiction Medicine Fellowship Director; Associate Director, Psychiatry Residency Program; Director, Center for Leading-Edge Addiction Research (CLEAR) Outpatient Psychiatry Services; and Medical Director, Ambulatory Psychiatry and Office-Based Opioid Treatment. 
• My Voice, My Story Featuring Toiya Sosa, ECDHE, NDCCDP, MLS, MBA | Monday, March 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Registration Required to Receive Zoom Link | The Associate Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Riverside Health System, Newport News, Virginia, shares her journey using storytelling, significant mileposts, new learnings, and recommended best practices and benchmarks. This series spotlights a leading expert — outside UVA Health — in healthcare, mental health, restorative justice, or diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• UVA Health Storytellers Featuring Ashley Woodard, Ed.D. | Monday, March 17 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall 1005 and Zoom | Registration Required for On-site or to Receive Zoom Link | The Director of Diversity Programs and Strategic Partnerships, UVA School of Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, shares her academic and career journey via storytelling, significant mileposts, new learnings, and recommendations for positive individual, team, and institutional growth. This series spotlights a leading expert — inside UVA Health — in healthcare, mental health, restorative justice, or diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• University Medical Center Historical Tour | Friday, March 21 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Meet in front of West Complex, off University Avenue and Hospital Drive | Registration Required | Melody M. Pannell, DMin., MSW, M.Div., MACE, GC, Director, ODCE, leads this tour and discusses the history of race at UVA Health, 1901-1964 and beyond, particularly concerning policies that affected Black women throughout the community in Charlottesville. Sponsored by UVA Health ODCE. 

Read more on Connect. 

Team Member Art Day 

Friday, March 7 | 1-3 p.m. | Dining Conference Rooms 1, 2, and 3 | Drop in for a creative break in your day. All art supplies will be provided. Hosted by The Fralin Museum of Art at UVA and UVA Health. Free for all UVA Health team members. 

Staff Appreciation Breakfast 

Tuesday, March 11 | 7- 9 a.m. | Newcomb Hall, 2nd floor | Breakfast will be catered by the Fresh Food Company. Pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, oatmeal from the Hoos Well oatmeal bar, and fruit will be served. Vegan and gluten-free options available upon request. Free parking at Central Grounds Parking Garage. A shuttle for UVA Health team members will stop at Lane Road (near University Hospital loading dock) at 7, 7:30, 8, and 8:30 a.m. Look for the UVA bus displaying Staff Appreciation Breakfast messaging. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu with the subject line "Staff Appreciation Breakfast." 

Elevate Your Nursing With a UVA Graduate Degree 

UVA School of Nursing is Virginia’s top-ranked program and offers a multitude of programs and pathways for nurses interested in advancing their education and professional trajectory. Choose from the newly reformatted hybrid BSN to DNP program, which offers students a choice of one of eight specialty areas, to the school’s five specialty master’s programs and six post-master’s specialty programs. With programs designed for working nurses, many of which require minimal time on Grounds, our graduates earn more, rise faster, and reap the rewards a graduate nursing degree brings. With flexible schedules, affordable programs, and more than $4 million in financial aid distributed every year, there’s never been a better time to consider becoming an advanced practice nurse and supercharging your career. Join to learn more.       

• Wednesday, March 12 | 7:30-8:30 a.m. | RSVP  
• Wednesday, April 9 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | RSVP 

Information Session: RN to BSN 

Wednesday, March 12 | 6-7 p.m. | RSVP | Earn a BSN on your terms! UVA’s top-ranked RN to BSN program offers a part-time, hybrid, two-year pathway for RNs interested in the personal, professional, and financial benefits a BSN brings. In-person classes take place once a month across three sites: Charlottesville, Richmond, and Fairfax. Virtual info sessions offer prospective RN to BSN students a chance to chat with friendly students, faculty, and admissions staffers to learn about a degree that opens doors. Join to learn more.  

ECHO: The 5 Ms of Obesity Management 

This series aims to enhance clinician competence in obesity management by offering expert-led sessions across essential domains, fostering better patient outcomes through interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. All sessions are noon-1 p.m. Register. 

• Thursday, March 13 | Metabolic Surgery: The Surgical Fix? Understanding Metabolic Surgery for Weight Loss   
• Thursday, March 27 | Meals: From Fast Food to Fit — How Smart Meals Can Fight Obesity   
• Thursday, April 10 | Mind: Mind Over Matter — How Mental Health Impacts Obesity   
• Thursday, April 24 | Move: Move More, Weigh Less — How Exercise Combats Obesity   
• Thursday, May 8 | Medications: From Struggle to Solutions — Can New Medications End the Obesity Epidemic? 

New Earn While You Learn Advanced Program Opportunity: Cardiac and Vascular Sonography 

Earn While You Learn (EWYL) has announced new programs for Adult Cardiac (Echo) Sonography and Adult Vascular Sonography, starting August 2025. A limited number of positions are available to University Medical Center employees for this year-long training program. Please refer to the EWYL website for program requirements. Participant selection will occur in April for the program starting in August. For consideration, please contact the EWYL team by March 14. Questions? Email earnwhileyoulearn@uvahealth.org. 

YOU@UVA Leadership Program 

Application deadline: Thursday, April 10 | This six-month dynamic professional development initiative is aimed at fostering leadership, mentorship, and research excellence across UVA’s diverse academic and clinical landscape. This program is specifically tailored for faculty, trainees, and clinical research professional staff, equipping them with the skills and networks to thrive in leadership roles while driving impactful research. Kickoff lunch is April 22. Learn more. Apply. Questions? Contact Jennifer Phillips RN, CCRC. 

3rd Annual UVA Health Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement/Patient Safety (QI/PS) Showcase 

Tuesday, June 10 | 11:30-1:30 p.m. | Education Resource Center, Room A | Recognizing local improvements in QI/PS from all disciplines. Any UVA faculty member, staff member, fellow resident, postdoc, graduate student, or medical student who has engaged in implementation and assessment of a QI/PS project is eligible to download and submit a form and abstract by 11:59 p.m., April 14, to QIPSshowcase@uvahealth.org. Accepting works in progress and QI/PS projects. Authors of abstracts selected for presentation will be notified by May 1. 

Appreciation 

‘Amazing Clinicians’

Congratulations to the UVA Health APP Fellowship Program on earning "Accreditation with Distinction" from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP).  

“This is the highest level of accreditation that can be achieved for a fellowship program,” says William Lombardi, DNP, AG-ACNP, Administrator, UVA Health Center for Advanced Practice, and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Neurocritical Care. “We join just a handful of organizations around the country that have earned this credential, which reflects the quality of the program curriculum and the caliber of the people who’ve made it a success.”  

Lombardi hails Michelle Dawson, MSN, AG-ACNP, Director, APP Education and Fellowships and Thoracic and Cardiovascular ICU Nurse Practitioner, as being foundational to this work since its inception. The first cohort of critical care APP fellows started in 2020. The neurology track launched in 2022 and has been embraced by the Department of Neurology, proving the interprofessional collaboration needed to make it a success. We have retained all fellow graduates in the neurology track. The most recent program track for primary care launched this year. 

Dawson has been “a driver of success” in each of these tracks, ensuring they all meet rigorous programmatic standards addressing clinical knowledge, professionalism, knowledge inquiry, and technical skills. Faculty includes Matt Robertson, MSN, ACNP, and McKenzie Chic, MSN, AG-ACNP, critical care; Alex King, MSN, AG-PCNP; Keri Johnson, MSN, FNP; Jennifer Schach, MSN, AG-ACNP, neurology; and Kim Bednar, DNP, FNP, Caitlin Burchfield, DNP, AG-PCNP, and Kristen Weldon, PA, primary care. 

Lombardi also thanks lecturers, skills lab leaders, advisors, preceptors, and program supporters. “I’m excited to see the continued growth of this program and the amazing clinicians it will produce. Congratulations to all on this remarkable achievement!” 

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