Fall Back to the Future Celebration 

Daylight Saving Time | Early morning Sunday, Nov. 2 | midnight-1:30 a.m. | University Hospital, Cafeteria | Join the night shift at UVA Health’s Fall Back to the Future celebration. Enjoy free espresso drinks, 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. Higher Grounds has extended its business hours during this celebration — they will close at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, and reopen at 9 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 

Due: Flu Vaccine Compliance 

The deadline for team members to receive this year’s flu vaccine is Oct. 31. If you or members of your team still need to get vaccinated, there’s still time. Employee Health has arranged two convenient walk-in flu vaccine clinics: 

• Friday, Oct. 31 | 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | University Hospital, Dining Conference Rooms 
• Saturday, Nov. 1 | 7-11 a.m. | University Hospital, Dining Conference Rooms   

For details about this year’s flu vaccination campaign — including how to submit proof of vaccination if you received your flu shot outside of Employee Health — please visit Connect. To managers, please click here for information on generating reports for you team. Thank you for supporting a safe and healthy environment for everyone at UVA Health. 

Next Epic Upgrade Nov. 2 

Health Information Technology (HIT) will implement the next Epic upgrade across all UVA Health entities Sunday, Nov. 2. These upgrades are critical to keeping our electronic health record system efficient, secure, and responsive to the evolving needs of healthcare delivery. The upcoming upgrade to Epic version vAug2025 has an estimated downtime of one hour, from 1 to 2 a.m. Most team members can expect to spend less than 30 minutes preparing for the changes, depending on their role. For information on top changes and to access training materials, visit Connect. 

Need a More Reliable Office Printer or Copier? UVA Print Can Help 

UVA Print offers a comprehensive leasing program for multifunction printers (MFPs) that support printing, copying, scanning, and faxing needs throughout UVA Health. The program provides devices tailored to your department’s workflow, backed by on-Grounds technician support and rapid response times. All supplies and maintenance are included, and billing is handled through UVA’s internal system — no purchase orders, third-party vendors, or supply headaches. 
 
If you’re currently managing a personal printer or relying on external service providers, UVA Print invites you to explore the convenience, reliability, and cost efficiency of partnering with them. They're here to keep your team focused on patient care, not printer problems. To learn more or request a quote, contact UVA Print. 

Leadership 

Jason Burg Named Chief Business Transformation Officer 

From Stephanie Schnittger, Chief Financial Officer: “I am pleased to announce Jason Burg as UVA Health’s new Chief Business Transformation Officer. In this role, Jason will lead our Workday Finance integration — a pivotal, multi-year initiative announced Oct. 15 that will streamline operations, strengthen decision-making, and drive meaningful savings across UVA Health. Given its impact in identifying efficiencies and improving the way we work, this new position will be cost-beneficial over the long term.” 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton is featured hundreds of outlets — including The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN.com, and U.S. News & World Report — discussing a newly approved medication to treat hot flashes. 

Patient Care 

• Dr. Nicole Fowler appears on our weekly NBC29 segment to discuss recovery after head-and-neck cancer surgery. 
• Dr. Ellen Volker and Dr. Reid Adams are featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing how surgical robots help diagnoses and treat lung cancer. 
• Dr. Rachel Moon talks with Consumer Reports about the importance of accurate information on safe sleep for infants. 
• Manager of Pharmacy Brian Spoelhof is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing the varied roles pharmacists play, including work to combat medication shortages. 
• Manager for Living Donor Transplant Anita Sites, AG-ACNP, is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing the importance of living liver donation. 

Research 

• Dr. Chris Holstege talks with The Associated Press for an article featured in more than 100 outlets — including ABCNews.com and The Washington Post — on how extreme heat affects pregnant women. 
• Dr. Richard Price is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing focused ultrasound’s treatment potential.  
• Dr. Richard Mailman is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing a new Parkinson’s medication he helped develop that is up for FDA approval. 
• Dr. Bruce Greyson is featured in the New York Post discussing near-death experiences. 
• Dr. Kim Penberthy talks with Medscape about how grief can trigger emotional eating. 

Community 

• Wendy Carlton, Program Director, Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship, is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing UVA Health’s Drug Take Back Day. 

Education 

• Dr. Kathryn Xixis talks with NeurologyLive about competency-based training for pediatric neurologists.    

Happenings 

Discounted Tickets for UVA Football 

UVA Athletics is excited to give all UVA Health team members the opportunity to enjoy multiple games during the 2025 football season. To celebrate the immense impact you have on our community, UVA Athletics is offering a special discounted ticket rate to all UVA Health employees, as well as their friends and families. Details, schedule, and ticket purchasing. 

October Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month at UVA Health 

Visit the UVA Health Cybersecurity Awareness Month web page to review this week’s takeaway topic: Protect Sensitive Data and Ensure Privacy. Learn how to secure sensitive data and other important resources at UVA Health. 

Deadline Pending: UVA Health Socktober 2025 + New Challenge 

Through Monday, Nov. 3 | Stepping up to meet our 10-year strategic plan goal of cultivating healthy communities and belonging for all — UVA Health launched its annual Socktober initiative on Oct. 1. This year's goal: collecting 20,000 new pairs for unhoused individuals. Team members can drop off new pairs of socks in Socktober bins at:         

• University Medical Center Cafeteria 
• Wahoo West Café 
• OR Cafe Lounge 
• Food and Nutrition Services ("0" level, University Hospital)  
• Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center 
• Good Grain Cafe, Orthopedic Center at Ivy Road  
• Cafe at 500 Fontaine 

Two other ways to participate: the traditional department contest or the new Fill the Bin challenge. Read more about both on Connect. Generate interest: print and hang, or share electronically, a fun sock tracker and horizontal and vertical graphics. Questions? Contact Chadwick French.     

UVA Staff Sustainability Leadership Program 

Applications due Saturday, Nov. 1 | Are you ready to take the next step on your sustainability journey? Applications are open for this employee professional development program beginning in January 2026. Learn more. 

Blood Drive: Your Donation Is Needed 

Monday, Nov. 3 | 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | The American Red Cross continues to experience a significant decline in donations, creating blood shortages worldwide, in particular the need for Type O blood. Make a lifesaving difference — whatever your type — please donate and encourage your teammates to join you. To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: Donate Oct. 27-Nov. 16 and you’ll get $20 in e-gift cards to the merchant of your choice. Plus, as an extra thank you, you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. Details. 

Veterans: Send Your Photo and Story to Us 

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 7 | 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. 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. 

Grow Your Healthcare Career in UVA Health Medical Laboratories 

Have you been looking for a healthcare career that is rewarding but not patient-facing? Medical Laboratories might be the place for you! The clinical pathology laboratories are primarily staffed by medical laboratory scientists (MLS) and medical laboratory technologists (MLT). The results that are generated by the lab inform up to 70% of all medical decisions. MLS and MLT duties include blood and body fluid sample preparation, performance of laboratory tests, interpreting test results, quality control, and maintaining laboratory safety. Please join upcoming information sessions to learn more about this career and the new Earn While You Learn MLT program: 

• Monday, Nov. 10 | 11 a.m.-noon | University Hospital, Dining Conference Room 
• Friday, Nov. 14 | 1-2 p.m. | virtual 

For more information about the MLT program, please visit the intranet website or watch this brief video about working in UVA Health labs. For questions related to the program, please email Earn While You Learn. 

Health Sciences Library Clinical Support Expo 

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Dining Conference Rooms, University Hospital | Whether you're a resident, attending, fellow, nurse, support staff member, student, faculty member — or just curious about what they offer — this event is perfect for you. Meet the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library team, view artifacts on display, enjoy snacks and swag, play games, and participate in a raffle. Details. Questions? Contact Lewis Savarese, Collection Development Librarian. 

Challenging Impostor Syndrome 

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | In this interactive session, explore where internal messages of impostor syndrome might come from and strategies to counter them, so that you can embrace a sense of belonging and confidence at UVA. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

UVA School of Nursing Admissions Info Sessions 

Take the first step in furthering your education — join a Zoom info session:           

• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) | Tuesday, Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m. | A master’s program that prepares nurse leaders to use evidence-based practice to strengthen healthcare quality and efficiency, solve unit- and system-wide challenges, boost staff retention and collaboration, and improve patient care and satisfaction. 
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m. | For clinicians who wish to become nurse practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists, the UVA’s DNP program empowers nurses to practice at the highest clinical level and offers robust preparation for one of eight certification exams of their choice. 
• RN to BSN | Thursday, Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m. | Part-time, hybrid program offering working nurses who already have an associate's degree or nursing diploma — a pathway to earning personal, professional, and financial benefits of a BSN degree. In-person class once a month; balance of learning completed online. 
• PhD | Tuesday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. | With demand for nurse scientists and academics at an all-time high, UVA offers one of the nation's premier doctoral programs for future nurse scholars and scientists interested in contributing to the study of aging, healthcare technology, social determinants of health — and beyond. 

Beyond Borders: Navigating Health Risks in Global Travel 

Thursday, Nov. 13 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | The world is on the move again as international travel now exceeds the pre-pandemic levels. Associate professor Kathryn Reid, PhD, RN, FNP-C — who will spotlight the specialty practice of travel health nursing — is a travel health nurse consultant who has spoken both regionally and nationally on the topic, and serves on the American Travel Health Nurses Association Board of Directors and is the current president of the 4,000+ member professional organization. Details. 

Excellence in Clinical Trials: Practical Skills for Principal Investigators 

Nov. 13-April 9 | 4-6 p.m. | MR6, Room 2502 | This six-session series is designed for first time or aspiring faculty principal investigators. Sessions are designed to promote clinical trial leadership focusing on team building, feasibility assessments, financial management, trial recruitment, document control, and best practices for investigator-initiated clinical trial management. Participants will gain practical skills needed to ensure efficiency, compliance, and quality throughout the lifecycle of a clinical trial. Details and registration. Questions? Contact Katie Rea at 434.924.8574. 

Thriving Beyond Cancer: Reclaiming Wellness, Intimacy, and Strength 

Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Battle Building Quayle Auditorium | UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Department of OB/GYN’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology invite you to a special symposium featuring leading researchers’ latest insights on the unique challenges faced by female cancer survivors, with a focus on gynecologic cancers, menopause, and sexual health. Learn more and register. 

Appreciation 

A Scary Amount of Kindness and Generosity 

Please join us in thanking the University Medical Center lab team members for donating toys and raising more than $400 that enabled them to create 66 Jared Boxes for our pediatric patients in University Hospital and the Battle Building to enjoy during Halloween. 

Jared Boxes are named for a brave little boy in Pennsylvania who eventually lost his battle to cancer, but spread happiness during his life by sharing his backpack full of toys with other kids during appointments. The Jared Box Project allows us to continue Jared’s legacy by providing Jared Boxes (plastic, shoebox-sized storage containers filled with toys) to pediatric patients so they can still enjoy playing, even though they’re in the hospital. 

“A huge shoutout to our lab team for leading with heart!” says Jennifer DeArment, Administrator, Medical Laboratories. “Your compassion and teamwork make a real difference for our patients and families. I’m so proud to work alongside you!” 

Each Halloween, our labs partner with Child Life Services at UVA Health Children’s so kids can enjoy these wonderful boxes filled with toys when they are unable to go trick-or-treating.  

Thank you to the team members in our labs for their extraordinary generosity! Happy Halloween to all! 

Previous Updates

Wednesday, Oct. 29

Wreath Decorating and Auction 

It’s that time of year again! The UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center Wreath Auction is just around the corner, and wreath sign-up is now live. Get creative, spread some holiday cheer, and help support our patients by decorating a wreath for this beloved annual tradition. Proceeds from the auction directly support patients experiencing barriers to care such as transportation and lodging. Details: 

• Wreath pickup: Oct. 30 and Nov. 3 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center 
• Decoration (take home): Nov. 4-19 
• Wreath drop-off: Nov. 20 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center 
• Auction week: Dec. 1-5 
• Sign up to decorate a wreath. 

Let’s make this year’s auction the most festive yet! Whether you go classic, creative, or completely out-of-the-box, every wreath makes a difference. Questions? Contact Zachary Hallock-Diaz. 

Operations 

Flu Takes a Dive in ‘25: All Team Members to Get Flu Vaccine by Oct. 31 

Getting influenza/flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone age six months and older. Flu vaccination can lower your risk of getting flu, and it also can lower the risk of having serious illness from flu.      

By getting vaccinated, you are also protecting people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, including babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.       

Visit Connect to read what you need to know about getting your flu vaccine and complying with related policies. 

Fall Back to the Future Celebration 

Daylight Saving Time | Early morning Sunday, Nov. 2 | midnight-1:30 a.m. | University Hospital, Cafeteria | Join the night shift at UVA Health’s Fall Back to the Future celebration. Enjoy free espresso drinks, 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. Higher Grounds has extended its business hours during this celebration — they will close at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, and reopen at 9 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.) 

Next Epic Upgrade Nov. 2 

Health Information Technology (HIT) will implement the next Epic upgrade across all UVA Health entities Sunday, Nov. 2. These upgrades are critical to keeping our electronic health record system efficient, secure, and responsive to the evolving needs of healthcare delivery. The upcoming upgrade to Epic version vAug2025 has an estimated downtime of one hour, from 1 to 2 a.m. Most team members can expect to spend less than 30 minutes preparing for the changes, depending on their role. For information on top changes and to access training materials, visit Connect. 

Need a More Reliable Office Printer or Copier? UVA Print Can Help 

UVA Print offers a comprehensive leasing program for multifunction printers (MFPs) that support printing, copying, scanning, and faxing needs throughout UVA Health. The program provides devices tailored to your department’s workflow, backed by on-Grounds technician support and rapid response times. All supplies and maintenance are included, and billing is handled through UVA’s internal system — no purchase orders, third-party vendors, or supply headaches. 

If you’re currently managing a personal printer or relying on external service providers, UVA Print invites you to explore the convenience, reliability, and cost efficiency of partnering with them. They're here to keep your team focused on patient care, not printer problems. To learn more or request a quote, contact UVA Print. 

Leadership 

Announcing Expanded Role for John Bennett, Chief Ambulatory Officer, UVA Health 

From Mitchell H. Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health; Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, UVA; Henry B. Mulholland Professor of Medicine: “Today, I am pleased to announce I have asked John Bennett in his Chief Ambulatory Officer role to take on expanded responsibilities. In this increased role, he will have direct oversight of the Heart and Vascular service line and Digestive Health services. Dr. Reid Adams will continue as John’s clinician partner and together they will work to ensure continued growth, excellence in high-quality care, outstanding patient experiences, and continued innovation in clinical care. Jason Lineen and Dr. Adams will continue direct oversight of the Transplant and Oncology service lines.” Read more. 

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall 

Tuesday, Dec. 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream | Please join UVA Health leadership for our final town hall of the year. It will begin with a brief update on the state of UVA Health, followed by an open question-and-answer session with leadership for the remainder of the hour. You’re invited to submit questions in advance to YOURTOWNHALL@uvahealth.org. Questions also will be accepted live during the event. We look forward to your participation as we close out 2025 together. 

Happenings 

UVA Health Socktober 2025 + New Challenge Is Underway! 

Through Monday, Nov. 3 | Stepping up to meet our 10-year strategic plan goal of cultivating healthy communities and belonging for all — UVA Health launched its annual Socktober initiative on Oct. 1. This year's goal: collecting 20,000 new pairs for unhoused individuals. Team members can drop off new pairs of socks in Socktober bins at:         

• University Medical Center Cafeteria 
• Wahoo West Café 
• OR Cafe Lounge 
• Food and Nutrition Services ("0" level, University Hospital)  
• Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center 
• Good Grain Cafe, Orthopedic Center at Ivy Road  
• Cafe at 500 Fontaine 

Two other ways to participate: the traditional department contest or the new Fill the Bin challenge. Read more about both on Connect. Generate interest: print and hang, or share electronically, a fun sock tracker and horizontal and vertical graphics. Questions? Contact Chadwick French. 

Serious Play: The Art of Frank Phillips 

Through Friday, Nov. 19 | University Hospital Lobby | UVA Health Arts Program is pleased to present “Serious Play: The Art of Frank Phillips.” Pictured: “SPA 4,” acrylic and graphite on paper. Stop by and check it out!    

Micro Health Breaks 

Through Friday, Nov. 21 | Join at any time. In just ten minutes, these engaging, virtual sessions offer benefits like improved flexibility, reduced anxiety, enhanced energy, and a stronger mind-body connection — perfect for fitting wellness into your busy day! Learn more. 

Medical Center Hour | Cochlear Implants, Curative Rhetoric, and Communication Choices: Understanding the Complications of Patient Decisions 

Thursday, Oct. 30 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium and Zoom | In this reflective talk, Rachel Kolb, PhD, will give a personal account of her decision to get a cochlear implant, fleshing out how she reckoned with both medical and cultural frameworks of deafness, alongside the varied ways she’d already learned to think about language and human communication. Provided by UVA School of Medicine and UVA School of Nursing. Lunch provided for the first 50 people in attendance. 

Food Is Medicine: Community Partnerships to Improve Rural Cardiovascular Health 

Thursday, Oct. 30 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | During this presentation, a food is medicine research study will be described within the context of a rural community setting. The study focuses on older adults with hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. This work is guided by a community model of care that promotes partnerships between healthcare settings and community services to provide holistic care to improve health outcomes. Details. 

UVA Health Cardiovascular Disease in Women Symposium 

Saturday, Nov. 1 | 7 a.m.-4 p.m. | UVA Student Health & Wellness | Register | This educational program addresses critical gaps in clinician awareness and training regarding sex-specific differences in cardiovascular disease, such as SCAD, CMD, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. It aims to improve the application of guideline-directed therapies and increase the representation of women in cardiovascular clinical trials, thus enhancing evidence-based care. The program will provide education on emerging diagnostic tools, risk stratification, and management strategies tailored to women's cardiovascular health. It also highlights systemic barriers and advocates for multidisciplinary care models to optimize outcomes and promotes increased participation of women in cardiovascular research. To receive 30% off the registration fee, use code CVW30PCT. 

UVA Staff Sustainability Leadership Program 

Applications due Saturday, Nov. 1 | Are you ready to take the next step on your sustainability journey? Applications are open for this employee professional development program beginning in January 2026. Learn more. 

Blood Drive: Your Donation Is Needed 

Monday, Nov. 3 | 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | The American Red Cross continues to experience a significant decline in donations, creating blood shortages worldwide, in particular the need for Type O blood. Make a lifesaving difference — whatever your type — please donate and encourage your teammates to join you. To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: Donate Oct. 27-Nov. 16 and you’ll get $20 in e-gift cards to the merchant of your choice. Plus, as an extra thank you, you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. Details. 

Veterans: Send Your Photo and Story to Us 

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 7 | 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. 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. 

Appreciation 

Again in ’25, a Third “Best School for Men in Nursing” Awardee 

For the third time in the last five years, UVA School of Nursing earned the American Association for Men in Nursing's "Best School for Men in Nursing" award, one of a small handful of U.S. nursing programs selected for the honor. 

The recognition comes as UVA School of Nursing launched its first-ever American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN) chapter — the only one in Virginia — and held an inaugural interest meeting with students, faculty advisor James Nisley, and Ryan Darensbourg, staff advisor to the group and a student success specialist. 

According to UVA School of Nursing data, a little over 10% of the school's current undergraduate students is male, more than 15% of its graduate students is male, and about one in five faculty members at the school is male. Nisley, a nurse for more than 41 years, says while he'll continue to promote the nursing profession to men, the new award and AAMN chapter honors position the school as a welcoming place to nurses from every background. Read more on Connect. 

Monday, Oct. 27

Flu Takes a Dive in ‘25: All Team Members to Get Flu Vaccine by Oct. 31

Getting influenza/flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone age six months and older. Flu vaccination can lower your risk of getting flu, and it also can lower the risk of having serious illness from flu. 

By getting vaccinated, you are also protecting people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, including babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions. 

Visit Connect to read what you need to know about getting your flu vaccine and complying with related policies. 

Operations 

Fall Back to the Future Celebration 

Daylight Saving Time | Early morning Sunday, Nov. 2 | midnight-1:30 a.m. | University Hospital, Cafeteria | Join the night shift at UVA Health’s Fall Back to the Future celebration. Enjoy free espresso drinks, 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. Higher Grounds has extended its business hours during this celebration — they will close at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, and reopen at 9 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.) 

Next Epic Upgrade Nov. 2 

Health Information Technology (HIT) will implement the next Epic upgrade across all UVA Health entities Sunday, Nov. 2. These upgrades are critical to keeping our electronic health record system efficient, secure, and responsive to the evolving needs of healthcare delivery. The upcoming upgrade to Epic version vAug2025 has an estimated downtime of one hour, from 1 to 2 a.m. Most team members can expect to spend less than 30 minutes preparing for the changes, depending on their role. For information on top changes and to access training materials, visit Connect. 

Happenings 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

UVA Health is commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October with the following activities and events:  

• Voting through Oct. 30 | UVA Breast Care Center Pumpkin Decorating Contest | UVA Health Breast Care Center staff have decorated pumpkins and welcome all team members and the general public to vote for their favorite designs! Vote on the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center Facebook page or on-site at UVA Health Cancer Care Pantops. Read more on Connect.  
• Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 5-8:45 p.m. | 21st Annual Pamper Me Pink Event | Prepare to be pampered during this evening of awareness and indulgence, including chair massages, hand wax treatments, door prizes, food, music, guest speakers, and more. Hosted by UVA Community Health in partnership with Pepperberries Boutique in Culpeper, this annual event raises money for the Pamper Me Pink Mammography Fund, which provides mammograms to women and men in the Culpeper area who can’t afford one or who don’t have insurance. Learn more. 

October Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month at UVA Health 

Visit the UVA Health Cybersecurity Awareness Month web page to review this week’s takeaway topic: Protect Sensitive Data and Ensure Privacy. Learn how to secure sensitive data and other important resources at UVA Health. 

Traveling Exhibit Showcases How Robots Are Improving Lung Cancer Care 

Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 8-11 a.m. | Parking lot of John Paul Jones Arena (295 Massie Rd.) | UVA Health is hosting the Thoracic Oncology Mobile Experience (TOME) — a state-of-the-art, interactive exhibit showcasing the latest advancements in robotic care platforms and how they’re transforming lung cancer care. At UVA Health, for example, clinicians are performing advanced procedures that combine two robotic platforms — enabling patients to have lung cancer diagnosed and removed in one seamless visit. 

Managing Sad Thoughts and Feelings, and the Desire Not to Get Out of Bed 

Tuesday, Oct. 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join UVA Commonwealth Professor of Psychology Bethany Teachman to learn how to change negative thinking patterns, reduce the tendency to withdraw when sad, and break big challenges into small, manageable steps. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Medical Center Hour | Cochlear Implants, Curative Rhetoric, and Communication Choices: Understanding the Complications of Patient Decisions 

Thursday, Oct. 30 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium and Zoom | In this reflective talk, Rachel Kolb, PhD, will give a personal account of her decision to get a cochlear implant, fleshing out how she reckoned with both medical and cultural frameworks of deafness, alongside the varied ways she’d already learned to think about language and human communication. Provided by UVA School of Medicine and UVA School of Nursing. Lunch provided for the first 50 people in attendance. 

Food Is Medicine: Community Partnerships to Improve Rural Cardiovascular Health 

Thursday, Oct. 30 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | During this presentation, a food is medicine research study will be described within the context of a rural community setting. The study focuses on older adults with hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. This work is guided by a community model of care that promotes partnerships between healthcare settings and community services to provide holistic care to improve health outcomes. Details. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Headshot 

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

• Friday, Oct. 31 | 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 
• Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 8-11 a.m. 
• Thursday, Nov. 13 | 1-4 p.m. 
• Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. 
• Monday, Nov. 24 | 10-1 p.m. 

UVA Staff Sustainability Leadership Program 

Applications due Saturday, Nov. 1 | Are you ready to take the next step on your sustainability journey? Applications are open for this employee professional development program beginning in January 2026. Learn more. 

Blood Drive: Your Donation Is Needed 

Monday, Nov. 3 | 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | The American Red Cross continues to experience a significant decline in donations, creating blood shortages worldwide, in particular the need for Type O blood. Make a lifesaving difference — whatever your type — please donate and encourage your teammates to join you. To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: Donate Oct. 27-Nov. 16 and you’ll get $20 in e-gift cards to the merchant of your choice. Plus, as an extra thank you, you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. Details. 

Veterans: Send Your Photo and Story to Us 

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 7 | 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. 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. 

Health Sciences Library Clinical Support Expo 

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Dining Conference Rooms, University Hospital | Whether you're a resident, attending, fellow, nurse, support staff member, student, faculty member, or just curious about what we offer, this event is perfect for you. At this event, you can meet the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library team, view artifacts on display, enjoy snacks and swag, play games, and participate in a raffle. Details. Questions? Contact Lewis Savarese, Collection Development Librarian. 

Challenging Impostor Syndrome 

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | In this interactive session, explore where internal messages of impostor syndrome might come from and strategies to counter them, so that you can embrace a sense of belonging and confidence at UVA. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Appreciation 

From Scrubs to Sustainability: Joshua Leer's OR Recycling Revolution

In the bustling operating rooms of UVA Health Surgical Care Riverside (SCR), Joshua Leer — a dedicated operating room (OR) nurse — noticed something troubling: the sheer volume of plastic waste generated during surgeries. Day after day, he watched sterile wrappers, surgical packaging, and single-use plastics pile up, destined for landfills. But instead of turning a blind eye, Leer turned his concern into action. 
 
He launched an innovative OR recycling program, rallying his colleagues and Riverside leadership to rethink how plastic waste was handled. With meticulous planning and infectious enthusiasm, Leer set up collection stations, educated staff on recyclable materials, and partnered with local recycling facilities. SCR staff were ready and willing — in the first nine months more than 1,000 pounds of plastic was diverted from the trash and given a second life. 
 
The impact didn’t go unnoticed. Trex, a company known for transforming recycled plastic into eco-friendly outdoor products, honored Leer’s efforts with a special gift — a beautiful bench made entirely from recycled materials. The bench will sit proudly in the center's outdoor space, a symbol of what one person’s vision and persistence can achieve. 
 
Leer’s story is a reminder that sustainability starts with awareness — and grows through action. From the sterile halls of the OR to a sunlit bench in the garden, his journey proves that even in the most unexpected places, change is possible. 

Friday, Oct. 24

Fall 2025 UVA Health Prescription Drug Take Back Day 

Saturday, Oct. 25 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Outside Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center | In support of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, UVA Health is offering a safe way for community members to dispose of unwanted or unused prescription medications. Drive up or walk up to drop off medications with our team. No questions asked. No sharp instruments or sharps containers — we cannot accept them at this time. UVA Health team members interested in volunteering for this Prescription Drug Take Back Day should sign up in advance. Sponsored by UVA Health Pharmacy; UVA Health Department of Anesthesiology’s Pain Management Center and UVA Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship; and UVA Police. Learn more. 

Patient Care 

Winners: Charles L. Brown Award for Patient Care Quality  

Healthcare Quality Week (Oct. 19-25) is dedicated to recognizing healthcare professionals, celebrating accomplishments in quality improvement, and focusing on enhancing patient safety and outcomes through tools, strategies, and a culture of excellence. As we close out this special week, the Patient Safety and Quality Committee of UVA Health is pleased to announce the winners of the FY 2025 Charles L. Brown Award for Patient Care Quality: 

• Team Member Injury | Improving Safety in Bedside Radiography: Reducing Radiologic Technologist Injuries and Risk of Patient Harm Using Air Friction Devices (Team: Anthony Calise, Robert Hunsberger, Kohl Kershisnik, Leslie Wood) 
• Patient Safety | Test Right, Treat Right: Reducing CAUTI Through Thoughtful Urine Testing (Team: Greg Madden, Kristi Wilkins, Patrick Jackson, Amber Inofuentes, Rebecca Corey, William Lain, Marissa McKay, Jaswitha Dova, Melinda Poulter, Priyanka Kumar) 

Congratulations to these teams for their outstanding patient safety and quality improvement efforts. The Charles L. Brown Award was created to honor the late Charles L. Brown’s service and generosity to the health system as a former member of the Health Sciences Council in the 1990s. Through this fund, $10,000 is awarded annually to a UVA Health team of faculty and staff to recognize excellence in patient care. Stay tuned to Connect in the coming weeks for details on these two projects. 

Celebrating Healthcare Quality Week 

UVA Health is marking Healthcare Quality Week, Oct. 19-25 — dedicated to recognizing healthcare professionals, celebrating accomplishments in quality improvement, and focusing on enhancing patient safety and outcomes through tools, strategies, and a culture of excellence.   This year’s theme from the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) is Celebrating Our Impact | Fueling Our Future. Thank you to all UVA Health team members who support our strategic plan initiative of superior quality, patient safety, and outcomes as we celebrate Healthcare Quality Week. Read the full messages from Tracey R. Hoke, MD, MSc, Chief of Quality, Performance Improvement and Population Health, on Connect. 

Operations 

Flu Takes a Dive in ‘25: All Team Members to Get Flu Vaccine by Oct. 31 

Getting influenza/flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone age six months and older. Flu vaccination can lower your risk of getting flu, and it also can lower the risk of having serious illness from flu.     

By getting vaccinated, you are also protecting people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, including babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.      

Visit Connect to read what you need to know about getting your flu vaccine and complying with related policies. 

Fall Back to the Future Celebration 

Daylight Saving Time | Early morning Sunday, Nov. 2 | midnight-1:30 a.m. | University Hospital, Cafeteria | Join the night shift at UVA Health’s Fall Back to the Future celebration. Enjoy free espresso drinks, 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. 1, 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.) 

Next Epic Upgrade Nov. 2 

Health Information Technology (HIT) will implement the next Epic Upgrade across all UVA Health entities Sunday, Nov. 2. These upgrades are critical to keeping our electronic health record system efficient, secure, and responsive to the evolving needs of healthcare delivery. The upcoming upgrade to Epic version vAug2025 has an estimated downtime of one hour, from 1 to 2 a.m. Most team members can expect to spend less than 30 minutes preparing for the changes, depending on their role. For information on top changes and to access training materials, visit Connect. 

Keep Us Safe by Minimizing Decorations in Your Area (and Know the Guidelines) 

State and federal regulatory agencies prohibit decorations in healthcare occupancies unless certain guidelines concerning decorations are observed to ensure the safety of us all. Should you have any fire safety questions concerning decorations please contact HSPP Compliance at 924.9389; for infection control, please contact 924.0260. Read the guidelines on Connect. 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• UVA Health is honored by Becker’s Hospital Review among 100 hospitals and health systems with great oncology programs. 

Patient Care 

• Dr. Dania Chastain appears on our weekly NBC29 segment to discuss Saturday’s drug take back event. 
• Dr. Patrick Stafford is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing a heart screening test for women. 
• Dr. Alisa Bahl discusses parent-child interaction therapy on the Behavioral Health Today podcast. 
• Dr. Kyle Enfield is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing long COVID. 
• Dr. Jiwon Lim talks with Medscape about the effects of GLP-1s on oral health. 
• Jermaine Clayborne is named to the Association of Air Medical Services’s “40 Under 40: Rising Leaders in Medical Transport” list. 

Research 

• Dr. Jennifer Payne’s research into a blood test to predict postpartum depression is featured by The Smithsonian magazine and Medscape. 
• Dr. Richard Price’s article for The Conversation about focused ultrasound’s treatment potential continues to receive strong international pickup, including in The Independent. 
• Dr. Ashley Brandebura is featured locally, across the region, and on TV stations nationally discussing a potential cause of Down syndrome. 
• Dr. Kim Penberthy is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally explaining why seasonal depression increases as daylight hours decrease. 
• Dr. Chris Holstege is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing the effects of second-hand marijuana smoke on children. 

Community 

• The Culpeper Star-Exponent features UVA Health’s donation of more than $297,000 to nonprofits in Culpeper and Northern Virginia. 
• Potomac Local highlights the more than $42,000 raised at the UVA Community Health Foundation’s golf fundraiser. 

Education 

• Dr. Preston Klein, a neurology resident, writes a blog post for the American Academy of Pediatrics on antibiotic use in NICUs.  

Happenings 

Discounted Tickets for UVA Football 

UVA Athletics is excited to give all UVA Health team members the opportunity to enjoy multiple games during the 2025 football season. To celebrate the immense impact you have on our community, UVA Athletics is offering a special discounted ticket rate to all UVA Health employees, as well as their friends and families. Details, schedule, and ticket purchasing. 

October Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month at UVA Health 

Visit the UVA Health Cybersecurity Awareness Month web page to review this week’s takeaway topic: Update Your Software – Prevent Malware Attacks. Always patch your software and applications when updates become available — don’t delay! 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

UVA Health is commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October with the following activities and events: 

• Voting through Oct. 30 | UVA Breast Care Center Pumpkin Decorating Contest |UVA Health Breast Care Center staff have decorated pumpkins and welcome all team members and the general public to vote for their favorite designs! Vote on the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center Facebook page or on-site at UVA Health Cancer Care Pantops. Read more on Connect. 
• Saturday, Oct. 25 | Free Pilates Classes: Teasers for Tatas | Quantum Movement Studio (QMS) has partnered with Teasers for Tatas, a national non-profit supporting breast cancer awareness. QMS is offering free Classical Pilates classes on Oct. 25. Participants are encouraged to donate $75, or an amount that is comfortable to them. All proceeds benefit UVA Health Breast Care Center. Space limited. Sign up. 
• Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 5-8:45 p.m. | 21st Annual Pamper Me Pink Event | Prepare to be pampered during this evening of awareness and indulgence, including chair massages, hand wax treatments, door prizes, food, music, guest speakers, and more. Hosted by UVA Community Health in partnership with Pepperberries Boutique in Culpeper, this annual event raises money for the Pamper Me Pink Mammography Fund, which provides mammograms to women and men in the Culpeper area who can’t afford one or who don’t have insurance. Learn more. 

UVA Health Socktober 2025 + New Challenge Is Underway! 

Through Monday, Nov. 3 | Stepping up to meet our 10-year strategic plan goal of cultivating healthy communities and belonging for all — UVA Health launched its annual Socktober initiative on Oct. 1. This year's goal: collecting 20,000 new pairs for unhoused individuals. Team members can drop off new pairs of socks in Socktober bins at:        

• University Medical Center Cafeteria
• Wahoo West Café
• OR Cafe Lounge
• Food and Nutrition Services ("0" level, University Hospital) 
• Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center
• Good Grain Cafe, Orthopedic Center at Ivy Road 
• Cafe at 500 Fontaine

Two other ways to participate: the traditional department contest or the new Fill the Bin challenge. Read more about both on Connect. Generate interest: print and hang, or share electronically, a fun sock tracker and horizontal and vertical graphics. Questions? Contact Chadwick French.    

Managing Sad Thoughts and Feelings, and the Desire Not to Get Out of Bed 

Tuesday, Oct. 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join UVA Commonwealth Professor of Psychology Bethany Teachman to learn how to change negative thinking patterns, reduce the tendency to withdraw when sad, and break big challenges into small, manageable steps. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Medical Center Hour | Cochlear Implants, Curative Rhetoric, and Communication Choices: Understanding the Complications of Patient Decisions 

Thursday, Oct. 30 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium and Zoom | In this reflective talk, Rachel Kolb, PhD, will give a personal account of her decision to get a cochlear implant, fleshing out how she reckoned with both medical and cultural frameworks of deafness, alongside the varied ways she’d already learned to think about language and human communication. Provided by UVA School of Medicine and UVA School of Nursing. Lunch provided for the first 50 people in attendance. 

Food Is Medicine: Community Partnerships to Improve Rural Cardiovascular Health 

Thursday, Oct. 30 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | During this presentation, a food is medicine research study will be described within the context of a rural community setting. The study focuses on older adults with hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. This work is guided by a community model of care that promotes partnerships between healthcare settings and community services to provide holistic care to improve health outcomes. Details. 

UVA Staff Sustainability Leadership Program 

Applications due Saturday, Nov. 1 | Are you ready to take the next step on your sustainability journey? Applications are open for this employee professional development program beginning in January 2026. Learn more. 

Blood Drive: Your Donation Is Needed  

Monday, Nov. 3 | 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. | Battle Building, Quayle Center, first floor | The American Red Cross continues to experience a significant decline in donations, creating blood shortages worldwide, in particular the need for Type O blood. Make a lifesaving difference — whatever your type — please donate and encourage your teammates to join you. To register, contact Sharon Jones. Swag alert: Donate Oct. 27-Nov. 16 and you’ll get $20 in e-gift cards to the merchant of your choice. Plus, as an extra thank you, you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. Details. 

Excellence in Clinical Trials: Practical Skills for Principal Investigators 

Nov. 13-April 9 | 4-6 p.m. | MR6, Room 2502 | This six-session series is designed for first time or aspiring faculty principal investigators. Sessions are designed to promote clinical trial leadership focusing on team building, feasibility assessments, financial management, trial recruitment, document control, and best practices for investigator-initiated clinical trial management. Participants will gain practical skills needed to ensure efficiency, compliance, and quality throughout the lifecycle of a clinical trial. Details and registration. Questions? Contact Katie Rea at 434.924.8574. 

Thriving Beyond Cancer: Reclaiming Wellness, Intimacy, and Strength 

Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Battle Building Quayle Auditorium | UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Department of OB/GYN’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology invite you to a special symposium featuring leading researchers’ latest insights on the unique challenges faced by female cancer survivors, with a focus on gynecologic cancers, menopause, and sexual health. Learn more and register. 

Appreciation 

‘Absolutely Amazing’ | Kudos to 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:      

• “What can I say, other than pure perfection! What a brilliant team that included Dr. Rebecca Haug, Jeff (CRNA), Logan (RN), Larry (RN), and Ian (tech). The professionalism — and warm, loving, and caring attention — provided by all staff members made my procedure the best yet, and I have been having them for at least 20 years. Thank you so much, you're the best!” 
• “Cameron Grimes is absolutely amazing! She listens, is intuitive to the patient's needs and pain, and comes up with creative ways to help! We are very blessed to have such a skilled, compassionate, and creative therapist working with us!” 
• “Kimberly was warm and engaging. She shared with me her how and why — to the point where I shed tears! She explained that my post-operative progress meant something to her, and it strengthened my desire to move forward and strive for greater success. Please provide her with not only my thanks, but also an award for patient advocacy and care.”  

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

Wednesday, Oct. 22

Visit the New UVA Health Websites! 

After almost two years of planning and working in close partnership with countless stakeholders from across the health system, the new uvahealth.com and childrens.uvahealth.com websites are now live! These revamped sites will make UVA Health information more accessible and connected than ever. When patients can find the information they need, they are more likely to choose UVA Health for their care, so these sites play a key role in driving our continued growth. They align with our strategic plan initiatives to achieve superior patient outcomes and improve patient access, while also reinforcing the reputation of the UVA Health brand. Explore the new sites now at uvahealth.com and childrens.uvahealth.com. 

Operations 

Flu Takes a Dive in ‘25: All Team Members to Get Flu Vaccine by Oct. 31 

Getting influenza/flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone age six months and older. Flu vaccination can lower your risk of getting flu, and it also can lower the risk of having serious illness from flu.    

By getting vaccinated, you are also protecting people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, including babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.     

Visit Connect to read what you need to know about getting your flu vaccine and complying with related policies. 

Leadership 

Celebrating Healthcare Quality Week 

UVA Health is marking Healthcare Quality Week, Oct. 19-25 — dedicated to recognizing healthcare professionals, celebrating accomplishments in quality improvement, and focusing on enhancing patient safety and outcomes through tools, strategies, and a culture of excellence.   This year’s theme from the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) is Celebrating Our Impact | Fueling Our Future. Thank you to all UVA Health team members who support our strategic plan initiative of superior quality, patient safety, and outcomes as we celebrate Healthcare Quality Week. Read the full messages from Tracey R. Hoke, MD, MSc, Chief of Quality, Performance Improvement and Population Health, on Connect. 

A. Bobby Chhabra, MD, Assumes Presidency of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand 

The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) is proud to announce that A. Bobby Chhabra, MD, has officially taken office as the 80th President of the Society, effective at the close of the 2025 ASSH Annual Meeting, held Oct. 9-11 in Vancouver. 

Dr. Chhabra, an internationally recognized leader in hand and upper extremity surgery, brings decades of experience in clinical care, education, and health system leadership to his new role. He is the Lillian T. Pratt Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UVA, Director of the UVA Health Orthopaedic Center, and is a team physician for UVA Department of Athletics. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Chhabra! 

Happenings 

Micro Health Breaks 

Through Friday, Nov. 21 | Join at any time. In just ten minutes, these engaging, virtual sessions offer benefits like improved flexibility, reduced anxiety, enhanced energy, and a stronger mind-body connection — perfect for fitting wellness into your busy day! Learn more. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month  

UVA Health is commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October with the following activities and events:  

• Voting through Oct. 30 | UVA Breast Care Center Pumpkin Decorating Contest | UVA Health Breast Care Center staff have decorated pumpkins and welcome all team members and the general public to vote for their favorite designs! Vote on the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center Facebook page or on-site at UVA Health Cancer Care Pantops. Read more on Connect.   
• Thursday, Oct. 23 | 2-3 p.m. | Virtual Webinar — Breast Cancer: Latest in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Trials | Christiana Brenin, MD; Trish Millard, MD; and Shayna Showalter, MD, discuss breast cancer treatment innovations and discoveries taking place at UVA Health in this free online webinar. Registration required. Learn more and register.    
• Saturday, Oct. 25 | Free Pilates Classes: Teasers for Tatas | Quantum Movement Studio (QMS) has partnered with Teasers for Tatas, a national non-profit supporting breast cancer awareness. QMS is offering free Classical Pilates classes on Oct. 25. Participants are encouraged to donate $75, or an amount that is comfortable to them. All proceeds benefit UVA Health Breast Care Center. Space limited. Sign up.  
• Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 5-8:45 p.m. | 21st Annual Pamper Me Pink Event | Prepare to be pampered during this evening of awareness and indulgence, including chair massages, hand wax treatments, door prizes, food, music, guest speakers, and more. Hosted by UVA Community Health in partnership with Pepperberries Boutique in Culpeper, this annual event raises money for the Pamper Me Pink Mammography Fund, which provides mammograms to women and men in the Culpeper area who can’t afford one or who don’t have insurance. Learn more. 

Empowering the Community to Give Back 

The UVA Health Foundation’s Get Involved platform offers patients, families, and community members an easy way to raise funds for the areas of UVA Health most meaningful to them. Through this peer-to-peer fundraising tool, individuals can create personalized pages to honor a caregiver, celebrate the memory of a loved one, or collect donations tied to a special event.  

The platform includes helpful features such as customizable email templates, team fundraising options, and seamless social media sharing. By supporting research, clinical care, education, and community outreach, participants can make a lasting difference across UVA Health. 

Check out this pickleball event to see how two local pickleball players and breast cancer survivors who received care at UVA are raising funds and awareness for UVA’s Breast Care Program. 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. 

Market Square 

Weekly, Thursdays in October | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Courtyard at MR5 | Shop for fresh produce, beautiful flowers, unique crafts, and delicious eats from local food trucks. Questions? Contact George Minor, UVA HR, Rewards and Recognition. This week’s vendors include:         

• It’s Poppin Time (kettle corn)          
• Tealicious Cafe (tea)         
• Raclette on the Run (cheese tots and sandwiches)             
• Mr. Baker (cakes)         
• Too Brave Coffee (coffee)         
• Miss Day Delights (desserts)         
• Encanto Homestead Farms (veggies and flowers)             
• Little Manila (Filipino food)       
• Mexican Tacos (tacos) 

Trump and the Future of American Healthcare 

Thursday, Oct. 23 | 11 a.m.-noon | The Miller Center | The second Trump administration has brought transformative changes to the U.S. healthcare system and to medical research and funding. From cuts to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act subsidies to cancellation of research grants and departures of scientific leaders — policy shifts have remade the landscape for healthcare and research. At the same time, many underlying challenges remain unaddressed. In this event, four Miller Center and UVA healthcare experts discuss what has happened, what it means, and where U.S. healthcare might be headed next. Register. 

2025 Healthcare Education Fair 

Thursday, Oct. 23 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. | University Hospital Cafeteria | Learn more about programs in Charlottesville and across Virginia that offer healthcare degrees and certificates. UVA Health team members can meet admissions counselors and other representatives to get the latest information on a wide range of healthcare fields ranging from health administration and nursing at all levels to nutrition, pharmacy, RT, radiology, and many others. Learn more and download a flyer to share. Questions? Read more on Connect and email npgo@uvahealth.org. 

Fall 2025 UVA Health Prescription Drug Take Back Day 

Saturday, Oct. 25 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Outside Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center | In support of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, UVA Health is offering a safe way for community members to dispose of unwanted or unused prescription medications. Drive up or walk up to drop off medications with our team. No questions asked. No sharp instruments or sharps containers — we cannot accept them at this time. UVA Health team members interested in volunteering for this Prescription Drug Take Back Day should sign up in advance. Sponsored by UVA Health Pharmacy; UVA Health Department of Anesthesiology’s Pain Management Center and UVA Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship; and UVA Police. Learn more. 

Food Is Medicine: Community Partnerships to Improve Rural Cardiovascular Health 

Thursday, Oct. 30 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | During this presentation, a food is medicine research study will be described within the context of a rural community setting. The study focuses on older adults with hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. This work is guided by a community model of care that promotes partnerships between healthcare settings and community services to provide holistic care to improve health outcomes. Details. 

UVA Staff Sustainability Leadership Program 

Applications due Saturday, Nov. 1 | Are you ready to take the next step on your sustainability journey? Applications are open for this employee professional development program beginning in January 2026. Learn more. 

Nominate: Research Achievement Awards 

Deadline: Monday, Dec. 1 | 5 p.m. | The Research Achievement Awards recognize UVA faculty every year for their excellence in research and scholarship. Learn more about the awards and eligibility criteria. 

Appreciation 

‘Driving Transformational Change’ 

More than two dozen UVA Health University Medical Center and UVA Community Health team members joined nearly 14,000 nurses, nurse leaders, and advanced practice nurses from across the globe at the 2025 American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet® and Pathway Conference, Oct. 8-10 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. 

"ANCC Magnet® designation is the highest honor that organizations can achieve for nursing excellence," says Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, FAAN, UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer. "It was a joy to watch firsthand our UVA Health nursing team celebrate this well-deserved and prestigious recognition!"  

Jennifer T. Hall, MSN, RN, CNL, NEA-BC, Director, University Medical Center Nursing Professional Practice, Magnet® Recognition Programs, and Leanne Fox, MPP, Nursing Governance Coordinator, UVA Health University Medical Center Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) accepted a coveted invitation to take the stage with their presentation, “Nurses Belong Where Decisions Are Made: Nursing Advocacy 101." Learn more and see the photos on Connect. 

Monday, Oct. 20

New UVA Health Websites Launch Oct. 22 

The concept of becoming “One UVA Health” encapsulates a variety of work happening in our health system. For the UVA Health Strategic Marketing and Communications team, One UVA Health is the guiding principle behind a multiyear effort to unify an array of websites and truly reflect one UVA Health as a world-class integrated, academic health system — while making it easier than ever for patients to find care with our extraordinary clinicians. On Oct. 22 patients, referring providers and UVA Health team members will begin to see the results of this work as we launch new versions of uvahealth.com and childrens.uvaheath.com.  

“Our websites are our digital front door and are responsible for making a strong first impression on patients as well as other health system stakeholder audiences,” says Lisa Badeau, UVA Health Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. “For the first time ever, UVA Health will have websites that are integrated and reflect our excellence in each of our core mission areas. They will deliver an enhanced patient and provider experience and lay the foundation for system growth.”  

Learn more and preview the new designs on Connect. Also, please note that the site upgrade will begin at 8 p.m. on Oct. 21 and users may experience downtime in the hours that follow. 

Leadership 

Celebrating Healthcare Quality Week 

UVA Health is marking Healthcare Quality Week, Oct. 19-25 — dedicated to recognizing healthcare professionals, celebrating accomplishments in quality improvement, and focusing on enhancing patient safety and outcomes through tools, strategies, and a culture of excellence.   This year’s theme from the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) is Celebrating Our Impact | Fueling Our Future. Thank you to all UVA Health team members who support our strategic plan initiative of superior quality, patient safety, and outcomes as we celebrate Healthcare Quality Week. Read the full message from Tracey R. Hoke, MD, MSc, Chief of Quality, Performance Improvement and Population Health, on Connect. 

Happenings 

October Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month at UVA Health 

Visit the UVA Health Cybersecurity Awareness Month web page to review this week’s takeaway topic: Update Your Software – Prevent Malware Attacks. Always patch your software and applications when updates become available — don’t delay! 

UVA Health Socktober 2025 + New Challenge Is Underway!  

Through Monday, Nov. 3 | Stepping up to meet our 10-year strategic plan goal of cultivating healthy communities and belonging for all — UVA Health launched its annual Socktober initiative on Oct. 1. This year's goal: collecting 20,000 new pairs for unhoused individuals. Team members can drop off new pairs of socks in Socktober bins at:       

• University Medical Center Cafeteria       
• Wahoo West Café       
• OR Cafe Lounge       
• Food and Nutrition Services ("0" level, University Hospital)       
• Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center       
• Good Grain Cafe, Orthopedic Center at Ivy Road       
• Cafe at 500 Fontaine       

Two other ways to participate: the traditional department contest or the new Fill the Bin challenge. Read more about both on Connect. Generate interest: print and hang, or share electronically, a fun sock tracker and horizontal and vertical graphics. Questions? Contact Chadwick French.    

Breast Cancer Awareness Month  

UVA Health is commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October with the following activities and events: 

• Voting through Oct. 30 | UVA Breast Care Center Pumpkin Decorating Contest | UVA Health Breast Care Center staff have decorated pumpkins and welcome all team members and the general public to vote for their favorite designs! Vote on the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center Facebook page or on-site at UVA Health Cancer Care Pantops. Read more on Connect.  
• Thursday, Oct. 23 | 2-3 p.m. | Virtual Webinar — Breast Cancer: Latest in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Trials | Christiana Brenin, MD; Trish Millard, MD; and Shayna Showalter, MD, discuss breast cancer treatment innovations and discoveries taking place at UVA Health in this free online webinar. Registration required. Learn more and register.   
• Saturday, Oct. 25 | Free Pilates Classes: Teasers for Tatas | Quantum Movement Studio (QMS) has partnered with Teasers for Tatas, a national non-profit supporting breast cancer awareness. QMS is offering free Classical Pilates classes on Oct. 25. Participants are encouraged to donate $75, or an amount that is comfortable to them. All proceeds benefit UVA Health Breast Care Center. Space limited. Sign up. 
• Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 5-8:45 p.m. | 21st Annual Pamper Me Pink Event | Prepare to be pampered during this evening of awareness and indulgence, including chair massages, hand wax treatments, door prizes, food, music, guest speakers, and more. Hosted by UVA Community Health in partnership with Pepperberries Boutique in Culpeper, this annual event raises money for the Pamper Me Pink Mammography Fund, which provides mammograms to women and men in the Culpeper area who can’t afford one or who don’t have insurance. Learn more. 

Happy Diwali!  

Monday, Oct. 20 | 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 celebrate Diwali for different reasons. The dates of Diwali change every year, ranging from October to November. 

Divorce Wellness Group 

Start Tuesday, Oct. 21 | This five-week, virtual journey to healing offers a supporting place to learn self-care, build confidence and self-esteem, foster meaningful connections, and develop support networks. Learn more. 

2025 Edward W. Hook Jr., MD, Recent Advances in Clinical Medicine Conference 

Oct. 22-24 | Omni Hotel | Step into the forefront of modern medicine at this conference — a premier, multidisciplinary event tailored for primary care clinicians committed to delivering cutting-edge, evidence-based care. Learn more and register. 

CANCELED — Medical Center Hour | Beyond Band-Aids and Duct Tape: Building Systems That Care 

Due to a family emergency, the Medical Center Hour/Bice Lecture has been canceled for this Wednesday, Oct. 22. Organizers will try to rescheduled it for a later date.

Wednesday, Oct. 22 | noon-1p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium | The 2025 Bice Lecturer is nurse Lauryn Walker, RN, MPH, PhD, Chief Strategy Officer and Research Consortium Executive Director, Virginia Center for Health Innovation. Through her dual roles, Walker leads the Virginia Task Force on Primary Care's economic policies, recommendations, and multi-payer initiatives, and builds partnerships across Medicaid stakeholders to address key state priorities. Details. 

Trump and the Future of American Healthcare 

Thursday, Oct. 23 | 11 a.m.-noon | The Miller Center | The second Trump administration has brought transformative changes to the U.S. healthcare system and to medical research and funding. From cuts to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act subsidies to cancellation of research grants and departures of scientific leaders, policy shifts have remade the landscape for healthcare and research. At the same time, many underlying challenges remain unaddressed. In this event, four Miller Center and UVA healthcare experts discuss what has happened, what it means, and where U.S. healthcare might be headed next. Register. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider 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, Oct. 23 | 12:30-3:30 p.m.    
• Friday, Oct. 31 | 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 

2025 Healthcare Education Fair 

Thursday, Oct. 23 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. | University Hospital Cafeteria | Learn more about programs in Charlottesville and across Virginia that offer healthcare degrees and certificates. UVA Health team members can meet admissions counselors and other representatives to get the latest information on a wide range of healthcare fields ranging from health administration and nursing at all levels to nutrition, pharmacy, RT, radiology, and many others. Learn more and download a flyer to share. Questions? Read more on Connect and email npgo@uvahealth.org. 

Fall 2025 UVA Health Prescription Drug Take Back Day 

Saturday, Oct. 25 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Outside Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center | In support of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, UVA Health is offering a safe way for community members to dispose of unwanted or unused prescription medications. Drive up or walk up to drop off medications with our team. No questions asked. No sharp instruments or sharps containers — we cannot accept them at this time. UVA Health team members interested in volunteering for this Prescription Drug Take Back Day should sign up in advance. Sponsored by UVA Health Pharmacy; UVA Health Department of Anesthesiology’s Pain Management Center and UVA Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship; and UVA Police. Learn more. 

Managing Sad Thoughts and Feelings, and the Desire Not to Get Out of Bed 

Tuesday, Oct. 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join UVA Commonwealth Professor of Psychology Bethany Teachman to learn how to change negative thinking patterns, reduce the tendency to withdraw when sad, and break big challenges into small, manageable steps. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Food Is Medicine: Community Partnerships to Improve Rural Cardiovascular Health 

Thursday, Oct. 30 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | During this presentation, a food is medicine research study will be described within the context of a rural community setting. The study focuses on older adults with hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. This work is guided by a community model of care that promotes partnerships between healthcare settings and community services to provide holistic care to improve health outcomes. Details. 

UVA Staff Sustainability Leadership Program 

Applications due Saturday, Nov. 1 | Are you ready to take the next step on your sustainability journey? Applications are open for this employee professional development program beginning in January 2026. Learn more. 

Appreciation 

UVA Health Distributes More Than $297,000 in Community Grants 

UVA Health's integrated network of three medical centers, clinics, and outpatient services across Northern Virginia and Culpeper has awarded more than $297,000 in community grants to 38 nonprofit organizations across the region. 

The 2025 Community Grants Program supports organizations addressing key health priorities identified in the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), including mental and behavioral health, chronic disease management, and access to care. The program also helps advance UVA Health’s mission to provide health and healing. accessible to all. 

“The grant recipients underscore our shared commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the communities that we work together to serve,” says Erik Shannon, CEO, UVA Health community medical centers and clinics in Northern Virginia and Culpeper. “UVA Health’s mission is to transform health and inspire hope for all Virginians and beyond — and our guiding principle is fostering healthy communities. Each and every one of you plays an important role in that mission. Together, we’re making health and healing accessible right in our neighborhoods.” Read the full story on Connect. 

Friday, Oct. 17

New UVA Health Websites Launch Oct. 22 

The concept of becoming “One UVA Health” encapsulates a variety of work happening in our health system. For the UVA Health Strategic Marketing and Communications team, One UVA Health is the guiding principle behind a multiyear effort to unify an array of websites and truly reflect one UVA Health as a world-class integrated, academic health system — while making it easier than ever for patients to find care with our extraordinary clinicians. On Oct. 22 patients, referring providers and UVA Health team members will begin to see the results of this work as we launch new versions of uvahealth.com and childrens.uvaheath.com. 

“Our websites are our digital front door and are responsible for making a strong first impression on patients as well as other health system stakeholder audiences,” says Lisa Badeau, UVA Health Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. “For the first time ever, UVA Health will have websites that are integrated and reflect our excellence in each of our core mission areas. They will deliver an enhanced patient and provider experience and lay the foundation for system growth.” 

Learn more and preview the new designs on Connect. Also, please note that the site upgrade will begin at 8 p.m. on Oct. 21 and users may experience downtime in the hours that follow. 

Operations 

New Cybercrime Scam Impersonates HR: How to Protect Yourself 

A cybercrime group called Storm-2657 has been targeting university employees to steal their paychecks. These attacks started in March 2025 and have affected at least three universities, with phishing emails sent to over 6,000 people across 25 institutions. The attackers are not hacking the payroll systems directly — they're tricking people into giving up access to their accounts. Read more on the scam and how to best protect yourself. 

UVA Print Launches New Online Ordering Platform 

UVA Print is excited to announce the launch of its new, online ordering system designed to make your printing experience faster, easier, and more interactive. The first phase will be live on Monday, Oct. 20. It will feature UVA Health-branded business cards, envelopes, and letterhead. With this new platform, you can: 

• Customize stationery with interactive design tools and a live preview.  
• View your order history and easily reorder. 
• Track job status and access invoices anytime. 

UVA/UVA Health users with Netbadge access: visit order.uvaprint.virginia.edu. 

Community Health members (no Netbadge): access and create an account at communityhealth.uvaprint.virginia.edu. 

This is just the beginning — more products and services will be added in the coming months. Questions? Check out the help documentation or contact UVA Print. 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• The groundbreaking for an AstraZeneca plant in Albemarle County — and how the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology helped attract the plant and will work with the company — is highlighted locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally. 

Patient Care 

• Dr. Patricia Rodriguez-Lozano appears on our weekly NBC29 segment to discuss women’s heart health. 
• Washington Business Journal highlights Prince William Medical Center’s expansion. 
• Dr. Virginia Gallagher is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing dementia.  
• Director of Pharmacy Jonathan Meli talks with Becker’s Hospital Review about the need for faster, smarter workflow tools in pharmacies. 
• Dr. Natalie Cain-Wisdom is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing mammograms.  
• Dr. Joseph Tan talks with BeFM (South Korean radio) about navigating holiday family feuds. 
• Dr. Jennifer Payne talks with Psychiatric Times about treating mental illness during pregnancy. 

Research 

• Dr. Marieta Pehlivanova is featured in the New York Post, Yahoo, and Sky News discussing her research into improving support for people who have near-death experiences. 
• Dr. Richard Price’s article for The Conversation about focused ultrasound’s treatment potential is featured in dozens of outlets nationally, including Houston Chronicle and Seattle Post-Intelligencer. 
• Dr. Boris Kovatchev and Dr. Stephen Rich are quoted in two articles for Scientific American on Type 1 diabetes. 
• Dr. John Kim is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing a new potential approach to detecting interstitial lung disease. 
• Dr. Steven Munger talks with The Scientist about why some people have heightened senses of smell. 
• WUSA (DC TV) highlights research from UVA School of Nursing graduate Yeonsu Kim on how alarm clocks affect your health. 

Community 

• Population Health Department Administrator Novella Thompson is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing UVA Health mobile care unit’s expansion to Greene County. 

Education 

• Medical student Kirti Patel talks with NBC29 about an upcoming CPR and first aid training class.    

Human Resources 

Due: Benefits Open Enrollment 

Benefits Open Enrollment for plan year 2026 runs through Oct. 17. View plan changes and premiums on the Open Enrollment website before using the Open Enrollment event in Workday to select your benefits for 2026. 

Happenings 

Discounted Tickets for UVA Football 

UVA Athletics is excited to give all UVA Health team members the opportunity to enjoy multiple games during the 2025 football season. To celebrate the immense impact you have on our community, UVA Athletics is offering a special discounted ticket rate to all UVA Health employees, as well as their friends and families. Details, schedule, and ticket purchasing. 

October Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month at UVA Health 

Visit the UVA Health Cybersecurity Awareness Month web page to review this week’s takeaway topic: Use Trusted Password Management Tools and Strong Passwords. Take simple actions to craft and secure strong passwords and keep your digital life secure. 

Student Art at University Hospital 

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

Breast Cancer Awareness Month  

UVA Health is commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October with the following activities and events:   

• Voting through Oct. 30 | UVA Breast Care Center Pumpkin Decorating Contest | UVA Health Breast Care Center staff have decorated pumpkins and welcome all team members and the general public to vote for their favorite designs! Vote on the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center Facebook page or on-site at UVA Health Cancer Care Pantops. Read more on Connect. 
• Oct. 17-19 | South Tower Lighting | Pink overnight from Friday through Sunday evening.   
• Saturday, Oct. 18 | 6:30 p.m. | UVA Football Game vs. Washington State | Fans are encouraged to wear pink to this UVA home football game. UVA Health patients with breast cancer and breast cancer care team members will be recognized in an on-field event during the game. Tickets and information.   
• Thursday, Oct. 23 | 2-3 p.m. | Virtual Webinar — Breast Cancer: Latest in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Trials | Christiana Brenin, MD; Trish Millard, MD; and Shayna Showalter, MD, discuss breast cancer treatment innovations and discoveries taking place at UVA Health in this free online webinar. Registration required. Learn more and register.  
• Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 5-8:45 p.m. | 21st Annual Pamper Me Pink Event | Prepare to be pampered during this evening of awareness and indulgence, including chair massages, hand wax treatments, door prizes, food, music, guest speakers, and more. Hosted by UVA Community Health in partnership with Pepperberries Boutique in Culpeper, this annual event raises money for the Pamper Me Pink Mammography Fund, which provides mammograms to women and men in the Culpeper area who can’t afford one or who don’t have insurance. Learn more. 

Join FEAP for SPARC of Hope 5K 

Saturday, Oct. 18 | 8:30 a.m. | East End Farm (near Zion Crossroads) or virtual | As part of National Suicide Prevention Month, Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) invites you to participate in the SPARC (Suicide Prevention Awareness and Resource Council) of Hope 5K — a free, community-wide event focused on hope, healing, and awareness. This year’s walk/run will feature Kevin Berthia as the keynote speaker, sharing his powerful story of resilience. Register as an individual, with family, or as part of a team. Questions? Contact sparchope@gmail.com or UVA FEAP team member Dominique McLaughlin. 

Divorce Wellness Group 

Start Tuesday, Oct. 21 | This five-week, virtual journey to healing offers a supporting place to learn self-care, build confidence and self-esteem, foster meaningful connections, and develop support networks. Learn more. 

Medical Center Hour | Beyond Band-Aids and Duct Tape: Building Systems That Care 

Wednesday, Oct. 22 | noon-1p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium | The 2025 Bice Lecturer is nurse Lauryn Walker, RN, MPH, PhD, Chief Strategy Officer and Research Consortium Executive Director, Virginia Center for Health Innovation. Through her dual roles, Walker leads the Virginia Task Force on Primary Care's economic policies, recommendations, and multi-payer initiatives, and builds partnerships across Medicaid stakeholders to address key state priorities. Details. 

2025 Edward W. Hook Jr., MD, Recent Advances in Clinical Medicine Conference 

Oct. 22-24 | Omni Hotel | Step into the forefront of modern medicine at this conference — a premier, multidisciplinary event tailored for primary care clinicians committed to delivering cutting-edge, evidence-based care. Learn more and register. 

2025 Healthcare Education Fair 

Thursday, Oct. 23 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. | University Hospital Cafeteria | Learn more about programs in Charlottesville and across Virginia that offer healthcare degrees and certificates. UVA Health team members can meet admissions counselors and other representatives to get the latest information on a wide range of healthcare fields ranging from health administration and nursing at all levels to nutrition, pharmacy, RT, radiology, and many others. Learn more and download a flyer to share. Questions? Read more on Connect and email npgo@uvahealth.org. 

Fall 2025 UVA Health Prescription Drug Take Back Day 

Saturday, Oct. 25 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Outside Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center | In support of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, UVA Health is offering a safe way for community members to dispose of unwanted or unused prescription medications. Drive up or walk up to drop off medications with our team. No questions asked. No sharp instruments or sharps containers — we cannot accept them at this time. UVA Health team members interested in volunteering for this Prescription Drug Take Back Day should sign up in advance. Sponsored by UVA Health Pharmacy; UVA Health Department of Anesthesiology’s Pain Management Center and UVA Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship; and UVA Police. Learn more. 

Excellence in Clinical Trials: Practical Skills for Principal Investigators 

Nov. 13-April 9 | 4-6 p.m. | MR6, Room 2502 | This six-session series is designed for first time or aspiring faculty principal investigators. Sessions are designed to promote clinical trial leadership focusing on team building, feasibility assessments, financial management, trial recruitment, document control, and best practices for investigator-initiated clinical trial management. Participants will gain practical skills needed to ensure efficiency, compliance, and quality throughout the lifecycle of a clinical trial. Details and registration. Questions? Contact Katie Rea at 434.924.8574. 

Thriving Beyond Cancer: Reclaiming Wellness, Intimacy, and Strength 

Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Battle Building Quayle Auditorium | UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Department of OB/GYN’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology invite you to a special symposium featuring leading researchers’ latest insights on the unique challenges faced by female cancer survivors, with a focus on gynecologic cancers, menopause, and sexual health. Learn more and register. 

Appreciation 

‘One in a Million’ | Kudos to Our UVA Health Colleagues 

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

• “I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Hyrvniak and his staff. Dr. H is one in a million — don't ever let him go! He is kind, upbeat, respectful, patient, competent, a very attentive listener, has a good sense of humor, gets a problem very quickly, and usually has a number of options to suggest. I love him! And Rhetta, too!” 
• “When I first came to see Dr. Dunsing earlier this year, I was at the end of my rope — pretty hopeless. He was kind, listened to me, and he provided multiple options. The most important thing was that I felt seen, heard, and he gave me hope. He makes an incredible difference in the lives of people that he touches. I am very grateful for him and your facility.” 
• “The best part of our experience: Every nurse — from the ED to the PICU — made us feel comfortable, and they were extremely competent, empathetic, and professional. I would love to recommend them all for DAISY Awards.” 

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

Wednesday, Oct. 15

Fall 2025 UVA Health Prescription Drug Take Back Day 

Saturday, Oct. 25 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Outside Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center | In support of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, UVA Health is offering a safe way for community members to dispose of unwanted or unused prescription medications. Drive up or walk up to drop off medications with our team. No questions asked. No sharp instruments or sharps containers — we cannot accept them at this time. UVA Health team members interested in volunteering for this Prescription Drug Take Back Day should sign up in advance. Sponsored by UVA Health Pharmacy; UVA Health Department of Anesthesiology’s Pain Management Center and UVA Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship; and UVA Police. Learn more. 

Operations 

New Cybercrime Scam Impersonates HR: How to Protect Yourself 

A cybercrime group called Storm-2657 has been targeting university employees to steal their paychecks. These attacks started in March 2025 and have affected at least three universities, with phishing emails sent to over 6,000 people across 25 institutions. The attackers are not hacking the payroll systems directly — they're tricking people into giving up access to their accounts. Read more on the scam and how to best protect yourself. 

Population Health Program Intake Process 

UVA Health’s Population Health team connects patients with services that address barriers to care — such as housing needs, behavioral health challenges, remote patient monitoring, or gaps in follow-up after discharge from the hospital, Emergency Department (ED), or ambulatory appointments.     

How to refer a patient | Use the Epic order Population Health Program Intake or complete the flowsheet in the Epic Screening Tool. Briefly describe the concern. A Population Health team member will review the referral and connect the patient to the most appropriate program or service. Tip sheet.     

Common referral reasons:     

• Readmission risk or complex discharge     
• ED overuse due to unmet social needs.     
• No established primary care provider or difficulty accessing care.     
• Social drivers of health concerns — food insecurity, unsafe housing, or language/literacy barriers.     

Learn more on the Population Health website. 

Windows 11 Upgrade for All PCs Across UVA Health 

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

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

Human Resources 

Due This Week: Benefits Open Enrollment 

Benefits Open Enrollment for plan year 2026 runs through Oct. 17. View plan changes and premiums on the Open Enrollment website before using the Open Enrollment event in Workday to select your benefits for 2026.

Happenings

Micro Health Breaks 

Through Friday, Nov. 21 | Join at any time. In just ten minutes, these engaging, virtual sessions offer benefits like improved flexibility, reduced anxiety, enhanced energy, and a stronger mind-body connection — perfect for fitting wellness into your busy day! Learn more. 

Market Square 

Weekly, Thursdays in October | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Courtyard at MR5 | Shop for fresh produce, beautiful flowers, unique crafts, and delicious eats from local food trucks. Questions? Contact George Minor, UVA HR, Rewards and Recognition. This week’s vendors include:        

• It’s Poppin Time (kettle corn)         
• Tealicious Cafe (tea)        
• Raclette on the Run (cheese tots and sandwiches)            
• Mr. Baker (cakes)        
• Too Brave Coffee (coffee)        
• Miss Day Delights (desserts)        
• Encanto Homestead Farms (veggies and flowers)            
• Little Manila (Filipino food)      
• Mexican Tacos (tacos) 

UVA Health Socktober 2025 + New Challenge Is Underway! 

Through Monday, Nov. 3 | Stepping up to meet our 10-year strategic plan goal of cultivating healthy communities and belonging for all — UVA Health launched its annual Socktober initiative on Oct. 1. This year's goal: collecting 20,000 new pairs for unhoused individuals. Team members can drop off new pairs of socks in Socktober bins at:      

University Medical Center Cafeteria      

• Wahoo West Café      
• OR Cafe Lounge      
• Food and Nutrition Services ("0" level, University Hospital)      
• Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center      
• Good Grain Cafe, Orthopedic Center at Ivy Road      
• Cafe at 500 Fontaine      

Two other ways to participate: the traditional department contest or the new Fill the Bin challenge. Read more about both on Connect. Generate interest: print and hang, or share electronically, a fun sock tracker and horizontal and vertical graphics. Questions? Contact Chadwick French.   

Serious Play: The Art of Frank Phillips 

Through Friday, Nov. 19 | University Hospital Lobby | UVA Health Arts Program is pleased to present “Serious Play: The Art of Frank Phillips.” Pictured: “SPA 4,” acrylic and graphite on paper. Stop by and check it out!   

More Than a Wound: Classifying Skin Failure From HAPI 

Thursday, Oct. 16 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | For years, skin wounds have been considered preventable hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) and therefore perceived as failures in nursing and medical practice. However, with increasing discussion of skin failure, the unavoidable nature of these skin changes at the end of life or near end-of-life necessitates accurate skin injury classification. Details. 

Dementia Film Screening and Panel Discussion: 'Keys Bags Names Words' 

Thursday, Oct. 16 | 6-8 p.m. | The Center at Belvedere | Around the world, leaders in science, medicine, policy, and the arts are blending creativity and compassion to confront one of the defining health challenges of our time. From the Global Brain Institute, this film highlights imaginative and innovative approaches to reducing stigma and isolation for those living with dementia and the people who care for them. Discussion following the film features panelists Carol Manning, PhD, ABPP-CN, Director, Memory Disorders Clinic; Samantha Fields, BSW, Dementia Care Coordinator; and Virginia Gallagher, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurology. Free and open to all. In partnership with the UVA Department of Neurology and the Population Health Department WellAware Program. Register. 

Nominate: 2025 Leonard Sandridge Award 

Deadline: Friday, Oct. 17 | 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. Currently employed, salaried, and non-probationary University staff, Classified staff, UPG staff, UVA Health team members, and contingent workers (UVA Foundation, Aramark, Morrisons, etc.) are eligible for consideration. Learn more. 

Join FEAP for SPARC of Hope 5K 

Saturday, Oct. 18 | 8:30 a.m. | East End Farm (near Zion Crossroads) or virtual | As part of National Suicide Prevention Month, Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) invites you to participate in the SPARC (Suicide Prevention Awareness and Resource Council) of Hope 5K — a free, community-wide event focused on hope, healing, and awareness. This year’s walk/run will feature Kevin Berthia as the keynote speaker, sharing his powerful story of resilience. Register as an individual, with family, or as part of a team. Questions? Contact sparchope@gmail.com or UVA FEAP team member Dominique McLaughlin. 

Divorce Wellness Group 

Begins Tuesday, Oct. 21 | This five-week, virtual journey to healing offers a supporting place to learn self-care, build confidence and self-esteem, foster meaningful connections, and develop support networks. Learn more. 

Managing Sad Thoughts and Feelings, and the Desire Not to Get Out of Bed 

Tuesday, Oct. 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join UVA Commonwealth Professor of Psychology Bethany Teachman to learn how to change negative thinking patterns, reduce the tendency to withdraw when sad, and break big challenges into small, manageable steps. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

UVA Health Cardiovascular Disease in Women Symposium 

Saturday, Nov. 1 | 7 a.m.-4 p.m. | UVA Student Health & Wellness | Register | This educational program addresses critical gaps in clinician awareness and training regarding sex-specific differences in cardiovascular disease, such as SCAD, CMD, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. It aims to improve the application of guideline-directed therapies and increase the representation of women in cardiovascular clinical trials, thus enhancing evidence-based care. The program will provide education on emerging diagnostic tools, risk stratification, and management strategies tailored to women's cardiovascular health. It also highlights systemic barriers and advocates for multidisciplinary care models to optimize outcomes and promotes increased participation of women in cardiovascular research. To receive 30% off the registration fee, use code CVW30PCT. 

UVA Staff Sustainability Leadership Program 

Applications due Saturday, Nov. 1 | Are you ready to take the next step on your sustainability journey? Applications are open for this employee professional development program beginning in January 2026. Learn more. 

Appreciation 

Learn How Safe and Effective Patient Movement Is at the Core of Everything We Do 

Since its earliest days, UVA Health’s Patient Placement journey has been defined by growth, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to safe, effective patient movement. In 2012, the Bed Center transitioned from Nursing Governance to the Patient Progression Directorate — marking the beginning of a new era focused on coordinated access and flow. By 2013, planning was underway for UVA Health’s first transfer process, and only a year later, UVA Health began outsourcing transfer functions to an off-site partner as a first step toward developing a dedicated center.  

At UVA Health, safe and effective patient movement is at the core of everything we do. Our Patient Placement Center brings together four critical departments that serve as the air traffic controllers of patient care: 

• Regional Transfer Center: Connecting hospitals across the region to UVA Health’s specialized care. 
• Bed Planning: Ensuring the right patient is in the right bed at the right time. 
• MedCom: Coordinating EMS and medical transport with precision and safety. 
• Discharge Transportation Coordinators: Helping patients transition smoothly out of UVA Health and back to their communities. 

Together, these teams manage the complex flow of patients into, through, and out of UVA Health — always with the goal of safe, timely, and compassionate coordination.  

Read more on Connect. 

Monday, Oct. 13

Dementia Film Screening and Panel Discussion: 'Keys Bags Names Words' 

Thursday, Oct. 16 | 6-8 p.m. | The Center at Belvedere | Around the world, leaders in science, medicine, policy, and the arts are blending creativity and compassion to confront one of the defining health challenges of our time. From the Global Brain Institute, this film highlights imaginative and innovative approaches to reducing stigma and isolation for those living with dementia and the people who care for them. Discussion following the film features panelists Carol Manning, PhD, ABPP-CN, Director of the Memory Disorders Clinic; Samantha Fields, BSW, Dementia Care Coordinator; and Virginia Gallagher, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurology. Free and open to all. In partnership with the UVA Department of Neurology and the Population Health Department WellAware Program. Register. 

Operations 

Monthly Epic Update 

Changes go live Tuesday, Oct. 14 | This month’s Epic updates will impact ambulatory and inpatient licensed independent practitioners, nurses, and therapy services — as well as all Epic users, Access/Patient Access Teams, and the Emergency Department. Details about the latest changes can be found in the Epic Update Bundle. Contact the Service Desk: fill out a form or call 434.924.5334. 

Human Resources 

Due This Week: Benefits Open Enrollment 

Benefits Open Enrollment for plan year 2026 runs through Oct. 17. View plan changes and premiums on the Open Enrollment website before using the Open Enrollment event in Workday to select your benefits for 2026. 

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor 

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

Happenings 

October Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month at UVA Health 

Visit the UVA Health Cybersecurity Awareness Month web page to review this week’s takeaway topic: Use Trusted Password Management Tools and Strong Passwords. Take simple actions to craft and secure strong passwords and keep your digital life secure. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Headshot 

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

• Monday, Oct. 13 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.   
• Thursday, Oct. 23 | 12:30-3:30 p.m.   
• Friday, Oct. 31 | 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 

Central Appalachian Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Conference 

Oct. 14-15 | Virtual and Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abington, Virginia | This conference will focus on youth mental health and provide skills, tools, and resources for those working across Central Appalachian communities. Speakers included from UVA Health Psychiatry and Toxicology; the keynote speech will be delivered by Anita Everett, MD, former Chief Medical Officer, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Virtual attendance is free with registration as is attendance for any student, trainee, or resident. Supported and hosted by UVA Health’s Department of Psychiatry. Register. 

More Than a Wound: Classifying Skin Failure From HAPI 

Thursday, Oct. 16 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | For years, skin wounds have been considered preventable hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) and therefore perceived as failures in nursing and medical practice. However, with increasing discussion of skin failure, the unavoidable nature of these skin changes at the end of life or near end-of-life necessitates accurate skin injury classification. Details. 

Nominate: 2025 Leonard Sandridge Award 

Deadline: Friday, Oct. 17 | 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. Currently employed, salaried, and non-probationary University staff, Classified staff, UPG staff, UVA Health team members, and contingent workers (UVA Foundation, Aramark, Morrisons, etc.) are eligible for consideration. Learn more. 

Join FEAP for SPARC of Hope 5K 

Saturday, Oct. 18 | 8:30 a.m. | East End Farm (near Zion Crossroads) or virtual | As part of National Suicide Prevention Month, Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) invites you to participate in the SPARC (Suicide Prevention Awareness and Resource Council) of Hope 5K — a free, community-wide event focused on hope, healing, and awareness. This year’s walk/run will feature Kevin Berthia as the keynote speaker, sharing his powerful story of resilience. Register as an individual, with family, or as part of a team. Questions? Contact sparchope@gmail.com or UVA FEAP team member Dominique McLaughlin. 

Medical Center Hour | Beyond Band-Aids and Duct Tape: Building Systems That Care 

Wednesday, Oct. 22 | noon-1p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium | The 2025 Bice Lecturer is nurse Lauryn Walker, RN, MPH, PhD, Chief Strategy Officer and Research Consortium Executive Director, Virginia Center for Health Innovation. Through her dual roles, Walker leads the Virginia Task Force on Primary Care's economic policies, recommendations, and multi-payer initiatives, and builds partnerships across Medicaid stakeholders to address key state priorities. Details. 

2025 Healthcare Education Fair 

Thursday, Oct. 23 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. | University Hospital Cafeteria | Learn more about programs in Charlottesville and across Virginia that offer healthcare degrees and certificates. UVA Health team members can meet admissions counselors and other representatives to get the latest information on a wide range of healthcare fields ranging from health administration and nursing at all levels to nutrition, pharmacy, RT, radiology, and many others. Learn more and download a flyer to share. Questions? Read more on Connect and email npgo@uvahealth.org. 

2025 EMPOWER Conference 

Saturday, Nov. 1 | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | The Forum Hotel | EMPOWER (Education for Medical Professionals to Optimize Weight Management Expertise and Resources) is a comprehensive, one-day conference designed specifically for primary care providers seeking foundational, evidence-based training in obesity medicine. Learn more and register. 

Appreciation 

Hope at Work | Celebrating ‘Unmatched Care’: UVA Health Children’s NICU Team Members Reunite With Grads and Families 

Cooper Hitt turned a year old during Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Awareness Month in September, and his mother credits UVA Health Children’s NICU with helping him reach that milestone. He was born at only 23 weeks' gestation — weighing one pound, nine ounces.  

Cooper spent 200 days in the hospital.  

“He’s the happiest baby and loves exploring new things!” beams his mother, Allison Hitt, who made the one-and-a-half-hour drive all the way from Fauquier County, Virginia, back to Charlottesville for the 2025 UVA Health Children’s NICU Reunion at Darden Towe Park on Oct. 4 during Children's Health Month. 

“The care at UVA Health Children’s NICU is unmatched! The talent of the professionals who care for NICU patients is the best of the best!" Allison hails. "I am so proud to say Cooper is a UVA Health Children’s NICU alum. We couldn’t have been more excited to connect at the reunion with other families who share similar stories to ours! We were especially thrilled to reconnect with Cooper’s amazing care team and show off his progress!” 

Read the full story on Connect. 

Friday, Oct. 10

2025 Healthcare Education Fair 

Thursday, Oct. 23 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. | University Hospital Cafeteria | Learn more about programs in Charlottesville and across Virginia that offer healthcare degrees and certificates. UVA Health team members can meet admissions counselors and other representatives to get the latest information on a wide range of healthcare fields ranging from health administration and nursing at all levels to nutrition, pharmacy, RT, radiology, and many others. Learn more and download a flyer to share. Questions? Read more on Connect and email npgo@uvahealth.org. 

Operations 

Updated Return-to-Work Guidance for COVID-19 and Flu  

Effective Oct. 1 | The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has updated return-to-work and masking guidelines for healthcare workers who test positive for COVID-19 or flu. Please note: UVA Health’s isolation practice for COVID-19 patients follows CDC and VDH guidance, which has not changed.  
 
If you test positive outside of Employee Health (including via a home rapid antigen test), you must notify Employee Health to receive official return-to-work instructions by calling 434.924.2013 or emailing employeehealth@uvahealth.org (please include your name and date of birth).  

Return-to-Work Guidelines:  

• If Symptomatic (COVID-19):  
  • You may return to work after three full days (return on day four) from symptom onset if:  
    • Fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medication.  
    • Vomiting resolved for 24 hours without antiemetics.  
    • Diarrhea resolved for 24 hours without antidiarrheals.  
    • Symptoms are improving (not necessarily fully resolved).  
  • You must wear a mask and practice frequent hand hygiene for seven days from when symptoms began.  
• If Asymptomatic (COVID-19):  
  • You may return to work after three full days (return on day four) from the positive test if you remain without symptoms.  
  • You must wear a mask and practice frequent hand hygiene for seven days from the date of the positive test.  
• If Immunocompromised:  
  • You may need a longer recovery period. Employee Health will provide guidance. 

Construction Alert: Crispell Drive Closed 

Saturday, Oct. 11 | 8 a.m.-noon | As part of the project to install a new chiller at the East Chiller Plant, Crispell Drive will be closed — from Lane Road to Lee Street — in order to allow for delivery of the new equipment. Parking spaces in this area will need to be vacated by 7 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11. Ambulance traffic to the Emergency Department will be maintained from Lane Road during the four-hour window. 

Monthly Epic Update 

Changes go live Tuesday, Oct. 14 | This month’s Epic updates will impact ambulatory and inpatient licensed independent practitioners, nurses, and therapy services — as well as all Epic users, Access/Patient Access Teams, and the Emergency Department. Details about the latest changes can be found in the Epic Update Bundle. Contact the Service Desk: fill out a form or call 434.924.5334. 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• UVA Health Children’s nine nationally ranked specialties and No. 1 ranking in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report are featured locally, across Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, in Becker’s Hospital Review, and on TV stations nationally. 

Patient Care 

• Dr. Madhu Misra appears on our weekly NBC29 segment to discuss UVA Health Children’s U.S. News & World Report rankings. 
• Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton is featured on CNN.com discussing the potential removal of black-box warnings on certain menopause treatments. 
• Dr. Ann Kellams’s article for The Conversation on support for breastfeeding mothers is featured in 75 outlets nationally, including Yahoo and the San Francisco Chronicle. 
• Jason Lineen’s appointment as interim Chief of UVA Health Children’s is featured locally, across Virginia, on TV stations nationally, and in Becker’s Hospital Review. 
• UVA Health Children’s NICU reunion event is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally. 
• Nurse Practitioner Karen Braden is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing how to prepare kids with food allergies for Halloween. 

Research 

• Dr. Mark Esser and the “topping out” ceremony for the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology are featured in UVA Today, CBS19, WINA, Virginia Bio, and NBC29 (no link available). 
• Dr. Richard Price talks with the BBC about focused ultrasound as a potential cancer treatment. 
• Dr. William Brady is featured in Healio and MedPage Today discussing new research into in-flight medical emergencies. 
• Dr. Marieta Pehlivanova is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing her research into improving support for people who have near-death experiences. 
• Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton talks with AARP about a potential new menopause treatment. 
• Dr. Thomas Loughran and Alison Weber are featured locally and regionally discussing the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Weber Symposium. 

Community 

• The donation of an SUV by Carter Myers Automotive to support UVA Health’s Community Paramedicine program is featured on NBC29, CBS19, and WINA. 

Education 

• Stephanie Schnittger talks with HealthLeaders about the importance of transparency from chief financial officers. 

Human Resources 

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor 

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

Happenings 

October Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month at UVA Health 

Visit the UVA Health Cybersecurity Awareness Month web page to review this week’s takeaway topic: Embrace Multi-Factor Authentication. Create extra barriers against threat actors by enabling multi-factor authentication on your accounts at work and home. 

Discounted Tickets for UVA Football 

UVA Athletics is excited to give all UVA Health team members the opportunity to enjoy multiple games during the 2025 football season. To celebrate the immense impact you have on our community, UVA Athletics is offering a special discounted ticket rate to all UVA Health employees, as well as their friends and families. Details, schedule, and ticket purchasing. 

Compassionate Care Initiative Cart Continues 

Does your unit need an occasional pick-me-up? UVA School of Nursing’s Compassionate Care Initiative (CCI) Cart — laden with healthy snacks, as well as wellness resources, head-clearing activities, and positive energy for clinicians and staff — is set to continue circulating to UVA Health units. Want the CCI Cart to come to your unit with a therapy dog team from Volunteer Services in tow? If so, please complete this request form. (Pictured: Freddie the therapy Bassett Hound.) 

UVA Health Kicks Off Socktober 2025 + New Challenge! 

Through Monday, Nov. 3 | Stepping up to meet our 10-year strategic plan goal of cultivating healthy communities and belonging for all — UVA Health launched its annual Socktober initiative on Oct. 1. This year's goal: collecting 20,000 new pairs for unhoused individuals. Team members can drop off new pairs of socks in Socktober bins at:     

• University Medical Center Cafeteria     
• Wahoo West Café     
• OR Cafe Lounge     
• Food and Nutrition Services ("0" level, University Hospital)     
• Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center     
• Good Grain Cafe, Orthopedic Center at Ivy Road     
• Cafe at 500 Fontaine     

Two other ways to participate: the traditional department contest or the new Fill the Bin challenge. Read more about both on Connect. Generate interest: print and hang, or share electronically, a fun sock tracker and horizontal and vertical graphics. Questions? Contact Chadwick French.    

Quantum Computing: Revolutionizing the Future of Technology 

Monday, Oct. 13 | 1-6 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center | Register | UVA is advancing the quantum computing frontier through research in photonic quantum computing and quantum algorithms. This symposium will spotlight the exciting work happening across Grounds and foster collaboration to drive future breakthroughs. Details. 

Central Appalachian Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Conference 

Oct. 14-15 | Virtual and Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abington, Virginia | This conference will focus on youth mental health and provide skills, tools, and resources for those working across Central Appalachian communities. Speakers included from UVA Health Psychiatry and Toxicology; the keynote speech will be delivered by Anita Everett, MD, former Chief Medical Officer, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Virtual attendance is free with registration as is attendance for any student, trainee, or resident. Supported and hosted by UVA Health’s Department of Psychiatry. Register. 

More Than a Wound: Classifying Skin Failure From HAPI 

Thursday, Oct. 16 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | For years, skin wounds have been considered preventable hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) and therefore perceived as failures in nursing and medical practice. However, with increasing discussion of skin failure, the unavoidable nature of these skin changes at the end of life or near end-of-life necessitates accurate skin injury classification. Details. 

Dementia Film Screening and Panel Discussion: 'Keys Bags Names Words'  

Thursday, Oct. 16 | 6-8 p.m. | The Center at Belvedere | Around the world, leaders in science, medicine, policy, and the arts are blending creativity and compassion to confront one of the defining health challenges of our time. From the Global Brain Institute, this film highlights imaginative and innovative approaches to reducing stigma and isolation for those living with dementia and the people who care for them. Discussion following the film features panelists Carol Manning, PhD, ABPP-CN, Director of the Memory Disorders Clinic; Samantha Fields, BSW, Dementia Care Coordinator; and Virginia Gallagher, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurology. Free and open to all. In partnership with the UVA Department of Neurology and the Population Health Department WellAware Program. Register. 

Join FEAP for SPARC of Hope 5K 

Saturday, Oct. 18 | 8:30 a.m. | East End Farm (near Zion Crossroads) or virtual | As part of National Suicide Prevention Month, Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) invites you to participate in the SPARC (Suicide Prevention Awareness and Resource Council) of Hope 5K — a free, community-wide event focused on hope, healing, and awareness. This year’s walk/run will feature Kevin Berthia as the keynote speaker, sharing his powerful story of resilience. Register as an individual, with family, or as part of a team. Questions? Contact sparchope@gmail.com or UVA FEAP team member Dominique McLaughlin. 

Fall 2025 UVA Health Prescription Drug Take Back Day 

Saturday, Oct. 25 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Outside Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center | In support of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, UVA Health is offering a safe way for community members to dispose of unwanted or unused prescription medications. Drive up or walk up to drop off medications with our team. No questions asked. No sharp instruments or sharps containers — we cannot accept them at this time. UVA Health team members interested in volunteering for this Prescription Drug Take Back Day should sign up in advance. Sponsored by UVA Health Pharmacy; UVA Health Department of Anesthesiology’s Pain Management Center and UVA Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship; and UVA Police. Learn more. 

Managing Sad Thoughts and Feelings, and the Desire Not to Get Out of Bed 

Tuesday, Oct. 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join UVA Commonwealth Professor of Psychology Bethany Teachman to learn how to change negative thinking patterns, reduce the tendency to withdraw when sad, and break big challenges into small, manageable steps. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

2025 EMPOWER Conference 

Saturday, Nov. 1 | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | The Forum Hotel | EMPOWER (Education for Medical Professionals to Optimize Weight Management Expertise and Resources) is a comprehensive, one-day conference designed specifically for primary care providers seeking foundational, evidence-based training in obesity medicine. Learn more and register. 

Excellence in Clinical Trials: Practical Skills for Principal Investigators 

Nov. 13-April 9 | 4-6 p.m. | MR6, Room 2502 | This six-session series is designed for first time or aspiring faculty principal investigators. Sessions are designed to promote clinical trial leadership focusing on team building, feasibility assessments, financial management, trial recruitment, document control, and best practices for investigator-initiated clinical trial management. Participants will gain practical skills needed to ensure efficiency, compliance, and quality throughout the lifecycle of a clinical trial. Details and registration. Questions? Contact Katie Rea at 434.924.8574. 

Appreciation 

‘One of the Best Surgical Experiences’ | Kudos to 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:     

• “Maddie was the best hospital nurse we have ever encountered. ... She was attentive, empathetic, friendly, knowledgeable, and kind. She went above and beyond to provide extraordinary care. She made a stressful night better.” 
• “This is hands down one of the best surgical experiences I have had. From scheduling to recovery, the staff was kind and considerate. No one seemed rushed. I felt valued and cared for. I wish I had the names of everyone involved in my care that day. A few that I recall are Dr. Stewart (surgeon), Ben Moses (the best anesthesiologist), nurse Rachel (pre-op), another pre-op nurse whose name I cannot recall, and Katina (OR). Very clean, comfortable, and efficient facility.” 
• “I don't even have words for how absolutely amazing Ginger Sorensen, NP, was. I was a hot mess, and she made all the difference with her information and especially her bedside manner. I am eternally grateful to her for how she handled me and my situation! People like her are very uncommon in the medical field — she's so greatly appreciated!” 

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

Wednesday, Oct. 8

UVA Health Children’s Named No. 1 Children’s Hospital in Virginia Fifth Year in a Row 

U.S. News & World Report has named UVA Health Children’s the No. 1 children’s hospital in Virginia for the fifth consecutive year. The publication’s 2025-26 “Best Children’s Hospitals” guide also ranks nine UVA Health Children’s specialties among the top 50 nationally, highlighting the comprehensive, high quality care available from UVA Health Children’s pediatric specialists and care teams. Please join us in thanking and celebrating all our team members within UVA Health Children’s — including the world-class expertise of our UVA School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics — both of whom provide extraordinary care to our youngest patients! Read more and see the photos, including a special guest, on Connect. 

Celebrate UVA Health Children’s No. 1 Ranking With Free Coffee (UVA Health ID Badge Required) 

Thursday, Oct. 9 | Higher Grounds East, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Higher Grounds West, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. | To celebrate UVA Health Children's ranking as the No. 1 children's hospital in Virginia for the fifth year in a row, display your UVA Health ID badge to get one, free 16 ounce — hot or iced coffee, or hot tea — cream, and sugar at selected tables set up next to Higher Grounds East, and at the counter at Higher Grounds West. If taking cups back to a unit, there is a four-cup limit. (Please note: requests such as other flavorings, espresso, etc., only will be available for purchase by joining the line to the Higher Grounds kiosks.) Urns with hot coffee also will be set up in Battle Building breakrooms. 

Operations 

Updated Return-to-Work Guidance for COVID-19 and Flu 

Effective Oct. 1 | The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has updated return-to-work and masking guidelines for healthcare workers who test positive for COVID-19 or flu. Please note: UVA Health’s isolation practice for COVID-19 patients follows CDC and VDH guidance, which has not changed.  
  
If you test positive outside of Employee Health (including via a home rapid antigen test), you must notify Employee Health to receive official return-to-work instructions by calling 434.924.2013 or emailing employeehealth@uvahealth.org (please include your name and date of birth).  

Return-to-Work Guidelines:  

• If Symptomatic (COVID-19):  
  • You may return to work after three full days (return on day four) from symptom onset if:  
    • Fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medication.  
    • Vomiting resolved for 24 hours without antiemetics.  
    • Diarrhea resolved for 24 hours without antidiarrheals.  
    • Symptoms are improving (not necessarily fully resolved).  
  • You must wear a mask and practice frequent hand hygiene for seven days from when symptoms began.  
• If Asymptomatic (COVID-19):  
  • You may return to work after three full days (return on day four) from the positive test if you remain without symptoms.  
  • You must wear a mask and practice frequent hand hygiene for seven days from the date of the positive test.  
• If Immunocompromised:  
  • You may need a longer recovery period. Employee Health will provide guidance. 

Construction Alert: Crispell Drive Closed 

Saturday, Oct. 11 | 8 a.m.-noon | As part of the project to install a new chiller at the East Chiller Plant, Crispell Drive will be closed — from Lane Road to Lee Street — in order to allow for delivery of the new equipment. Parking spaces in this area will need to be vacated by 7 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11. Ambulance traffic to the Emergency Department will be maintained from Lane Road during the four-hour window. 

Population Health Program Intake Process 

UVA Health’s Population Health team connects patients with services that address barriers to care — such as housing needs, behavioral health challenges, remote patient monitoring, or gaps in follow-up after discharge from the hospital, Emergency Department (ED), or ambulatory appointments.    

How to refer a patient | Use the Epic order Population Health Program Intake or complete the flowsheet in the Epic Screening Tool. Briefly describe the concern. A Population Health team member will review the referral and connect the patient to the most appropriate program or service. Tip sheet.    

Common referral reasons:    

• Readmission risk or complex discharge    
• ED overuse due to unmet social needs.    
• No established primary care provider or difficulty accessing care.    
• Social drivers of health concerns — food insecurity, unsafe housing, or language/literacy barriers.    

Learn more on the Population Health website. 

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 Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) Anticoagulation Protocol Order.  
• Updates to Coordinating Anesthesiology Care for Obstetrical Patients SOP.  
• Updates to Work Hours and Schedules Medical Center HR Policy.  
• A new Outbreak Investigation and Response HE/IPC SOP.  
• Archived the Elective Surgery and Anesthesia for Patients After COVID-19 Guideline, and many more.  

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

Leadership 

Town Hall Replay: Check Out the Speed-Watcher's Guide 

If you missed the Sept. 30 town hall, here's your chance to catch up! Visit KnowledgeLink to find time code stamps for leaders and discussion topics, and the embedded town hall video. Check out the video to see updates on the UVA Health strategic plan and our values, as well as remarks from new leaders. Watch. 

Happenings 

Compassionate Care Initiative Cart Continues 

Does your unit need an occasional pick-me-up? UVA School of Nursing’s Compassionate Care Initiative (CCI) Cart — laden with healthy snacks, as well as wellness resources, head-clearing activities, and positive energy for clinicians and staff — is set to continue circulating to UVA Health units. Want the CCI Cart to come to your unit with a therapy dog team from Volunteer Services in tow? If so, please complete this request form. (Pictured: Freddie the therapy Bassett Hound.) 

Market Square 

Weekly, Thursdays in October | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Courtyard at MR5 | Shop for fresh produce, beautiful flowers, unique crafts, and delicious eats from local food trucks. Questions? Contact George Minor, UVA HR, Rewards and Recognition. This week’s vendors include:       

• It’s Poppin Time (kettle corn)        
• Tealicious Cafe (tea)       
• Raclette on the Run (cheese tots and sandwiches)           
• Mr. Baker (cakes)       
• Too Brave Coffee (coffee)       
• Miss Day Delights (desserts)       
• Encanto Homestead Farms (veggies and flowers)           
• Little Manila (Filipino food)     
• Mexican Tacos (tacos) 

Micro Health Breaks 

Through Friday, Nov. 21 | Join at any time. In just ten minutes, these engaging, virtual sessions offer benefits like improved flexibility, reduced anxiety, enhanced energy, and a stronger mind-body connection — perfect for fitting wellness into your busy day! Learn more. 

World Mental Health Day 

Friday, Oct. 10 | noon-2 p.m. | The Fralin, 155 Rugby Rd. | Join this free event featuring lunch, art, wellness, and giveaways (while supplies last). Participate in a brief mindfulness session or stay for the entire event. Sponsored by FEAP and Hoos Well. 

Quantum Computing: Revolutionizing the Future of Technology 

Monday, Oct. 13 | 1-6 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center | Register | UVA is advancing the quantum computing frontier through research in photonic quantum computing and quantum algorithms. This symposium will spotlight the exciting work happening across Grounds and foster collaboration to drive future breakthroughs. Details. 

Central Appalachian Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Conference 

Oct. 14-15 | Virtual and Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abington, Virginia | This conference will focus on youth mental health and provide skills, tools, and resources for those working across Central Appalachian communities. Speakers included from UVA Health Psychiatry and Toxicology; the keynote speech will be delivered by Anita Everett, MD, former Chief Medical Officer, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Virtual attendance is free with registration as is attendance for any student, trainee, or resident. Supported and hosted by UVA Health’s Department of Psychiatry. Register. 

Join FEAP for SPARC of Hope 5K 

Saturday, Oct. 18 | 8:30 a.m. | East End Farm (near Zion Crossroads) or virtual | As part of National Suicide Prevention Month, Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) invites you to participate in the SPARC (Suicide Prevention Awareness and Resource Council) of Hope 5K — a free, community-wide event focused on hope, healing, and awareness. This year’s walk/run will feature Kevin Berthia as the keynote speaker, sharing his powerful story of resilience. Register as an individual, with family, or as part of a team. Questions? Contact sparchope@gmail.com or UVA FEAP team member Dominique McLaughlin. 

Divorce Wellness Group 

Start Tuesday, Oct. 21 | This five-week, virtual journey to healing offers a supporting place to learn self-care, build confidence and self-esteem, foster meaningful connections, and develop support networks. Learn more. 

Medical Center Hour | Beyond Band-Aids and Duct Tape: Building Systems That Care 

Wednesday, Oct. 22 | noon-1p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium | The 2025 Bice Lecturer is nurse Lauryn Walker, RN, MPH, PhD, Chief Strategy Officer and Research Consortium Executive Director, Virginia Center for Health Innovation. Through her dual roles, Walker leads the Virginia Task Force on Primary Care's economic policies, recommendations, and multi-payer initiatives, and builds partnerships across Medicaid stakeholders to address key state priorities. Details. 

2025 Healthcare Education Fair 

Thursday, Oct. 23 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. | University Hospital Cafeteria | Learn more about programs in Charlottesville and across Virginia that offer healthcare degrees and certificates. UVA Health team members can meet admissions counselors and other representatives to get the latest information on a wide range of healthcare fields ranging from health administration and nursing at all levels to nutrition, pharmacy, RT, radiology, and many others. Learn more and download a flyer to share. Questions? Read more on Connect and email npgo@uvahealth.org. 

Fall 2025 UVA Health Prescription Drug Take Back Day 

Saturday, Oct. 25 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Outside Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center | In support of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, UVA Health is offering a safe way for community members to dispose of unwanted or unused prescription medications. Drive up or walk up to drop off medications with our team. No questions asked. No sharp instruments or sharps containers — we cannot accept them at this time. UVA Health team members interested in volunteering for this Prescription Drug Take Back Day should sign up in advance. Sponsored by UVA Health Pharmacy; UVA Health Department of Anesthesiology’s Pain Management Center and UVA Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship; and UVA Police. Learn more. 

2025 EMPOWER Conference 

Saturday, Nov. 1 | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | The Forum Hotel | EMPOWER (Education for Medical Professionals to Optimize Weight Management Expertise and Resources) is a comprehensive, one-day conference designed specifically for primary care providers seeking foundational, evidence-based training in obesity medicine. Learn more and register. 

Nominate: Research Achievement Awards 

Deadline: Monday, Dec. 1 | 5 p.m. | The Research Achievement Awards recognize UVA faculty every year for their excellence in research and scholarship. Learn more about the awards and eligibility criteria. 

Appreciation 

Carter Myers Automotive Donates SUV to Expand UVA Health’s Reach 

Supporting a strategic plan goal of Cultivating Healthy Communities and Belonging for All — UVA Health and the Population Health Department is celebrating Carter Myers Automotive (CMA)'s donation of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) that will take better health on the road. 

At an Oct. 3 event outside the Battle Building in Charlottesville — UVA Health leaders and team members, and Carter Myers representatives, unveiled a UVA Health-branded Ford Explorer that, as a Community Paramedicine SUV, will connect more UVA Health patients to critical medical services. 

“Having a four-wheel drive vehicle like this is really critical — really allows us to do some things we’ve always wanted to do,” explains Mitchell Rosner, MD, Chief Executive Officer of UVA Health and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at the University of Virginia. 

Novella W. Thompson, MBA, MA, ALM-C, FACHE, Administrator, UVA Health Population Health Department, explains location should not be a barrier to good health and the SUV is a second vehicle for a program that has been in place for three years.  

Read more on Connect. 

Monday, Oct. 6

UVA’s Manning Institute Reaches Major Construction Milestone 

The University of Virginia today celebrates a key milestone in the construction of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology’s 350,000-square-foot facility at Fontaine Research Park with a “topping off” ceremony at which the final steel beam will be placed.  

“I am delighted to be one step closer to opening the Manning Institute’s state-of-the-art new facility and grateful to everyone who has worked so hard on this project,” says Paul G. Mahoney, the University’s interim President. “The Manning Institute has already accelerated research and discovery within the University and the Commonwealth. I am eager to see what our talented faculty, staff, and research teams will accomplish in the Institute’s new home.” Read more on Connect. 

Leadership 

UVA Health Appoints Jason Lineen to Expanded Role, Named Interim Chief of UVA Health Children’s 

Jason Lineen, MBA, UVA Health’s Chief Strategy Officer, has been named interim Chief of UVA Health Children’s. He succeeds Cindy Bo, MBA, FACHE, who is currently away from the role for personal reasons. Lineen will continue as Chief Strategy Officer while taking on this interim position, which begins today. He will provide executive leadership for all aspects of UVA Health Children’s including patient care, operational efficiency, and team member engagement. Read more.  

Town Hall Replay: Check Out the Speed-Watcher's Guide 

If you missed the Sept. 30 town hall, here's your chance to catch up! Visit KnowledgeLink to find time code stamps for leaders and discussion topics, and the embedded town hall video. Check out the video to see updates on the UVA Health strategic plan and our values, as well as remarks from new leaders. Watch. 

Operations 

Updated Return-to-Work Guidance for COVID-19 and Flu 

Effective Oct. 1 | The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has updated return-to-work and masking guidelines for healthcare workers who test positive for COVID-19 or flu. Please note: UVA Health’s isolation practice for COVID-19 patients follows CDC and VDH guidance, which has not changed. 
 
If you test positive outside of Employee Health (including via a home rapid antigen test), you must notify Employee Health to receive official return-to-work instructions by calling 434.924.2013 or emailing employeehealth@uvahealth.org (please include your name and date of birth). 

Return-to-Work Guidelines: 

• If Symptomatic (COVID-19): 
  • You may return to work after three full days (return on day four) from symptom onset if: 
    • Fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medication. 
    • Vomiting resolved for 24 hours without antiemetics. 
    • Diarrhea resolved for 24 hours without antidiarrheals. 
    • Symptoms are improving (not necessarily fully resolved). 
  • You must wear a mask and practice frequent hand hygiene for seven days from when symptoms began. 
• If Asymptomatic (COVID-19): 
  • You may return to work after three full days (return on day four) from the positive test if you remain without symptoms. 
  • You must wear a mask and practice frequent hand hygiene for seven days from the date of the positive test. 
• If Immunocompromised: 
  • You may need a longer recovery period. Employee Health will provide guidance. 

Brand Tip Series  

The Brand Tip Series is designed to give you practical information on UVA Health’s brand guidelines and policies. The brand.uvahealth.com site is open to all UVA Health team members (use your email ID and password). You can browse the resources and read the Brand Site FAQs for even more information. If you have ideas for more tips, email rbrandonline@uvahealth.org. 

Branding Tip #6: Using UVA Health Colors and Fonts 

Colors and fonts are two of the most visible ways we show up as UVA Health. When used consistently, they reinforce our identity and ensure everything we create feels like part of the same family. Here are a few key reminders: 

Colors   

• Our primary palette is UVA Orange and UVA Blue (UVA Orange and Purple for UVA Health Children’s) — they anchor our brand and should be the foundation of almost every design. 
• Secondary colors — cyan, yellow, turquoise, green, and red (please note that red is NOT used for UVA Health Children’s) — bring energy and variety but should only be used as accents. Orange or blue should carry the design for UVA Health.  
• Always consider the use case. Color use and combinations should look professional, be legible, and meet visibility standards, especially for digital and patient-facing materials. 

Fonts 

• Franklin Gothic is our core typeface for both headlines and body copy. In digital applications, Libre Franklin is the go-to alternative and available through Google Fonts. 
• For UVA Health Children’s, Belizio is the approved headline font, paired with Franklin Gothic for body text. This helps Children’s stand out while staying connected to UVA Health. 
• Stick with the approved fonts. Avoid scripts, novelty fonts, or unapproved substitutes because they dilute the brand and create inconsistency. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

• Using secondary colors for headlines or body text. These should only be accents, never the main type color. 
• Pairing text and background colors without checking accessibility. If it’s hard to read, it’s off brand. 
• Using non-brand colors, rainbow effects, or multiple secondary colors in one piece. 
• Swapping in “fun” fonts that aren’t approved. Even small deviations make materials look inconsistent.  

Colors and fonts aren’t just design details — they’re signals that connect every audience back to UVA Health. 

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 Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) Anticoagulation Protocol Order. 
• Updates to Coordinating Anesthesiology Care for Obstetrical Patients SOP. 
• Updates to Work Hours and Schedules Medical Center HR Policy. 
• A new Outbreak Investigation and Response HE/IPC SOP. 
• Archived the Elective Surgery and Anesthesia for Patients After COVID-19 Guideline, and many more. 

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

Human Resources 

Benefits Open Enrollment 

Benefits Open Enrollment for plan year 2026 opens today, Oct. 6, in Workday, and runs through Friday, Oct. 17. View plan changes and premiums on the Open Enrollment website before using the Open Enrollment event in Workday to select your benefits for 2026. Act now! 

Happenings 

Compassionate Care Initiative Cart Continues 

Does your unit need an occasional pick-me-up? UVA School of Nursing’s Compassionate Care Initiative (CCI) Cart — laden with healthy snacks, as well as wellness resources, head-clearing activities, and positive energy for clinicians and staff — is set to continue circulating to UVA Health units. Want the CCI Cart to come to your unit with a therapy dog team from Volunteer Services in tow? If so, please complete this request form. (Pictured: Freddie the therapy Bassett Hound.) 

October Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month at UVA Health 

Visit the UVA Health Cybersecurity Awareness Month web page to review this week’s takeaway topic: Embrace Multi-Factor Authentication. Create extra barriers against threat actors by enabling multi-factor authentication on your accounts at work and home. 

UVA Health Kicks Off Socktober 2025 + New Challenge! 

Through Monday, Nov. 3 | Stepping up to meet our 10-year strategic plan goal of cultivating healthy communities and belonging for all — UVA Health launched its annual Socktober initiative on Oct. 1. This year's goal: collecting 20,000 new pairs for unhoused individuals. Team members can drop off new pairs of socks in Socktober bins at:    

• University Medical Center Cafeteria    
• Wahoo West Café    
• OR Cafe Lounge    
• Food and Nutrition Services ("0" level, University Hospital)    
• Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center    
• Good Grain Cafe, Orthopedic Center at Ivy Road    
• Cafe at 500 Fontaine    

Two other ways to participate: the traditional department contest or the new Fill the Bin challenge. Read more about both on Connect. Generate interest: print and hang, or share electronically, a fun sock tracker and horizontal and vertical graphics. Questions? Contact Chadwick French.   

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Headshot 

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

• Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.   
• Monday, Oct. 13 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.  
• Thursday, Oct. 23 | 12:30-3:30 p.m.  
• Friday, Oct. 31 | 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

UVA Health is commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October with the following activities and events:  

• Voting Oct. 8-31 | UVA Breast Care Center Pumpkin Decorating Contest | UVA Health Breast Care Center staff have decorated pumpkins and welcome all team members and the general public to vote for their favorite designs! Voting will take place on the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center Facebook page.  
• Oct. 17-19 | South Tower Lighting | Pink overnight from Friday through Sunday evening.  
• Saturday, Oct. 18 | 6:30 p.m. | UVA Football Game vs. Washington State | Fans are encouraged to wear pink to this UVA home football game. UVA Health patients with breast cancer and breast cancer care team members will be recognized in an on-field event during the game. Tickets and information.  
• Thursday, Oct. 23 | 2-3 p.m. | Virtual Webinar — Breast Cancer: Latest in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Trials | Christiana Brenin, MD; Trish Millard, MD; and Shayna Showalter, MD, discuss breast cancer treatment innovations and discoveries taking place at UVA Health in this free online webinar. Registration required. Learn more and register. 
• Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 5-8:45 p.m. | 21st Annual Pamper Me Pink Event | Prepare to be pampered during this evening of awareness and indulgence, including chair massages, hand wax treatments, door prizes, food, music, guest speakers, and more. Hosted by UVA Community Health in partnership with Pepperberries Boutique in Culpeper, this annual event raises money for the Pamper Me Pink Mammography Fund, which provides mammograms to women and men in the Culpeper area who can’t afford one or who don’t have insurance. Learn more. 

Central Appalachian Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Conference 

Oct. 14-15 | Virtual and Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abington, Virginia | This conference will focus on youth mental health and provide skills, tools, and resources for those working across Central Appalachian communities. Speakers included from UVA Health Psychiatry and Toxicology; the keynote speech will be delivered by Anita Everett, MD, former Chief Medical Officer, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Virtual attendance is free with registration as is attendance for any student, trainee, or resident. Supported and hosted by UVA Health’s Department of Psychiatry. Register. 

More Than a Wound: Classifying Skin Failure From HAPI 

Thursday, Oct. 16 | 4-5 p.m. | Zoom | For years, skin wounds have been considered preventable hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) and therefore perceived as failures in nursing and medical practice. However, with increasing discussion of skin failure, the unavoidable nature of these skin changes at the end of life or near end-of-life necessitates accurate skin injury classification. Details. 

Nominate: 2025 Leonard Sandridge Award 

Deadline: Friday, Oct. 17 | 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. Currently employed, salaried, and non-probationary University staff, Classified staff, UPG staff, UVA Health team members, and contingent workers (UVA Foundation, Aramark, Morrisons, etc.) are eligible for consideration. Learn more. 

Managing Sad Thoughts and Feelings, and the Desire Not to Get Out of Bed 

Tuesday, Oct. 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join UVA Commonwealth Professor of Psychology Bethany Teachman to learn how to change negative thinking patterns, reduce the tendency to withdraw when sad, and break big challenges into small, manageable steps. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

Appreciation 

A Life-Changing Trip to Honduras; Volunteers Needed 

Recently, a of group of UVA Health nurses, anesthesiologists, and surgeons — many from UVA Health Surgical Care Riverside — teamed with medical volunteers across the country to donate a week of time providing life-changing surgeries in Honduras with the charity Global Surgical Expedition (GSE).  

Founded in 2012 by UVA Health urologist David Rapp, MD, GSE has the mission to help improve access to surgical care for the 5 billion people worldwide who lack access to basic surgical care. In one busy week, the team of 21 provided 100 diverse urology, urogynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedic, and general surgery care — everything from uterine prolapse repair to cataracts and open fractures. The group's effort had a real and lasting impact. In many instances, such cases were completed using equipment and supplies generously donated by UVA Health. 

Jordan Hackworth, MD, a UVA Health anesthesiologist, led the anesthesia team on his second trip with GSE. “Volunteering on these medical missions in Honduras has been deeply rewarding,” Dr. Hackworth says. “The other volunteers are incredibly kind and fun to be around, and the patients’ gratitude is humbling — just one surgery can completely transform their lives.” 

Volunteers Needed — Please Help: Additional trips are planned for January and October 2026 and numerous volunteers — operating room nurses, scrub techs, peri-anesthesia nurses, anesthesia providers, and surgeons — are needed. These trips are also open to general volunteers. If you are interested in joining, please contact Dr. David Rapp. Thank you to all who participate in this program to change the lives of those in need! 

Friday, Oct. 3

Compassionate Care Initiative Cart Continues 

Does your unit need an occasional pick-me-up? UVA School of Nursing’s Compassionate Care Initiative (CCI) Cart — laden with healthy snacks, as well as wellness resources, head-clearing activities, and positive energy for clinicians and staff — is set to continue circulating to UVA Health units. 

Want the CCI Cart to come to your unit with a therapy dog in tow? If so, please complete this request form. (Pictured: Freddie the therapy Bassett Hound.) 

Operations 

Updated Return-to-Work Guidance for COVID-19 and Flu 

Effective Oct. 1 | The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has updated return-to-work and masking guidelines for healthcare workers who test positive for COVID-19 or flu. Please note: UVA Health’s isolation practice for COVID-19 patients follows CDC and VDH guidance, which has not changed. 

If you test positive outside of Employee Health (including via a home rapid antigen test), you must notify Employee Health to receive official return-to-work instructions by calling 434.924.2013 or emailing employeehealth@uvahealth.org (please include your name and date of birth). 

Return-to-Work Guidelines: 

• If Symptomatic (COVID-19): 
  • You may return to work after three full days (return on day four) from symptom onset if: 
    • Fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medication. 
    • Vomiting resolved for 24 hours without antiemetics. 
    • Diarrhea resolved for 24 hours without antidiarrheals. 
    • Symptoms are improving (not necessarily fully resolved). 
  • You must wear a mask and practice frequent hand hygiene for seven days from when symptoms began. 
• If Asymptomatic (COVID-19): 
  • You may return to work after three full days (return on day four) from the positive test if you remain without symptoms. 
  • You must wear a mask and practice frequent hand hygiene for seven days from the date of the positive test. 
• If Immunocompromised: 
  • You may need a longer recovery period. Employee Health will provide guidance. 

Introducing Share to Solve, Our Refreshed Daily Management System 

Ours is a culture of continuous improvement, and in that spirit, the University Medical Center cabinet has been discussing the evolving needs of our operations, the opportunity to approach our work more strategically, and the need to solve problems more efficiently, collaboratively, and to their root cause. To this end, we are pleased to announce University Medical Center’s refreshed daily management system, Share to Solve. The name Share to Solve uniquely encapsulates the vision for our daily management system: to flag and escalate issues and risk up the help chain, where they are triaged by leadership, addressed by and with the appropriate resources, and solutions and support are cascaded back to our frontlines broadly. Our transition to Share to Solve will take place Oct. 31 and will involve several key changes: 

• A reorientation of the 10 a.m. Leadership Huddle to focus on problem-solving vs. reporting. 
• The recalibration of the unit and division leadership huddles that feed the 10 a.m. huddle. 
• A mindset shift by all team members to think differently about how you can use the Share to Solve system to solve the problems. 

In the coming weeks, team members will learn how their unit and division huddles will be changing. Managers and supervisors will receive additional communication and resources from their chief, administrator(s), and director(s) to support their revised approach to unit huddles. To learn more in the interim, see the leadership message from Tracey Hoke, MD, MSc, Chief, Quality, Performance Improvement and Population Health. 

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 Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) Anticoagulation Protocol Order. 
• Updates to Coordinating Anesthesiology Care for Obstetrical Patients SOP. 
• Updates to Work Hours and Schedules Medical Center HR Policy. 
• A new Outbreak Investigation and Response HE/IPC SOP. 
• Archived the Elective Surgery and Anesthesia for Patients After COVID-19 Guideline, and many more. 

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

New Providers: September 2025 

We are proud to feature our clinical providers in the UVA Health Provider Directory. Inclusion in the directory helps connect patients with our expert providers. New providers to the directory will be announced monthly. New providers to the directory in September can be found on Connect. 

Leadership 

Town Hall Replay: Check Out the Speed-Watcher's Guide 

If you missed the Sept. 30 town hall, here's your chance to catch up! Visit KnowledgeLink to find time code stamps for leaders and discussion topics, and the embedded town hall video.  

Check out the video to see updates on the UVA Health strategic plan and our values, as well as remarks from new leaders. Watch. 

UVA Health in the News 

Top Story 

• Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton is featured in more than 100 outlets nationally — including U.S. News & World Report — discussing a potential new menopause treatment. 

Patient Care 

• Dr. Thomas Shin appears on our weekly NBC29 segment to discuss gastroparesis. 
• Community Outreach and Engagement Specialist Ashley Banegas is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center’s prostate cancer awareness efforts. 
• Dr. Bryan Sauer talks with Everyday Health about elimination diets for eosinophilic esophagitis.  
• Becker’s Hospital Review highlights University Medical Center’s redesignation as a level 1 trauma center. 
• UVA Community Health CEO Erik Shannon and Director of Operations Susan Schreiner are featured in InsideNOVA, Potomac Local, and Prince William Living discussing a new mobile mammography coach. 
• Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton talks with Oprah Daily about vaginal estrogen as a menopause treatment. 

Research 

• Dr. James Mahoney and Dr. Daisy Thompson-Lake are featured locally, across Virginia and Washington, D.C., and on TV stations nationally discussing their research into focused ultrasound as a potential treatment for addiction. 
• Medscape features Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills’s research into a meat allergy caused by a tick bite. 
• Dr. Drew Harris talks with Healio about factors that affect the ability of veterans with COPD to get help to quit tobacco use. 
• Dr. Avery Michienzi is featured in newspapers across South Carolina discussing her research into so-called “magic mushrooms.” 
• Yahoo features an article by Dr. Laurie Archbald-Pannone on the epidemic of elder fraud. 

Community 

• Director of Community Partnerships and Health Outcomes Jacklene Martin is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing the annual “Know Your Numbers” health outreach event. 

Education 

• Simulation Specialist Rob Craig is featured on With Good Reason (airing on more than 130 public radio stations nationwide) discussing his work at UVA School of Nursing’s Clinical Simulation Learning Center. 

Human Resources 

Benefits Update 

Open Enrollment: Oct. 6-17 | Join UVA’s Benefits and Well-Being team on Oct. 7 for a one-stop shop exposition of all your benefits options at UVA. Connect with benefits counselors, financial planners, and retirement vendors to get your questions answered. Learn more. 

Happenings 

Discounted Tickets for UVA Football 

UVA Athletics is excited to give all UVA Health team members the opportunity to enjoy multiple games during the 2025 football season. To celebrate the immense impact you have on our community, UVA Athletics is offering a special discounted ticket rate to all UVA Health employees, as well as their friends and families. Details, schedule, and ticket purchasing. 

UVA Health NICU Reunion 

Saturday, Oct. 4 | 1-4 p.m. | Darden Towe Park | This is a cherished time for UVA Health team members to visit with our NICU graduates and their families. The event will include Moo Thru ice cream; a petting zoo; face painters; balloon animals; games put on by the Western Albemarle High School girls' basketball team; UVA Health therapy dogs; crafting with Bennett's Village; fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars from Albemarle County; NETs truck; Pegasus; photo opportunities and visiting time with Disney princesses; and a photo booth with a professional photographer. Register. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

UVA Health is commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October with the following activities and events:  

• Voting Oct. 8-31 | UVA Breast Care Center Pumpkin Decorating Contest | UVA Health Breast Care Center staff have decorated pumpkins and welcome all team members and the general public to vote for their favorite designs! Voting will take place on the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center Facebook page.  
• Oct. 17-19 | South Tower Lighting | Pink overnight from Friday through Sunday evening.  
• Saturday, Oct. 18 | 6:30 p.m. | UVA Football Game vs. Washington State | Fans are encouraged to wear pink to this UVA home football game. UVA Health patients with breast cancer and breast cancer care team members will be recognized in an on-field event during the game. Tickets and information.  
• Thursday, Oct. 23 | 2-3 p.m. | Virtual Webinar — Breast Cancer: Latest in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Trials | Christiana Brenin, MD; Trish Millard, MD; and Shayna Showalter, MD, discuss breast cancer treatment innovations and discoveries taking place at UVA Health in this free online webinar. Registration required. Learn more and register.  
• Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 5-8:45 p.m. | 21st Annual Pamper Me Pink Event | Prepare to be pampered during this evening of awareness and indulgence, including chair massages, hand wax treatments, door prizes, food, music, guest speakers, and more. Hosted by UVA Community Health in partnership with Pepperberries Boutique in Culpeper, this annual event raises money for the Pamper Me Pink Mammography Fund, which provides mammograms to women and men in the Culpeper area who can’t afford one or who don’t have insurance. Learn more. 

Quantum Computing: Revolutionizing the Future of Technology 

Monday, Oct. 13 | 1-6 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center | Register | UVA is advancing the quantum computing frontier through research in photonic quantum computing and quantum algorithms. This symposium will spotlight the exciting work happening across Grounds and foster collaboration to drive future breakthroughs. Details. 

Central Appalachian Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Conference 

Oct. 14-15 | Virtual and Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abington, VA | This conference will focus on youth mental health and provide skills, tools, and resources for those working across Central Appalachian communities. Speakers included from UVA Health Psychiatry and Toxicology; the keynote speech will be delivered by Anita Everett, MD, former Chief Medical Officer, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Virtual attendance is free with registration as is attendance for any student, trainee, or resident. Supported and hosted by UVA Health’s Department of Psychiatry. Register. 

2025 Edward W. Hook Jr., MD, Recent Advances in Clinical Medicine Conference 

Oct. 22-24 | Omni Hotel | Step into the forefront of modern medicine at this conference — a premier, multidisciplinary event tailored for primary care clinicians committed to delivering cutting-edge, evidence-based care. Learn more and register. 

2025 Healthcare Education Fair 

Thursday, Oct. 23 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. | University Hospital Cafeteria | Learn more about programs in Charlottesville and across Virginia that offer healthcare degrees and certificates. UVA Health team members can meet admissions counselors and other representatives to get the latest information on a wide range of healthcare fields ranging from health administration and nursing at all levels to nutrition, pharmacy, RT, radiology, and many others. Learn more and download a flyer to share. Questions? Read more on Connect and email npgo@uvahealth.org. 

Fall 2025 UVA Health Prescription Drug Take Back Day 

Saturday, Oct. 25 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Outside Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center | In support of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, UVA Health is offering a safe way for community members to dispose of unwanted or unused prescription medications. Drive up or walk up to drop off medications with our team. No questions asked. No sharp instruments or sharps containers — we cannot accept them at this time. UVA Health team members interested in volunteering for this Prescription Drug Take Back Day should sign up in advance. Sponsored by UVA Health Pharmacy; UVA Health Department of Anesthesiology’s Pain Management Center and UVA Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship; and UVA Police. Learn more. 

2025 EMPOWER Conference 

Saturday, Nov. 1 | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | The Forum Hotel | EMPOWER (Education for Medical Professionals to Optimize Weight Management Expertise and Resources) is a comprehensive, one-day conference designed specifically for primary care providers seeking foundational, evidence-based training in obesity medicine. Learn more and register. 

Excellence in Clinical Trials: Practical Skills for Principal Investigators 

Nov. 13-April 9 | 4-6 p.m. | MR6, Room 2502 | This six-session series is designed for first time or aspiring faculty principal investigators. Sessions are designed to promote clinical trial leadership focusing on team building, feasibility assessments, financial management, trial recruitment, document control, and best practices for investigator-initiated clinical trial management. Participants will gain practical skills needed to ensure efficiency, compliance, and quality throughout the lifecycle of a clinical trial. Details and registration. Questions? Contact Katie Rea at 434.924.8574. 

Appreciation 

‘Knowledge, Professionalism, and Deep Empathy’ | Kudos to 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 knowledge, professionalism, and deep empathy evidenced by the members of the medical team that executed my surgery, in my experience, is rarely found — especially given the current challenges within the medical system. I highly commend UVA Health for building a team with this combination of skills — skills that will be a gift to those patients who follow me. My deep appreciation to Dr. Shami, Dr. Rainho, Michael, Rebecca Pastrane, Logan, Mary Ann, Terri Rodee, and a couple of other team members whose names I was unable to capture. ... Thanks to everyone for being there for me!” 
• “Jennifer at the checkout desk was especially helpful, friendly, attentive, and professional! She was very cheerful and very kind. [She] deserves recognition for her work!” 
• “I came to see Dr. Millard after an unsatisfactory experience in another healthcare system, and I am so grateful and relieved that she is now my doctor. She quickly sorted out the circumstances of my case, and is directing my care expertly and with concern for the impact of my illness on my life. She may very well be saving my life after previous circumstances that put me at risk. I just met her, and I cannot say enough about the positive impact she has had for me already.” 

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

Wednesday, Oct. 1

Town Hall Replay: Check Out the Speed-Watcher's Guide 

If you missed the Sept. 30 town hall, here's your chance to catch up! Visit KnowledgeLink to find time code stamps for leaders and discussion topics, and the embedded town hall video. 

Check out the video to see updates on the UVA Health strategic plan and our values, as well as remarks from new leaders. Watch. 

Leadership 

Moving Forward With Empathy 

From UVA Health leadership: “For years, all team members across our health system have come together in shared purpose and in alignment with our ASPIRE values. These values provide a common set of principles for how we interact with our patients and each other. We are writing to share that — within our ASPIRE values — we will be shifting Equity to Empathy. Empathy is organic to our mission of patient care, it is something we are called to demonstrate in our roles, and it is now more important than ever as we navigate our future together.” Read the full message on KnowledgeLink. 

Operations 

Population Health Program Intake Process 

UVA Health’s Population Health team connects patients with services that address barriers to care — such as housing needs, behavioral health challenges, remote patient monitoring, or gaps in follow-up after discharge from the hospital, Emergency Department (ED), or ambulatory appointments.   

How to refer a patient | Use the Epic order Population Health Program Intake or complete the flowsheet in the Epic Screening Tool. Briefly describe the concern. A Population Health team member will review the referral and connect the patient to the most appropriate program or service. Tip sheet.   

Common referral reasons:   

• Readmission risk or complex discharge   
• ED overuse due to unmet social needs.   
• No established primary care provider or difficulty accessing care.   
• Social drivers of health concerns — food insecurity, unsafe housing, or language/literacy barriers.   

Learn more on the Population Health website. 

Human Resources 

Benefits Update 

Open Enrollment: Oct. 6-17 | Join UVA’s Benefits and Well-Being team Oct. 7 for a one-stop-shop exposition of all your benefits options at UVA. Connect with benefits counselors, financial planners, and retirement vendors to get your questions answered. Learn more. 

Happenings 

UVA Health Kicks Off Socktober 2025 + New Challenge! 

Through Monday, Nov. 3 | Stepping up to meet our 10-year strategic plan goal of cultivating healthy communities and belonging for all — UVA Health launched its annual Socktober initiative on Oct. 1. This year's goal: collecting 20,000 new pairs for unhoused individuals. Team members can drop off new pairs of socks in Socktober bins at:   

• University Medical Center Cafeteria   
• Wahoo West Café   
• OR Cafe Lounge   
• Food and Nutrition Services ("0" level, University Hospital)   
• Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center   
• Good Grain Cafe, Orthopedic Center at Ivy Road   
• Cafe at 500 Fontaine   

Two other ways to participate: the traditional department contest or the new Fill the Bin challenge. Read more about both on Connect. Generate interest: print and hang, or share electronically, a fun sock tracker and horizontal and vertical graphics. Questions? Contact Chadwick French.  

Market Square 

Weekly, Thursdays in October | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Courtyard at MR5 | Shop for fresh produce, beautiful flowers, unique crafts, and delicious eats from local food trucks. Questions? Contact George Minor, UVA HR, Rewards and Recognition. This week’s vendors include:      

• It’s Poppin Time (kettle corn)       
• Tealicious Cafe (tea)      
• Raclette on the Run (cheese tots and sandwiches)          
• Mr. Baker (cakes)      
• Too Brave Coffee (coffee)      
• Miss Day Delights (desserts)      
• Encanto Homestead Farms (veggies and flowers)      
• RJ Courtney (woodwork)      
• Little Manila (Filipino food)    
• Mexican Tacos (tacos) 

Serious Play: The Art of Frank Phillips 

Through Friday, Nov. 19 | University Hospital Lobby | UVA Health Arts Program is pleased to present “Serious Play: The Art of Frank Phillips.” Pictured: “SPA 4,” acrylic and graphite on paper. Stop by and check it out!  

October: Team Member and Health Awareness 

To support UVA Health’s mission of transforming health and inspiring hope — each month, we’re recognizing team member and health awareness months, weeks, and days. See the list on Connect. 

Micro Health Breaks 

Through Friday, Nov. 21 | Join at any time. In just ten minutes, these engaging, virtual sessions offer benefits like improved flexibility, reduced anxiety, enhanced energy, and a stronger mind-body connection — perfect for fitting wellness into your busy day! Learn more. 

2025 Michael J. Weber Symposium 

Friday, Oct. 3 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building Auditorium | The Michael J. Weber Symposium honors the life and accomplishments of the renowned scientist and UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center Director. This annual symposium brings together internationally renowned cancer researchers and clinicians to present their findings on a timely area of cancer research. The theme for the fifth annual symposium is “Drugging the Undruggable in Cancer.” Registration is free; breakfast and lunch will be provided. Details and registration. 

UVA Health NICU Reunion 

Saturday, Oct. 4 | 1-4 p.m. | Darden Towe Park | This is a cherished time for UVA Health team members to visit with our NICU graduates and their families. The event will include Moo Thru ice cream; a petting zoo; face painters; balloon animals; games put on by the Western Albemarle High School girls' basketball team; UVA Health therapy dogs; crafting with Bennett's Village; fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars from Albemarle County; NETs truck; Pegasus; photo opportunities and visiting time with Disney princesses; and a photo booth with a professional photographer. Register. 

Join FEAP for SPARC of Hope 5K 

Saturday, Oct. 18 | 8:30 a.m. | East End Farm (near Zion Crossroads) or virtual | As part of National Suicide Prevention Month, Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) invites you to participate in the SPARC (Suicide Prevention Awareness and Resource Council) of Hope 5K — a free, community-wide event focused on hope, healing, and awareness. This year’s walk/run will feature Kevin Berthia as the keynote speaker, sharing his powerful story of resilience. Register as an individual, with family, or as part of a team. Questions? Contact sparchope@gmail.com or UVA FEAP team member Dominique McLaughlin. 

Divorce Wellness Group 

Start Tuesday, Oct. 21 | This five-week, virtual journey to healing offers a supporting place to learn self-care, build confidence and self-esteem, foster meaningful connections, and develop support networks. Learn more. 

Managing Sad Thoughts and Feelings, and the Desire Not to Get Out of Bed 

Tuesday, Oct. 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Join UVA Commonwealth Professor of Psychology Bethany Teachman to learn how to change negative thinking patterns, reduce the tendency to withdraw when sad, and break big challenges into small, manageable steps. Hoos Well reward-eligible. Learn more and register. 

UVA Health Cardiovascular Disease in Women Symposium 

Saturday, Nov. 1 | 7 a.m.-4 p.m. | UVA Student Health & Wellness | Register | This educational program addresses critical gaps in clinician awareness and training regarding sex-specific differences in cardiovascular disease, such as SCAD, CMD, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. It aims to improve the application of guideline-directed therapies and increase the representation of women in cardiovascular clinical trials, thus enhancing evidence-based care. The program will provide education on emerging diagnostic tools, risk stratification, and management strategies tailored to women's cardiovascular health. It also highlights systemic barriers and advocates for multidisciplinary care models to optimize outcomes and promotes increased participation of women in cardiovascular research. To receive 30% off the registration fee, use code CVW30PCT. 

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

Deadline: Friday, Dec. 19 | As a participant in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index, UVA Health team members have access to more than 200 free, on-demand, CME-accredited LGBTQ+ training options. These include interactive eLearning courses and webinars (live and recorded) from the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center. To register for courses, use Facility ID: 55856 after clicking here.     

All team members have access to participate in these free trainings (don’t forget to use our facility ID!) to improve care provided to patients seeking care at UVA Health. For more information, contact Bizz Glover. 

Appreciation 

UVA Health Earns Honor for Lending Hands: 2025 United Way Day of Caring, and Awards 

United Way of Greater Charlottesville is honoring UVA Health with the 2025 Day of Caring Most Volunteer Teams Promoting Community Wellness Award. 

United Way of Greater Charlottesville President and CEO Ravi Cooper presented UVA Health Chief Community Engagement and Health Outcomes Officer Tracy M. Downs, MD, FACS, with the award at the inaugural Day of Caring Volunteer Awards and Reception Sept. 25, 2025, at The Center at Belevdere auditorium. 

Dr. Downs pointed out during the acceptance speech that Day of Caring supports UVA Health’s: 

• Mission of transforming health and inspiring hope. 
• Unifying vision to transform care, research, education, and engagement with the diverse communities we serve. 
• Strategic plan initiative of philanthropy and resource stewardship. 
• Strategic plan goal of cultivating healthy communities and belonging for all — positively impacting health outcomes through community engagement. 

He also recited a poem entitled "The Selfless Souls," that, as he described, "beautifully captures the spirit of volunteering, written by an anonymous contributor and featured in a curated collection of poems celebrating volunteers."  

Thank you to all who participated! Read more on Connect. 

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