Native American Heritage Month 

This Native American Heritage Month, UVA Health Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement welcomes team members to the following events:    

• Through Nov. 30 | Book Display | UVA Claude Moore Health Sciences Library will have a Native American Heritage Month book display in the lobby. The books are part of the IDEA (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility) collection and are available to check out. Learn more.    
• Monday, Nov. 4 | 4-5 p.m. | My Story, My Voice: Sarah Augustine | Register to Receive Zoom Link | Get to know the Pueblo (Tewa) descendant and Co-Founder, Executive Director, Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery. Augustine also is co-founder of Suriname Indigenous Health Fund (SIHF), where she has worked in relationship with vulnerable Indigenous Peoples since 2005. She has represented the interests of Indigenous community partners to their own governments, Inter-American Development Bank, United Nations, Organization of American States, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, World Health Organization, and more.  
• Monday, Nov. 11 | noon | Documentary of the Month I, Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen Lands, Strong Hearts | Register to Receive Zoom Link  
• Tuesday, Nov. 12 | noon | Documentary of the Month 2, Doctrine of Discovery | Register to Receive Zoom Link  
• Monday, Nov. 18 | noon-1 p.m. | Book of the Month: The Scalpel and the Silver Bear: The First Navajo Woman Surgeon Combines Western Medicine and Traditional Healing | Pinn Hall 1005 | Register to attend in-person event and lunch OR to receive Zoom Link | "A spellbinding journey between two worlds — this remarkable book describes surgeon Lori Arviso Alvord's struggles to bring modern medicine to the Navajo reservation in Gallup, New Mexico and to bring the values of her people to a medical care system in danger of losing its heart." Brianna Baldwin, UVA School of Medicine 4th year student, facilitates the discussion.  

Read the leadership message. 

Operations 

IV Fluid Shortage Update 

From Nov. 1: We want to emphasize a couple of important shortages we are experiencing across our operations. One is Plasmalyte, which remains at critical levels, requiring us to source alternatives. For Plasmalyte users, it remains extremely important that you conserve as much as possible (and use alternative fluids) whenever it is safe to do so. Since we announced the shortage of Plasmalyte on Wednesday (10/30), many of you heard the call and changed practices, allowing us to see steady improvement in our conservation efforts. Please continue these actions, as they are making a noticeable difference. 

Another fluid we are closely monitoring is Parenteral Nutrition (PN) components, which remain on shortage and are extremely limited. Please continue to exercise caution and avoid any clinically unindicated PN use. If you have questions about processes, please reference your conservation playbook in the FAQs. 

To all of our team members, we want to say thank you. To date, we have been responding to this crisis for approximately four weeks, during which you have been asked to make several changes to the way you safely provide care for our patients. Your efforts have been extraordinary and we are so appreciative. While we would like to say this event is almost behind us, we anticipate we will need to continue conservation efforts until the end of the year, at least, so your continued discipline will remain as important as ever. Thank you for all that you do. Questions? Email IVshortage@uvahealth.org. 

Monthly Update: Clinical and Operational Documents 

Having a working knowledge of policies and other clinical and operational documents relevant to your role and responsibilities at University Medical Center supports quality patient care and regulatory compliance. Learn What’s New in Clinical and Operational Documents. This month’s highlights include updates to the Critical Values and Timeframes Reporting Guideline, Malignant Hyperthermia Initial Management Guideline, Stroke Alert for Rapid Evaluation of Adult Inpatients and Emergency Department Patients Guideline, and many more. Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

Improvements to Epic’s Health Maintenance Activity 

The most recent Epic upgrade included changes to the Health Maintenance activity in Epic, with an updated design and new functionality. Some clinicians expressed frustration with the additional clicks that are needed to see the completion histories for each topic. We heard you! On Nov. 3, additional improvements were added, letting you see those details on the main report, while still offering the ability to get more information by clicking on an individual topic. 

Should I Come to Work if I’m Sick? Answers to This Question and Other Reminders as Respiratory Virus Season Is Here  

Many inpatient and ambulatory clinic teams are being impacted as COVID rates are on the rise in Virginia, flu season has begun, and even pertussis cases are surging across the nation. For the answers to important questions such as what to do if you’re not feeling well, return to work guidance, and reminders about patient care during respiratory virus season, visit Connect. 

Leadership 

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Halloween Round-Up 

In her latest Vision and Voice blog, Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, shares our teams' creativity this Halloween! Read more. (Also: More fun team member Halloween photos can be found on Connect.) 

Emerging Cancer Center Leaders Fellowship Program 

Deadline for internal applicants: Friday, Nov. 8 | Noon | 10-month fellowship designed to develop and prepare UVA Cancer Center faculty and staff as leaders within cancer centers. This intensive fellowship equips individuals with the essential leadership skills, knowledge, and executive level training as a pathway to future cancer center leadership opportunities. Apply. 

Human Resources 

Coming Soon: Fall PTO Cash Out 

Nov. 14-24 | For University Medical Center team members, now is a good time to log into Workday and review your total PTO balance to see if you can take advantage of the upcoming cash-out period. 

• Check your PTO balance by clicking on Absence Balance in Workday and selecting 11/9/24 in the “As Of” field. The amount in the "Balance As of Date" field is your total PTO at the time of cash out. 
• Cash out process instructions will be emailed on the morning of Nov. 14. 
• More information can be found on the Paid Time Off Plans web page. 
• Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu. 

Happenings 

Election Stress? Check Out These Resources 

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, and some UVA Health team members may be experiencing additional stress. Ann Kellams, MD, and Richard Westphal, PhD, RN, Co-Directors, UVA Health Wisdom and Well-being Program, shared these resources that may be beneficial to you and your colleagues:  

• UVA Today | Election Stress Is Real. Here’s How UVA Is Helping Students  
• Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) | Election Stress Support   
• Mental Health America | 2024 Election Mental Health Resources  
• ScienceDirect | Elections Have (Health) Consequences: Depression, Anxiety, and the 2020 Presidential Election  
• WebMD | Presidential Election Have You Stressed? Here's How to Cope  
• Boston University on-demand webinar | Managing Your Mental Health During Presidential Election Season 

Shut the Sash Competition 

Through Nov. 30 | Labs with fume hoods using variable air volume (e.g., chemical fume hoods, biosafety cabinets) are eligible to register for the challenge now — and in November, keep your chemical fume hood sash to its lowest possible position for safety and savings. Prizes include pizza or donuts, points toward green lab certification, etc. Learn more from UVA Sustainability and register. 

Vascular Disease Lunch and Learn Series: Carotid Disease 

Wednesday, Nov. 6 | noon-1 p.m. | Thoracic Cardiovascular and Vascular Offices, Blue Ridge/Shenandoah Conference Room 4050 or WebEx | Catherine Hite, RN, FNP — an advanced practice provider in the Heart and Vascular Clinic — will discuss symptoms, risk factors, medical versus surgical management, and treatment plans. If you plan on attending in person, please email Bernie Ammons. Room capacity is 30 people. (WebEx meeting number: 2428 362 4032; password: GiJ8JfVEN39) 

Medical Center Hour 

• 2024 Brodie Lecture: What Are the Humanities in Medical Education For? | Wednesday, Nov. 6 | 12:15-1:15 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, room 3110 or Zoom | Speaker: Rebecca Volpe, PhD (right), Associate Professor, Department of Humanities, Director, Clinical Ethics Consultation Service, Penn State College of Medicine. Lunch provided for the first 60 people in attendance. 
• History of the Health Sciences Lecture: Posture Myths and Truths: The Scientific Origins of Our Health Beliefs About Slouching | Wednesday, Nov. 13 | noon-1 p.m. | Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, Historical Collections Reading Room, or Zoom | Speaker: Beth Linker, PhD, Department Chair, History and Sociology of Science Professor, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania. Register.   
• John F. Anderson Memorial Lecture: The Reinvention of Old Age | Thursday, Nov. 21 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | The Center at Belvedere, 540 Belvedere Blvd. | Speaker: James Gregory Chappel, PhD, Gilhuly Family Associate Professor of History, Duke University, Senior Fellow, Duke Aging Center. Refreshments provided. Register. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot 

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

• Thursday, Nov. 7 | 1:30-4:30 p.m. 
• Tuesday, Nov. 12 | 9 a.m.-noon 
• Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Advancing Discoveries and Driving Innovation 

Thursday, Nov. 7 | 5-7 p.m. | School of Data Science, 1919 Ivy Road | RSVP | Researchers will have the opportunity to meet new colleagues, reconnect with old friends, and expand their professional network. They are invited to bring a two-minute elevator pitch about their research to share, as well as any collaborators they'd like to connect with for their project. The topic for the fall is “Where Data Meets Discovery — The Intersection of Science and Data.” 

Veterans: Send Your Photo and Story to Us 

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 8 | If you're a UVA Health team member who is also a veteran, we would like to recognize you in celebration posts on Connect and in the UVA Health Update on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. To participate, email 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 role 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?    
• Photo of you in uniform. 

Bill Steers 5K 

Saturday, Nov. 9 | 9 a.m. | Foxfield | The UVA Department of Urology invites everyone to participate in the 20th anniversary of the Bill Steers 5K to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer and survivorship research at UVA Health and to continue Dr. Bill Steers’ vision, dedication, and legacy of better health through exercise. All are welcome to help build a better, healthier future through activity, exercise, and innovation. Join colleagues at beautiful Foxfield for another run or walk along the scenic and smooth grass paths of this iconic venue. This family-friendly event is for all genders and ages. Please join to raise funds for this important cause. Learn more and register. 

12th Dyan A. Aretakis Teen Culture Conference 

Monday, Nov. 11 | 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Irving Theater, 225 W. Water Street | The program is intended for all those who care about teens and young adults: educators, nurses, counselors, clergy, physicians, psychologists, social workers, and parents. Learn more in Connect’s Hope at Work series, and register. 

ECHO: Stroke Ready Primary Care: 'High Stakes: Unveiling Substance Abuse as a Stroke Catalyst' 

Wednesday, Nov. 13 | noon-1 p.m. | Virtual | Register | A free webinar for primary care providers to better understand stroke and management of risk factors. This series provides a comprehensive review of the newest treatment and evaluation paradigms for the primary and secondary prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular disease. 

Double Take: Stories That Make You Think Twice 

Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Rotunda, Dome Room | Highlighting the powerful experiences of those in the UVA and greater Charlottesville community. Speakers: Kenyon Bonner, Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer; Amanda Pillion, UVA Board of Visitors/Mayor, Abington, Virginia; and Stan Stepanic, Assistant Professor, Slavic Languages and Literature, College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Student speakers: Skylar Dahl and Rebecca Fitch, College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences; Fatima Oriane Sow, School of Architecture; and Abhishek Kulkarni, PhD student, Darden School of Business; Interested in attending? Interested in attending? Fill out this form. You will be notified if you are selected by Thursday, Nov. 14. 

Appreciation 

Vivian Pinn, MD, Portrait Unveiled in Recognition of Her Remarkable Career and Impact on UVA School of Medicine 

UVA School of Medicine and UVA Medical Alumni Association recently hosted a ceremony in Pinn Hall Auditorium to unveil a portrait of Vivian W. Pinn, MD, honoring her life, leadership, and enduring legacy in the field of medicine. 

More than 200 family, friends, supporters, and UVA leaders attended the ceremony when the portrait was unveiled. Dean Melina Kibbe, MD, provided opening remarks, which also included an acknowledgement of the portrait artist, Jonathan Linton, for his incredible vision and artistry in capturing Dr. Pinn’s spirit and strength in the painting. 

Dr. Pinn’s portrait is now prominently displayed in Pinn Hall, near the link connecting Pinn Hall with UVA Health University Medical Center and Claude Moore Health Sciences Library. Read more and see photos on Connect. 

Previous Updates

Friday, Nov. 1

Fall Back to the Future Celebration 

Daylight Saving Time | Early morning Sunday, Nov. 3 | midnight-1:30 a.m. | University Hospital, Cafeteria | Join the night shift at UVA Health’s Fall Back to the Future celebration. Enjoy free 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. Rock out to music from the ‘80s in your best fluorescent attire. The Rewards and Recognition team also will deliver items to Pegasus, Call Center, Cardiac Monitoring Unit, and Stacey Hall Lab. Because Higher Grounds has extended its business hours during this celebration, they will close early on Saturday, Nov. 2, and reopen at 7 p.m. (Note: Fall Back to the Future 1:30 a.m. end time is after Daylight Saving Time has begun. The event is 2.5 hours long.) 

Operations 

IV Fluid Shortage Update 

On the evening of Oct. 29, we received our latest allocation of IV fluids from our supplier, and though we are continuing to inventory what products were delivered, we are anticipating a 60% allocation of most supplies with the exception of irrigation fluids, which remain at 40%. 

We are starting to see very limited days on-hand of Plasmalyte. It is critical that we are judicious in our use of Plasmalyte and use alternative fluids whenever it is safe to do so. We are working to source additional alternatives so that our Plasmalyte inventory may be preserved for essential use. 

In other news, the FDA has granted an extension of the expiration date (use by date) for some IV fluids, meaning we can now use some products past the expiration date noted on the product. This will help boost our supply. At this time, the response team is determining its process for collecting, relabeling, and redeploying these products. In the meantime, do not dispose of any fluids stored at room temperature that are past their expiration date. We expect to have an update on this process by Friday, including specific instructions for how this product will be collected. To access the latest playbooks, visit the FAQs. Questions? Email IVshortage@uvahealth.org. 

UVA Health Piedmont Warrenton Practices Complete Full Technology and Networks Integration 

Today, UVA Health reached a significant milestone as UVA Health Piedmont Family Medicine Warrenton, UVA Health Piedmont Urgent Care Warrenton, and UVA Health Piedmont Weight Loss Warrenton integrated to the UVA Health instance of Epic. This transition represents the culmination of dedicated behind-the-scenes work from many teams as it involved significant network and IT collaboration, onboarding and systems training, revenue cycle integration, rebranding, and more.  

Today’s milestone is emblematic of that goal, helping us foster connectivity, collaboration, and continuity of care for the patients and providers of Piedmont Warrenton. Our patients will benefit from improved access to their shared records across all UVA Health sites of care, facilitating a better coordinated experience and enhanced outcomes. At the same time, our providers will have access to these patient records throughout the system. 

For patients seeking more information, please refer to the details on accessing shared records and instructions for bill payment for services rendered before and after July 31, 2024.  

For clinical teams or other team members who have Epic access and need to locate all UVA Health Piedmont Warrenton practices in the system, please search for: 

• WRBR FAMILY MED [10459002] 
• WRBR FM URGENT CARE [10459001] 
• WRBR WEIGHT LOSS [10459003] 
• WRBR PIEDMONT LAB [10459800] 

Thanks to all our leaders and team members who worked on the integration of these new practices to UVA Health. Your energy, positivity, and teamwork are greatly appreciated. 

Zoom Phone Project in Progress at University Medical Center 

Health Information Technology (HIT) has begun a major project to upgrade phones that are currently on the 2015 BroadSoft Information System (BIS) to Zoom Phone. Old or existing phones will be replaced as needed with an upgraded model of similar size and functionality. HIT has already migrated over 3,000 phones across University Hospital, Battle Building, Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center, Education Resource Center, 1222 Jefferson Park Avenue, and a few other ambulatory clinics. University Hospital (with exception of the ED) is scheduled to be complete by end of December 2024, with the ED following soon after at the beginning of 2025. Learn more on Connect. 

Improvements to Epic’s Health Maintenance Activity Coming Nov. 3 

The most recent Epic upgrade included changes to the Health Maintenance activity in Epic, with an updated design and new functionality. Some clinicians have expressed frustration with the additional clicks that are needed to see the completion histories for each topic. We heard you! On Nov. 3, additional improvements are coming, letting you see those details on the main report, while still offering the ability to get more information by clicking on an individual topic. 

Leadership 

Emerging Cancer Center Leaders Fellowship Program 

Deadline for internal applicants: Friday, Nov. 8 | Noon | 10-month fellowship designed to develop and prepare UVA Cancer Center faculty and staff as leaders within cancer centers. This intensive fellowship equips individuals with the essential leadership skills, cancer center knowledge, and cancer center executive level training as a pathway to future cancer center leadership opportunities. Apply. 

UVA Health In the News 

Top Story 

• Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, is named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of chief nursing officers to know. 

Patient Care 

• Dr. Emily Carroll discusses Halloween safety in our weekly NBC29 segment. 
• University Medical Center CEO Wendy Horton talks with Becker’s Hospital Review about the benefits of partnering with other health systems. 
• Dr. Virginia Gallagher is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing how to help people with dementia make it through Halloween comfortably. 
• Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton talks with Women’s Health about hormone therapy as a menopause treatment. 
• Dr. Kyle Enfield talks with WTKR (Norfolk TV) about the importance of COVID and flu vaccines. 

Research 

• Dr. Kara Anderson is featured in more than 100 outlets nationally — including Reuters, Yahoo, and U.S. News & World Report — discussing a new study showing how intense exercise suppresses your appetite. 
• Dr. Carrie Rochman and Dr. Maria Reyes-Matos are featured locally, in Richmond, in Washington, D.C., and TV stations nationally discussing the rise in breast cancer among younger women. 
• Dr. Scott Lim is quoted in MedPage Today discussing an aortic valve replacement trial. 
• Dr. Marina Weiler talks with WMRA (Virginia NPR affiliate) about how out-of-body experiences can lead to emphathy. 

Community 

• Practice Administrator Erin Acosta and Community Engagement Director for UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center Jeff Say talk with the Culpeper Star-Exponent about the annual Pamper Me Pink event. 

Education 

• Potomac Local features a $75,000 grant to UVA Health and Germanna Community College for a program to train healthcare workers in the Culpeper region.  
• CBS19 highlights the new portrait honoring Dr. Vivian Pinn. 

Human Resources 

UVA Health Recruitment Drop-in Sessions 

Wednesdays | 3-6 p.m. | Dining Conference Room 2 | The UVA Health Recruitment team is available for weekly drop-in sessions. Come with questions about job applications, Workday processes, traveler conversions, or any other recruitment-related inquiries. 

Happenings 

Native American Heritage Month 

This Native American Heritage Month, UVA Health Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement welcomes team members to the following events:   

• Through Nov. 30 | Book Display | UVA Claude Moore Health Sciences Library will have a Native American Heritage Month book display in the lobby. The books are part of the IDEA (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility) collection and are available to check out. Learn more.   
• Monday, Nov. 4 | 4-5 p.m. | My Story, My Voice: Sarah Augustine | Register to Receive Zoom Link | Get to know the Pueblo (Tewa) descendant and Co-Founder, Executive Director, Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery. Augustine also is co-founder of Suriname Indigenous Health Fund (SIHF), where she has worked in relationship with vulnerable Indigenous Peoples since 2005. She has represented the interests of Indigenous community partners to their own governments, Inter-American Development Bank, United Nations, Organization of American States, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, World Health Organization, and more. 
• Monday, Nov. 11 | noon | Documentary of the Month I, Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen Lands, Strong Hearts | Register to Receive Zoom Link 
• Tuesday, Nov. 12 | noon | Documentary of the Month 2, Doctrine of Discovery | Register to Receive Zoom Link 
• Monday, Nov. 18 | noon-1 p.m. | Book of the Month: The Scalpel and the Silver Bear: The First Navajo Woman Surgeon Combines Western Medicine and Traditional Healing | Pinn Hall 1005 | Register to attend in-person event and lunch OR to receive Zoom Link | "A spellbinding journey between two worlds — this remarkable book describes surgeon Lori Arviso Alvord's struggles to bring modern medicine to the Navajo reservation in Gallup, New Mexico and to bring the values of her people to a medical care system in danger of losing its heart." Brianna Baldwin, UVA School of Medicine 4th year student, facilitates the discussion. 

Read the leadership message. 

Charlottesville and Beyond: The Art of Eric Bolsmann 

Through Wednesday, Nov. 13 | University Hospital Lobby | UVA Health Arts Program is pleased to present “Charlottesville and Beyond: The Art of Eric Bolsmann.” Stop by and check it out! 

Election Stress? Check Out These Resources 

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, and some UVA Health team members may be experiencing additional stress. Ann Kellams, MD, and Richard Westphal, PhD, RN, Co-Directors, UVA Health Wisdom and Well-being Program, shared these resources that may be beneficial to you and your colleagues: 

• UVA Today | Election Stress Is Real. Here’s How UVA Is Helping Students 
• Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) | Election Stress Support  
• Mental Health America | 2024 Election Mental Health Resources 
• ScienceDirect | Elections Have (Health) Consequences: Depression, Anxiety, and the 2020 Presidential Election 
• WebMD | Presidential Election Have You Stressed? Here's How to Cope 
• Boston University on-demand webinar | Managing Your Mental Health During Presidential Election Season 

Vascular Disease Lunch and Learn Series: Carotid Disease 

Wednesday, Nov. 6 | noon-1 p.m. | Thoracic Cardiovascular and Vascular Offices, Blue Ridge/Shenandoah Conference Room 4050 or WebEx | Catherine Hite, RN, FNP — an advanced practice provider in the Heart and Vascular Clinic — will discuss symptoms, risk factors, medical versus surgical management, and treatment plans. If you plan on attending in person, please email Bernie Ammons. Room capacity is 30 people. (WebEx meeting number: 2428 362 4032; password: GiJ8JfVEN39) 

Open Forum: Office of the Vice President for Research 

Join these open forum opportunities in-person or virtually to discuss UVA Research topics and share feedback about future improvements. Information regarding virtual attendance will be provided prior to the sessions. Register.   

• Nov. 6 |. noon-1 p.m. | Research Integrity  
• Nov. 13 | noon-1 p.m. | Compliance and Security  
• Nov. 20 | noon- 1 p.m. | Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) — Pre-Award 

Medical Center Hour | 2024 Brodie Lecture: What Are the Humanities in Medical Education For? 

Wednesday, Nov. 6 | 12:15-1:15 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, room 3110 or Zoom | Speaker: Rebecca Volpe, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Humanities, Director, Clinical Ethics Consultation Service, Penn State College of Medicine. Lunch provided for the first 60 people in attendance. 

Advancing Discoveries and Driving Innovation 

Thursday, Nov. 7 | 5-7 p.m. | School of Data Science, 1919 Ivy Road | RSVP | Researchers will have the opportunity to meet new colleagues, reconnect with old friends, and expand their professional network. They are invited to bring a two-minute elevator pitch about their research to share, as well as any collaborators they'd like to connect with for their project. The topic for the fall is “Where Data Meets Discovery — The Intersection of Science and Data.” 

Veterans: Send Your Photo and Story to Us 

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 8 | If you're a UVA Health team member who is also a veteran, we would like to recognize you in celebration posts on Connect and in the UVA Health Update on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. To participate, email 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 role 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?   
• Photo of you in uniform. 

Bill Steers 5K 

Saturday, Nov. 9 | 9 a.m. | Foxfield | The UVA Department of Urology invites everyone to participate in the 20th anniversary of the Bill Steers 5K to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer and survivorship research at UVA Health and to continue Dr. Bill Steers’ vision, dedication, and legacy of better health through exercise. All are welcome to help build a better, healthier future through activity, exercise, and innovation. Join colleagues at beautiful Foxfield for another run or walk along the scenic and smooth grass paths of this iconic venue. This family-friendly event is for all genders and ages. Please join to raise funds for this important cause. Learn more and register. 

Eosinophilic Esophagitis Network of Virginia Inaugural Meeting 

Saturday, Nov. 16 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | UVA Darden School of Business | Learn about recent advances in the diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and discuss the nuances in treating and managing this disease from the perspective of a pediatric gastroenterologist, adult gastroenterologist, allergist, and dietician. The meeting will include presentations, question and answer sessions, and a roundtable discussion about difficult cases. Presented by UVA Health Divisions of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology, Adult Gastroenterology, and Pediatric Gastroenterology. Learn more and register. 

Support Local Nonprofits and Give Where You Live 

Through Tuesday, Dec. 31 | By donating directly through Give Where You Live, 100% of your contribution will go to the organization of your choice. Find a list of local nonprofits, including those that have historically received significant support from the UVA workforce, on the local giving web page. Read more on Connect. 

Mindful Eating Class

Mondays, Jan. 13-March 3 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Register | This class is designed to help people alter their behavior and improve their relationship to food, eating, and their bodies. With mindfulness as the foundation, the class will provide participants with the tools, understanding, and practices to alter unhealthy behavior, thoughts, and habits that are at the root of mindless overeating, binge eating, and body dissatisfaction. 

Appreciation 

‘The Kindness of Nurses Shines Brightly’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues 

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

• “The kindness of nurses shines brightly in every patient interaction, offering not just care but a comforting presence. They approach each person with empathy, often going out of their way to ensure patients feel safe, heard, and valued. Their gentle words and thoughtful gestures remind patients they are not alone, bringing hope and reassurance when it's most needed. This kindness is not just part of their profession; it's a testament to their commitment to healing both body and soul.” 
• “Dr. Barrick is the best dentist I have ever seen, and I have had an enormous amount of dental work performed on my teeth. He always listens so carefully to me and engages me in any clinical decision-making. He is technically superb, particularly in complex dental procedures, and he strives to attain the best clinical outcomes for his patients. He provides care to my other family members and always asks about them by name. He is the most personable and caring dentist I have ever seen. He is the type of person who would just be fun to hang out with outside of the dental practiceI always have a great experience with Dr. Barrick.” 
• “Dr. Quay is an excellent surgeon and just a great person. He has performed two hip replacements for me. I can now walk pain free for the first time in many years, and I walk without a wobble for the first time in my adult life. I am a new woman! I highly recommend Dr. Quay as the best orthopedic surgeon there is.” 
• “As long as I can drive the four hours from West Virginia, I will keep coming to UVA Health. Dr. Foster and Dr. Blackhall are more concerned about my health than I am. Nurse Sarah is so upbeat that I get a big smile on my face when I see her. Sarah could never work for a better doctor, and Dr. Blackhall could never have a better nurse — what a great team they are together.” 

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

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