Deadline Monday: Please Complete 2023 UVA Health Annual Retraining

Deadline: Monday, Oct. 2 | All UVA Health team members hired on or before April 1, 2023, are required to complete annual retraining by Oct. 2. Access the course here. Per Policy HR-210: Competency Assessment, UVA Health University Medical Center team members who do not meet the requirement before the deadline will be suspended without pay, pending successful completion of the training. For full project information, including audience details, please visit the 2023 Annual Retraining webpage.

Leadership

Peter Paige, MD, Hired as Inaugural Health System Chief Clinical Officer

In this role Dr. Paige will have the responsibility of helping to bring efficiency and standardization to our clinical operations and enhancing quality across all four hospitals as well as our other affiliations where we provide clinical care. He comes to UVA Health from Albany Medical Health System where he serves as chief executive officer of the Albany Medical Center Hospital. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Paige to UVA Health. Read more on Connect.

Colin Derdeyn, MD, Appointed to Chair UVA Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging

Dr. Derdeyn joins UVA from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where he has served as chair of the Department of Radiology since 2015. This is a true homecoming for Dr. Derdeyn, as he earned his bachelor’s and medical degrees from UVA. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Derdeyn to UVA Health, effective Jan. 2, 2024. Read more on Connect.

Ambulatory

APP Visits Coming Soon to Same Day Care

Since mid-July, UVA Health Same Day Care (SDC) at 1222 Jefferson Park Ave. has been offering same-day nurse visits to patients referred by select departments. SDC will add advanced practice provider (APP) visits to its offerings for non-emergent acute issues and follow-up care starting Monday, Oct. 2. These appointments will be available to primary care clinics as an overflow option for acute/urgent adult patients (as well as Interactive Home Monitoring patients). Instructions for scheduling SDC nurse and APP visits have been shared with primary care clinics via email.

Pediatric patients should not be referred to Same Day Care, nor should patients with emergent issues, such as chest pain, suspicion of stroke, etc. Same Day Care is not a walk-in urgent care. Patients must be referred by a UVA Health clinic, department, or provider, and have an appointment.

Operations

Flu Free in ’23: Get Your Flu Shot by Nov. 15

UVA Health is preparing for the arrival of flu season and we’re excited to announce this year’s flu vaccination initiative: Flu Free in ’23. Getting influenza/flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone age six months or older. Read details on Connect about the Flu Free in ‘23 initiative.

New Clinic Naming

UVA Health has a standard naming convention and official naming process that must be followed to ensure consistency, clarity, and easier wayfinding. If you are working on naming a new service or clinic location, visit the Clinic Naming Page on uvahealthbrand.com to complete the required naming request form. This step should be taken at the beginning of your project. Questions? Email rbrandonline@uvahealth.org.

Happenings

Men’s Day Health Event: Know Your Numbers

Saturday, Sept. 30 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church, 105 Lankford Ave. | Health screenings (blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, HIV, hepatitis C, kidney, prostate, and more); tournaments (horseshoes, checkers, dominos, cornhole, etc.); giveaways; and food. Sponsored by Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church, UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement, and Each One Reach One. For more information, contact Jackie Martin.

Nobel Laureate Presents the 2023 John F. Anderson Distinguished Lecture | CRISPR Biology and Technology: What’s Ahead for Genome Editing

Monday, Oct. 2 | 4-5 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building Auditorium | Presented by Jennifer Doudna, PhD, Professor, Departments of Chemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Dr. Doudna and her collaborator Emmanuelle Charpentier were awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in chemistry for their pioneering work in CRISPR gene editing, changing the course of human and agricultural genomics research. Questions? Contact Joyce Fortune. Learn more.

Sharing Our Strength: Prostate Cancer Support Group

Tuesday, Oct. 3 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Virtual | UVA Health Cancer Care is offering a virtual prostate cancer support group — which meets the first Tuesday of every month — led by UVA Health oncology social workers, to create a safe environment in which patients support one another. To register, contact Wanda Shreve and provide your email address to receive the event link.

Managing Conflict

Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 9-11 a.m. | 2400 Old Ivy Rd. or Virtual | Diagnose conflict before it intensifies. Identify five common approaches to conflict and the implications of each; recognize your approach; assess situations; and recognize how conflict impacts team dynamics. Register.

My Story, My Voice

Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 10-11 a.m. | Pinn Hall, Room 1005, and Virtual | Charlottesville native Charley Burton discusses LGBTQ+ History Month this October. Burton is an advocate for trans equality, president of PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of the Blue Ridge), and co-founder of Diversity in Recovery. Registration required for virtual attendance. Event sponsored by UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement.

Medical Center Hour: Integrating Medical and Social Care in Primary Care

Wednesday, Oct. 4 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Emilia De Marchis, MD, MAS, Assistant Professor of Clinical Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, will review how social care is being integrated in primary care settings, and highlight bright spots in primary care practice innovation around social care. Justin Mutter, MD, Director of Health Humanities Programs, UVA Center for Health Humanities and Ethics, will moderate. This John F. Anderson Memorial Lecture is provided by UVA School of Medicine and School of Nursing.

Hope and Help: New Frontiers in Perinatal Mental Health

Thursday, Oct. 5 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Boars Head Resort - Ballroom, 200 Ednam Dr. | Focusing on building better futures for mothers, birthing people, and babies. Proceeds will support Postpartum Support Virginia’s direct services to mothers and UVA Health’s Perinatal Mental Health Clinic. Learn more and register.

How to Stay Optimistic in an Age of Crisis

Wednesday, Oct. 11 | 6:15-7:30 p.m. | The Haven, 112 West Market St. and Virtual | International Rescue Committee (IRC) President David Miliband discusses humanitarian action today and how to find hope in our current moment of crisis. Milliband outlines a solutions-driven, action-oriented approach to propel the humanitarian sector forward. Co-sponsored by the IRC, the Humanitarian Collaborative at the University of Virginia, and UVA Global. Learn more and register.

Active Attacker Prevention, Response, and Notification Training

Tuesday, Oct. 17 | noon-1 p.m. | Newcomb Hall South Meeting Room | Participants will learn about emergency notifications, how to report concerning behavior, and easy-to-remember options for people who are faced with a violent situation. This training is free and open to all students, employees, faculty, and staff of the Academic and UVA Health divisions. For more information, contact Dr. Rachel Slotter, Academic Division Office of Emergency Management. Register.

iTHRIV Scholars Clinical Translational Research Symposium

Tuesday, Oct. 17 | 12:30-3 p.m. | Virtual | This symposium will feature Science of Translational Science presentations from iTHRIV’s second-year scholars, as well as research presentations from recent graduates. Keynote speaker will be Renée Cummings, Data Activist in Residence, UVA School of Data Science. Learn more and register.

Appreciation

‘Can't Thank You All Enough!’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

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

• “The nurses were all wonderful, especially the nurse during my procedure, Mark Bradley. He made me feel listened to and he took time to look up what I was referring to in my chart from several years ago. He explained my concern to Dr. Paul, who promptly addressed it. This professional teamwork made me feel confident and in great hands, as well as heard — which is nice when you are undergoing a procedure. Dr. Paul is fantastic and made sure she answered all/any questions. I was very happy she did the procedure. The tech, Joyce, was a competent and very caring addition to the team. Her warmth and friendliness was much appreciated!”
• “The staff was amazing — from the front-door personnel, to the stops in between, and to the discharge nurses. Everyone was upbeat, professional, and caring. There was an atmosphere where questions would be welcomed. Explanations were given all the way. Dr. Browne popped in before surgery, which was very reassuring. My husband was impressed with the time he gave to update about the results of the procedure. The educational information provided throughout [the process] gave [us] a clear idea of the scope of the operation.”
• “I am so proud to live in a community that has such amazing healthcare. Everything that happened to me was at the highest level of professionalism possible. Every person I spoke with showed kindness, compassion, and caring. Amazing experience.”
• “Dr. Gray was amazing! My child was being seen for an initial visit as a transgender adolescent — and the initial provider he was scheduled with was out sick, so Dr. Gray saw him instead. She was so kind and open and clearly informed about gender-inclusive medicine. She made him very comfortable and after the visit he said he felt like he connected with her almost immediately. She was warm, hardly ever got on the computer, and covered everything we needed to know. We were both blown away. Very grateful for Dr. Gray and all of the staff — from Ruth at the front desk, to April the nurse, and Mary Sullivan, who also introduced herself. Can't thank you all enough!”

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

Previous Updates

Sept. 27, 2023

APP Visits Coming Soon to Same Day Care

Since mid-July, UVA Health Same Day Care (SDC) at 1222 Jefferson Park Ave. has been offering same-day nurse visits to patients referred by select departments. SDC will add advanced practice provider (APP) visits to its offerings for non-emergent acute issues and follow-up care starting Monday, Oct. 2. These appointments will be available to primary care clinics as an overflow option for acute/urgent adult patients (as well as Interactive Home Monitoring patients). Instructions for scheduling SDC nurse and APP visits have been shared with primary care clinics via email.

Pediatric patients should not be referred to Same Day Care, nor should patients with emergent issues, such as chest pain, suspicion of stroke, etc. Same Day Care is not a walk-in urgent care. Patients must be referred by a UVA Health clinic, department, or provider, and have an appointment.

Patient Care

Follow These Procedures for Adding Clinical Documents to Epic 

The Epic Haiku application offers providers the ability to upload images of patients to their electronic medical record that are taken for identification, treatment, and diagnosis purposes. This functionality should be reserved for patient images only. Photographs of clinical documents, including and especially consents, should never be uploaded and stored as an image. To add clinical documents and consents to a patient’s electronic medical record, submit the material to Health Information Management (HIM) for incorporation within Epic:

• Inpatient: Follow the Standard Work for e-Faxing Inpatient Documentation or send it via our courier that picks up Monday through Friday on the unit.
• Ambulatory: Follow the Document Import Process or send it via our courier that picks up Monday through Friday from each Ambulatory area, including the Emergency Department and outpatient surgery centers.

Following these procedures ensures that the documentation is indexed under the correct document type and tab, is attached to the correct patient encounter, undergoes a quality review, and that all pages are maintained together. Contact Health Information Management at 434.924.5136 with questions.

Operations

Flu Free in ’23: Get Your Flu Shot by Nov. 15

UVA Health is preparing for the arrival of flu season and we’re excited to announce this year’s flu vaccination initiative: Flu Free in ’23. Getting influenza/flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone age six months or older. Read details on Connect about the Flu Free in ‘23 initiative.

Leadership

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall

Tuesday, Oct. 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Sandridge Auditorium or livestream | UVA Health leadership has an exciting agenda planned for the upcoming Town Hall where we will celebrate the one-year anniversary of the UVA Health Strategic Plan. There will be reflections on the extraordinary accomplishments during the last year, updates on top initiatives, and a few surprises! You are invited to join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders to learn more. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event. Given the special format of this town hall, questions may be answered via email or in a Connect article.

Medical Center CEO Blog | The Faces of Women in Medicine

In her new Vision and Voice post, Wendy Horton appreciates the profound influence women have within our medical center and beyond. Read more.

Human Resources

Deadline Approaching: Please Complete 2023 UVA Health Annual Retraining

Deadline: Monday, Oct. 2 | All UVA Health team members hired on or before April 1, 2023, are required to complete annual retraining by Oct. 2. Access the course here. Per Policy HR-210: Competency Assessment, UVA Health University Medical Center team members who do not meet the requirement before the deadline will be suspended without pay, pending successful completion of the training. For full project information, including audience details, please visit the 2023 Annual Retraining webpage.

Attend the Open Enrollment Benefits and Well-Being Expos

Open Enrollment: Oct. 2-13 | The Benefits and Well-Being Expo will be held at the Education Resource Center, a night-shift location in University Medical Center Dining Conference Rooms, Newcomb Hall, and UVA's College at Wise. Don’t miss these in-person opportunities to meet with Human Resources specialists and health vendors. Check the Benefits and Well-Being Expos page for times, locations, and details. Read more on Connect.

Happenings

Farmers Market

Thursdays through Sept. 28 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | In the lot across from the 11th Street Garage | Food trucks and baked goods will be available on-site.

Shut the Sash Challenge

Researchers have the opportunity to be safer, more sustainable, and win cool prizes with the 2023 Shut the Sash competition hosted by UVA Green Labs. Any lab with a fume hood can sign up by Sept. 28. Learn how last year's winners captured $7,600 in energy savings in one month through this annual campaign.

UVA Health E-Bike Demo Day

Thursday, Sept. 28 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Ground Floor, 11th Street Parking Garage | All e-bike-curious UVA Health team members are invited to test ride a selection of e-bikes, talk to community bike organizations, and take home a few bike accessories. Learn more.

Blood Drive: Special National Sickle Cell Awareness Month Event

Friday, Sept. 29 | noon-6 p.m. | Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church, 105 Lankford Ave. | Register | All welcome — blood needed for everyone. Since one in three Black donors matches with a sickle cell patient, a special request to Black donors in recognition of this National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sponsored by American Red Cross and UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement. UVA Athletics is donating four UVA Football home game tickets for a raffle at this event.

Celebrating Women in Medicine Month: Bold Thinkers, Courageous Innovators

Friday, Sept. 29 | Medical Education Building, 3110 Auditorium and Virtual

• UVA Health Storytellers Series: Dr. Laurie Archbald-Pannone | 1-2 p.m. | Registration Only Required for Virtual Event | Laurie Archbald-Pannone, MD, MPH, AGSF, FACP, serves as a School of Medicine Associate Dean for UVA Student Affairs and a fellow of the American Geriatrics Society and the American College of Physicians.
• Diversity Dialogue With Dr. Downs | 2-3 p.m. | Registration Only Required for Virtual Event | UVA Health Chief Diversity and Community Engagement Officer Tracy Downs, MD, welcomes guest speaker Laurie Archbald-Pannone, MD, to discuss the theme for Women in Medicine Month. Facilitated by Melody Pannell, Director of Diversity and Community Engagement.

Men’s Day Health Event: Know Your Numbers

Saturday, Sept. 30 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church, 105 Lankford Ave. | Health screenings (blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, HIV, hepatitis C, kidney, prostate, and more); tournaments (horseshoes, checkers, dominos, cornhole, etc.); giveaways; and food. Sponsored by Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church, UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement, Each One Reach One. For more information, contact Jackie Martin.

Nobel Laureate Presents the 2023 John F. Anderson Distinguished Lecture | CRISPR Biology and Technology: What’s Ahead for Genome Editing

Monday, Oct. 2 | 4-5 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building Auditorium | Presented by Jennifer Doudna, PhD, Professor, Departments of Chemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Dr. Doudna and her collaborator Emmanuelle Charpentier were awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in chemistry for their pioneering work in CRISPR gene editing, changing the course of human and agricultural genomics research. Questions? Contact Joyce Fortune. Learn more.

My Story, My Voice

Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 10-11 a.m. | Pinn Hall, Room 1005, and virtual | Charlottesville native Charley Burton discusses LGBTQ+ History Month this October. Burton is an advocate for trans equality, president of PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of the Blue Ridge), and co-founder of Diversity in Recovery. Registration required for virtual attendance. Event sponsored by UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement.

Appreciation

A Page-Turner in the NICU!

At UVA Health University Medical Center, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) recently took part in the Babies With Books Read-a-Thon — a friendly, 10-day competition held among more than 250 NICUs across the country.

The NICU was “booked!” In fact, team members, parents, and volunteers — including cuddlers and UVA student athletes — read nearly 600 books to 50 babies, including 94 books to one baby! “This competition was immensely popular among the parents,” reports Julia Moy, RN, and NICU Team Member Engagement Committee Chair. “We look forward to making this Read-a-Thon a yearly event in our unit.”

Thanks to everyone who took part in helping to foster an early love of learning!

Sept. 25, 2023

Flu Free in ’23: Get Your Flu Shot by Nov. 15

UVA Health is preparing for the arrival of flu season and we’re excited to announce this year’s flu vaccination initiative: Flu Free in ’23.

Getting influenza/flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone age six months or older. Flu 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.

Flu vaccines are free for all UVA Health team members, and vaccination is mandatory for all Tier 1 UVA Health team members. Please refer to Health System Policy OCH-002 to find out if you are a Tier 1 team member.

Read details on Connect about the Flu Free in ‘23 initiative.

Human Resources

Deadline Approaching: Please Complete 2023 UVA Health Annual Retraining

Deadline: Monday, Oct. 2 | All UVA Health team members hired on or before April 1, 2023, are required to complete annual retraining by Oct. 2. Access the course here. Per Policy HR-210: Competency Assessment, UVA Health University Medical Center team members who do not meet the requirement before the deadline will be suspended without pay, pending successful completion of the training. For full project information, including audience details, please visit the 2023 Annual Retraining webpage.

Happenings

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

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

• Tuesday, Sept. 26 | 9 a.m.-noon
• Thursday, Oct. 5 | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 11 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 19 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 23 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.

RN-to-BSN Information Sessions | Richmond Location

Wednesday, Sept. 27 | 6-7 p.m. | 2810 N. Parham Rd., Suite 300, Richmond, 23294 | UVA School of Nursing's RN-to-BSN program is the region's very best, and offers all the personal, professional, and financial benefits a BSN brings. Details.

Shut the Sash Challenge

Researchers have the opportunity to be safer, more sustainable, and win cool prizes with the 2023 Shut the Sash competition hosted by UVA Green Labs. Any lab with a fume hood can sign up by Sept. 28. Learn how last year's winners captured $7,600 in energy savings in one month through this annual campaign.

UVA Health E-Bike Demo Day

Thursday, Sept. 28 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Ground Floor, 11th Street Parking Garage | All e-bike-curious UVA Health team members are invited to test ride a selection of e-bikes, talk to community bike organizations, and take home a few bike accessories. Learn more.

Blood Drive: Special National Sickle Cell Awareness Month Event

Friday, Sept. 29 | noon-6 p.m. | Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church, 105 Lankford Ave. | Register | All welcome — blood needed for everyone. Since one in three Black donors matches with a sickle cell patient, a special request to Black donors in recognition of this National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sponsored by American Red Cross and UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement. UVA Athletics is donating four UVA Football home game tickets for a raffle at this event.

Celebrating Women in Medicine Month: Bold Thinkers, Courageous Innovators

Friday, Sept. 29 | Medical Education Building, 3110 Auditorium and Virtual

• UVA Health Storytellers Series: Dr. Laurie Archbald-Pannone | 1-2 p.m. | Registration Only Required for Virtual Event | Laurie Archbald-Pannone, MD, MPH, AGSF, FACP, serves as a School of Medicine Associate Dean for UVA Student Affairs and a fellow of the American Geriatrics Society and the American College of Physicians.
• Diversity Dialogue With Dr. Downs | 2-3 p.m. | Registration Only Required for Virtual Event | UVA Health Chief Diversity and Community Engagement Officer Tracy Downs, MD, welcomes guest speaker Laurie Archbald-Pannone, MD, to discuss the theme for Women in Medicine Month. Facilitated by Melody Pannell, Director of Diversity and Community Engagement.

My Story, My Voice

Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 10-11 a.m. | Pinn Hall, Room 1005, and virtual | Charlottesville native Charley Burton discusses LGBTQ+ History Month this October. Burton is an advocate for trans equality, president of PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of the Blue Ridge), and co-founder of Diversity in Recovery. Registration required for virtual attendance. Event sponsored by UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement.

2023 Annual Healthcare Education Fair: What’s Your Future?

Oct. 25 | 4-8 p.m. | UVA Health University Medical Center, Dining Conference Rooms | Open to all UVA Health team members. Counselors from several community college and university healthcare education programs on nursing, lab, pharmacy technician, public health, radiology, speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy will discuss degrees, admissions requirements, resumes, career coaching, mentorships, scholarships, tuition reimbursement, and more. Light snacks and coffee-card raffle. Hosted by UVA Health University Medical Center Nursing Professional Governance Organization’s (NPGO) Professional Development Committee. Questions? Email npgo@uvahealth.org.

Appreciation

Sept. 25-29: Celebrating Advanced Practice Provider Week

The mission of the National Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Week honors the contributions of physician assistants, nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified genetic counselors and audiologists. “We recognize and celebrate this week the challenging work of these professionals and to raise awareness of their unique roles in healthcare.” 

UVA Health is proud to have more than 600 of these providers to elevate the fields of medicine and nursing to ensure our patients and communities receive quick access and safe, high-quality, evidence-based care. 

We will celebrate our APP Week by recognizing APPs who were nominated by their peers as outstanding providers in leadership, scholarship, DEI, excellence, and collaboration. There were more than 50 nominations. Winners will be announced Sept. 29 at a ceremony in Pinn Hall. Thank you to all our APPs — please go out of your way this week to tell them they’re outstanding! Read more on Connect.

Sept. 22, 2023

2024 Open Enrollment: Presentations and Workshops to Help You Choose

Open Enrollment: Oct. 2-13 | Review and confirm your benefits early and print out or save as a PDF a confirmation of your benefits when you’re done. It’s not too early to review your benefits now and learn what’s new. 

The Open Enrollment webpages are open, and this story on Connect provides important dates and explains how the Open Enrollment presentations will work this year.

Patient Care

Follow These Procedures for Adding Clinical Documents to Epic 

The Epic Haiku application offers providers the ability to upload images of patients to their electronic medical record that are taken for identification, treatment, and diagnosis purposes. This functionality should be reserved for patient images only. Photographs of clinical documents, including and especially consents, should never be uploaded and stored as an image. To add clinical documents and consents to a patient’s electronic medical record, submit the material to Health Information Management (HIM) for incorporation within Epic:

• Inpatient: Follow the Standard Work for e-Faxing Inpatient Documentation or send it via our courier that picks up Monday through Friday on the unit.
• Ambulatory: Follow the Document Import Process or send it via our courier that picks up Monday through Friday from each Ambulatory area, including the Emergency Department and outpatient surgery centers.

Following these procedures ensures that the documentation is indexed under the correct document type and tab, is attached to the correct patient encounter, undergoes a quality review, and that all pages are maintained together. Contact Health Information Management at 434.924.5136 with questions.

Leadership

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Every year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, UVA Health unites with people across the country to mark National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of people in the United States of Hispanic/Latin American background. This year’s theme is “Creating a Vibrant Community of Visionary Leaders” — an aspiration UVA Health is proud to share. We celebrate all our team members of Hispanic heritage, the visionaries and leaders in their fields, and their collective contributions toward our shared initiative to cultivate healthy communities and belonging for all. Read more on Connect.

Human Resources

Deadline Approaching: Please Complete 2023 UVA Health Annual Retraining

Deadline: Monday, Oct. 2 | All UVA Health team members hired on or before April 1, 2023, are required to complete annual retraining by Oct. 2. Access the course here. Per Policy HR-210: Competency Assessment, UVA Health University Medical Center team members who do not meet the requirement before the deadline will be suspended without pay, pending successful completion of the training. For full project information, including audience details, please visit the 2023 Annual Retraining webpage.

Happenings

Exhibit: BozART Fine Art Collective

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

National Surgical Technologists Week

Sept. 17-23 | Since 1984, the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) has dedicated the third week in September to recognizing the profession, which AST says is one of the largest growing in the country. The 2023 theme is "Celebrating Unsung Heroes." Thank you to all of our surgical technologists for the amazing work they do!

Community Bridges 5K

Saturday, Sept. 23 | 7:45 a.m. | The Jefferson School City Center, 233 4th Street NW | Join President Jim Ryan and other runners and walkers for this special community event benefiting the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center and other local nonprofits. All members of the community are welcome. Learn more and register.

Canceled: UVA Family Movie Night: The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Saturday, Sept. 23 | 6-8 p.m. | Fontaine Research Park | Due to the forecast of rain, this outdoor event has been canceled.

Shut the Sash Challenge

Researchers have the opportunity to be safer, more sustainable, and win cool prizes with the 2023 Shut the Sash competition hosted by UVA Green Labs. Any lab with a fume hood can sign up by Sept. 28. Learn how last year's winners captured $7,600 in energy savings in one month through this annual campaign.

UVA Health E-Bike Demo Day

Thursday, Sept. 28 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Ground Floor, 11th Street Parking Garage | All e-bike-curious UVA Health team members are invited to test ride a selection of e-bikes, talk to community bike organizations, and take home a few bike accessories. Learn more.

Nobel Laureate Presents the 2023 John F. Anderson Distinguished Lecture | CRISPR Biology and Technology: What’s Ahead for Genome Editing

Monday, Oct. 2 | 4-5 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building Auditorium | Presented by Jennifer Doudna, PhD, Professor, Departments of Chemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Dr. Doudna and her collaborator Emmanuelle Charpentier were awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in chemistry for their pioneering work in CRISPR gene editing, changing the course of human and agricultural genomics research. Questions? Contact Joyce Fortune. Learn more.

Medical Center Hour: Integrating Medical and Social Care in Primary Care

Wednesday, Oct. 4 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Emilia De Marchis, MD, MAS, Assistant Professor of Clinical Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, will review how social care is being integrated in primary care settings, and highlight bright spots in primary care practice innovation around social care. Justin Mutter, MD, Director of Health Humanities Programs, UVA Center for Health Humanities and Ethics, will moderate. This John F. Anderson Memorial Lecture is provided by UVA School of Medicine and School of Nursing.

Active Attacker Prevention, Response, and Notification Training

Tuesday, Oct. 17 | noon-1 p.m. | Newcomb Hall South Meeting Room | Participants will learn about emergency notifications, how to report concerning behavior, and easy-to-remember options for people who are faced with a violent situation. This training is free and open to all students, employees, faculty, and staff of the Academic and UVA Health divisions. For more information, contact Dr. Rachel Slotter, Academic Division Office of Emergency Management. Register.

Team Care for the Care Team 

Thursday, Oct. 19 | noon-1 p.m. | McLeod Hall, Room 2010 | Compassion challenges and resilience in healthcare are often framed in individual terms, yet this perspective is incomplete. Relational efforts, such as communication and teamwork, also have the capacity to support compassion and improve resilience. This workshop features a short presentation followed by interactive activities focusing on team care for the care team. Part of the Compassionate Care Initiative Learning Series. Learn more.

Appreciation

‘This Caliber of Staff Makes All the Difference’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

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

• “The resident physician (Nick) was amazing. He connected with our daughter and they laughed together. He was very patient with his instructions to her and made the experience very comfortable.”
• “I'm so grateful for the kind chaplain. This was a very emotional and sad surgery.  The chaplain provided comfort in my time of need.”
• “The staff, both medical and non-medical. This is why I recommend UVA Health care to family, friends, and acquaintances. The medical staff is always professional, always attentive with caring responses that show they really do listen. They are not only highly qualified medical professionals but also compassionate people. The non-medical staff — from parking to reception — are helpful and kind. For patients and family that are dealing with a health concern or crisis, this caliber of staff makes all the difference.”
• “I have had many surgeries at UVA. All have been satisfactory or better. This last experience was perfection. I'm an experienced patient and consumer, and this was a stellar experience. The procedure, the preparation, the post-op recovery — all were handled exactly as you would wish it. I am always impressed with UVA medicine, but this experience was better than expected. Thanks to UVA and to my healthcare team. Thanks to the nurses and other professionals for all they do for us and for putting up with the conditions over the last few years. Great job!”

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

Sept. 20, 2023

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall

Tuesday, Oct. 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Sandridge Auditorium or livestream | UVA Health leadership has an exciting agenda planned for the upcoming Town Hall where we will celebrate the one-year anniversary of the UVA Health Strategic Plan. There will be reflections on the extraordinary accomplishments during the last year, updates on top initiatives, and a few surprises! You are invited to join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders to learn more. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event. Given the special format of this town hall, questions may be answered via email or in a Connect article.

Operations

Sept. 22 Football Game: UVA Health Commuter Transit and Parking Impacts

The UVA football game on Friday, Sept. 22, will require modified parking and transportation operations. Please review the below.

• On Friday, Sept. 22, there will be no transit service from the red lots at Scott Stadium.
• All posted lots must be fully vacated by 3:30 p.m. Towing will be enforced.
• Permit holders can park in the Emmet/Ivy garage or John Paul Jones Arena garage based on arrival time. See table below.
• In addition, the lower level of the Bryant garage at Scott Stadium will be closed to permit holder parking Thursday, Sept. 21. Alternate parking is available in the remaining red lots.
• Supervisors are asked to notify any team members who do not have access to email.

There will be no transit service from the Scott Stadium lots on Friday, Sept 22. A special Blue Line will run continuously from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

*The Health System Shuttle will provide transit services from Emmet Ivy Garage and John Paul Jones Arena Garage prior to 5 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 22.

Human Resources

Benefits Open Enrollment Is Oct. 2-13

You can already check out action items to prepare on the Open Enrollment website and see benefits changes that will take effect Jan. 1, 2024. This is a busy time of year, and your benefits are an important financial investment. Grow your knowledge about benefits options before it’s time to choose, so you’re ready when enrollment opens in Workday. This article on Connect explains the resources and tools you have to learn about your benefits, the benefits changes for next year, and what you can do to prepare.

Happenings

Farmers Market

Thursdays through Sept. 28 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | In the lot across from the 11th Street Garage | Food trucks and baked goods will be available on-site.

UVA Postdoc Breakfast

Thursday, Sept. 21 | 9-10 a.m. | Newcomb Hall | To celebrate 2023 National Postdoc Appreciation Week, the UVA Postdoc Association welcomes everyone in the UVA and Charlottesville communities and visitors to participate. RSVP.

UVA Family Movie Night: The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Saturday, Sept. 23 | 6-8 p.m. | Fontaine Research Park | Bring your family and friends and chairs or a blanket to sit on. Refreshments will be provided.

Men’s Day Health Event: Know Your Numbers

Saturday, Sept. 30 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church, 105 Lankford Ave. | Health screenings (blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, HIV, hepatitis C, kidney, prostate, and more); tournaments (horseshoes, checkers, dominos, cornhole, etc.); giveaways; and food. Sponsored by Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church, UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement, and Each One Reach One. For more information, contact Jackie Martin.

UVA Health E-Bike Demo Day

Thursday, Sept. 28 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Ground Floor, 11th Street Parking Garage | All e-bike-curious UVA Health team members are invited to test ride a selection of e-bikes, talk to community bike organizations, and take home a few bike accessories.

Celebrating Women in Medicine Month: Bold Thinkers, Courageous Innovators

Friday, Sept. 29 | Medical Education Building, 3110 Auditorium and Virtual

• UVA Health Storytellers Series: Dr. Laurie Archbald-Pannone | 1-2 p.m. | Registration Only Required for Virtual Event | Laurie Archbald-Pannone, MD, MPH, AGSF, FACP, serves as a School of Medicine Associate Dean for UVA Student Affairs and a fellow of the American Geriatrics Society and the American College of Physicians.
• Diversity Dialogue With Dr. Downs | 2-3 p.m. | Registration Only Required for Virtual Event | UVA Health Chief Diversity and Community Engagement Officer Tracy Downs, MD, welcomes guest speaker Laurie Archbald-Pannone, MD, to discuss the theme for Women in Medicine Month. Facilitated by Melody Pannell, Director of Diversity and Community Engagement.

Managing Conflict

Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 9 -11 a.m. | 2400 Old Ivy Rd. or Virtual | Diagnose conflict before it intensifies. Identify five common approaches to conflict and the implications of each; recognize your approach; assess situations; and recognize how conflict impacts team dynamics. Register.

Healthcare Ethics and Moral Distress Consultation Intensive Training Seminar

Friday, Oct. 27-Monday, Oct. 30 | Registration deadline: Friday, Oct. 20 | Register | In-person, four-day training program designed for multidisciplinary healthcare professionals to develop their knowledge about healthcare ethics, moral distress, and ethics consultation process. Questions? Contact Charlene Kaufman, Program Administrator, Center for Health Humanities and Ethics.

Appreciation

National Security Officer Appreciation Week Is Sept. 17-23

A big thank you to the UVA Security Department for going above and beyond keeping UVA Health and University team members safe and our facilities secure.

We appreciate the work these 75 highly trained, first responders do — and the critical roles they fill each and every day. From our Emergency Department Behavioral Unit to 5 East, from inpatient areas to ambulatory clinics, and on Grounds — we’re truly grateful for your consistent support.

Chief Tim Longo, UVA Associate Vice President; Capt. Matthew McBee, University Medical Center Safety and Support Unit (MCSSU); Lt. Maeve O’Neill, MCSSU; and Tony Frazier, Director of Security, offer their sincerest appreciation for everything you do!

Sept. 18, 2023

Expanding Pediatric Care: New Pediatric Emergency Medicine Subspecialty

As part of our strategic goal to expand our offerings in service of superior patient outcomes, we are pleased to share that UVA Health University Medical Center is establishing a new Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine as part of UVA Health Children’s. Our vision is to establish UVA Health as a national leader in Pediatric Emergency Medicine with a Pediatric Emergency Department that will serve as a “front door” for many families to our top-ranked children’s hospital. Most importantly, it will position us to deliver the best emergency care possible to children in our community. Read more on Connect.

Patient Care

Telehealth Awareness Week Is Sept. 17-23

Did you know last year UVA Health conducted 100,000 telehealth visits, reaching patients across every county in Virginia from ages 1 month to 110 years old? Video and telephone visits offer a range of benefits for both patients and providers — ensuring access to safe, affordable, and quality care whenever and wherever it is needed. Visit Connect to learn more about telehealth and how to troubleshoot video visits.

Operations

Protect Yourself From Scammers

Scammers are always on the lookout for new ways to get your personal, professional, or financial information. The best way to protect yourself is to recognize a scam.

Read more on Connect about how to avoid being a victim of a social engineering attack or scam. If you suspect you have received a phishing email, forward the email to MCCSecurity@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu.

Sept. 22 Football Game: UVA Health Commuter Transit and Parking Impacts

The UVA football game on Friday, Sept. 22, will require modified parking and transportation operations. Please review the below.

• On Friday, Sept. 22, there will be no transit service from the red lots at Scott Stadium.
• All posted lots must be fully vacated by 3:30 p.m. Towing will be enforced.
• Permit holders can park in the Emmet/Ivy garage or John Paul Jones Arena garage based on arrival time. See table below.
• In addition, the lower level of the Bryant garage at Scott Stadium will be closed to permit holder parking Thursday, Sept. 21. Alternate parking is available in the remaining red lots.
• Supervisors are asked to notify any team members who do not have access to email.

There will be no transit service from the Scott Stadium lots on Friday, Sept 22. A special Blue Line will run continuously from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

*The Health System Shuttle will provide transit services from Emmet Ivy Garage and John Paul Jones Arena Garage prior to 5 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 22.

Leadership

Vote: Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People Awards

Each year, Modern Healthcare profiles the top influential leaders in healthcare. This year, UVA Health has been recognized with CEO Dr. K. Craig Kent as one of 300 nominees for this year’s Modern Healthcare 100 Most Influential People Awards. All are welcome to cast a vote and you don’t have to subscribe to Modern Healthcare to be eligible to vote. This is our chance to ensure that UVA Health is seen as an influential leader in healthcare. Voting is open to the public through Monday, Sept. 18!

Happenings

Start Today: Turn 1% of Your Day Into Enhanced Happiness, Connection, and Well-Being

Monday, Sept. 18 to Tuesday, Oct. 10 | Join colleagues in learning skills to build resilience, ease stress, and be joyfully present in our lives, while earning rewards for completing practice in the eM Life app during Hoos Well's 1% Challenge.

ROSE Program: Drop Off or Pick Up Reusable Office Supplies

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

FEAP: Finding Joy in Everyday Life

Tuesday, Sept. 19 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Zoom | Join the Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) and Hoos Well in a reward-eligible webinar to explore how to shift your mindset to be more present and build mindfulness skills that help you find joy in everyday activities. Register.

Medical Center Hour: Organizational Professionalism and the Social Contract

Wednesday, Sept. 20 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium and Zoom | Explore how organizational professionalism — the notion that medical organizations, like individual practitioners, have professional competencies and behaviors — may help restore trust in medicine’s social contract. Presenter Barry Evan Egener, MD, Consultant, Professionals Wellness Lead, Asante Health; moderator Evan Heald, MD, Brodie Medical Education Committee Director, Associate Professor of Medicine, UVA. Lunch provided for the first 40 in-person attendees.

Community Bridges 5K

Saturday, Sept. 23 | 7:45 a.m. | The Jefferson School City Center, 233 4th Street NW | Join President Jim Ryan and other runners and walkers for this special community event benefiting the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center and other local nonprofits.

All members of the community are welcome. Learn more and register.

Blood Drive: Special National Sickle Cell Awareness Month Event

Friday, Sept. 29 | noon-6 p.m. | Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church, 105 Lankford Ave.| Registration | All welcome — blood needed for everyone. Since one in three Black donors matches with a sickle cell patient, a special request to Black donors in recognition of this National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sponsored by American Red Cross and UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement. UVA Athletics is donating four UVA Football home game tickets for a raffle at this event!

Nobel Laureate Presents the 2023 John F. Anderson Distinguished Lecture | CRISPR Biology and Technology: What’s Ahead for Genome Editing

Monday, Oct. 2 | 4-5 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building Auditorium | Presented by Jennifer Doudna, PhD, Professor, Departments of Chemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Dr. Doudna and her collaborator Emmanuelle Charpentier were awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in chemistry for their pioneering work in CRISPR gene editing, changing the course of human and agricultural genomics research. Questions? Contact Joyce Fortune. Learn more.

Appreciation

September Is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Over the weekend, UVA Health University Medical Center’s South Tower was illuminated in gold to honor childhood cancer patients.

We want to thank everyone at UVA Health Children’s who works with pediatric cancer patients and our facility team members who made the color change happen.

Sept. 15, 2023

Your Toolkit of Information During Open Enrollment

Benefits Open Enrollment: Oct. 2-13 | The Open Enrollment website is open. There are benefits changes that will take effect Jan. 1, 2024, and action items to prepare yourself for Open Enrollment. 

This is a busy time of year, and your benefits are an important financial investment. Grow your knowledge about benefits options before it’s time to choose, so you’re ready when Open Enrollment opens in Workday. This article on Connect explains the resources and tools you have to learn about your benefits, the benefits changes for next year, and what you can do to prepare.

COVID-19

Stop Administering Bivalent COVID Booster

The current bivalent COVID booster has been deauthorized. As a result, clinics and units need to take the following steps:

• Stop administering the bivalent COVID booster effective immediately.
• Contact any patients scheduled for a bivalent booster shot and advise them of the deauthorization, including any service recovery required.
• If a patient can’t be reached before their appointment, inform them on-site and offer to reschedule once new doses are available.
• Clinics and units should pull their current bivalent supply and destroy on-site. Deauthorized vaccines may be discarded in sharps disposal containers or according to local processes for discarding glass vials — they do not need to be returned to the pharmacy.

An updated COVID-19 vaccine was just approved by the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. UVA Health is moving quickly to make it available to team members and patients. More information will be shared as soon as it is available.

Operations

Sept. 22 Football Game: UVA Health Commuter Transit and Parking Impacts

The UVA football game on Friday, Sept. 22, will require modified parking and transportation operations. Please review the below.

• On Friday, Sept. 22, there will be no transit service from the red lots at Scott Stadium.
• All posted lots must be fully vacated by 3:30 p.m. Towing will be enforced.
• Permit holders can park in the Emmet/Ivy garage or John Paul Jones Arena garage based on arrival time. See table below.
• In addition, the lower level of the Bryant garage at Scott Stadium will be closed to permit holder parking Thursday, Sept. 21. Alternate parking is available in the remaining red lots.
• Supervisors are asked to notify any team members who do not have access to email.

There will be no transit service from the Scott Stadium lots on Friday, Sept 22. A special Blue Line will run continuously from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

*The Health System Shuttle will provide transit services from Emmet Ivy Garage and John Paul Jones Arena Garage prior to 5 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 22.

Flu Free in ‘23 — Flu Vaccination Program

UVA Health is preparing for the arrival of flu season, and we’re excited to announce this year’s flu vaccination initiative: Flu Free in ’23. Getting the influenza/flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. Key dates:

• Tuesday, Sept. 26 | Workplace flu shots become available at UVA Health.
• Wednesday, Nov. 1 | Deadline for submitting new flu vaccination exemption requests (see instructions on Connect).
• Wednesday, Nov. 15 | Deadline for UVA Health team member annual flu shot compliance.

Additional information will be sent the week of Sept. 25, when flu vaccinations are available. Read more on Connect.

Leadership

Vote: Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People Awards

Each year, Modern Healthcare profiles the top influential leaders in healthcare. This year, UVA Health has been recognized with CEO Dr. K. Craig Kent as one of 300 nominees for this year’s Modern Healthcare 100 Most Influential People Awards. All are welcome to cast a vote and you don’t have to be a subscriber to Modern Healthcare to be eligible to vote. This is our chance to ensure that UVA Health is seen as an influential leader in healthcare. Vote today — voting is open to the public through Monday, Sept. 18!

Human Resources

Reminder: Please Complete 2023 UVA Health Annual Retraining

Deadline: Monday, Oct. 2 | All UVA Health team members hired on or before April 1, 2023, are required to complete annual retraining by Oct. 2. Access the course. Reminders will be sent to you and your manager(s) via UVA Human Resources emails, Workday notifications, UVA Health Update, and other relevant channels. For full project information, including audience details, please visit the 2023 Annual Retraining webpage.

Happenings

Turn 1% of Your Day Into Enhanced Happiness, Connection, and Well-Being

Monday, Sept. 18, to Tuesday, Oct. 10 | Join colleagues in learning skills to build resilience, ease stress, and be joyfully present in our lives, while earning rewards for completing practice in the eM Life app during Hoos Well's 1% Challenge.

Mindfulness Classes

• Mindful Eating Class | Mondays, Sept. 18-Nov. 6 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register
• Mindfulness Based Habit Change | Tuesdays, Sept. 19-Oct. 24 I 7-8:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register
• Free Mindfulness for UVA Health Team Members Class | Wednesdays, Sept. 20-Nov. 8 | 6:30-8:30 pm | Retreat: Saturday, Oct. 28, Fontaine Research Park | Register
• Advanced Mindful Leadership Training Class | Tuesdays, Oct. 10-Dec. 5 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register | Learn more.
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction | Mondays, Oct. 30-Dec. 18 I 4-6:30 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, Dec. 2 | Zoom | Register

ROSE Program: Drop Off or Pick Up Reusable Office Supplies

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

Two FEAP Offerings

• Finding Joy in Everyday Life | Tuesday, Sept. 19 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Zoom | Join the Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) and Hoos Well in a reward-eligible webinar to explore how to shift your mindset to be more present and build mindfulness skills that help you find joy in everyday activities. Register.
• Reboot Your Well-Being | Wednesday, Sept. 20 | 3-4:15 p.m. | Zoom | A five-week group designed to help you reach your well-being goals. Participants of previous sessions experienced a significant reduction in fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Learn more and register.

Medical Center Hour: Organizational Professionalism and the Social Contract

Wednesday, Sept. 20 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium and Zoom | Explore how organizational professionalism — the notion that medical organizations, like individual practitioners, have professional competencies and behaviors — may help restore trust in medicine’s social contract. Presenter is Barry Evan Egener, MD, Consultant, Professionals Wellness Lead, Asante Health; moderator is Evan Heald, MD, Brodie Medical Education Committee Director, Associate Professor of Medicine, UVA. Lunch provided for the first 40 in-person attendees.

Community Bridges 5K

Saturday, Sept. 23 | 7:45 a.m. | The Jefferson School City Center, 233 4th Street NW | Join President Jim Ryan and other runners and walkers for this special community event benefiting the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center and other local nonprofits. All members of the community are welcome. Learn more and register.

UVA Family Movie Night | The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Saturday, Sept. 23 | Fontaine Research Park | 6-8 p.m. | Bring your family and friends and chairs or a blanket to sit on. Refreshments will be provided.

iTHRIV Scholars Clinical Translational Research Symposium

Tuesday, Oct. 17 | 12:30-3 p.m. | Virtual | This symposium will feature Science of Translational Science presentations from iTHRIV’s second-year scholars, as well as research presentations from recent graduates. Keynote speaker will be Renée Cummings, Data Activist in Residence, UVA School of Data Science. Learn more and register.

Appreciation

‘Treated Me With Dignity, Kindness, and Respect’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

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

• “This has got to be one of the best experiences that I have ever had. UVA Health should be extremely proud of all of the staff that you have employed. The housekeeping — who keeps that place immaculate — the schedulers, the nurses, nurse practitioners, and of course, the doctors — especially Dr. Stranix. They truly represent UVA Health and its core values of respect and value of their clients. There are no words that can do them justice in honor of their abilities and knowledge.”
• “The phlebotomists were both good. And apologetic when the IV wasn't inserted easily. (I have tiny veins.) The first woman only took one try and then went for the expert. The anesthesiologist was very gentle and understanding. I loved his bedside manner, even during the procedure. Dr. O — I can't say enough good about her. She patiently answered all of our questions, and even some off-subject ones from my husband. I have retired and my big regret is that we moved back to Florida and away from UVA Health and the staff at the eye clinic and surgery center. They all deserve my greatest respect and gratitude, and I will forever be recommending patients to them.”
• “As a person of color, I truly value the diversity of the staff. It really means a lot to see a diverse group of people working and doing such an amazing job with the care. The X-ray tech took time to answer my questions — as I'm considering being an X-ray tech myself — and that meant a lot. The tech who checked us in remembered me from a previous visit, and that really made me feel welcomed and added a personal touch. Thank you.”
• “My visit was particularly challenging, and the team treated me with dignity, kindness, and respect. Most of all, they treated me like a human and gave me hugs and encouragement on one of the most difficult days of my life. Dr. Bray and her nurse went above and beyond to be present with me.”

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

Sept. 11, 2023

Transplant Clinic Expansion

On Tuesday, Sept. 5, the Transplant Clinic expanded to new space on the first floor of the West Complex (Room 1101A, in the former COVID clinic). This change will increase capacity, reduce walking travel and wait times, improve access, offer more services, provide specialist care and advanced technology, enhance patient experience and healthcare quality, lower stress, aid vulnerable groups, speed up diagnostics, and allow team members to better handle emergencies.

All patients with an appointment in the transplant clinic will register in the new clinic space. Highlights:

• Additional Exam Rooms | Expanded capacity to serve patients better; 12 new exam rooms ensure comfort and privacy.
• Infusion Center | The new infusion center boasts five bays to provide infusion treatments conveniently and efficiently.
• ECHO Room | Expanded cardiac evaluation services are available through integrated echocardiography imaging.
• Enhanced Pharmacy Services | Upgraded pharmacy offering delivers easier access to the medications, all within the same facility.
• In-Clinic Phlebotomy | Getting blood tests done will be more convenient with in-clinic phlebotomy services.

COVID-19

Stop Administering Bivalent COVID Booster

The current bivalent COVID booster has been deauthorized. As a result, clinics and units need to take the following steps:

• Stop administering the bivalent COVID booster effective immediately.
• Contact any patients scheduled for a bivalent booster shot and advise them of the deauthorization, including any service recovery required.
• If a patient can’t be reached before their appointment, inform them on-site and offer to reschedule once new doses are available.
• Clinics and units should pull their current bivalent supply and destroy on-site. Deauthorized vaccines may be discarded in sharps disposal containers or according to local processes for discarding glass vials — they do not need to be returned to the pharmacy.

An updated COVID-19 vaccine was just approved by the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. UVA Health is moving quickly to make it available to team members and patients. More information will be shared as soon as it is available.

Operations

Flu Free in ‘23 — Flu Vaccination Program

UVA Health is preparing for the arrival of flu season, and we’re excited to announce this year’s flu vaccination initiative: Flu Free in ’23. Getting the influenza/flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. Key dates:

• Tuesday, Sept. 26 | Workplace flu shots become available at UVA Health.
• Wednesday, Nov. 1 | Deadline for submitting new flu vaccination exemption requests (see instructions on Connect).
• Wednesday, Nov. 15 | Deadline for UVA Health team member annual flu shot compliance.

Additional information will be sent the week of Sept. 25, when flu vaccinations are available. Read more on Connect.

New Clinic Naming

UVA Health has a standard naming convention and official naming process that must be followed to ensure consistency, clarity, and easier wayfinding. If you are working on naming a new service or clinic location, visit the Clinic Naming Page on uvahealthbrand.com to complete the required naming request form. This step should be taken at the beginning of your project. Questions? Email rbrandonline@uvahealth.org.

Protect Yourself From Scammers

Scammers are always on the lookout for new ways to get your personal, professional, or financial information. The best way to protect yourself is to recognize a scam. Read more on Connect about how to avoid being a victim of a social engineering attack or scam. If you suspect that you have received a phishing email, forward the email to MCCSecurity@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu.

Leadership

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall

Tuesday, Oct. 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Sandridge Auditorium or livestream | UVA Health leadership has an exciting agenda planned for the upcoming Town Hall where we will celebrate the one-year anniversary of the UVA Health Strategic Plan. There will be reflections on the extraordinary accomplishments during the last year, updates on top initiatives, and a few surprises! You are invited to join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders to learn more. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org  — now or during the town hall event. Given the special format of this town hall, questions may be answered via email or in a Connect article.

Medical Center CEO Blog | Happy Birthday September Babies and Thank You Labor and Delivery Teams!

In her new Vision and Voice post, Wendy Horton shares that September is the most common birth month in the U.S. and celebrates our pre- and post-natal care teams in the midst of a busy baby season. Read more.

Vote: Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People Awards

Each year, Modern Healthcare profiles the top influential leaders in healthcare. This year, UVA Health has been recognized with CEO Dr. K. Craig Kent as one of 300 nominees for this year’s Modern Healthcare 100 Most Influential People Awards. All are welcome to cast a vote and you don’t have to be a subscriber to Modern Healthcare to be eligible to vote. This is our chance to ensure that UVA Health is seen as an influential leader in healthcare. Vote today — voting is open to the public through Monday, Sept. 18!

Happenings

Farmers Market

Thursdays through Sept. 28 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | In the lot across from the 11th Street Garage | Food trucks and baked goods will be available on-site.

The Real Deal: Leadership, Mentorship, and Advocacy in Gynecologic Oncology

Monday, Sept. 18 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center | September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. In recognition of our patients with gynecologic malignancies, our missions at UVA Health and our teams, UVA Cancer Center is bringing together trailblazers in the field of gynecologic oncology to discuss equity, leadership, and mentorship to advance research, advocacy, and excellence in patient care. Learn more and register.

FEAP: Finding Joy in Everyday Life

Tuesday, Sept. 19 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Zoom | Join the Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) and Hoos Well in a reward-eligible webinar to explore how to shift your mindset to be more present and build mindfulness skills that help you find joy in everyday activities. Register.

Community Bridges 5K

Saturday, Sept. 23 | 7:45 a.m. | The Jefferson School City Center, 233 4th Street NW | Join President Jim Ryan and other runners and walkers for this special community event benefiting the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center and other local nonprofits. All members of the community are welcome. Learn more and register.

UVA Family Movie Night | The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Saturday, Sept. 23 | Fontaine Research Park | 6-8 p.m. | Bring your family and friends and chairs or a blanket to sit on. Refreshments will be provided.

Celebrating Women in Medicine Month: Bold Thinkers, Courageous Innovators

Friday, Sept. 29 | Medical Education Building, 3110 Auditorium and Virtual

• UVA Health Storytellers Series: Dr. Laurie Archbald-Pannone | 1-2 p.m. | Registration Only Required for Virtual Event | Laurie Archbald-Pannone, MD, MPH, AGSF, FACP, serves as a School of Medicine Associate Dean for UVA Student Affairs and a fellow of the American Geriatrics Society and the American College of Physicians.
• Diversity Dialogue With Dr. Downs | 2-3 p.m. | Registration Only Required for Virtual Event | UVA Health Chief Diversity and Community Engagement Officer Tracy Downs, MD, welcomes guest speaker Laurie Archbald-Pannone, MD, to discuss the theme for Women in Medicine Month. Facilitated by Melody Pannell, Director of Diversity and Community Engagement.

UVA Breast Care Conference: When Less Is More

Saturday, Oct. 21 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center | Many providers have questions regarding how to provide their patients with current information surrounding screening, new technology, and follow-up care. By educating providers on how to use a patient-focused, interdisciplinary approach, providers may influence care and improve outcomes for breast cancer patients. This program focuses on determining when less is more for a patient-centered individualized approach to care. Learn more and register.

Appreciation | Special Double Edition!

September Is #SepsisAwarenessMonth ...

... and Sept. 13 is Sepsis Awareness Day. Sadly, in the 20 seconds it takes you to read this post, another person in the United States will be diagnosed with sepsis, defined by the Sepsis Alliance as “the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.” For those 1.7 million people in the United States who have sepsis each year, rapid recognition and treatment are crucial to their survival.

This year, Virginia’s governor joined his peers in issuing a proclamation recognizing 2023 Sepsis Awareness Month. Sepsis remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States and at UVA Health University Medical Center.

Find more resources from the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association.

Artwork Donated to 5 West in Gratitude for Amazing Care

5 West recently received a donation in the form of a beautiful painting. The piece was given in gratitude by a former trauma patient. The timing could not have been better, as 5 West had just relocated back into their permanent spot after months in a temporary location on 8 West.

We received permission to share the following patient story:

“I am so happy to catch up with you and share a small gift of gratitude for the amazing care I received on the trauma ward after a horrific car accident at the end of 2019. You all were heroes to me and my husband and sons, during my recovery which lasted three weeks.... I then had to return for a week at a time in both April and May of 2020 when we were at the height of the pandemic and no visitors were allowed. The kindness and compassion you each extended to me at a low point in my life will never be forgotten. You were truly family to me.”

The donor/patient says that the 4’x4’ painting is full of light, color, peace, and serenity, much like the care she received during her stay. She hopes it will inspire others as they experience their own path of recovery. The painting was done by the patient’s mother, Betsy Glassie, who has paintings around the Washington, D.C., area and across the country.

Additionally, she has donated countless paintings to hospitals and women's shelters to adorn their walls with tranquility and calm. Glassie also expressed her deep appreciation for her daughter’s care and the tireless work of each UVA Health team member.

Sept. 11, 2023

Flu Free in ’23 — 2023 Flu Vaccination Program

UVA Health is preparing for the arrival of flu season, and we’re excited to announce this year’s flu vaccination initiative: Flu Free in ’23. Getting the influenza/flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. Key dates:

• Tuesday, Sept. 26 | Workplace flu shots become available at UVA Health.
• Wednesday, Nov. 1 | Deadline for submitting new flu vaccination exemption requests (see instructions on Connect).
• Wednesday, Nov. 15 | Deadline for UVA Health team member annual flu shot compliance.

Additional information will be sent the week of Sept. 25, when flu vaccinations are available. Read more on Connect.

Ambulatory

Nurse Visits Only at Same-Day Care Clinic

Same-Day Care is receiving numerous phone calls and walk-in patients who require a higher level of care than the clinic is currently staffed to provide. These patients must be referred back to the Emergency Department and other providers, resulting in delayed care and a poor patient experience. To ensure timely and quality patient care, please be aware of the following regarding Same-Day Care at 1222 Jefferson Park Ave.:

• The clinic is staffed for nurse visits only at this time.
• Advanced Practice Provider (APP) visits will not be available until the end of September/early October. Notification will be sent when APP visits are available for scheduling.
• Patients who require physician or APP encounters, patients requiring nurse treatment without active orders, or any patient that has an urgent or emergent issue (chest pain, suspicion of stroke, etc.) should not be referred to Same-Day Care.
• Same-Day Care is not a walk-in urgent care. Patients must be referred by a UVA Health clinic/department/provider and have an appointment.

Operations

Monthly Epic Update

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

Sept. 22 Football Game: UVA Health Commuter Transit and Parking Impacts

The UVA football game on Friday, Sept. 22, will require modified parking and transportation operations. Please review the below.

• On Friday, Sept. 22, there will be no transit service from the red lots at Scott Stadium.
• All posted lots must be fully vacated by 3:30 p.m. Towing will be enforced.
• Permit holders can park in the Emmet/Ivy garage or John Paul Jones Arena garage based on arrival time. See table below.
• In addition, the lower level of the Bryant garage at Scott Stadium will be closed to permit holder parking Thursday, Sept. 21. Alternate parking is available in the remaining red lots.
• Supervisors are asked to notify any team members who do not have access to email.

There will be no transit service from the Scott Stadium lots on Friday, Sept 22. A special Blue Line will run continuously from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

All Devices Running Office 2016 to Be Automatically Upgraded

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

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

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

Human Resources

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor

Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Room 3 | Ask questions and discuss your benefits with a Human Resources counselor. Walk-ins welcome. See monthly dates.

Turn 1% of Your Day Into Enhanced Happiness, Connection, and Well-Being

Monday, Sept. 18, to Tuesday, Oct. 10 | Join colleagues in learning skills to build resilience, ease stress, and be joyfully present in our lives, while earning rewards for completing practice in the eM Life app during Hoos Well's 1% Challenge.

Happenings

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

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

• Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 8-11 a.m.
• Monday, Sept. 18 | 1-4 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 26 | 9 a.m.-noon.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Creating a Vibrant Community of Visionary Leaders

Wednesday, Sept. 13 | MR-5, 3005 Auditorium and Virtual

• UVA Health Storytellers Series: Juliana Bueno, MD | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Registration Only Required for Virtual Event | Originally from Colombia, Dr. Bueno joined the Body Imaging Division of the Radiology Department and has been instrumental in developing an international outreach program in radiology.
• Diversity Dialogue With Dr. Downs | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Registration Only Required for Virtual Event | UVA Health Chief Diversity and Community Engagement Officer Tracy Downs, MD, welcomes guest speaker Juliana Bueno, MD, to discuss the theme of Hispanic Heritage Month. Facilitated by Melody Pannell, Director of Diversity and Community Engagement.

ROSE Program: Drop Off or Pick Up Reusable Office Supplies

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

Appreciation

UVA Health Recertified as a Center of Comprehensive Care for Pulmonary Hypertension

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA)has recertified UVA Health as a Center of Comprehensive Care for Pulmonary Hypertension through April 2026.

In an effort to improve the overall quality of care and outcomes of patients with the life-threatening disease of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the association worked with its Scientific Leadership Council — 28 global leaders in the field — to develop and launch an accreditation initiative for PH-treating programs across the nation.

The resulting PH Care Centers (PHCC) program aims to identify PH programs with the infrastructure and experience to best manage the disease as reflected in the PHCC mission to improve overall quality of care and ultimately improve outcomes of patients with pulmonary hypertension, particularly pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) — rare and life-threatening group of diseases.

“Taking care of pulmonary hypertension patients is difficult. Patients are complex. Patients feel unwell and the disease carries a high burden of symptoms with it,” says Andrew Mihalek, MD, Pulmonary Hypertension Program Director. “But with proper therapies, patients do get better and manage to have a better quality of life.”

He explains that delivering appropriate therapeutic plans to pulmonary hypertension patients is a commitment from multiple care providers. “Being recognized by the PHA for our group efforts here at UVA Health is a testament to the power of teamwork and the dedication of our care providers including Melissa Casper, our nursing care coordinator; Lauren Lam, our clinic pharmacist; Terra Snyder, our pharmacy technician; Ramona Strothers, our front-facing administrator — and the entirety of the administrative staff in the Cardiovascular Center.”

Congratulations on the recertification and thank you to all involved for your lifesaving work in the field!

Sept. 8, 2023

Benefits Open Enrollment for Plan Year 2024

Open Enrollment: Oct. 2-13 | The Open Enrollment website is open and there are details and action items to consider in preparing yourself. Now is the perfect time to step into your benefits knowledge and be confident in selecting your benefits for next year.

Since the Open Enrollment window is only two weeks, here is all the information you need to make benefits decisions prior to Open Enrollment going live in Workday. UVA Human Resources (HR) knows you want to carefully consider options and ask questions. Don’t wait until the short window opens to do it all.

What can you do now to plan for the benefits you'll need in 2024? Learn more about preparing for Open Enrollment, what to expect, important dates, and how to receive individual assistance. Details can be found in the Sept. 8 email from UVA HR, on Connect, and on the Open Enrollment website.

Ambulatory

Nurse Visits Only at Same-Day Care Clinic

Same-Day Care is receiving numerous phone calls and walk-in patients who require a higher level of care than the clinic is currently staffed to provide. These patients must be referred back to the Emergency Department and other providers, resulting in delayed care and a poor patient experience. To ensure timely and quality patient care, please be aware of the following regarding Same-Day Care at 1222 Jefferson Park Ave.:

• The clinic is staffed for nurse visits only at this time.
• Advanced Practice Provider (APP) visits will not be available until the end of September/early October. Notification will be sent when APP visits are available for scheduling.
• Patients who require physician or APP encounters, patients requiring nurse treatment without active orders, or any patient that has an urgent or emergent issue (chest pain, suspicion of stroke, etc.) should not be referred to Same-Day Care.
• Same-Day Care is not a walk-in urgent care. Patients must be referred by a UVA Health clinic/department/provider and have an appointment.

Operations

Higher Grounds East Cafe Closing for Weekend Repairs

Friday, Sept. 8, to Monday, Sept. 11 | The Higher Grounds East Cafe will be closing at 5 p.m. on Sept. 8 due to hallway and seating area floor repair. It will reopen on Sept. 11 at 6 a.m. The main East Cafe is planning bundled coffee specials and increased availability of chilled coffee products throughout the weekend. The West Cafe Higher Grounds will remain open on Saturday and Sunday, from 6 a.m. until noon.

Monthly Epic Update

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

Human Resources

Reminder: Please Complete 2023 UVA Health Annual Retraining

Deadline: Monday, Oct. 2 | All UVA Health team members hired on or before April 1, 2023, are required to complete annual retraining by Oct. 2. Access the course here. Reminders will be sent to you and your manager(s) via UVA Human Resources emails, Workday notifications, UVA Health Update, and other relevant channels. For full project information, including audience details, please visit the 2023 Annual Retraining webpage.

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor

Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | Medical Center Dining Conference Room 3 | Ask questions and discuss your benefits with a Human Resources counselor. Walk-ins welcome. See monthly dates.

Happenings

Exhibit: BozART Fine Art Collective

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

Lecture: Digital Regional East African Community Health (Digital Reach) Initiative

Monday, Sept. 11 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, Learning Studio or Zoom | Gibson Kibiki, MD, MMed, PhD, is a professor of medicine and consultant physician and endoscopist who was previously the founding CEO of the East African Health Research Commission of the East African Community and the founding director of the Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute. This lecture is sponsored by the Center for Global Health Equity. Lunch provided by Pearl Island following the lecture. Register. 

Climate and Health Research Workshop

Monday, Sept. 11 | 1-4 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center | Climate and health research can inform effective policies, enhance public awareness, and secure a healthier and more resilient future. For researchers interested in exploring the health risks of climate change, interdisciplinary collaborations, and research funding opportunities. Hosted by UVA's Environmental Institute in partnership with iTHRIV, Office of Sustainability, School of Medicine, and School of Nursing. Learn more and register. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

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

• Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 8-11 a.m.
• Monday, Sept. 18 | 1-4 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 26 | 9 a.m.-noon.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Creating a Vibrant Community of Visionary Leaders

Wednesday, Sept. 13 | MR-5, 3005 Auditorium and Virtual

• UVA Health Storytellers Series: Juliana Bueno, MD | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Registration Only Required for Virtual Event | Originally from Colombia, Dr. Bueno joined the Body Imaging Division of the Radiology Department and has been instrumental in developing an international outreach program in radiology.
• Diversity Dialogue With Dr. Downs | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Registration Only Required for Virtual Event | UVA Health Chief Diversity and Community Engagement Officer Tracy Downs, MD, welcomes guest speaker Juliana Bueno, MD, to discuss the theme of Hispanic Heritage Month. Facilitated by Melody Pannell, Director of Diversity and Community Engagement.

The Real Deal: Leadership, Mentorship, and Advocacy in Gynecologic Oncology

Monday, Sept. 18 | 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center | September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. In recognition of our patients with gynecologic malignancies, our missions at UVA and our teams, UVA Cancer Center is bringing together trailblazers in the field of gynecologic oncology to discuss equity, leadership, and mentorship to advance research, advocacy, and excellence in patient care. Learn more and register.

Mindfulness Classes

• Mindful Eating Class | Mondays, Sept. 18-Nov. 6 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register
• Mindfulness Based Habit Change | Tuesdays, Sept. 19-Oct. 24 I 7-8:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register
• Free Mindfulness for UVA Health Team Members Class | Wednesdays, Sept. 20-Nov. 8 | 6:30-8:30 pm | Retreat: Saturday, Oct. 28, Fontaine Research Park | Register
• Advanced Mindful Leadership Training Class | Tuesdays, Oct. 10-Dec. 5 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register | Learn more.
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction | Mondays, Oct. 30-Dec. 18 I 4-6:30 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, Dec. 2 | Zoom | Register

FEAP | Reboot Your Well-Being

Wednesday, Sept. 20 | 3-4:15 p.m. | Zoom | A five-week group designed to help you reach your well-being goals. Participants of previous sessions experienced a significant reduction in fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Learn more and register.

Community Bridges 5K

Saturday, Sept. 23 | 7:45 a.m. | The Jefferson School City Center, 233 4th Street NW | Join President Jim Ryan and other runners and walkers for this special community event benefiting the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center and other local nonprofits. All members of the community are welcome. Learn more and register.

UVA Family Movie Night | The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Saturday, Sept. 23 | Fontaine Research Park | 6-9 p.m. | Popcorn, kettle corn, and food trucks will be available.

Appreciation

‘I Don't Know What We Would've Done Without Her’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

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

• “The level of care I have received has been wonderful. I feel very fortunate to have your hospital available, for me to be seen. The teams I have met with listen [and] want to help, and I was able to receive the correct diagnosis. While I can't change the damage in my body, the goal now is follow-up to ensure things do not get worse. Mentally, it is very reassuring to know I am getting excellent care, and hopefully I continue to age with as high a quality of life as possible.”
• “We had the pleasure of having Ashley Williamson as our nurse for several days during our stay and she was amazing! She advocated for us so much and made us feel like we were her only patient with how much time she dedicated to us. She would chat while working, and sometimes it would feel like we weren't in the NICU, because she spoke to us like regular people. I don't know what we would've done without her. All of our nurses were great, but she really made such a positive impact — not only for our son, but on my mental health as well.”
• “Dr. Weiss has been a godsend to me. He has overseen multiple surgeries for me and he has also steered me in the right direction to other surgeons for other issues. He has fixed what others could not. He has made my quality of life so much better and I will always be grateful to him. He has made such a huge difference in my life and I cannot say enough good things about him. He is actually in my prayers every night.”
• “Eric Magrum is, without a doubt, the best physical therapist I have ever worked with. He is extremely kind and thoughtful, yet still pushes you to get you healing properly. He has addressed all of my concerns. My progress has been so successful, thanks to him and Dr. Diduch.”

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

Sept. 6, 2023

Deadline Today: Order Your Flu Free in ‘23 Vaccine To-Go Kits

Deadline: Wednesday, Sept. 6 | UVA Health is preparing for the arrival of flu season, and we’re excited to announce this year’s flu vaccination initiative: Flu Free in ’23. Flu vaccine To-Go Kits will be offered again this year. Any unit, clinic, or ambulatory manager can order a kit, and there is a minimum of 10 vaccines for each kit. Vaccinators must be an RN, MD, CMA, pharmacist, or LPN — and they must sign an attestation, review the protocol, and watch a training video on Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA).

To request a To-Go Kit, complete the order form by Sept. 6. Order form and other To-Go Kit information can be found here. Questions? Email Valerie B. Goodman, RN, Flu Vaccine Coordinator, Employee Health.

Ambulatory

A Few Spots Remain for September and October ‘Breakfast With Bennett’

A new monthly breakfast series is giving Ambulatory team members direct access to UVA Health Chief Ambulatory Operations Officer John Bennett to share ideas and experiences and to get updates from the chief about the latest Ambulatory happenings. These small, informal gatherings also provide the opportunity to network with colleagues from across the Ambulatory division — see Connect for photos of the inaugural “Breakfast With Bennett.” A limited number of seats remain for the next scheduled breakfasts at Orthopedic Center Ivy Road and Zion Crossroads Medical Park, so register today! This is a free event and team members do not have to work at the host location to attend.

• Tuesday, Sept. 12 | 7-8 a.m. | Orthopedic Center Ivy Road | Register
• Tuesday, Oct. 10 | 7-8 a.m. | Zion Crossroads Medical Park | Register
• Coming soon: Nov. 21 at UVA Orange Medical Park and Dec. 12 at Fontaine Research Park

August Ambulatory Progress Report

Check out the August Ambulatory Operations Progress Report for news about One Team | United on Access Wave 3, Ambulatory Role Delineation implementation, and the new Same-Day Clinic. Send your feedback on the report and the important work it highlights to ROfficeoftheCAOO@uvahealth.org.

Leadership

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall

Tuesday, Oct. 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Sandridge Auditorium or livestream | UVA Health leadership has an exciting agenda planned for the upcoming Town Hall where we will celebrate the one-year anniversary of the UVA Health Strategic Plan. There will be reflections on the extraordinary accomplishments during the last year, updates on top initiatives, and a few surprises! You are invited to join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders to learn more. Submit questions to YourTownHall@uvahealth.org — now or during the town hall event. Given the special format of this town hall, questions may be answered via email or in a Connect article.

Medical Center CEO Blog | Get to Know the Pathology and Medical Laboratories Team!

In her new Vision and Voice post, Wendy Horton introduces us to the team that plays a part in nearly 70% of all healthcare decisions at UVA Health. Read more.

Happenings

Tonight: Nursing and Medicine Community Festival

Wednesday, Sept. 6 | 5-7 p.m. | Courtyard between MR-5 and MR-6 | Come out and enjoy food, music, games, and trivia. Sponsored by UVA School of Nursing’s Inclusion, Diversity and Excellence Achievement (IDEA) initiative, and the UVA School of Medicine’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Farmers Market

Thursdays through Sept. 28 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | In the lot across from the 11th Street Garage | Food trucks and baked goods will be available on-site.

Roll Up Your Sleeve. Donate Blood. Feel Awesome.

Thursday, Sept. 7 | 2:30-6:30 p.m. | Quayle Learning Center | Battle Building, first floor | Support the American Red Cross — UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products — in alleviating the severe blood shortage by volunteering to donate blood. This is a special drive benefiting the UVA Pediatric Sickle Cell Program. Sign up by emailing giveblood@virginia.edu or visiting redcrossblood.org.

UVA Schwartz Center Rounds: The Joy Is Contagious

Friday, Sept. 8 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium | An interprofessional panel will discuss their involvement with a complex care case and the necessary collaboration. Panelists include Sara Brumfield, MD; Virginia Cramer, RN, BSN; Kathy Fowler, ACM, MS, OHRD, BSW; Stella Prevost, HP; and Carly Sawyer, Chaplain. Lunch provided to the first 60 attendees. Accredited continuing education provided by UVA School of Medicine and School of Nursing. Sponsored by the Wisdom & Well-Being Program; co-sponsored by the Compassionate Care Initiative and the Faculty and Employee Assistance Program; and supported by Chaplaincy Services and Quality and Performance Improvement. Register.

Memorial Tree Planting and Plaque Dedication Ceremony

Friday, Sept. 8 | 3-4:30 p.m. | Betsy and John Casteen Arts Grounds | Register | Livestream | There will be a memorial tree planting and plaque dedication ceremony in honor of Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry. The ceremony will take place on the Betsy and John Casteen Arts Grounds (located between Ruffin Hall and the Drama Building). This event is open to UVA and local community members. Registration is encouraged but not required. Questions? Contact the Office of Major Events and External Relations or 434.982.3099.

Lecture: Digital Regional East African Community Health (Digital Reach) Initiative

Monday, Sept. 11 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, Learning Studio or Zoom | Gibson Kibiki, MD, MMed, PhD, is a professor of medicine and consultant physician and endoscopist who was previously the founding CEO of the East African Health Research Commission of the East African Community and the founding director of the Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute. This lecture is sponsored by the Center for Global Health Equity. Lunch provided by Pearl Island following the lecture. Register.

Climate and Health Research Workshop

Monday, Sept. 11 | 1-4 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center | Climate and health research can inform effective policies, enhance public awareness, and secure a healthier and more resilient future. For researchers interested in exploring the health risks of climate change, interdisciplinary collaborations, and research funding opportunities. Hosted by UVA's Environmental Institute in partnership with iTHRIV, Office of Sustainability, School of Medicine, and School of Nursing. Learn more and register. 

Hispanic Heritage Month: Creating a Vibrant Community of Visionary Leaders

Wednesday, Sept. 13 | MR-5, 3005 Auditorium and Virtual

• UVA Health Storytellers Series: Juliana Bueno, MD | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Registration Only Required for Virtual Event | Originally from Colombia, Dr. Bueno joined the Body Imaging Division of the Radiology Department and has been instrumental in developing an international outreach program in radiology.
• Diversity Dialogue With Dr. Downs | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Registration Only Required for Virtual Event | UVA Health Chief Diversity and Community Engagement Officer Tracy Downs, MD, welcomes guest speaker Juliana Bueno, MD, to discuss the theme of Hispanic Heritage Month. Facilitated by Melody Pannell, Director of Diversity and Community Engagement.

Submit Nominations | Uteam Member of the Month

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

The Real Deal: Leadership, Mentorship, and Advocacy in Gynecologic Oncology

Monday, Sept. 18 | 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center | September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. In recognition of all our patients with gynecologic malignancies, our missions at UVA and our teams, UVA Cancer Center is bringing together trailblazers in the field of gynecologic oncology to discuss equity, leadership, and mentorship to advance research, advocacy, and excellence in patient care. Learn more and register.

Celebrating Women in Medicine Month: Bold Thinkers, Courageous Innovators

Friday, Sept. 29 | Medical Education Building, 3110 Auditorium and Virtual

• UVA Health Storytellers Series: Dr. Laurie Archbald-Pannone | 1-2 p.m. | Registration Only Required for Virtual Event | Laurie Archbald-Pannone, MD, MPH, AGSF, FACP, serves a School of Medicine Associate Dean for UVA Student Affairs and a fellow of the American Geriatrics Society and the American College of Physicians.
• Diversity Dialogue With Dr. Downs | 2-3 p.m. | Registration Only Required for Virtual Event | UVA Health Chief Diversity and Community Engagement Officer Tracy Downs, MD, welcomes guest speaker Laurie Archbald-Pannone, MD, to discuss the theme for Women in Medicine Month. Facilitated by Melody Pannell, Director of Diversity and Community Engagement.

Healthcare Ethics and Moral Distress Consultation Intensive Training Seminar

Friday, Oct. 27, through Monday, Oct. 30 | Registration deadline: Friday, Oct. 20 | Register | In-person, four-day training program designed for multidisciplinary healthcare professionals to develop their knowledge about healthcare ethics, moral distress, and ethics consultation process. Questions? Contact Charlene Kaufman, Program Administrator, Center for Health Humanities and Ethics.

Appreciation | Special Double Edition!

Thank You, UVA Health Team Members, for Providing Outstanding Cancer Care

September is here and we would like to recognize the multiple cancer awareness months, all of which are treated at the UVA Cancer Center.

• Blood Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Childhood Cancer
• Gynecologic Cancer

Newsweek recently ranked UVA Health University Medical Center as the No. 1 cancer hospital in Virginia and No. 50 in the United States on its “America’s Best Cancer Hospitals 2023” list. Patients at UVA Health University Medical Center benefit from the research and patient-care skills of UVA Cancer Center, which is one of only 54 cancer centers in the country designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Cancer centers that earn this honor are recognized for their innovative research, groundbreaking clinical trials, and highly specialized patient care.

Thank you to all UVA Health caregivers who interact with cancer patients on a daily basis for continually providing outstanding care.

National CNS Recognition Week Is Sept. 1-7, 2023

This National Clinical Nurse Specialist Recognition Week, UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Baker, and Clinical Nurse Specialist Director Kim Elgin , are pleased to share the news of focused system leadership roles for two Advanced Practice Provider-Clinical Nurse Specialists (APP-CNSs).

Amy Johnston, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CNRN (right), will become Principal Lead for Nursing Mediation Safety Programs and Kristi Kimpel Wilkins, MSN, APRN, CCNS (left), will become APP Lead for Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI) Coalitions. Read more.

Congratulations to Amy and Kristi — and thank you to all APP-CNSs for advancing the profession, and supporting team members and patients!

Sept. 1, 2023

Reminder: Please Complete 2023 UVA Health Annual Retraining

All UVA Health team members hired on or before April 1, 2023, are required to complete annual retraining by Oct. 2, 2023. Access the course. 

Reminders will be sent to you and your manager(s) in August and September via UVA Human Resources emails, Workday notifications, UVA Health Update newsletter, and other relevant channels.

For full project information, including audience details, please visit the 2023 Annual Retraining webpage.

Ambulatory

August Ambulatory Progress Report

Check out the August Ambulatory Operations Progress Report for news about One Team | United on Access Wave 3, Ambulatory Role Delineation implementation, and the new Same-Day Clinic. Send your feedback on the report and the important work it highlights to ROfficeoftheCAOO@uvahealth.org.

Operations

Impacts of Labor Day Holiday |
Monday, Sept. 4

• Clinics | All UVA Health clinics will be closed.
• Parking and Transportation Modifications | 
  • University Transit Service bus and Health System Transit shuttle service will not operate on Sept. 4.
  • The Medical Center Courtesy Shuttle will operate on the weekend schedule, running every 60 minutes, 7:20 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
  • UtoCar will operate normally.
  • Parking is available for team members in the South Garage on Crispell Drive and 11th Street Garage (level D and above only) on Sept. 4.
  • University Transit Bus and Health System Transit shuttle will operate normally on Tuesday, Sept. 5. 
• UVA Health Update on Hiatus | The UVA Health Update will not be sent on Monday, Sept. 4. The Update will resume on Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Order Now: Flu Free in ‘23 Vaccine To-Go Kits

Deadline, Wednesday, Sept. 6 | UVA Health is preparing for the arrival of flu season, and we’re excited to announce this year’s flu vaccination initiative: Flu Free in ’23. Flu vaccine To-Go Kits will be offered again this year. Any unit, clinic, or ambulatory manager can order a kit, and there is a minimum of 10 vaccines for each kit. Vaccinators must be an RN, MD, CMA, pharmacist, or LPN — and they must sign an attestation, review the protocol, and watch a training video on Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA).

To request a To-Go Kit, complete the order form by Sept. 6. Order form and other To-Go Kit information can be found here. Questions? Email Valerie B. Goodman, RN, Flu Vaccine Coordinator, Employee Health.

Emergency Management: Active Attacker Functional Exercise

Wednesday, Sept. 6 | Northridge Medical Park Building | 2965 Ivy Rd. | Emergency Management is inviting team members to sign up for an active attacker exercise. The goal of this event is to validate emergency plans and procedures, provide team members with an opportunity to practice their training, and respond to a simulated active attacker situation in a clinical space (which will include integrating law enforcement’s response). Choose from three, two-hour sessions. Limited to 30 participants per session. Questions? Contact Shane Anderson, Director of Emergency Management. All employees, regardless of participation on Sept. 6, are encouraged to take the Department of Safety and Security De-Escalation and Active Attacker Response training.

Construction Impact: Lane Road Closure Extended Through Early November

Since May, Lane Road — near University Hospital’s loading dock, MR-4, and MR-5 — has been closed to through traffic. Originally, this project was scheduled to be completed this month; however, due to unexpected issues, the project’s end date has been moved to November. More details will be provided as they become available. Questions? Email Mark Humbertson, Facilities Management, or call 434.906.5206.

• Reminder about personal food and catering deliveries:
  • University Hospital and Primary Care Center | Use the front of the hospital (not to the loading docks) for deliveries. Food will only be stored at this location for one hour before disposal.
  • Pinn Hall and MR-5 | Use the Lane Road bus stop to unload and deliver.
  • MR-4 | Use the MR-4 east loading dock to unload and deliver.

This Fall: Epic ‘Quad’ Upgrade

Go-live: Sunday, Nov. 5 | UVA Health uses Epic as its electronic medical record system, and the Health Information Technology (HIT) team actively supports and updates Epic regularly. HIT typically schedules Epic updates twice a year to improve system performance, enhance functionality, and increase efficiency.

This year, HIT suspended updates during the UVA Community Health integration. HIT wanted to maintain a stable and unchanging Epic environment to support the development of the Epic modules for the new entities. To account for this pause, HIT is combining four upgrades into one — the Epic Quad Upgrade — and the downtime for this upgrade will occur in the early morning hours on Sunday, Nov. 5. Read more about downtime, training, and key dates on Connect.

Happenings

Sharing Our Strength: Prostate Cancer Support Group

Tuesday, Sept. 5 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Virtual | UVA Health Cancer Care is offering a virtual prostate cancer support group — which meets the first Tuesday of every month — led by UVA Health oncology social workers, to create a safe environment in which patients support one another. To register, contact Wanda Shreve and provide your email address to receive the event link.

Nursing and Medicine Community Festival

Wednesday, Sept. 6 | 5-7 p.m. | Courtyard between MR-5 and MR-6 | Come out and enjoy food, music, games, and trivia. Sponsored by UVA School of Nursing’s Inclusion, Diversity and Excellence Achievement (IDEA) initiative, and the UVA School of Medicine’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Roll Up Your Sleeve. Donate Blood. Feel Awesome.

Thursday, Sept. 7 | 2:30-6:30 p.m. | Quayle Learning Center | Battle Building, first floor | Support the American Red Cross — UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products — in alleviating the severe blood shortage by volunteering to donate blood. This is a special drive benefiting the UVA Pediatric Sickle Cell Program. Sign up by emailing giveblood@virginia.edu or visiting redcrossblood.org.

UVA Schwartz Center Rounds: The Joy Is Contagious

Friday, Sept. 8 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium | An interprofessional panel will discuss their involvement with a complex care case and the necessary collaboration. Panelists include Sara Brumfield, MD; Virginia Cramer, RN, BSN; Kathy Fowler, ACM, MS, OHRD, BSW; Stella Prevost, HP; and Carly Sawyer, Chaplain. Lunch provided to the first 60 attendees. Accredited continuing education provided by UVA School of Medicine and School of Nursing. Sponsored by the Wisdom & Well-Being Program; co-sponsored by the Compassionate Care Initiative and the Faculty and Employee Assistance Program; and supported by Chaplaincy Services and Quality and Performance Improvement. Register.

UVA Family Movie Night | The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Saturday, Sept. 23 | Fontaine Research Park | 6-9 p.m. | Popcorn, kettle corn, and food trucks will be available.

iTHRIV Scholars Clinical Translational Research Symposium

Tuesday, Oct. 17 | 12:30-3 p.m. | Virtual | This symposium will feature Science of Translational Science presentations from iTHRIV’s second-year scholars, as well as research presentations from recent graduates. Keynote speaker will be Renée Cummings, Data Activist in Residence, UVA School of Data Science. Learn more and register.

Appreciation

‘Confidence in the Care That I Receive’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

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

• “Danielle L. is absolutely incredible. She made my experience so much better. She talked to me, listened to me, and treated me like a human being. She was very attentive and knowledgeable. She is an extremely kind and caring person and left a huge positive impression on me. My time in the emergency room would have been so much worse without her. I can't even begin to say enough nice things about her. She needs a promotion, a raise, a bonus, and every other good thing you can give her. Please, please tell her how wonderful she is.”
• “My husband and I were treated with kindness and respect by every staff member we encountered. My OR nurse, Andria, was the best — holding my hand in the OR when I was anxious. We were kept informed about what was happening and what would happen next. I had trouble with anesthesia in the past, and the anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetists listened carefully to my concerns and made a plan to be sure I did well this time — and I did. Dr. Pandey went out of his way to find my husband after my procedure to tell him face-to-face how it went. If it's possible for a lung biopsy to be a good experience, this was it.”
• “The staff and the outstanding design of the facility all work to give me confidence in the care that I receive here. I [left] with answers and information allowing me to make informed choices on my care options.”
• “I've struggled with pain for a while now, and while other things have helped to some extent, nothing has been as beneficial as the work I've been doing with Dr. Urban. The rest of the staff has been very friendly, including the reception/check-out staff. Great experience.”

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

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