New Dates: Schedule Power Outages

Tuesday, Dec. 12, to March 2024 | University Hospital | An electrical upgrade will be performed intermittently during overnight shifts — starting Tuesday, Dec. 12, and ending in March — impacting power supply only to normal power receptacles and normal power lighting. These outages mostly affect University Hospital, including patient towers — it does not affect the South Tower, South Addition, or operating rooms. Affected equipment includes dietary and laundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers, copy machines, desktop computers, and pumps and fans not on emergency power. Pre-outage considerations: 

• NEW — Outage dates, times, and affected areas: Check out this chart on Connect. (Note: To access Connect, you must be on a UVA Health network or using VPN.)
• Staff: Please ensure corded equipment that needs to be on emergency power is on emergency power (red or identified) receptacles.
• Department managers:
  • Please alert overnight staff when receiving outage communications, which includes outage maps of areas affected.
  • For corded equipment needed for patient care on normal power that cannot be without power for three to four hours: Please share this information with the Health System Physical Plant Electric (Todd Gibson) and outage coordinator (Scott Guynes) so preparations can be made.
• Facilities/outage coordinator: To avoid issues, a walk-through will be made to each area, both prior to the outage and during the first few minutes of the outage.

Questions? Contact Scott Guynes, Senior Construction Administration Manager, at 434.282.3794.

Operations

Maintenance on Safety Data Sheet

Saturday, Dec. 2 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Maintenance to UVA’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) database 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.

New Project Aims to Reduce Claim Denials, Enhance Resource Stewardship 

One of the primary goals of UVA Health’s 10-year strategic plan includes various initiatives to strengthen our foundation. In support of this goal, a new project led by the Revenue Cycle team aims to reduce the number of patient insurance claim denials and the avoidable write-offs that often result from them. The Denial Prevention Project seeks to implement small, incremental changes that support claim approval on first submission to yield substantial results on behalf of patients, providers, and team members. Learn more on Connect.

Leadership

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall

Wednesday, Dec. 13 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | You are invited to join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders for an informative panel discussion with the executive leadership team. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event. Due to the town hall’s special format, responses may come directly via email or through Connect.

University Medical Center CEO Blog: The Path to Leadership | Inaugural UVA Health Leadership Institute Cohort Kicks-Off!

In her new Vision and Voice post, Wendy Horton offers an exclusive look into the inaugural gathering that marks the beginning of the UVA Health Leadership Institute. Read more.

Happenings

Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future

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

Due Soon: MSN, Certificate, and DNP Program Applications

With guaranteed admission for UVA alumni to the School of Nursing’s top-ranked graduate programs, UVA Health nurses are encouraged to earn an advanced degree and tap all the personal, professional, and financial benefits a graduate nursing degree brings. Application deadlines are approaching: 

• Friday, Dec. 1 | Post-Master of Science in Nursing certificate (seven specialty areas)
• Friday, Dec. 1 | Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP)
• Friday, Jan. 5 | Master of Science in Nursing (seven specialty areas)
• Friday, Jan. 5 | Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP)

Sign up with an admissions professional for a 30-minute, one-on-one, virtual advising session. Unsure which program might be for you? Learn what UVA offers.

Commonwealth of Virginia Cancer Research Conference (CVCRC)

Dec. 1-2 | UVA Darden School of Business | The CVCRC convenes cancer researchers from across Virginia every two years to highlight studies at the forefront of cutting-edge cancer research. Faculty and research trainees will present new research encompassing an array of scientific approaches and fields. Hosted by the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center. Details.

2023 End of Year Celebration

You are invited to enjoy a special celebration that honors our entire team: you and your colleagues who work hard each and every day to inspire Hope at Work.

• University Medical Center | Sunday, Dec. 3 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-8 p.m., 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | University Hospital Cafeteria
• UVA Fontaine Research Park | Monday, Dec. 4 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Outside tent
• UVA Orthopedic Center Ivy Road | Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Outside tent
• University Medical Center | Wednesday, Dec. 6 | ​​11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-8 p.m., 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | University Hospital Cafeteria
  • Unable to join the on-site celebration on Dec. 6? Managers have details on how to order to-go meals. Deadline to order is Friday, Dec. 1, at noon.
• UVA Northridge | Wednesday, Dec. 6 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Marketplace
• Haymarket Medical Center | Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | 1st Floor Conference Rooms A/B | 7-8 p.m. | Haymarket Cafe
• Prince William Medical Center | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Conference Rooms A-C | 7-8 p.m. | Prince William Cafe
• Culpeper Medical Center | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Culpeper Board and Conference Room | 7-8 p.m. | Culpeper Cafe

Season’s Treatings Toy Drive

Deadline: Monday, Dec. 4 | UVA Health Children’s and the Human Resources Rewards and Recognition team are joining forces once again for this year’s Season’s Treatings Toy Drive. Support UVA Health Children’s by purchasing items from its Amazon digital wish list. Items purchased through the Amazon link will be mailed directly to the Child Life Department. If you choose to purchase items outside of this list, please mail them to 1215 Lee St., 7th Floor 7809, Charlottesville, VA, 22903. Questions? Contact Child Life Department at 434.409.7107. Thank you for helping make the season brighter for our patients and families at UVA Health Children’s! (Photo: 2022 Season’s Treatings event.)

2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. University of Virginia Health System Award

Deadline: Monday, Dec. 4 | This award is presented to a student, faculty, departments, or staff members of the health system who embodies Dr. Martin Luther King's values and teachings in cultural competence, healthcare disparities, or fostering an environment of inclusiveness, in accordance with the institution's mission and values. To nominate, please submit online. The award will be presented on Thursday, Jan. 18, 6-7:30 p.m. (location to be determined). Questions? Email Dwan Love-Dinkens.

Lights of Love Tree Lighting and Caroling 

Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 2 p.m. | University Hospital lobby | Enjoy music of the season by the Choirs of Charlottesville High School and watch as 2023 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals National Champion Kahmari Riedl kicks off the season by lighting the tree. Sponsored by the UVA Hospital Auxiliary. To help the Hospital Auxiliary continue their service of giving, consider making a tax deductible donation to support programs that directly benefit our patients and their families, such as flowers for patients, pet therapy, music therapy, and more. (Photo: 2022 Lights of Love event.)

Holiday Wreath Auction Now Open 

Bidding closes Wednesday, Dec. 6 | The UVA Cancer Center Wreath Auction is back for the season! UVA Health provided wreath bases, and team members donated their creativity. Come visit the wreaths at the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center, check out the auction site, and bid today. All proceeds go toward helping cancer patients experiencing barriers to accessing treatment.

UVA Radiology Keynote Lecture Series

Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 8-9 p.m.| Zoom | UVA Radiology's next discussion in its Keynote Lecture Series — "Exuberant Enthusiasm, Opportunities, and Excessive Risks: A Data-Driven Look at Carotid Disease Interventions" — will be led by future Department Chair Colin Derdeyn, MD. Discussion includes recognizing the importance of ischemic symptoms on benefit with revascularization; understanding impact of gender, timing, age, and degree of stenosis on benefit with revascularization; and understanding the role of stenting for carotid stenosis. Learn more. 

• In case you missed it: The first UVA Radiology Keynote Lecture Series — “Moral Injury in Healthcare: Why, How, and What You Can Do” — was recorded and is now available for review.

Ready for Ideas: Spark Innovation Competition

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

Appreciation

We Socked It to ‘Em: See the Results!

Socktober’s mission is to keep feet warm, dry, and clean in local communities. Clean socks are the top requested — yet least donated — item at homeless shelters. Living on the street, many unsheltered individuals rarely take their shoes off, walk often, and don’t always have access to laundry facilities.

'Tis the season for giving, and UVA Health team members once again generously donated new pairs of socks to support those in need in the Charlottesville community. The goal? 10,000! The results? We stepped it up — this year's final count is 11,700!

The new socks will be donated to The Salvation Army. The top three departments that kicked into higher gear to contribute the most new socks were Clinical Engineering, Population Health, Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Ivy. Read the full story on Connect. 

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who participated. Your generosity is a model for us all!

Previous Updates

Monday, Nov. 27

2023 End of Year Celebration

You are invited to enjoy a special celebration that honors our entire team: you and your colleagues who work hard each and every day to inspire Hope at Work.

• Sunday, Dec. 3 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-8 p.m., 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | University Hospital, East Cafe
• Monday, Dec. 4 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | UVA Fontaine Research Park
• Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | UVA Orthopedic Center Ivy Road
• Wednesday, Dec. 6 | ​​11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-8 p.m., 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | University Hospital, East Cafe
• Wednesday, Dec. 6 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | UVA Northridge

COVID-19

Change to COVID-19 Exposure Practices 

To align our COVID-19 practices with other respiratory illnesses that are consistently present in our community, UVA Health has discontinued exposure workups for team members exposed to COVID-19 during a patient or team member interaction.

This change means we no longer notify team members of potential exposures in the work setting. All other procedures remain the same. In addition, UVA Health continues to encourage team members to stay up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccine. Masks will also continue to be available for team members who prefer to mask in areas where it is optional.

Given that COVID-19 is now endemic in our community and the frequency of exposures is naturally increasing, this change aligns with our approach for managing other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza or the common cold.

Thank you for your support as we continue to resume normalized operations following the outbreak of COVID-19. 

Ambulatory

One Team Webinar to Delve Into Training + Wave 3 Office Hours

• Take 30 for One Team Webinar | Wednesday, Nov. 29 | Adult PC, noon-12:30 p.m. | Pediatric PC, 12:30-1 p.m. | The next Take 30 for One Team webinar is scheduled and will focus on the comprehensive training program for go-live. As a reminder, this webinar series is open to all team members from Adult and Pediatric Primary Care, whose clinics are currently going through One Team | United on Access specialty Wave 3. Designed to offer a quick, convenient update, you’ll want to tune in to get the latest news and learn how the One Team project will impact you soon.
• New: Wave 3 Virtual Office Hours | Wednesday, Dec. 6 | 12-1 p.m. | The One Team project is hosting Wave 3 Virtual Office Hours. This will be an informal drop-in session for team members to ask questions and seek clarification about One Team tools, workflows, training, and any other Wave 3 topics as we begin preparing for go-live at the end of January 2024. There is one joint session for adult and pediatric primary care.

Calendar invites for all events should have been forwarded from your manager. The complete schedule and links to join are available on the One Team website. 

Operations

New UVA Health Pharmacy Opens in Nelson County

UVA Health officials and local community leaders and neighbors have officially opened the UVA Health Pharmacy Stoney Creek. It provides the highest quality pharmacy care to patients from the nearby Wintergreen community, as well as to those who experience the most severe barriers to pharmacy care, including the small, rural communities surrounding Nellysford. Read more on Connect. 

Scheduled Power Outages 

Wednesday, Nov. 29, to March 2024 | University Hospital | An electrical upgrade will be performed during overnight shifts, impacting power supply only to normal power receptacles and normal power lighting. These outages mostly affect University Hospital, including patient towers — it does not affect the South Tower, South Addition, or operating rooms. Affected equipment includes dietary and laundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers, copy machines, desktop computers, and pumps and fans not on emergency power. Pre-outage considerations: 

• Staff: Please ensure corded equipment that needs to be on emergency power is on emergency power (red or identified) receptacles.
• Department managers:
  • Please alert overnight staff when receiving outage communications, which includes outage maps of areas affected.
  • For corded equipment needed for patient care on normal power that cannot be without power for three to four hours: Please share this information with the Health System Physical Plant Electric (Todd Gibson) and outage coordinator (Scott Guynes) so preparations can be made.
• Facilities/outage coordinator: To avoid issues, a walk-through will be made to each area, both prior to the outage and during the first few minutes of the outage.

Questions? Contact Scott Guynes, Senior Construction Administration Manager, at 434.282.3794.

Leadership

‘Breakfast With Bennett’ Coming to Fontaine

Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 7-8 a.m. | Fontaine Research Park | Register | Team members are invited to join UVA Health Chief Ambulatory Operations Officer John Bennett for a casual breakfast and conversation. Share your ideas and experiences, hear updates from the chief about the latest Ambulatory happenings, and network with colleagues. A limited number of seats are available, so register today! This is a free event and team members do not have to work at the host location to attend.

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall

Wednesday, Dec. 13 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | You are invited to join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders for an informative panel discussion with the executive leadership team. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event. Due to the town hall’s special format, responses may come directly via email or through Connect.

Human Resources

2024 Holiday Calendars

The 2024 holiday calendar is now available on the Human Resources website. This year, the UVA Health and University Physicians Group calendars aligned.

Notice Regarding Holiday Gifts

The University recently shared a letter to faculty, staff, and team members outlining the rules for giving and receiving gifts. Please note that the Academic Division’s policy is different from the UVA Health policy. As the holiday season approaches, take a moment to review the UVA Health policy about Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment.

Happenings

Fundraising for UVA Health Children’s: Give Joy to Kids

Through Thursday, Nov. 30 | The Give Joy to Kids fundraising campaign is currently running in Dunkin' restaurants. Guests are invited to donate $1 to the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation when they stop by for their favorite beverage. Funds from this campaign directly support UVA Health Children’s.

Cookies, Coffee, and a Conversation About Care After Hospital Discharge

Wednesday, Nov. 29 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | University Medical Center Dining Conference Room | Have you ever been curious about home health, hospice, palliative care, or programs offered by Population Health? Have questions on advance care planning? Get answers. Join for a cookie, coffee, and a meet-and-greet with representatives from Continuum Home Health, Hospice of the Piedmont, Population Health, and Advance Care Planning. Questions? Contact Catherine Harris.

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

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

• Wednesday, Nov. 29 | 2-5 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 1-4 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 15 | 1-4 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 8-11 a.m.

Commonwealth of Virginia Cancer Research Conference (CVCRC)

Dec. 1-2 | UVA Darden School of Business | The CVCRC convenes cancer researchers from across Virginia every two years to highlight studies at the forefront of cutting-edge cancer research. Faculty and research trainees will present new research encompassing an array of scientific approaches and fields. Hosted by the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center. Details.

2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. University of Virginia Health System Award

Deadline: Monday, Dec. 4 | This award is presented to a student, faculty, departments, or staff members of the health system who embodies Dr. Martin Luther King's values and teachings in cultural competence, healthcare disparities, or fostering an environment of inclusiveness, in accordance with the institution's mission and values. To nominate, please submit online. The award will be presented on Thursday, Jan. 18, 6-7:30 p.m. (location to be determined). Questions? Email Dwan Love-Dinkens.

Season’s Treatings Toy Drive

Deadline: Monday, Dec. 4 | UVA Health Children’s and the Human Resources Rewards and Recognition team are joining forces once again for this year’s Season’s Treatings Toy Drive. Support UVA Health Children’s by purchasing items from its Amazon digital wish list. Items purchased through the Amazon link will be mailed directly to the Child Life Department. If you choose to purchase items outside of this list, please mail them to 1215 Lee St., 7th Floor 7809, Charlottesville, VA, 22903. Questions? Contact Child Life Department at 434.409.7107. Thank you for helping make the season brighter for our patients and families at UVA Health Children’s! (Photo: 2022 Season’s Treatings event.)

Nominate: Research Achievement Awards

Deadline: Monday, Dec. 4 | 5 p.m. | Recognizing UVA faculty for their excellence in research and scholarship. Awardees will be invited to dinner with the president, provost, and vice president for research. Awards ceremony will be held in January. Details.

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

Join Virginia’s No. 1 RN to BSN, a part-time, executive-format program that’s designed for working nurses ready to tap the personal, professional, and financial benefits of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Courses are taught mostly online with a once-a-month, in-person gathering. Chat with advisers on Zoom in these upcoming information sessions: 

• Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 10-11 a.m. | Zoom | RSVP 
• Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 6-7 p.m. | Zoom | RSVP 

Lights of Love Tree Lighting and Caroling 

Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 2 p.m. | University Hospital lobby | Enjoy music of the season by the Choirs of Charlottesville High School and watch as 2023 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals National Champion Kahmari Riedl kicks off the season by lighting the tree. Sponsored by the UVA Hospital Auxiliary. To help the Hospital Auxiliary continue their service of giving, consider making a tax deductible donation to support programs that directly benefit our patients and their families, such as flowers for patients, pet therapy, music therapy, and more. (Photo: 2022 Lights of Love event.)

ECHO Series: Stroke Ready Primary Care

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

• Stroke Mimics and Chameleons | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | noon-1 p.m. | Register
• Novel Concepts In Stroke Care - Dual Antiplatelet Therapy, High Dose Statins, New Oral Anticoagulants | Wednesday, Jan. 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Register
• New Trends in Risk Factors for Stroke | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | noon-1 p.m. | Register

Appreciation

‘Tis the Season for Giving and More

Philanthropy is a goal of the Strengthening Our Foundation initiative of our strategic plan — and this holiday season is no exception for UVA Health and the local community to spread goodwill and cheer. 

This season’s events include a Candyland conversion, the BradyStrong Foundation Toy Drive, Lights of Love tree lighting and caroling, Season's Treatings shopping event (photo at right), Shoes for Hope, gingerbread house decorating, a holiday food drive, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and Santa’s Christmas-day visit to UVA Health Children’s. For details on these events, visit Connect.

To team members who are making the season a little brighter for all at UVA Health and those within our community — thank you!

Wednesday, Nov. 22

Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving

On Tuesday, Nov. 21, senior leaders shared a holiday message via email: “As millions of people across the country gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, we reflect on the true essence of this tradition — a time to come together, express gratitude, and appreciate the many blessings in our lives. Thanksgiving is the one day of the year that is truly about gratitude, and all of us are grateful for all of you, our 17,000 team members across UVA Health.” 

“We have experienced an extraordinary year across the health system all due thanks to your caring and dedication to our patients, to each other, to our students, and to our communities. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to say how much we appreciate your many contributions throughout the year.” To read the full message, visit Connect.

Complimentary Holiday Meal 

Thursday, Nov. 23 | University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-8 p.m., 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | Thank you to all team members who will be working on Thanksgiving Day. To celebrate the holiday, stop by the University Hospital cafeteria to enjoy a turkey feast, including herb-roasted turkey breast with gravy, fresh mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, traditional green bean casserole, rosemary baby carrots, pumpkin-spiced bread pudding with praline sauce, assorted pies, and complimentary fountain beverages. Bon appétit!

COVID-19

Change to COVID-19 Exposure Practices 

To align our COVID-19 practices with other respiratory illnesses that are consistently present in our community, UVA Health will be discontinuing exposure workups for team members who are exposed to COVID-19 during a patient or team member interaction.

Taking effect Nov. 22, this change means we will no longer notify team members of potential exposures in the work setting. All other procedures will remain the same. In addition, UVA Health continues to encourage team members to stay up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccine. Masks will also continue to be available for team members who prefer to mask in areas where it is optional.

Given that COVID-19 is now endemic in our community and the frequency of exposures is naturally increasing, this change aligns with our approach for managing other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza or the common cold.

Thank you for your support as we continue to resume normalized operations following the outbreak of COVID-19.

Operations

Impacts of Thanksgiving Holiday

Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24

• Clinics | All UVA Health clinics will be closed.
• Parking and Transportation Modifications |
  • University Transit Service bus and Health System Transit shuttle service will not operate Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24.  
  • The Medical Center Courtesy Shuttle will operate on the weekend schedule, running every 60 minutes, 7:20 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
  • UtoCar will operate normally.
  • Parking is available for team members in the South Garage on Crispell Drive and 11th Street Garage (level D and above only) Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24.
  • University Transit Bus and Health System Transit shuttle will operate normally Monday, Nov. 27. 
• UVA Health Update will not be sent Friday, Nov. 24. It will resume Monday, Nov. 27.

Happenings

2023 End of Year Celebration

You are invited to enjoy a special celebration that honors our entire team: you and your colleagues who work hard each and every day to inspire Hope at Work.

• Sunday, Dec. 3 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-8 p.m., 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | University Hospital, East Cafe
• Monday, Dec. 4 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | UVA Fontaine Research Park
• Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | UVA Orthopedic Center Ivy Road
• Wednesday, Dec. 6 | ​​11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-8 p.m., 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | University Hospital, East Cafe
• Wednesday, Dec. 6 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | UVA Northridge

Appreciation

Team Members Share Their Gratitude and Traditions This Holiday Season

Connect recently reached out to all UVA Health team members to share their favorite Thanksgiving traditions, must-have foods, and what they are grateful for this year. Check out their responses. Thank you to all who sent in submissions. 

Whether you’re at home with family and friends, caring for patients at the hospital, or working elsewhere in the health system, we wish all UVA Health team members a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

Monday, Nov. 20

Charles O. Strickler Transplant Center Expands

On Friday, Nov. 17, UVA Health executive leadership, Judy Strickler, and the Strickler family joined team members for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the ongoing expansion of the Charles O. Strickler Transplant Center. The Strickler is Virginia’s only Comprehensive Transplant Center which provides heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, and islet cell transplant services for adults and children. This ongoing expansion reflects UVA Health's dedication to broadening our impact, aiming to reach more patients and transform health outcomes through the remarkable generosity of transplantation. The Strickler family's enduring support has been instrumental in shaping the legacy of care that benefits current patients and lays a foundation for enhanced care for future individuals across the Commonwealth.

Thank you to the Strickler family — and thank you to all team members who care for our transplant patients.

Ambulatory

One Team Webinar to Delve Into Training + Wave 3 Office Hours

• Take 30 for One Team Webinar | Wednesday, Nov. 29 | Adult PC, noon-12:30 p.m. | Pediatric PC, 12:30-1 p.m. | The next Take 30 for One Team webinar is scheduled and will focus on the comprehensive training program for go-live. As a reminder, this webinar series is open to all team members from Adult and Pediatric Primary Care, whose clinics are currently going through One Team | United on Access specialty Wave 3. Designed to offer a quick, convenient update, you’ll want to tune in to get the latest news and learn how the One Team project will impact you soon.
• New: Wave 3 Virtual Office Hours | Wednesday, Dec. 6 | 12-1 p.m. | The One Team project is hosting Wave 3 Virtual Office Hours. This will be an informal drop-in session for team members to ask questions and seek clarification about One Team tools, workflows, training, and any other Wave 3 topics as we begin preparing for go-live at the end of January 2024. There is one joint session for adult and pediatric primary care.

Calendar invites for all events should have been forwarded from your manager. The complete schedule and links to join are available on the One Team website. 

COVID Health Maintenance Issue Resolved

Earlier in November, team members were alerted that Epic COVID Health Maintenance would be available only for historical documentation until mid-November due to an Epic-wide issue. The issue is now resolved, and full COVID Health Maintenance functionality has been restored.

Operations

New UVA Health Pharmacy Opens in Nelson County

Today, UVA Health officials were joined by local community leaders and neighbors to officially open the UVA Health Pharmacy Stoney Creek. It will provide the highest quality pharmacy care to patients from the nearby Wintergreen community, as well as those who experience the most severe barriers to pharmacy care, including the small, rural communities surrounding Nellysford. Read more about it tomorrow on Connect. 

Scheduled Power Outages 

Wednesday, Nov. 29, to March 2024 | University Hospital | An electrical upgrade will be performed during overnight shifts, impacting power supply only to normal power receptacles and normal power lighting. These outages mostly affect University Hospital, including patient towers — it does not affect the South Tower, South Addition, or operating rooms. Affected equipment includes dietary and laundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers, copy machines, desktop computers, and pumps and fans not on emergency power. Pre-outage considerations: 

• Staff: Please ensure corded equipment that needs to be on emergency power is on emergency power (red or identified) receptacles.
• Department managers:
  • Please alert overnight staff when receiving outage communications, which includes outage maps of areas affected.
  • For corded equipment needed for patient care on normal power that cannot be without power for three to four hours: Please share this information with the Health System Physical Plant Electric (Todd Gibson) and outage coordinator (Scott Guynes) so preparations can be made.
• Facilities/outage coordinator: To avoid issues, a walk-through will be made to each area, both prior to the outage and during the first few minutes of the outage.

Questions? Contact Scott Guynes, Senior Construction Administration Manager, at 434.282.3794.

Stay Safe While Shopping Online This Holiday Season

As we enter the winter holiday season, now is the best time to review cybersecurity best practices and keep up with the latest alerts regarding holiday scams. Read more on the UVA Health Security Awareness page.

Help Patients and Families Give Back to UVA Health

The giving season is the perfect time to explore the UVA Health Foundation’s peer-to-peer fundraising platform. The Get Involved platform enables patients, families, and community members to create personalized fundraising pages to support any area within UVA Health that is meaningful to them. Pages can celebrate the memory of a loved one, honor a caregiver, raise donations in conjunction with an event, and more. It includes email templates, allows users to create teams, and is easily shareable on social media. This resource provides an easy way to support research, clinical care, education, community outreach, or other areas at UVA Health. 

See how community members like Hannah Lipscomb have raised funds and awareness for life-changing causes. If you are a UVA Health faculty or staff member interested in using the platform, read the Faculty & Staff Fundraising Page Guidelines.

Questions? Contact get-involved@virginia.edu.

Leadership

‘Breakfast With Bennett’ Coming to Fontaine

Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 7-8 a.m. | Fontaine Research Park | Register | Team members are invited to join UVA Health Chief Ambulatory Operations Officer John Bennett for a casual breakfast and conversation. Share your ideas and experiences, hear updates from the chief about the latest Ambulatory happenings, and network with colleagues. A limited number of seats are available, so register today! This is a free event and team members do not have to work at the host location to attend.

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall

Wednesday, Dec. 13 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | You are invited to join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders for an informative panel discussion with the executive leadership team. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event. Due to the town hall’s special format, responses may come directly via email or through Connect.

Happenings

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Monday, Nov. 20 | 6:30-7 p.m. | Peabody Hall Lawn | Please join the LGBTQ Center and Queer Student Union for this annual vigil and reception, a time to remember all the trans siblings lost this year throughout the world. Following the vigil, the event will move inside to the LGBTQ Center in Newcomb Hall (3rd floor) for a dinner reception.

ROSE Program: Drop Off or Pick Up Reusable Office Supplies

Tuesday, Nov. 21 | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Rooms 1 and 2 | Reusable Office Supply Exchange (ROSE) Program is a free service that collects new or gently used office supplies. Drop off office supplies or take what you need monthly. This will be the last ROSE Program event for 2023 — and the last one that Gloria Smith will be hosting, as she will be retiring in December after 43 years of employment with UVA Health University Medical Center. Please join us in congratulating Gloria on a happy retirement and in thanking her for the many years of outstanding service! 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

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

• Tuesday, Nov. 21 | 8-11 a.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 29 | 2-5 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 1-4 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 15 | 1-4 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 8-11 a.m.

42nd Annual Boar’s Head Turkey Trot

Thursday, Nov. 23 | Boar’s Head Resort | You and your family are invited to move your feet before you eat! Join in this Charlottesville tradition on Thanksgiving Day benefitting UVA Health Children's. Thank you to sponsors Carter Myer Automotive, Royer Caramanis Attorneys, Wal-mart, Dunkin’, Ragged Mountain Running Shop, Three Notch’d Brewery, J.W. Townsend Landscape, Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters, UVA Community Credit Union, 107.9 New Country, and Green Bean Baby Boutique. Race times and event information. Interested in volunteering? Learn more.

Complimentary Holiday Meal 

Thursday, Nov. 23 | University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-8 p.m., 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | Thank you to all team members who will be working on Thanksgiving Day. To celebrate the holiday, stop by the University Hospital cafeteria to enjoy a turkey feast, including herb-roasted turkey breast with gravy, fresh mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, traditional green bean casserole, rosemary baby carrots, pumpkin-spiced bread pudding with praline sauce, assorted pies, and complimentary fountain beverages. Bon appétit!

Commonwealth of Virginia Cancer Research Conference (CVCRC)

Dec. 1-2 | UVA Darden School of Business | The CVCRC convenes cancer researchers from across Virginia every two years to highlight studies at the forefront of cutting-edge cancer research. Faculty and research trainees will present new research encompassing an array of scientific approaches and fields. Hosted by the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center. Details.

Season’s Treatings Toy Drive

Deadline: Monday, Dec. 4 | UVA Health Children’s and the Human Resources Rewards and Recognition team are joining forces once again for this year’s Season’s Treatings Toy Drive. Support UVA Health Children’s by purchasing items from its Amazon digital wish list. Items purchased through the Amazon link will be mailed directly to the Child Life Department. If you choose to purchase items outside of this list, please mail them to 1215 Lee St., 7th Floor 7809, Charlottesville, VA, 22903. Questions? Contact Child Life Department at 434.409.7107. Thank you for helping make the season brighter for our patients and families at UVA Health Children’s! (Photo: 2022 Season’s Treatings event.)

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

Join Virginia’s No. 1 RN to BSN, a part-time, executive-format program that’s designed for working nurses ready to tap the personal, professional, and financial benefits of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Courses are taught mostly online with a once-a-month, in-person gathering. Chat with advisers on Zoom in these upcoming information sessions: 

• Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 10-11 a.m. | Zoom | RSVP 
• Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 6-7 p.m. | Zoom | RSVP 

Lights of Love Tree Lighting and Caroling 

Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 2 p.m. | University Hospital lobby | Enjoy music of the season by the Choirs of Charlottesville High School and watch as 2023 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals National Champion Kahmari Riedl kicks off the season by lighting the tree. Sponsored by the UVA Hospital Auxiliary. To help the Hospital Auxiliary continue their service of giving, consider making a tax deductible donation to support programs that directly benefit our patients and their families, such as flowers for patients, pet therapy, music therapy, and more. (Photo: 2022 Lights of Love event.)

Donate to the PICU’s Food Drive 

Deadline: Friday, Dec. 15 | The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU, 7th floor) placed a donation barrel in the west breakroom for a holiday food drive. This drive benefits the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, which provides resources to over 100,000 people across 25 counties each month through the development of a food pharmacy, health pantry, mobile food pantry, emergency food boxes, and more. A donation to the food bank can help improve food security and the overall belief that everyone deserves access to enough food. Also, the PICU is accepting online donations.  

Appreciation

November Is World Prematurity Month | Nov. 17 Is World Prematurity Day

… and in observance, UVA Health turned South Tower lights purple.

The March of Dimes reports these statistics: Each year in the United States, one in 10 babies is born preterm (<37 weeks of gestation) — about 7,300 a week. Risk factors include maternal age, smoking, alcohol, illicit drugs, multiple births, health insurance coverage, medical conditions, and more. The annual U.S. societal economic cost (medical, educational, and lost productivity) associated with preterm birth is an estimated $25.2 billion.

“The strength of premature babies and their families is not lost on anyone who steps foot in the NICU. Their journey from day one to beyond discharge is a testament to family support and love and multidisciplinary teamwork,” says Jonathan Swanson, MD, MSc, MBA, Chief Quality Officer for Children’s Services and Medical Director, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, UVA Health Children’s.

We are grateful to all UVA Health team members who work in this field — conducting research, supporting preterm babies and their families, and more!

Friday, Nov. 17

Last Chance to Share Your Thanksgiving Traditions

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 17 | As Thanksgiving approaches (Nov. 23), we’d like to hear about your favorite traditions. To participate, email answers to any (or all!) of the below questions to the Connect team at uvaconnect@virginia.edu. 

• What is your name, title, and department/unit/work area?
• What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? 
• What is an absolute must-have food on the table? (Share the recipe!)
• What has to happen on the holiday or otherwise Thanksgiving feels incomplete? (e.g., watch football, cook with relatives, enjoy a token bite of canned cranberry jelly, etc.)
• What does Thanksgiving mean to you? What are you giving thanks for this year?
• Send a photo if you have one handy! 

We will collate all responses and share them in a special Thanksgiving article on Connect on Nov. 20.

Ambulatory

COVID Health Maintenance Issue Resolved

Earlier in November, team members were alerted that Epic COVID Health Maintenance would be available only for historical documentation until mid-November due to an Epic-wide issue. The issue is now resolved, and full COVID Health Maintenance functionality has been restored.

New Provider Data Dashboard to Launch in 2024

A new Provider Dashboard tool that will aggregate individual provider metrics in one easily accessible location is slated for development. The dashboard will help providers verify that their data is accurate, track their progress against goals, and diagnose operational issues, among other uses. The project timeline calls for a beta test site to be available later this winter and the dashboard officially launched in spring 2024. Learn more on Connect. 

Operations

Complimentary Holiday Meal 

Thursday, Nov. 23 | University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-8 p.m., 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | Thank you to all team members who will be working on Thanksgiving Day. To celebrate the holiday, stop by the University Hospital cafeteria to enjoy a turkey feast, including herb-roasted turkey breast with gravy, fresh mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, traditional green bean casserole, rosemary baby carrots, pumpkin-spiced bread pudding with praline sauce, assorted pies, and complimentary fountain beverages. Bon appétit!

Scheduled Power Outages 

Wednesday, Nov. 29, to March 2024 | University Hospital | An electrical upgrade will be performed during overnight shifts, impacting power supply only to normal power receptacles and normal power lighting. These outages mostly affect University Hospital, including patient towers — it does not affect the South Tower, South Addition, or operating rooms. Affected equipment includes dietary and laundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers, copy machines, desktop computers, and pumps and fans not on emergency power. Pre-outage considerations: 

• Staff: Please ensure corded equipment that needs to be on emergency power is on emergency power (red or identified) receptacles.
• Department managers:
  • Please alert overnight staff when receiving outage communications, which includes outage maps of areas affected.
  • For corded equipment needed for patient care on normal power that cannot be without power for three to four hours: Please share this information with the Health System Physical Plant Electric (Todd Gibson) and outage coordinator (Scott Guynes) so preparations can be made.
• Facilities/outage coordinator: To avoid issues, a walk-through will be made to each area, both prior to the outage and during the first few minutes of the outage.

Questions? Contact Scott Guynes, Senior Construction Administration Manager, at 434.282.3794.

Leadership

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall

Wednesday, Dec. 13 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | You are invited to join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders for an informative panel discussion with the executive leadership team. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event. Due to the town hall’s special format, responses may come directly via email or through Connect.

Human Resources

Deadline: Education Benefit Requests

The last day for University Medical Center, Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, School of Medicine, and School of Nursing team members to submit education benefit requests in Workday for the 2023 calendar year benefit is Dec. 15. Employees may submit requests for advanced funding for 2024 classes and programs by the Dec. 15 deadline as long as the start date is no more than 90 days from the date the request was submitted. Requests for funding for classes for the fall 2023 semester may be submitted as advancement requests if grades will not be available by the Dec. 15 deadline.

The Education Benefit Request function will not be accessible in Workday from Dec. 16 to Jan. 1. Requests submitted from January onward will apply to the 2024 calendar year benefit.

University Medical Center Team Members | Learn More About Retirement Plans

For University Medical Center team members, it’s important to evaluate whether you’re making the most of your retirement plan. Participating in a 403(b) or 457 plan — in addition to your retirement plan — can make a difference in your retirement savings. To learn more, UVA Human Resources encourages you to make explore the following resources:

• Understand your Medical Center Retirement Plan.
• Understand the benefits of enrolling in a 403(b) or 457 plan.
• Schedule a free, personalized planning session with an expert. 

Happenings

Contribute to the 2023 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign at UVA

Fall marks the annual Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC), an effort among the Commonwealth’s state agencies to encourage giving to the nonprofit organizations that support and strengthen our communities. UVA has a long and proud history of participation in CVC; in fact, UVA has led all state agencies in giving since the CVC’s inception over 25 years ago. Read more on Connect. Questions? Email cvcquestions@virginia.edu. 

Fundraising for UVA Health Children’s: Give Joy to Kids

Through Thursday, Nov. 30 | The Give Joy to Kids fundraising campaign is currently running in Dunkin' restaurants. Guests are invited to donate $1 to the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation when they stop by for their favorite beverage. Funds from this campaign directly supports UVA Health Children’s.

More Than the Score | Alzheimer’s Disease: Research, Caregiving, and Community 

Saturday, Nov. 18 | 10-11 a.m. | In-person and online | UVA Alumni Hall, Ballroom, 211 Emmet St. South | This More Than the Score pre-football lecture series will feature UVA Health faculty members — Ishan C. Williams, PhD; Carol Manning, PhD; and George Bloom, PhD — discussing Alzheimer’s. Organized by the UVA Lifetime Learning team. Details.

ROSE Program: Drop Off or Pick Up Reusable Office Supplies

Tuesday, Nov. 21 | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Rooms 1 and 2 | Reusable Office Supply Exchange (ROSE) Program is a free service that collects new or gently used office supplies. Drop off office supplies or take what you need monthly. This will be the last ROSE Program event for 2023 — and the last one that Gloria Smith will be hosting, as she will be retiring in December after 43 years of employment with UVA Health University Medical Center. Please join us in congratulating Gloria on a happy retirement and in thanking her for the many years of outstanding service! 

Commonwealth of Virginia Cancer Research Conference (CVCRC)

Dec. 1-2 | UVA Darden School of Business | The CVCRC convenes cancer researchers from across Virginia every two years to highlight studies at the forefront of cutting-edge cancer research. Faculty and research trainees will present new research encompassing an array of scientific approaches and fields. Hosted by the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center. Details.

Season’s Treatings Toy Drive

Deadline: Monday, Dec. 4 | UVA Health Children’s and the Human Resources Rewards and Recognition team are joining forces once again for this year’s Season’s Treatings Toy Drive. Support UVA Health Children’s by purchasing items from its Amazon digital wish list. Items purchased through the Amazon link will be mailed directly to the Child Life Department. If you choose to purchase items outside of this list, please mail them to 1215 Lee St., 7th Floor 7809, Charlottesville, VA, 22903. Questions? Contact Child Life Department at 434.409.7107. Thank you for helping make the season brighter for our patients and families at UVA Health Children’s! (Photo: 2022 Season’s Treatings event.)

Lights of Love Tree Lighting and Caroling 

Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 2 p.m. | University Hospital lobby | Enjoy music of the season by the Choirs of Charlottesville High School and watch as 2023 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals National Champion Kahmari Riedl kicks off the season by lighting the tree. Sponsored by the UVA Hospital Auxiliary. To help the Hospital Auxiliary continue their service of giving, consider making a tax deductible donation to support programs that directly benefit our patients and their families, such as flowers for patients, pet therapy, music therapy, and more. 

Clinical Instructor Bootcamp

Jan. 3-5 | 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | McLeod Hall | A paid, three-day professional development opportunity for nurses interested in teaching the next generation of nursing students and becoming clinical instructors. For nurses with at least a BSN, the course includes lively classroom learning about positive teaching practices, discussion, role play, and simulation, and is led by veteran nursing professors and award-winning simulation faculty. Learn more. Questions? Contact Kathryn Reid. Register.

Mindfulness Classes

• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction | Wednesdays, Jan. 10-March 6 I 4-6:30 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, Feb. 24 | Zoom | Register
• Mindful Eating | Mondays, Jan. 22-March 11 | 5-7 p.m. | Zoom | Register

Appreciation

‘Recognized as a Person, Not Just a Patient’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

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

• “I have been a healthcare business consultant for decades working with some of the leading academic medical centers in America. This by far exceeded any experience or observation I have ever had at a comparable institution.”
• “I'm a physician at the main hospital at UVA Health. I had a really good experience getting my surgery done at [the outpatient surgery center]. The check-in process was so smoothly coordinated that I actually felt calm. Every single person from the front desk to discharge let me know exactly what was about to happen and where I would be going next. Everyone who cared for me was professional and I felt very safe. I also noticed staff being kind to each other, which makes a difference. I'm so glad I had my procedure done at UVA Health.”
• “I was not scheduled to see Dr. Brennin, but was concerned about a spot that had developed on my chest. She came to the infusion area and looked at it, and got a surgeon to look at it also, to verify that [seeing] my dermatologist was the appropriate move forward. I have been overwhelmed by the generosity and care shown to me through the Breast Center. Dr. Brennin has literally saved my life. Feeling forever grateful!”
• “The person who called me back to the room was very nice. When I said my date of birth, he realized my birthday was in a few days, and wished me a happy birthday. It was special to me. He recognized me as a person, not just as a patient.”

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

Wednesday, Nov. 15

UVA Health Earns WebMD Patient Choice, Medscape Provider Choice Awards

UVA Health has been named a “best in class” health system in Virginia for its cancer, heart, orthopedics, neurology, and digestive health care by WebMD and Medscape.

The 2023-24 WebMD Patient Choice and Medscape Physician Choice awards are based on surveys of consumers and healthcare providers that asked which health systems provide “the best overall quality and treatment capability.” UVA Health was selected as a leading Virginia health system by both consumers and healthcare providers in all five specialties surveyed by WebMD and Medscape. Read more on Connect.

Ambulatory

One Team Webinar to Delve Into Go-Live Training

The next Take 30 for One Team webinar is scheduled for Nov. 29 and will focus on the comprehensive training program for go-live. Designed to offer a quick, convenient update, this webinar series is open to all team members from adult and pediatric primary care, whose clinics are currently going through One Team | United on Access specialty Wave 3. Tune in to get the latest news and learn how the One Team project will impact you in the near future. Your manager should have forwarded a calendar invitation or get the webinar link on the One Team website.

• Wednesday, Nov. 29 | Adult PC, 12-12:30 p.m. | Pediatric PC, 12:30-1 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 3 | Adult PC, 12-12:30 p.m. | Pediatric PC, 12:30-1 p.m.

Operations

Flu Free in ’23: Flu Shots Due Today

Deadline: Today, Wednesday, Nov. 15 | Flu vaccines are free for all UVA Health team members, and vaccination is mandatory for all Tier 1 UVA Health team members. Please refer to Health System Policy OCH-002 to find out if you are a Tier 1 team member. If you receive your vaccine from your primary care physician (including those affiliated with UVA Health) or a pharmacy, you must present your documentation to Employee Health or email it to fluvax@uvahealth.org. Read details on Connect about the Flu Free in ‘23 initiative.

Medication Shortage

UVA Health is experiencing a critical shortage of Wegovy (semaglutide), Ozempic (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). The supply of these medications has become extremely limited. To conserve supply for patients currently receiving these therapies, the following measures have been taken in all UVA Health outpatient pharmacies:

• At this time, UVA Health pharmacies cannot fill any prescriptions for new patients initiating therapy with Wegovy, Ozempic, or Saxenda.
• For refill requests, only a 28-day supply of Wegovy, Ozempic, or Saxenda will be filled.
• Conversions from one of these agents to another will be treated as a new prescription and will not be filled.
• UVA Health pharmacies cannot accept transfers from external pharmacies.
• Prescriptions may be transferred internally for refill requests as necessary.
• Dose escalations as part of a patient’s medication management plan will continue to be filled and will not be treated as a new prescription.

UVA Health will reassess initiating new fills once supply becomes more stable and will communicate with stakeholders at that time.

Scheduled Power Outages 

Wednesday, Nov. 29, to March 2024 | University Hospital | An electrical upgrade will be performed during overnight shifts, impacting power supply only to normal power receptacles and normal power lighting. These outages mostly affect University Hospital, including patient towers — it does not affect the South Tower, South Addition, or operating rooms. Affected equipment includes dietary and laundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers, copy machines, desktop computers, and pumps and fans not on emergency power. Pre-outage considerations: 

• Staff: Please ensure corded equipment that needs to be on emergency power is on emergency power (red or identified) receptacles.
• Department managers:
  • Please alert overnight staff when receiving outage communications, which includes outage maps of areas affected.
  • For corded equipment needed for patient care on normal power that cannot be without power for three to four hours: Please share this information with the Health System Physical Plant Electric (Todd Gibson) and outage coordinator (Scott Guynes) so preparations can be made.
• Facilities/outage coordinator: To avoid issues, a walk-through will be made to each area, both prior to the outage and during the first few minutes of the outage.

Questions? Contact Scott Guynes, Senior Construction Administration Manager, at 434.282.3794.

Human Resources

New UVA Health Careers Website Launches

Human Resources is pleased to launch the new and significantly improved UVA Health Careers website which plays a vital role in efforts to attract and recruit top talent, offering candidates an enhanced, artificial intelligence-driven experience. The new site represents a much improved and powerful tool that will help us hire team members faster, develop better relationships with candidates, and increase awareness and visibility of job opportunities at UVA Health.

Happenings

Hospital Auxiliary Sale

Daily through Thursday, Nov. 16 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Link between main hospital and West Complex | Just in time for the holidays, the UVA Health University Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary is holding a sale on items such as award-winning Usbourne and Kane Miller books, Learning Wrap-Ups, and Smart Lab Toys for infants through middle school aged-children. The Auxiliary, operating since 1908, raises money for special initiatives at the hospital such as golf carts used by the Welcome Team to transport patients in the hospital and from the hospital to the garages; pet therapy; music therapy; and flowers for patients to name a few. The Hospital Auxiliary provides aid and comfort to patients and their families through volunteer service or fundraising.

Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future

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

UVA Radiology Keynote Lecture

Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 8-9 p.m. | Zoom | UVA Radiology & Medical Imaging presents the first installation of its Keynote Lecture Series. "Moral Injury in Healthcare: Why, How, and What You Can Do" will be delivered by J. Kim Pemberthy, MA, PhD. A recorded link will also be available. Learn more.

2023 Interdisciplinary Urologic Oncology Update: A Case-Based Approach 

Thursday, Nov. 16 | 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Boar’s Head Resort | This conference will contain multiple simulated cases to reinforce learning points in an optimized format for busy community oncologists. The cases presented in this conference are those most frequently encountered by community providers, thus it is critical that these providers follow best practices. Registration and more information.

Webinar: The Gift of Gratitude

Thursday, Nov. 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Learn strategies to help you unveil the power of gratitude and strengthen bonds for a fulfilling life. Register. 

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

Join Virginia’s No. 1 RN to BSN, a part-time, executive-format program that’s designed for working nurses ready to tap the personal, professional, and financial benefits of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Courses are taught mostly online with a once-a-month, in-person gathering. Chat with advisers on Zoom in these upcoming information sessions: 

• Thursday, Nov. 16 | 6-7 p.m. | Zoom | RSVP
• Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 10-11 a.m. | Zoom | RSVP 
• Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 6-7 p.m. | Zoom | RSVP 

The Connected Future of Maternity Care: Intersecting Maternal Health and Broadband Data Roundtable

Friday, Nov. 17 |10:30 a.m.–3:45 p.m. | Livestream | The Department of Health and Human Services is co-hosting this joint roundtable in partnership with the Federal Communications Commission Connect2Health Task Force. The discussion will gather public and private sector thought leaders across disciplines on the front lines of the United States’ maternal health crisis to explore the role of maternal health and broadband connectivity. Learn more.

Feedback Needed: What Are Your Thanksgiving Traditions?

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 17 | As Thanksgiving approaches (Nov. 23), we’d like to hear about your favorite traditions. To participate, email answers to any (or all!) of the below questions to the Connect team at uvaconnect@virginia.edu. 

• What is your name, title, and department/unit/work area?
• What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? 
• What is an absolute must-have food on the table? (Share the recipe!)
• What has to happen on the holiday or otherwise Thanksgiving feels incomplete? (e.g., watch football, cook with relatives, enjoy a token bite of canned cranberry jelly, etc.)
• What does Thanksgiving mean to you? What are you giving thanks for this year?
• Send a photo if you have one handy! 

We will collate all responses and share them in a special Thanksgiving article on Connect on Nov. 20.

More Than the Score | Alzheimer’s Disease: Research, Caregiving, and Community 

Saturday, Nov. 18 | 10-11 a.m. | In-person and online | UVA Alumni Hall, Ballroom, 211 Emmet St. South | This More Than the Score pre-football lecture series will feature UVA Health faculty members — Ishan C. Williams, PhD; Carol Manning, PhD; and George Bloom, PhD — discussing Alzheimer’s. Organized by the UVA Lifetime Learning team. Details.

42nd Annual Boar’s Head Turkey Trot

Thursday, Nov. 23 | Boar’s Head Resort | You and your family are invited to move your feet before you eat! Join in this Charlottesville tradition on Thanksgiving Day benefitting UVA Health Children's. Race times and event information. Interested in volunteering? Learn more.

Season’s Treatings Toy Drive

Deadline: Monday, Dec. 4 | UVA Health Children’s and the Human Resources Rewards and Recognition team are joining forces once again for this year’s Season’s Treatings Toy Drive. Support UVA Health Children’s by purchasing items from its Amazon digital wish list. Items purchased through the Amazon link will be mailed directly to the Child Life Department. If you choose to purchase items outside of this list, please mail them to 1215 Lee St., 7th Floor 7809, Charlottesville, VA, 22903. Questions? Contact Child Life Department at 434.409.7107. Thank you for helping make the season brighter for our patients and families at UVA Health Children’s!

Ready for Ideas: Spark Innovation Competition

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

Appreciation

Team Members Going Above and Beyond — For All Virginians

Recently, a patient was referred to UVA Health for a colonoscopy from a free clinic a few hours away. Due to being uninsured, the patient was referred to our financial assistance program. The patient arrived in Charlottesville via ridesharing (out of their own pocket) and with a positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT). They had no means to return home and, unfortunately, the referring clinic had not properly informed them about the process, cost, or other details necessary to complete the colonoscopy before arriving.

Neeral Shah, MD, Professor of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, is recognizing team members in Endoscopy (pictured from left) — Jody Farmer, RN, Endoscopy Manager; Amanda Lloyd, RN; Jaime Beard, RN; and Katherine Ward, RN — for going out of their way to help arrange a ride back for this patient after the procedure. “The patient required an interpreter — and, upon arrival, it was not clear if the patient fully understood the process. We thought we might have to cancel the procedure — which would have been the easiest solution — even though the patient had prepared for the procedure and spent their own money to come to UVA Health.”

But after working on this issue for a while, says Dr. Shah, the nurses were able to secure a ride home through the hospital, at no cost to the patient. “This allowed us to complete the procedure, provide the screening for a high-risk patient with a positive FIT test, and explain the results and outcomes to the family. I was so impressed with how well the nurses worked together as a team to figure this out. And they did this in the midst of taking care of other patients — and we did not miss a beat in the Endoscopy unit.”

Dr. Shah adds, “I truly think these team members embody our mission at UVA Health: to transform care and inspire hope for all Virginians and beyond.”

Please join us in thanking Jody, Amanda, Jamie, and Katherine for their dedication to outstanding patient care — and to Dr. Shah for sharing their story!

Monday, Nov. 13

Flu Free in ’23: Time Is Running Out to Get Your Flu Shot

Deadline: Wednesday, Nov. 15 | Getting influenza/flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone age six months or older. Flu vaccines are free for all UVA Health team members, and vaccination is mandatory for all Tier 1 UVA Health team members. Please refer to Health System Policy OCH-002 to find out if you are a Tier 1 team member. Note: Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent for people 65 years of age and older is stocked in clinical areas and available to UVA Health team members. Read details on Connect about the Flu Free in ‘23 initiative and the steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting flu.

Ambulatory

One Team Webinar to Delve Into Go-Live Training

The next Take 30 for One Team webinar is scheduled for Nov. 29 and will focus on the comprehensive training program for go-live. Designed to offer a quick, convenient update, this webinar series is open to all team members from adult and pediatric primary care, whose clinics are currently going through One Team | United on Access specialty Wave 3. Tune in to get the latest news and learn how the One Team project will impact you in the near future. Your manager should have forwarded a calendar invitation or get the webinar link on the One Team website.

• Nov. 29 | Adult PC, 12-12:30 p.m. | Pediatric PC, 12:30-1 p.m.
• Jan. 3 | Adult PC, 12-12:30 p.m. | Pediatric PC, 12:30-1 p.m.

New Provider Data Dashboard to Launch in 2024

A new Provider Dashboard tool that will aggregate individual provider metrics in one easily accessible location is slated for development. The dashboard will help providers verify that their data is accurate, track their progress against goals, and diagnose operational issues, among other uses. The project timeline calls for a beta test site to be available later this winter and the dashboard officially launched in spring 2024. Learn more on Connect. 

Operations

Monthly Epic Update

Changes go live Tuesday, Nov. 14 | This month’s Epic updates will impact ambulatory and inpatient licensed independent practitioners, nurses, and therapy services. Details about the latest changes can be found in the Epic Update Bundle. Questions? Contact the Help Desk at 434.924.5334.

Human Resources

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor

Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Room 3 | Ask questions and discuss your benefits with a Human Resources counselor. Walk-ins welcome. See monthly dates.

Happenings

Fundraising for UVA Health Children’s: Give Joy to Kids

Through Thursday, Nov. 30 | The Give Joy to Kids fundraising campaign is currently running in Dunkin' restaurants. Guests are invited to donate $1 to the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation when they stop by for their favorite beverage. Funds from this campaign directly supports UVA Health Children’s.

Celebrating National Nurse Practitioner Week

Nov. 12-18 | Join us in celebrating National Nurse Practitioner Week as we extend our heartfelt recognition to the invaluable contributions made by UVA Health nurse practitioners. This week is dedicated to honoring a distinguished group of clinicians whose legacy traces back to 1965, marked by the initiation of the first Nurse Practitioner program. This milestone was a response to the ongoing primary care shortage affecting millions of Americans — a challenge that persists even today. They provide holistic care, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide array of conditions through pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, and procedural-based approaches. Read more on Connect.

Hospital Auxiliary Sale

Nov. 13-16 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Link between main hospital and West Complex | Just in time for the holidays, the UVA Health University Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary is holding a sale on items such as award-winning Usbourne and Kane Miller books, Learning Wrap-Ups, and Smart Lab Toys for infants through middle school aged-children. The Auxiliary, operating since 1908, raises money for special initiatives at the hospital such as golf carts used by the Welcome Team to transport patients in the hospital and from the hospital to the garages; pet therapy; music therapy; and flowers for patients to name a few. The Hospital Auxiliary provides aid and comfort to patients and their families through volunteer service or fundraising.

November Is Native American Heritage Month: Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity

Wednesday, Nov. 15 | noon-1 p.m. | Virtual | Registration Required | Edward Valandra, PhD, editor of “Colorizing Restorative Justice,” was born and raised on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation and taught at Native and non-Native universities. He served the Sicangu Titunwan Oyate nation in various capacities. Dr. Valandra also serves as an advisor and senior editor to Living Justice Press on how to apply restorative justice to repairing longstanding, historical, and current harms among peoples. In the UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement’s "My Story, My Voice" series — an external subject matter expert shares their academic and career journey, mileposts, learnings, experiences, and more to engage and connect our communities.

Cancer Health Disparities Symposium

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 3-6 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 16, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Graduate Hotel, 1309 W. Main St. | During this two-day, in-person event, research and community efforts that address disparities across the catchment area will be highlighted. Hosted by UVA Cancer Center’s Cancer Prevention and Population Health Program and Office of Community Outreach and Engagement. RSVP. View the event flyer.

2023 Interdisciplinary Urologic Oncology Update: A Case-Based Approach 

Thursday, Nov. 16 | 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Boar’s Head Resort | This conference will contain multiple simulated cases to reinforce learning points in an optimized format for busy community oncologists. The cases presented in this conference are those most frequently encountered by community providers, thus it is critical that these providers follow best practices. Registration and more information.

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

Join Virginia’s No. 1 RN to BSN, a part-time, executive-format program that’s designed for working nurses ready to tap the personal, professional, and financial benefits of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Courses are taught mostly online with a once-a-month, in-person gathering. Chat with advisers on Zoom in these upcoming information sessions: 

• Thursday, Nov. 16 | 6-7 p.m. | Zoom | RSVP
• Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 10-11 a.m. | Zoom | RSVP 
• Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 6-7 p.m. | Zoom | RSVP 

Feedback Needed: What Are Your Thanksgiving Traditions?

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 17 | As Thanksgiving approaches (Nov. 23), we’d like to hear about your favorite traditions. To participate, email answers to any (or all!) of the below questions to the Connect team at uvaconnect@virginia.edu. 

• What is your name, title, and department/unit/work area?
• What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? 
• What is an absolute must-have food on the table? (Share the recipe!)
• What has to happen on the holiday or otherwise Thanksgiving feels incomplete? (e.g., watch football, cook with relatives, enjoy a token bite of canned cranberry jelly, etc.)
• What does Thanksgiving mean to you? What are you giving thanks for this year?
• Send a photo if you have one handy! 

We will collate all responses and share them in a special Thanksgiving article on Connect on Nov. 20.

More Than the Score | Alzheimer’s Disease: Research, Caregiving, and Community 

Saturday, Nov. 18 | 10-11 a.m. | In-person and online | UVA Alumni Hall, Ballroom, 211 Emmet St. South | This More Than the Score pre-football lecture series will feature UVA Health faculty members — Ishan C. Williams, PhD; Carol Manning, PhD; and George Bloom, PhD — discussing Alzheimer’s. Organized by the UVA Lifetime Learning team. Details.

ROSE Program: Drop Off or Pick Up Reusable Office Supplies

Tuesday, Nov. 21 | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Rooms 1 and 2 | Reusable Office Supply Exchange (ROSE) Program is a free service that collects new or gently used office supplies. Drop off office supplies or take what you need monthly. This will be the last ROSE Program event for 2023 — and the last one that Gloria Smith will be hosting, as she will be retiring in December after 43 years of employment with UVA Health University Medical Center. Please join us in congratulating Gloria on a happy retirement and in thanking her for the many years of outstanding service! 

Nominate: Research Achievement Awards

Deadline: Monday, Dec. 4 | 5 p.m. | Recognizing UVA faculty for their excellence in research and scholarship. Awardees will be invited to dinner with the president, provost, and vice president for research. Awards ceremony will be held in January. Details.

Donate to the PICU’s Food Drive 

Deadline: Friday, Dec. 15 | The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU, 7th floor) placed a donation barrel in the west breakroom for a holiday food drive. This drive benefits the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, which provides resources to over 100,000 people across 25 counties each month through the development of a food pharmacy, health pantry, mobile food pantry, emergency food boxes, and more. A donation to the food bank can help improve food security and the overall belief that everyone deserves access to enough food. Also, the PICU is accepting online donations.  

Appreciation

Let’s Hear it for School of Nursing Students!

The School of Nursing’s annual White Coat and Pinning Ceremony took place Nov. 4 in Old Cabell Hall with nearly 800 students, family members, loved ones, faculty, and staff in attendance. 

Second-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students — 92 in total — donned their white coats for the first time, signifying the beginning of their clinical rotations and their transitioning to care for human, rather than simulated, patients; 77 first-year students received a gold pin; 25 accelerated BSNs and 84 third-year BSNs earned an orange pin; and 112 fourth-year BSNs earned the final pin of their nursing school career as they round the corner to practicum and graduation. See more photos on Connect.

Please join us in congratulating these students and in thanking the faculty and staff who are supporting them on their educational journey!

Friday, Nov. 10

United in Remembrance: UVA Strong | Monday, Nov. 13

12:55 p.m. | Please join the University community in remembering Devin, Lavel, and D’Sean on the day, one year ago, when their lives were tragically cut short. At 12:55 p.m., the Chapel bells will play the first verse of “Amazing Grace” followed by three tolls of the bells, honoring each life lost. You may wish to be outside if you are near the Chapel. Many will gather at the Chapel or on the Lawn. 

Support is available to UVA Health team members and their family members through the Faculty & Employee Assistance Program (FEAP). This moment will also be streamed live via UVA’s YouTube channel and on www.virginia.edu/live for those who are not on-Grounds that wish to participate.

12:30 p.m. | Fontaine Resilience Garden outside McLeod Hall | UVA School of Nursing’s Nursing Student Council (NSC) and the Office of Admissions and Student Services have planned a time of reflection gathering. The 10- to 15-minute ceremony will include brief remarks from Professor Cathy Campbell, a hospice nurse and Buddhist chaplain, as we honor Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis, and D'Sean Perry whose lives were tragically cut short. Additionally, the NSC has planned a mental health day on Wednesday, Nov. 15, that will include therapy dogs and treats in McLeod Hall lobby starting at 11:30 a.m.. All students, faculty, staff, and UVA Health team members are welcome to attend.

Ambulatory

New Provider Data Dashboard to Launch in 2024

A new Provider Dashboard tool that will aggregate individual provider metrics in one easily accessible location is slated for development. The dashboard will help providers verify that their data is accurate, track their progress against goals, and diagnose operational issues, among other uses. The project timeline calls for a beta test site to be available later this winter and the dashboard officially launched in spring 2024. Learn more on Connect. 

Leadership

Veterans Day Tribute

On Friday, Nov. 10, UVA Health leadership sent a Veterans Day tribute email: “Tomorrow, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day, a holiday centered since 1919 in honor of America's veterans for their unwavering patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Please join us in honoring all of our brave military members who have, or currently are, serving our country.” Read the full message.

Becker’s Hospital Review: ‘60 Health System CEO Influencers’

Becker’s Hospital Review has listed K. Craig Kent, MD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health, and Wendy Horton, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health University Medical Center, on its list of “60 health system CEO influencers.” Becker’s says, “Whether these leaders are challenging the status quo, championing public health issues, pioneering new models of care, or embracing novel technologies, the nation — and even the world — is watching. More often than not, the precedents these executives set go on to become the golden standard for healthcare.” Congratulations to both! See the full list.

Human Resources

University Medical Center: Fall Paid Time Off Cash Out Is Available

University Medical Center team members with over 40 hours of PTO may request a PTO cash out Nov. 2-12. The Nov. 17 paycheck will include the cash-out payments. Follow these steps to submit your cash-out request in Workday. The next PTO cash-out period is Spring 2024. Questions? Contact the HR Solution Center at askhr@virginia.edu.

UPG Fall Cash Out

The UPG Fall Cash Out “How To” steps were sent in early November via email to PTO-eligible team members. Twice annually, UPG employees who are eligible for PTO have the option to cash out up to 40 hours of PTO at the employee’s normal hourly rate of pay, if after the cash out the employee retains a balance of at least 80 hours. Those who elect this option will see the PTO cash out on their Dec. 1 paycheck. Email llr6v@uvahealth.org for more information.

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor

Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Room 3 | Ask questions and discuss your benefits with a Human Resources counselor. Walk-ins welcome. See monthly dates.

Happenings

Art Exhibit | Nature: Big and Small

Through Wednesday, Jan. 3 | UVA Health University Medical Center main lobby | The Medical Center rotating art exhibit will showcase Seth Silverstein and Bill Shaw’s stunning photography. Stop by to check it out!

Want to Host International Students for Thanksgiving?

Deadline: Sunday, Nov. 12 | A division of UVA’s International Studies Office, the Lorna Sundberg International Center organizes a Thanksgiving Meal Match to match a local family with UVA's international students, scholars, and their families for a Thanksgiving meal. This unique opportunity allows local families to showcase American hospitality and share Thanksgiving traditions while learning about their guest’s culture. Interested in hosting? Fill out the online form. Questions? Email intlctr@virginia.edu.

Happy Diwali!

Sunday, Nov. 12 | Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is celebrated for five days, and each day has a theme. Though some themes of Diwali are universal, such as the triumph of good over evil and darkness paving the way for light, Diwali is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, and each community celebrates Diwali for different reasons. The dates of Diwali are determined by the Indian calendar and change every year, ranging from October to November. 

Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Pink and Pearl Event

Monday, Nov. 13 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | UVA Breast Care Center | As part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month and its Pink and Pearl event, UVA Health will set up a large, inflatable lung display and a lung cancer screening table. Learn more from the American College of Radiology how breast cancer and lung cancer screenings overlap.

Hospital Auxiliary Sale

Nov. 13-16 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Link between main hospital and West Complex | Just in time for the holidays, the UVA Health University Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary is holding a sale on items such as award-winning Usbourne and Kane Miller books, Learning Wrap-Ups, and Smart Lab Toys for infants through middle school aged-children. The Auxiliary, operating since 1908, raises money for special initiatives at the hospital such as golf carts used by the Welcome Team to transport patients in the hospital and from the hospital to the garages; pet therapy; music therapy; and flowers for patients to name a few. The Hospital Auxiliary provides aid and comfort to patients and their families through volunteer service or fundraising.

Cancer Health Disparities Symposium

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 3-6 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 16, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Graduate Hotel, 1309 W. Main St. | During this two day in-person event, research and community efforts that address disparities across the catchment area will be highlighted. Hosted by UVA Cancer Center’s Cancer Prevention and Population Health Program and Office of Community Outreach and Engagement. RSVP. View the event flyer.

2023 Interdisciplinary Urologic Oncology Update: A Case-Based Approach 

Thursday, Nov. 16 | 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Boar’s Head Resort | This conference will contain multiple simulated cases to reinforce learning points in an optimized format for busy community oncologists. The cases presented in this conference are those most frequently encountered by community providers, thus it is critical that these providers follow best practices. Registration and more information.

Feedback Needed: What Are Your Thanksgiving Traditions?

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 17 | As Thanksgiving approaches (Nov. 23), we’d like to hear about your favorite traditions. To participate, email answers to any (or all!) of the below questions to the Connect team at uvaconnect@virginia.edu.

• What is your name, title, and department/unit/work area?
• What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? 
• What is an absolute must-have food on the table? (Share the recipe!)
• What has to happen on the holiday or otherwise Thanksgiving feels incomplete? (e.g., watch football, cook with relatives, enjoy a token bite of canned cranberry jelly, etc.)
• What does Thanksgiving mean to you? What are you giving thanks for this year?
• Send a photo if you have one handy! 

We will collate all responses and share them in a special Thanksgiving article on Connect on Nov. 20.

More Than the Score | Alzheimer’s Disease: Research, Caregiving, and Community 

Saturday, Nov. 18 | 10-11 a.m. | In-person and online | UVA Alumni Hall, Ballroom, 211 Emmet St. South | This More Than the Score pre-football lecture series will feature UVA Health faculty members — Ishan C. Williams, PhD; Carol Manning, PhD; and George Bloom, PhD — discussing Alzheimer’s. Organized by the UVA Lifetime Learning team. Details.

Appreciation | Special Double Edition!

Veterans Day | Submitted Team Member Stories and Photos

Veterans Day, observed annually on Nov. 11, is a federal holiday for honoring military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. There are many veterans who work here at UVA Health and, in honor of the holiday, we asked team members to send in their photos and stories. Read them on Connect.

Thank you to all veterans, here at UVA Health and across the Commonwealth, country, and world, for your service.

‘Nothing Short of Amazing’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

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

• “Douglas (he goes by Earl because he's the 15th Douglas in the family — he told us) is, by far, the nicest guy. He explained everything so well, offered to stop at the bathroom if we needed, and made sure my wife was comfortable while I went back for my cardiac MRI. Just overall a great guy. UVA Health is lucky to have him.”
• “I moved my cochlear implant care … to UVA Health Audiology over 12 years ago. The treatment, care, encouragement, and involvement in my journey has been nothing short of amazing. Coming from what was a negative to something so positive has helped me in too many ways to list. It changed my life, and continues to, with each visit!”
• “I have received care at many medical facilities over my lifetime and will say, without any reservations, that the care I received at UVA Health was head and shoulders above all others. From the parking attendants in the garage all the way up to my surgeon, everyone was professional, polite, and helpful. I felt safe and that everyone was concerned with that safety and my experience!”
• “I want the UVA Health Eye Clinic at Northridge to know that Lil was fantastic. She was orienting another technician but took the time out to allay my fears of my upcoming procedure. She basically talked me off the ledge and that's hard to do. I was In healthcare prior to my retirement in 2022, and I thought I was good. She was soft spoken, professional, and she knew her job. I hope Ling learned from her that day, because that is what nursing is all about — compassion.”

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

Wednesday, Nov. 8

Decorate a Wreath to Support UVA Health Cancer Patients

The UVA Cancer Center Wreath Auction is back for this holiday season at the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center (ECCCC). UVA Health provides the wreath bases, you provide the creativity! Finished wreaths will be auctioned in December to raise money for UVA Health cancer patients. All proceeds benefit cancer patients facing barriers to care, including lodging and transportation. Supplies limited. Sign up. Details:

• Wreath base pick-up | ECCCC lobby | Thursday, Nov. 9, noon-5:30 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 10, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. 
• Wreath drop-off | ECCCC lobby | Tuesday, Nov. 21, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Questions? Contact ecccc.wreathauction@gmail.com.

Human Resources

University Medical Center: Fall Paid Time Off Cash Out Is Available

University Medical Center team members with over 40 hours of PTO may request a PTO cash out Nov. 2-12. The Nov. 17 paycheck will include the cash-out payments. Follow these steps to submit your cash-out request in Workday: 

• Log in to Workday any time between Nov. 2-12. (You can access Workday online anywhere with an internet connection.) 
• Please note: You must select Nov. 11 as the date of your request. 
• Your cash-out request cannot exceed the allowed maximum hours as defined in the Paid Time Off policy. 
• You must have a minimum remaining balance of 40 hours. 
• You cannot enter more than one cash-out request. If you would like to adjust your request, you must delete the initial request and resubmit. 
• This process in Workday is only for requesting PTO cash out. Please continue to submit other time off requests in Kronos. 
• Section 5 of the Paid Time Off policy contains additional information on PTO cash out. 

The next PTO cash-out period is Spring 2024. Questions? Contact the HR Solution Center at askhr@virginia.edu. 

UPG Fall Cash Out

The UPG Fall Cash Out “How To” steps were sent in early November via email to PTO-eligible team members. Twice annually, UPG employees who are eligible for PTO have the option to cash out up to 40 hours of PTO at the employee’s normal hourly rate of pay, if after the cash out the employee retains a balance of at least 80 hours. Those who elect this option will see the PTO cash out on their Dec. 1 paycheck. Email llr6v@uvahealth.org for more information.

Happenings

Veterans: Send Us Your Photo and Story

Deadline: Wednesday, Nov. 8 | If you're a UVA Health team member who is also a veteran, we would like to include you in celebration posts on Connect and in the UVA Health Update on Nov. 10 (the day before Veterans Day). To participate, email a photo of you in uniform and send the below information to uvaconnect@virginia.edu.

• Name, title, job at UVA Health?
• In which branch did you serve? What was your rank? When did you serve? What was your job in the military?
• What does Veterans Day mean to you?
• How did your military experience impact your role in healthcare? Does it affect how you care for patients, conduct research, or train students?

Celebrate Genetic Counselor Awareness Day

Thursday, Nov. 9 | Genetic counselors (GC) are licensed and board-certified healthcare providers who practice in many different specialty areas, providing clinical care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. GCs are valuable members of the healthcare team helping to increase access to genetic testing and empower patients in making informed healthcare decisions. UVA Health currently employs 14 GCs who practice in cancer, cardiovascular, neurology, pediatrics/general genetics, and prenatal settings. Celebrate your GC colleagues at UVA Health for their commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care! Read more on Connect.

Medical Center Hour | Art as a Beacon: Navigating Life After a Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease

Friday, Nov. 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Sandridge Auditorium | Zoom | After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, Torrance York, a fine arts photographer and educator, used her camera to integrate this life-altering information into her sense of self. Moderated by Donna Chen, MD, MPH. Sponsored by UVA Department of Neurology and UVA Medical Center Hour.

• What Is Health? — ‘Zine Collage Workshop | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 5-7 p.m. | The Bridge Underground, 306 E. Main St. | Jess Walters, Fellow with the UVA Center for Health, Humanities, and Ethics, will partner with York to visually explore how art-making can be a lifeline during critical times. Participants will create a collage-style, eight-page pocket ‘zine. Materials provided. Details and RSVP.

Want to Host International Students for Thanksgiving?

Deadline: Sunday, Nov. 12 | A division of UVA’s International Studies Office, the Lorna Sundberg International Center organizes a Thanksgiving Meal Match to match a local family with UVA's international students, scholars, and their families for a Thanksgiving meal. This unique opportunity allows local families to showcase American hospitality and share Thanksgiving traditions while learning about their guest’s culture. Interested in hosting? Fill out the online form. Questions? Email intlctr@virginia.edu.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Pink and Pearl Event

Monday, Nov. 13 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | UVA Breast Care Center | As part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month and its Pink and Pearl event, UVA Health will set up a large, inflatable lung display and a lung cancer screening table. Learn more from the American College of Radiology how breast cancer and lung cancer screenings overlap.

United in Remembrance: UVA Strong | Monday, Nov. 13

12:55 p.m. | Please join the University community in remembering Devin, Lavel, and D’Sean on the day, one year ago, when their lives were tragically cut short. At 12:55 p.m., the Chapel bells will play the first verse of “Amazing Grace” followed by three tolls of the bells, honoring each life lost. You may wish to be outside if you are near the Chapel. Many will gather at the Chapel or on the Lawn. 

Support is available to UVA Health team members and their family members through the Faculty & Employee Assistance Program (FEAP). This moment will also be streamed live via UVA’s YouTube channel and on www.virginia.edu/live for those who are not on-Grounds that wish to participate.

12:30 p.m. | Fontaine Resilience Garden outside McLeod Hall | UVA School of Nursing’s Nursing Student Council (NSC) and the Office of Admissions and Student Services have planned a time of reflection gathering. The 10- to 15-minute ceremony will include brief remarks from Professor Cathy Campbell, a hospice nurse and Buddhist chaplain, as we honor Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis, and D'Sean Perry whose lives were tragically cut short. Additionally, the NSC has planned a mental health day on Wednesday, Nov. 15, that will include therapy dogs and treats in McLeod Hall lobby starting at 11:30 a.m.. All students, faculty, staff, and UVA Health team members are welcome to attend.

November Is Native American Heritage Month: Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity

Wednesday, Nov. 15 | noon-1 p.m. | Virtual | Registration Required | Edward Valandra, PhD, editor of “Colorizing Restorative Justice,” was born and raised on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation and taught at Native and non-Native universities. He served the Sicangu Titunwan Oyate nation in various capacities. Dr. Valandra also serves as an advisor and senior editor to Living Justice Press on how to apply restorative justice to repairing longstanding, historical, and current harms among peoples. In the UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement’s "My Story, My Voice" series — an external subject matter expert shares their academic and career journey, mileposts, learnings, experiences, and more to engage and connect our communities.

Webinar: The Gift of Gratitude

Thursday, Nov. 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Learn strategies to help you unveil the power of gratitude and strengthen bonds for a fulfilling life. Register. 

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

Join Virginia’s No. 1 RN to BSN, a part-time, executive-format program that’s designed for working nurses ready to tap the personal, professional, and financial benefits of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Courses are taught mostly online with a once-a-month, in-person gathering. Chat with advisers on Zoom in these upcoming information sessions: 

• Thursday, Nov. 16 | 6-7 p.m. | Zoom | RSVP
• Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 10-11 a.m. | Zoom | RSVP 
• Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 6-7 p.m. | Zoom | RSVP 

Feedback Needed: What Are Your Thanksgiving Traditions?

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 17 | As Thanksgiving approaches (Nov. 23), we’d like to hear about your favorite traditions. To participate, email answers to any (or all!) of the below questions to the Connect team at uvaconnect@virginia.edu.

• What is your name, title, and department/unit/work area?
• What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? 
• What is an absolute must-have food on the table? (Share the recipe!)
• What has to happen on the holiday or otherwise Thanksgiving feels incomplete? (e.g., watch football, cook with relatives, enjoy a token bite of canned cranberry jelly, etc.)
• What does Thanksgiving mean to you? What are you giving thanks for this year?
• Send a photo if you have one handy! 

We will collate all responses and share them in a special Thanksgiving article on Connect on Nov. 20.

More Than the Score | Alzheimer’s Disease: Research, Caregiving, and Community 

Saturday, Nov. 18 | 10-11 a.m. | In-person and online | UVA Alumni Hall, Ballroom, 211 Emmet St. South | This More Than the Score pre-football lecture series will feature UVA Health faculty members — Ishan C. Williams, PhD; Carol Manning, PhD; and George Bloom, PhD — discussing Alzheimer’s. Organized by the UVA Lifetime Learning team. Details.

42nd Annual Boar’s Head Turkey Trot

Thursday, Nov. 23 | Boar’s Head Resort | You and your family are invited to move your feet before you eat! Join in this Charlottesville tradition on Thanksgiving Day benefitting UVA Health Children's. Race times and event information. Interested in volunteering? Learn more.

Donate to the PICU’s Food Drive 

Deadline: Friday, Dec. 15 | The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU, 7th floor) placed a donation barrel in the west breakroom for a holiday food drive. This drive benefits the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, which provides resources to over 100,000 people across 25 counties each month through the development of a food pharmacy, health pantry, mobile food pantry, emergency food boxes, and more. A donation to the food bank can help improve food security and the overall belief that everyone deserves access to enough food. Also, the PICU is accepting online donations.  

Appreciation

Bee-ing Sting-Free

On Halloween in Pinn Hall, UVA Health University Medical Center nurses, and UVA School of Nursing (SON) students and faculty, dressed as bees and beekeepers to administer flu shots.

“We had several successful busy clinics since September vaccinating thousands of team members against flu,” says Valerie Goodman, RN, Vaccine Coordinator, Employee Health. “Dressing up certainly raised the fun factor for everyone! Shout out to the fabulous, enthusiastic, and skillful SON vaccinators!” 

The deadline is Nov. 15 for all UVA Health Tier 1 team members to get their mandatory annual flu shot. Refer to Health System Policy OCH-002 to find out if you are a Tier 1 team member. Note: Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent for people 65 years of age and older is stocked in clinical areas and available to UVA Health team members. Read details on Connect about the Flu Free in ‘23 initiative and the steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting flu.

Monday, Nov. 6

UVA Health Earns Leapfrog ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade Across All Medical Centers 

Thanks to your focus on patient safety and your dedication to continuous improvement, we were able to announce as a system that all four of UVA Health’s medical centers have received an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an organization committed to reviewing and rating hospitals across the country on their quality and safety performance. Celebration events are being planned across our four medical centers.

Read more in the Nov. 6 email from leadership or visit Connect.

Ambulatory

COVID Vaccines to Begin Rolling Out to Clinics; Temporary Change to COVID Health Maintenance

The pharmacy team is communicating directly with Ambulatory clinics that previously stocked the COVID vaccine about the process for requesting the latest COVID vaccine and related distribution logistics, storage requirements, etc. and expects to begin rolling them out on Monday, Nov. 6.

Please be aware that until mid-November, Epic COVID Health Maintenance will be available only for historical documentation. During this time, if a patient declines COVID vaccination, no further action or documentation in Epic is needed. This temporary change is the result of an issue flagged by Epic. They expect the issue to be resolved in mid-November, at which time full COVID Health Maintenance functionality will be restored.

As a reminder, COVID vaccines also are available to team members through Employee Health by calling 434.924.2013 to schedule an appointment.

October Ambulatory Progress Report Now Available

The latest edition of the Ambulatory Operations Progress Report is now available on the Ambulatory website. Be sure to read it for the latest on One Team | United on Access, including Wave 3 updates and the next Genesys Cloud phone system cutover. Updates on Virtual Urgent Care and direct scheduling also are among the news shared. Read the report.

Recording Available of One Team Adult and Pediatric Primary Care Webinars

The One Team | United on Access project hosted the first of three Take 30 for One Team webinars designed for adult and pediatric primary care team members on Oct. 31. Visit the project website to view the recorded session and download the presentation. Mark your calendars for the next webinar that will focus on go-live training. A full schedule and webinar links are also available on the One Team website.

• Wednesday, Nov. 29 | Adult PC, noon-12:30 p.m. | Pediatric PC, 12:30-1 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 3 | Adult PC, noon-12:30 p.m. | Pediatric PC, 12:30-1 p.m.

Operations

Flu Free in ’23: It’s Time To Get Your Flu Shot

Deadline: Wednesday, Nov. 15 | Getting influenza/flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone age six months or older. Flu vaccines are free for all UVA Health team members, and vaccination is mandatory for all Tier 1 UVA Health team members. Please refer to Health System Policy OCH-002 to find out if you are a Tier 1 team member. Note: Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent for people 65 years of age and older is now stocked in clinical areas and available to UVA Health team members. Read details on Connect about the Flu Free in ‘23 initiative and the steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting flu.

All Devices Running Office 2016 to Be Automatically Upgraded

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

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

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

Human Resources

Deadline: Education Benefit Requests

The last day for University Medical Center, Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, School of Medicine, and School of Nursing team members to submit education benefit requests in Workday for the 2023 calendar year benefit is Dec. 15. Employees may submit requests for advanced funding for 2024 classes and programs by the Dec. 15 deadline as long as the start date is no more than 90 days from the date the request was submitted. Requests for funding for classes for the fall 2023 semester may be submitted as advancement requests if grades will not be available by the Dec. 15 deadline.

The Education Benefit Request function will not be accessible in Workday from Dec. 16 to Jan. 1. Requests submitted from January onward will apply to the 2024 calendar year benefit.

Happenings

Veterans: Send Us Your Photo and Story

Deadline: Wednesday, Nov. 8 | If you're a UVA Health team member who is also a veteran, we would like to include you in celebration posts on Connect and in the UVA Health Update on Nov. 10 (the day before Veterans Day). To participate, email a photo of you in uniform and send the below information to uvaconnect@virginia.edu.

• Name, title, job at UVA Health?
• In which branch did you serve? What was your rank? When did you serve? What was your job in the military?
• What does Veterans Day mean to you?
• How did your military experience impact your role in healthcare? Does it affect how you care for patients, conduct research, or train students?

Introduction to Emotional Intelligence

Wednesday, Nov. 8 | 9-11 a.m. | In-person and Zoom | Examine the connection between how people think, feel, and behave. Explore how emotions affect job performance and review the importance of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Register.

Veterans Day Breakfast

Wednesday, Nov. 8 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Ern Commons at UVA, 567 McCormick Rd. | In honor of Veterans Day (Nov. 11), a breakfast is being held to celebrate UVA team members who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans, please join in as UVA shares its appreciation for the sacrifices you have made for our country. Register.

Webinar: Lung Cancer Screening Landscape

Wednesday, Nov. 8 | noon-1 pm. | Zoom | Join the UVA Health Cancer Center to learn about the latest lung cancer screening information, including guidelines, best practices, issues, and policies with a focus on interventions that can reduce barriers to cancer screening. Register.

Medical Center Hour | Art as a Beacon: Navigating Life After a Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease

Friday, Nov. 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Sandridge Auditorium | Zoom | After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, Torrance York, a fine arts photographer and educator, used her camera to integrate this life-altering information into her sense of self. Moderated by Donna Chen, MD, MPH. Sponsored by UVA Department of Neurology and UVA Medical Center Hour.

• What Is Health? — ‘Zine Collage Workshop | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 5-7 p.m. | The Bridge Underground, 306 E. Main St. | Jess Walters, Fellow with the UVA Center for Health, Humanities, and Ethics, will partner with York to visually explore how art-making can be a lifeline during critical times. Participants will create a collage-style, eight-page pocket ‘zine. Materials provided. Details and RSVP.

Want to Host International Students for Thanksgiving?

Deadline: Sunday, Nov. 12 | A division of UVA’s International Studies Office, the Lorna Sundberg International Center organizes a Thanksgiving Meal Match to match a local family with UVA's international students, scholars, and their families for a Thanksgiving meal. This unique opportunity allows local families to showcase American hospitality and share Thanksgiving traditions while learning about their guest’s culture. Interested in hosting? Fill out the online form. Questions? Email intlctr@virginia.edu.

United in Remembrance: UVA Strong | Monday, Nov. 13

12:55 p.m. | Please join the University community in remembering Devin, Lavel, and D’Sean on the day, one year ago, when their lives were tragically cut short. At 12:55 p.m., the Chapel bells will play the first verse of “Amazing Grace” followed by three tolls of the bells, honoring each life lost. You may wish to be outside if you are near the Chapel. Many will gather at the Chapel or on the Lawn. 

Support is available to UVA Health team members and their family members through the Faculty & Employee Assistance Program (FEAP). This moment will also be streamed live via UVA’s YouTube channel and on www.virginia.edu/live for those who are not on-Grounds that wish to participate.

12:30 p.m. | Fontaine Resilience Garden outside McLeod Hall | UVA School of Nursing’s Nursing Student Council (NSC) and the Office of Admissions and Student Services have planned a time of reflection gathering. The 10- to 15-minute ceremony will include brief remarks from Professor Cathy Campbell, a hospice nurse and Buddhist chaplain, as we honor Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis, and D'Sean Perry whose lives were tragically cut short. Additionally, the NSC has planned a mental health day on Wednesday, Nov. 15, that will include therapy dogs and treats in McLeod Hall lobby starting at 11:30 a.m.. All students, faculty, staff, and UVA Health team members are welcome to attend.

Hospital Auxiliary Sale

Nov. 13-16 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Link between main hospital and West Complex | Just in time for the holidays, the UVA Health University Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary is holding a sale on items such as award-winning Usbourne and Kane Miller books, Learning Wrap-Ups, and Smart Lab Toys for infants through middle school aged-children. The Auxiliary, operating since 1908, raises money for special initiatives at the hospital such as golf carts used by the Welcome Team to transport patients in the hospital and from the hospital to the garages; pet therapy; music therapy; and flowers for patients to name a few. The Hospital Auxiliary provides aid and comfort to patients and their families through volunteer service or fundraising.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Pink and Pearl Event

Monday, Nov. 13 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | UVA Breast Care Center | As part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month and its Pink and Pearl event, UVA Health will set up a large, inflatable lung display and a lung cancer screening table. Learn more from the American College of Radiology how breast cancer and lung cancer screenings overlap.

Cancer Health Disparities Symposium

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 3-6 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 16, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Graduate Hotel, 1309 W. Main St. | During this two day in-person event, research and community efforts that address disparities across the catchment area will be highlighted. Hosted by UVA Cancer Center’s Cancer Prevention and Population Health Program and Office of Community Outreach and Engagement. RSVP.  View the event flyer.

2023 Interdisciplinary Urologic Oncology Update: A Case-Based Approach 

Thursday, Nov. 16 | 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Boar’s Head Resort | This conference will contain multiple simulated cases to reinforce learning points in an optimized format for busy community oncologists. The cases presented in this conference are those most frequently encountered by community providers, thus it is critical that these providers follow best practices. Registration and more information.

Feedback Needed: What Are Your Thanksgiving Traditions?

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 17 | As Thanksgiving approaches (Nov. 23), we’d like to hear about your favorite traditions. To participate, email answers to any (or all!) of the below questions to the Connect team at uvaconnect@virginia.edu.

• What is your name, title, and department/unit/work area?
• What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? 
• What is an absolute must-have food on the table? (Share the recipe!)
• What has to happen on the holiday or otherwise Thanksgiving feels incomplete? (e.g., watch football, cook with relatives, enjoy a token bite of canned cranberry jelly, etc.)
• What does Thanksgiving mean to you? What are you giving thanks for this year?
• Send a photo if you have one handy! 

We will collate all responses and share them in a special Thanksgiving article on Connect on Nov. 20.

Appreciation

Transplant Center Passes Major Milestones

This has been a year of milestones and accomplishments for the Charles O. Strickler Transplant Center. According to Rob Teaster, RN, MBA, Administrator, Transplant Service Line, “Early in the year, we surpassed 3,000 adult kidney transplants; we have now transplanted our 2,000th liver, and just recently performed our 7,000th organ transplant. 

“Each of these milestones represents patients and families who put their trust in our teams’ hands — it’s this motivation that makes the long hours, complex coordination, and intense patient management worth all the effort! We would also be remiss if we didn’t pay homage to the altruistic gifts of our organ donors who make our lifesaving work possible — thank you!”

Thank you to everyone on the Transplant team and all who care for our transplant patients for their outstanding service and dedication.

Friday, Nov. 3

Fall Back Celebration

Daylight Saving Time | Early morning Sunday, Nov. 5 | midnight-2 a.m. | University Medical Center Cafeteria | Join UVA Health’s Fall Back to the Future celebration. Enjoy free drip coffee and hot chocolate from Higher Grounds, snacks, and giveaways. Talk to representatives from various departments about programs and resources available to you at UVA Health. Leaders will deliver snack boxes to team members who are not able to come to the cafeteria. The Rewards and Recognition team also will deliver items to Pegasus, Call Center, and Cardiac Monitoring Unit. Higher Grounds has extended its business hours during this celebration and will reopen Saturday evening at 7 p.m.

Also This Weekend: The Epic Quad Upgrade

Our next major Epic upgrade — the Quad Upgrade — will occur on Sunday, Nov. 5, beginning at 12:55 a.m. You can find role-based training materials in the Epic Learning Library. 

Read more on Connect. 

Ambulatory

COVID Vaccines to Begin Rolling Out to Clinics; Temporary Change to COVID Health Maintenance 

The pharmacy team is communicating directly with Ambulatory clinics that previously stocked the COVID vaccine about the process for requesting the latest COVID vaccine and related distribution logistics, storage requirements, etc. and expects to begin rolling them out on Monday, Nov. 6.

Please be aware that until mid-November, Epic COVID Health Maintenance will be available only for historical documentation. During this time, if a patient declines COVID vaccination, no further action or documentation in Epic is needed. This temporary change is the result of an issue flagged by Epic. They expect the issue to be resolved in mid-November, at which time full COVID Health Maintenance functionality will be restored.

As a reminder, COVID vaccines also are available to team members through Employee Health by calling 434.924.2013 to schedule an appointment.

October Ambulatory Progress Report Now Available

The latest edition of the Ambulatory Operations Progress Report is now available on the Ambulatory website. Be sure to read it for the latest on One Team | United on Access, including Wave 3 updates and the next Genesys Cloud phone system cutover. Updates on Virtual Urgent Care and direct scheduling also are among the news shared. Read the report.

Recording Available of One Team Adult and Pediatric Primary Care Webinars

The One Team | United on Access project hosted the first of three Take 30 for One Team webinars designed for adult and pediatric primary care team members on Oct. 31. Visit the project website to view the recorded session and download the presentation. Mark your calendars for the next webinar that will focus on go-live training. A full schedule and webinar links are also available on the One Team website.

• Wednesday, Nov. 29 | Adult PC, noon-12:30 p.m. | Pediatric PC, 12:30-1 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 3 | Adult PC, noon-12:30 p.m. | Pediatric PC, 12:30-1 p.m.

Human Resources

University Medical Center: Fall Paid Time Off Cash Out Is Available

University Medical Center team members with over 40 hours of PTO may request a PTO cash out Nov. 2-12. The Nov. 17 paycheck will include the cash-out payments. Follow these steps to submit your cash-out request in Workday: 

• Log in to Workday any time between Nov. 2-12. (You can access Workday online anywhere with an internet connection.) 
• Please note: You must select Nov. 11 as the date of your request. 
• Your cash-out request cannot exceed the allowed maximum hours as defined in the Paid Time Off policy. 
• You must have a minimum remaining balance of 40 hours. 
• You cannot enter more than one cash-out request. If you would like to adjust your request, you must delete the initial request and resubmit. 
• This process in Workday is only for requesting PTO cash out. Please continue to submit other time off requests in Kronos. 
• Section 5 of the Paid Time Off policy contains additional information on PTO cash out. 

The next PTO cash-out period is Spring 2024. Questions? Contact the HR Solution Center at askhr@virginia.edu. 

Happenings

Exhibit: BozART Fine Art Collective

Through Wednesday, Nov. 8 | UVA Health University Medical Center main lobby | The Medical Center rotating art exhibit will showcase seven artists who are members of the collective. Stop by to see these breathtaking pieces!

Kicking Off the 2023 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign at UVA

Fall marks the annual Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC), an effort among the Commonwealth’s state agencies to encourage giving to the nonprofit organizations that support and strengthen our communities. UVA has a long and proud history of participation in CVC; in fact, UVA has led all state agencies in giving since the CVC’s inception over 25 years ago. Read more in the Nov. 1 leadership email or on Connect. Questions? Email cvcquestions@virginia.edu. 

Bill Steers Four Miler

Sunday, Nov. 5 | 7:45-9:30 a.m. | Foxfield | A run/walk event started by Dr. Bill Steers, the former Chair of the Department of Urology, who passed away in 2015. Dr. Steers was a visionary researcher and outstanding clinician, teacher, and leader in urology who started this fundraising event to highlight the impact of exercise and healthy lifestyle on health and wellness. Co-sponsored by the UVA Department of Urology and the Charlottesville Track Club. Proceeds support UVA Urology prostate cancer research as well as research into survivorship, reconstruction, and recovery of function for all patients. Learn more and register.

November Is Native American Heritage Month: Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity

• Monday, Nov. 6 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Virtual | Registration Required | Pinn Hall 1005 | Kody Grant, Pueblo of Isleta and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is the Tribal Liaison in the UVA Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The former tour guide, actor, and cultural ambassador most recently supervised the American Indian Initiative at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. In the UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement’s “Storytellers” series — a UVA or UVA Health team member shares their academic and career journey, mileposts, learnings, and recommendations for positive individual, team, and/or institutional growth.

• Wednesday, Nov. 15 | noon-1 p.m. | Virtual | Registration Required | Edward Valandra, PhD, editor of “Colorizing Restorative Justice,” was born and raised on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation and taught at Native and non-Native universities. He served the Sicangu Titunwan Oyate nation in various capacities. Dr. Valandra also serves as an advisor and senior editor to Living Justice Press on how to apply restorative justice to repairing longstanding, historical, and current harms among peoples. In the UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement’s "My Story, My Voice" series — an external subject matter expert shares their academic and career journey, mileposts, learnings, experiences, and more to engage and connect our communities.

Veterans Day Breakfast

Wednesday, Nov. 8 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Ern Commons at UVA, 567 McCormick Rd. | In honor of Veterans Day (Nov. 11), a breakfast is being held to celebrate UVA team members who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans, please join in as UVA shares its appreciation for the sacrifices you have made for our country. Register.

Veterans: Send Us Your Photo and Story

Deadline: Wednesday, Nov. 8 | If you're a UVA Health team member who is also a veteran, we would like to include you in celebration posts on Connect and in the UVA Health Update on Nov. 10 (the day before Veterans Day). To participate, email a photo of you in uniform and send the below information to uvaconnect@virginia.edu.

• Name, title, job at UVA Health?
• In which branch did you serve? What was your rank? When did you serve? What was your job in the military?
• What does Veterans Day mean to you?
• How did your military experience impact your role in healthcare? Does it affect how you care for patients, conduct research, or train students?

Medical Center Hour | Art as a Beacon: Navigating Life After a Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease

Friday, Nov. 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Sandridge Auditorium | Zoom | After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, Torrance York, a fine arts photographer and educator, used her camera to integrate this life-altering information into her sense of self. Moderated by Donna Chen, MD, MPH. Sponsored by UVA Department of Neurology and UVA Medical Center Hour.

• What Is Health? — ‘Zine Collage Workshop | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 5-7 p.m. | The Bridge Underground, 306 E. Main St. | Jess Walters, Fellow with the UVA Center for Health, Humanities, and Ethics, will partner with York to visually explore how art-making can be a lifeline during critical times. Participants will create a collage-style, eight-page pocket ‘zine. Materials provided. Details and RSVP.

Want to Host International Students for Thanksgiving?

Deadline: Sunday, Nov. 12 | A division of UVA’s International Studies Office, the Lorna Sundberg International Center organizes a Thanksgiving Meal Match to match a local family with UVA's international students, scholars, and their families for a Thanksgiving meal. This unique opportunity allows local families to showcase American hospitality and share Thanksgiving traditions while learning about their guest’s culture. Interested in hosting? Fill out the online form. Questions? Email intlctr@virginia.edu.

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

Join Virginia’s No. 1 RN to BSN, a part-time, executive-format program that’s designed for working nurses ready to tap the personal, professional, and financial benefits of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Courses are taught mostly online with a once-a-month, in-person gathering. Chat with advisers on Zoom in these upcoming information sessions: 

• Thursday, Nov. 16 | 6-7 p.m. | Zoom | RSVP
• Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 10-11 a.m. | Zoom | RSVP 
• Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 6-7 p.m. | Zoom | RSVP 

Feedback Needed: What Are Your Thanksgiving Traditions?

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 17 | As Thanksgiving approaches (Nov. 23), we’d like to hear about your favorite traditions. To participate, email answers to any (or all!) of the below questions to the Connect team at uvaconnect@virginia.edu.

• What is your name, title, and department/unit/work area?
• What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? 
• What is an absolute must-have food on the table? (Share the recipe!)
• What has to happen on the holiday or otherwise Thanksgiving feels incomplete? (e.g., watch football, cook with relatives, enjoy a token bite of canned cranberry jelly, etc.)
• What does Thanksgiving mean to you? What are you giving thanks for this year?
• Send a photo if you have one handy! 

We will collate all responses and share them in a special Thanksgiving article on Connect on Nov. 20.

Clinical Instructor Bootcamp

Jan. 3-5 | 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | McLeod Hall | A paid, three-day professional development opportunity for nurses interested in teaching the next generation of nursing students and becoming clinical instructors. For nurses with at least a BSN, the course includes lively classroom learning about positive teaching practices, discussion, role play, and simulation, and is led by veteran nursing professors and award-winning simulation faculty. Learn more. Questions? Contact Kathryn Reid. Register.

Appreciation

‘I Left the Clinic on Cloud Nine’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

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

• “The facility and its offerings are well thought out and my caregivers before, during, and after my surgery were excellent. What is especially impressive though is the teamwork among all my surgery participants and the care given to the communication process — both with me, the patient, and with each other, the professional staff. There's a sense of genuine TLC in the overall process. Kudos, UVA Orthopedic Center!”
• “So many times when we think of mammography, we think early detection, early treatment, better outcome. But there's another arm to this balance beam of care: making the patient feel better. Today's experience was exemplary. I wasn't over-the-top concerned, but that nagging worry is persistent and runs deep. As I told the doctor, ‘Not my first rodeo, but I hadn't signed up for more than one.’ I left the clinic on cloud nine! You made me feel better. And that's care.”
• “Dr. Castrodale is amazing; knowledgeable, patient, answers questions, asks questions, never rushes through the appointment, and more. He's fully engaged when talking or listening. He encourages questions and explanations are provided in a manner that's so easy to comprehend. I'm really thankful that Dr. Castrodale is my primary care provider!”
• “I would stand on the tallest building and sing the praises of UVA Health University Medical Center if I thought people would hear me. I would say that it's a world-class facility, but y'all are better than that!”

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

Wednesday, Nov. 1

Ready for Ideas: Spark Innovation Competition 

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

Operations

Fall Back Celebration

Daylight Saving Time | Early morning Sunday, Nov. 5 | midnight-2 a.m. | University Medical Center Cafeteria | Join UVA Health’s Fall Back to the Future celebration. Enjoy free drip coffee and hot chocolate from Higher Grounds, snacks, and giveaways. Talk to representatives from various departments about programs and resources available to you at UVA Health. Leaders will deliver snack boxes to team members who are not able to come to the cafeteria. The Rewards and Recognition team also will deliver items to Pegasus, Call Center, and Cardiac Monitoring Unit. Higher Grounds has extended its business hours during this celebration and will reopen Saturday evening at 7 p.m.

Leadership

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Get to Know the Breast Care Center Team

In her new Vision and Voice post, Wendy Horton wants you to get to know the team behind the pumpkin decorating contest. Read more.

Town Hall: Questions and Answers

Due to the format of the Oct. 10 town hall meeting, a Q&A session was not held. Submitted questions have been answered and posted to Connect. If you missed the town hall meeting (or want to re-watch), here's your chance to catch up with the Speed-Watcher's Guide.

Human Resources

Nominate: Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 3 | This award recognizes outstanding University staff and team members whose service and contribution far exceeds the overall mission and values of the University. Service contributions to the University can be in the form of service to students, other customers of the University, patients, management, fellow employees, or the University community. Learn more and nominate.

Happenings

Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future

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

Bill Steers Four Miler

Sunday, Nov. 5 | 7:45-9:30 a.m. | Foxfield | A run/walk event started by Dr. Bill Steers, the former Chair of the Department of Urology, who passed away in 2015. Dr. Steers was a visionary researcher and outstanding clinician, teacher, and leader in urology who started this fundraising event to highlight the impact of exercise and healthy lifestyle on health and wellness. Co-sponsored by the UVA Department of Urology and the Charlottesville Track Club. Proceeds support UVA Urology prostate cancer research as well as research into survivorship, reconstruction, and recovery of function for all patients. Learn more and register.

November Is Native American Heritage Month: Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity

• Monday, Nov. 6 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Virtual | Registration Required | Pinn Hall 1005 | Kody Grant, Pueblo of Isleta and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is the Tribal Liaison in the UVA Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The former tour guide, actor, and cultural ambassador most recently supervised the American Indian Initiative at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. In the UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement’s “Storytellers” series — a UVA or UVA Health team member shares their academic and career journey, mileposts, learnings, and recommendations for positive individual, team, and/or institutional growth.

• Wednesday, Nov. 15 | noon-1 p.m. | Virtual | Registration Required | Edward Valandra, PhD, editor of “Colorizing Restorative Justice,” was born and raised on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation and taught at Native and non-Native universities. He served the Sicangu Titunwan Oyate nation in various capacities. Dr. Valandra also serves as an advisor and senior editor to Living Justice Press on how to apply restorative justice to repairing longstanding, historical, and current harms among peoples. In the UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement’s "My Story, My Voice" series — an external subject matter expert shares their academic and career journey, mileposts, learnings, experiences, and more to engage and connect our communities.

Introduction to Emotional Intelligence

Wednesday, Nov. 8 | 9-11 a.m. | In-person and Zoom | Examine the connection between how people think, feel, and behave. Explore how emotions affect job performance and review the importance of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Register.

Webinar: Lung Cancer Screening Landscape

Wednesday, Nov. 8 | noon-1 pm. | Zoom | Join the UVA Health Cancer Center to learn about the latest lung cancer screening information, including guidelines, best practices, issues, and policies with a focus on interventions that can reduce barriers to cancer screening. Register.

Veterans: Send Us Your Photo and Story

Deadline: Wednesday, Nov. 8 | If you're a UVA Health team member who is also a veteran, we would like to include you in celebration posts on Connect and in the UVA Health Update on Nov. 10 (the day before Veterans Day). To participate, email a photo of you in uniform and send the below information to uvaconnect@virginia.edu.

• Name, title, job at UVA Health?
• In which branch did you serve? What was your rank? When did you serve? What was your job in the military?
• What does Veterans Day mean to you?
• How did your military experience impact your role in healthcare? Does it affect how you care for patients, conduct research, or train students?

Submit Nominations | Uteam Member of the Month

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

Webinar: The Gift of Gratitude

Thursday, Nov. 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Learn strategies to help you unveil the power of gratitude and strengthen bonds for a fulfilling life. Register. 

Feedback Needed: What Are Your Thanksgiving Traditions?

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 17 | As Thanksgiving approaches (Nov. 23), we’d like to hear about your favorite traditions. To participate, email answers to any (or all!) of the below questions to the Connect team at uvaconnect@virginia.edu.

• What is your name, title, and department/unit/work area?
• What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? 
• What is an absolute must-have food on the table? (Share the recipe!)
• What has to happen on the holiday or otherwise Thanksgiving feels incomplete? (e.g., watch football, cook with relatives, enjoy a token bite of canned cranberry jelly, etc.)
• What does Thanksgiving mean to you? What are you giving thanks for this year?
• Send a photo if you have one handy! 

We will collate all responses and share them in a special Thanksgiving article on Connect on Nov. 20.

42nd Annual Boar’s Head Turkey Trot

Thursday, Nov. 23 | Boar’s Head Resort | You and your family are invited to move your feet before you eat! Join in this Charlottesville tradition on Thanksgiving Day benefitting UVA Health Children's. Race times and event information. Interested in volunteering? Learn more.

Appreciation

An Uplifting Update From Abby, Amy, and Andy

A followup to a Hope at Work article we first brought to you in the spring:

We’re happy to report on the progress of 8-year-old Abby Wright, who underwent a six-hour tumor removal procedure at UVA Health in June. Her mother, Amy Kleinbach, says that since then, Abby’s first MRI in September did not show any signs of tumor regrowth. She adds proudly, “Abby has participated in cheerleading this fall and had a successful season!”

From Andy Drake, the surgical support technician (SST) who first brought Abby to the attention of Connect: “Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of this amazing journey with UVA Health since August of 2020. The amount of collaboration that occurs on a daily basis in this well-known healthcare organization, both nationally and internationally, never ceases to amaze me …. a well-oiled machine with many moving parts without missing a beat!”

Indeed, thank you to everyone involved in Abby’s care and support.

Archive | UVA Health Update

• May 2023
• June 2023
• July 2023
• Aug. 2023
• Sept. 2023
• Oct. 2023