Celebrating Women in Medicine Month 

Who’s Your Inspiration? | Deadline today: Friday, Sept. 13 | Each September, we honor the achievements and contributions of women in our field. Let us know who has supported, mentored, or motivated you in your UVA Health career — or whose work you admire! All team members can nominate any woman in any role in healthcare — inside or outside of UVA Health. Submissions will be considered for inclusion in a Women in Medicine Month article on Connect. To participate, please send an email to RUVAConnect@uvahealth.org with the following details: 

• Your name, credentials, title, and unit or work area. 
• Name, title, credentials, and unit or work area of the woman you’re nominating. 
• A brief paragraph (up to 450 words) describing why the nominee should be honored during Women in Medicine Month. What’s special about them or their work, or how do they inspire you? 
• Photo (optional): Snap a selfie of you and the nominee and attach it to your email.  

UVA Health Storytellers Featuring Dr. Janet Cross

Monday, Sept. 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall 1005, Zoom | Janet V. Cross, PhD, shares her academic and career journey utilizing storytelling, significant mileposts, new learnings, and positive individual, team, or institutional growth recommendations. 

Ambulatory 

August Ambulatory Operations Progress Report Now Available 

Highlights of the August Ambulatory Operations Progress Report include One Team | United on Access Wave 4 updates, a Genesys phone system update, and a registration reminder to RNs about the free AAACN Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification course coming to Charlottesville. 

PETC Clinic Moving, Will Be Renamed Preoperative Anesthesia Clinic Fontaine 

The Pre-anesthesia Evaluation and Testing Center (PETC) will undergo a significant transformation at the end of the month, with a new name and location aimed at improving preoperative patient care and streamlining anesthesia evaluations. Currently located on the first floor of University Hospital, the clinic will relocate to Fontaine Research Park on Sept. 27 and will start seeing patients at its new facility on Sept. 30. The clinic will be renamed the Preoperative Anesthesia Clinic Fontaine, a name that more accurately reflects its specialized focus for both patients and staff. Learn more on Connect. 

Operations 

Flu No More in ‘24 — 2024 Team Member 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 No More in ‘24.    

Getting influenza/flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone age six months 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. Read more about the vaccination program and FAQs on Connect.  

Updating UVA Health-Employed Provider Profiles 

Need to make an update to your UVA Health profile? Previously, Edit Requests for provider and location profiles have been one online form. Now it’s two separate forms: one for employed providers and another one for hospitals/clinic locations. These new forms highlight the different field types, who manages them, and estimated turnaround time for completion. Here are the new links for Provider Profile Edit Request and Location Profile Edit Request. 

Central Clinical Orientation   

Monday, Sept. 16 | 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Battle Building Quayle Learning Center | Central Clinical Orientation Grid | Central Clinical Orientation NEC and Management email collaboration has gone live. Units to email their new hires prior to Friday afternoon this week with orientation information. Visit the Nursing Professional Development Services (NPDS) intranet for details. Questions? Email Deanna Pototschnik, Nursing Professional Development Specialist. Read more on Connect about the new and improved orientation. 

Human Resources 

Benefits Wednesday: Meet a Counselor 

Wednesday, Sept. 18 | 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. 

2024 Annual Retraining  

Deadline: Monday, Sept. 30 | All UVA Health team members hired on or before April 1, 2024, who provide patient care, receive training, or participate in healthcare education and research within or for the benefit of UVA Health University Medical Center — regardless of their employer — are required to take Annual Retraining. This is part of our commitment to excellence and to meet regulatory requirements. Those required to take the course may access it here: 2024 Annual Retraining. Find more information on the 2024 Annual Retraining webpage. 

Happenings 

ROSE Program Gives Office Supplies New Life 

Tuesday, Sept. 17 | 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 or take what you need monthly. 

Mindfulness Classes   

• Mindfulness for Healthcare Employees | Wednesdays, Sept. 18-Nov. 6 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Fontaine Research Park | Register  
• Mindful Eating | Mondays, Sept. 23-Nov. 11 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register   
• Intro to Mindfulness for Healthcare Employees | Wednesdays, Sept. 25-Oct. 30 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register 
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction | Mondays, Oct. 21-Dec. 16, I 4-6:30 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, Feb. 24 | Zoom | Register  

Know Your Numbers  

Saturday, Sept. 21 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Mount Zion First African Baptist Church, 105 Lankford Ave. | Registration preferred; walk-ins welcome | The UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement is partnering with Mount Zion First African Baptist Church and other community partners to offer the church’s 3rd Annual Men’s Health Day Event: Know Your Numbers. Through LabCorp, blood testing for CBC (complete blood count), lipids, prostate, and hemoglobin A1c will be provided free of charge. Clothing, haircuts, food, and information on community resources also will be available. UVA Cancer Center also will share information during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Questions? Email Jackie Martin, Director, UVA Health Community Partnerships and Health Equity. 

Information Session: 'What Nursing Program Is Right for Me?' 

Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Zoom | No matter your goals, UVA School of Nursing has a program to suit you, the time you have, your family and work situation, and your financial needs. Thanks to a generous base of supporters, there are financial resources to make returning to school affordable — and a reality. Learn more and register. 

Valley Cares for Kids Radiothon  

Thursday, Sept. 26 | 6 a.m.-6 p.m. | Harrisonburg Radio Group, 1820 Heritage Center Way, Harrisonburg, Virginia | Volunteers are needed for UVA Health Children’s live phone bank; two-hour slots available. Hear from inspiring patient families. Sign up. 100% of funds raised support the basic needs of our patients and their families. Questions? Contact Erin Chandler, Associate Director of Development, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Corporate Philanthropy. 

2024 Bice Lecture: ‘Following What Matters’ 

Thursday, Oct. 3 | noon-1 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, Room 3110 | American Academy of Nursing Immediate Past President and Dean Emeritus of MGH Institute of Health Professions' School of Nursing Kenneth R. White, PhD, APRN-BC, FACHE, FADLN, FAAN, will deliver UVA School of Nursing's annual Bice Lecture. Learn more. 

Advanced Practice APOGEE Conference  

Oct. 10-11 | 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | UVA Newcomb Hall | Advancing Professional Growth, Education, and Excellence Conference features lectures, case studies, and interactive sessions. It addresses complex medical and nursing management of acute and chronic illness through the care continuum and across the lifespan, expanding excellence in clinical care and sophistication of medical decision making. Questions? Contact Linda Hanson. Learn more and register. 

2024 Healthcare Ethics and Moral Distress Consultation Intensive Training Seminar 

Oct. 20-22 | Collins Building, 5th Floor, Room 5382 | This in-person, intensive, three-day training program is designed for multidisciplinary practicing healthcare professionals who wish to develop or deepen their healthcare ethics and moral distress consultation knowledge and skills, and prepare for the healthcare ethics consultation certification exam. Questions? Contact Charlene Kaufman. Learn more and register. 

Appreciation 

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

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

• “I was so impressed with this hospital. When I went back to be prepped for surgery, I had the nicest nurse that I have ever had in a medical facility. She treated me as if I were the only patient in the facility. Her name was Susan, and she is absolutely fantastic. And during my recovery, I had the pleasure of having another fantastic nurse, and her name was Miah. I am so impressed with the UVA Health surgery department, where you are treated with dignity and respect at all times.” 
• “Dr. Wilson is a life-giver. Her expertise, knowledge, personal concerns, and the joy she clearly feels for her practice are going to be sorely missed upon her retirement. She truly has given me extraordinary care and I am so grateful. Thank you!” 
• “I usually bring a book to my appointments (although I usually don't get to read very long), and Dr. Yarboro actually remembered what book I had been reading at the previous visit — and asked about it. It certainly made me feel recognized as an individual and not just another generic clinical problem.” 
• “The entire visit was excellent. The doctor (John Harrison) was thorough and detailed in explaining answers to my questions and concerns prompting my appointment. He was friendly, open to discussion and examination of my issues, articulate, and clearly interested in me. He gave me the confidence in knowing that I was in the right medical practice. I would recommend anyone to seek his five-star professionalism.” 

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

Previous Updates

Wednesday, Sept. 11

Benefits Open Enrollment for Plan Year 2025 

UVA's Benefits Open Enrollment for plan year 2025 will occur Oct. 7-18, 2024.The Open Enrollment website is live, and details are available on how to prepare to choose your benefits during Open Enrollment. 

Connect with UVA’s healthy community and take advantage of all the benefits UVA offers you. 

• Build your benefits knowledge and feel confident in selecting benefits that optimize your family’s healthcare spending for the coming year.  
• Plan your benefits decisions prior to Open Enrollment: 
  • Review resources and attend virtual educational webinars, the Open Enrollment Town Hall, and in-person events.  
  • Learn what’s changing and what that means for you.
  • Connect with benefits counselors in person or online to ask questions. 

Choosing the right health, dental, vision, and benefit savings options can help when unexpected events occur. For more Open Enrollment details, please refer to the Sept. 10 UVA HR email or visit Connect. 

Remembering 9/11 

Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which claimed the lives of 2,977 people and injured thousands more at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The effects of the attacks reached across the country, including in our own community. Please take a moment today in memory of those lives lost. 

Ambulatory 

Free AAACN Certification Review Course for Ambulatory RNs  

Saturday, Oct. 19 | 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Orthopedic Center Ivy Road (OCIR) | Register via Workday | UVA Health is offering the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing’s (AAACN) Certification Review Course. This one-day session is designed to prepare UVA Health registered nurses (RN) for the Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification Exam and provides 8.0 contact hours. Registration is capped at 80 participants. The course, offered free of charge, provides an overview of the potential content that may be tested on the AAACN Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification Exam. In an interactive, case-based format, it reinforces knowledge of ambulatory care and identifies areas for further study in preparation for the exam. The class also may be suitable for RNs transitioning into ambulatory care or those who need a refresher on the ambulatory care nursing specialty.  

Operations 

Flu No More in ‘24 — 2024 Team Member 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 No More in ‘24.   

Getting influenza/flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone age six months 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. Read more about the vaccination program and FAQs on Connect.  

Central Clinical Orientation  

Monday, Sept. 16 | 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Battle Building Quayle Learning Center | Central Clinical Orientation Grid | Central Clinical Orientation NEC and Management email collaboration has gone live. Units to email their new hires prior to Friday afternoon this week with orientation information. Visit the Nursing Professional Development Services (NPDS) intranet for details. Questions? Email Deanna Pototschnik, Nursing Professional Development Specialist. Read more on Connect about the new and improved orientation. 

Spok System Upgrade  

Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 2-8 a.m. | The Spok System upgrade is expected to last approximately four hours. During this period, the Contact Center will operate under downtime procedures. All emergencies will be communicated via overhead announcements.   

Leadership 

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Best Place to Work: A Primary Care Clinic Dedicated to You and Our Team 

In her latest Vision and Voice blog, Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, discusses how we're investing in your access to primary care right here at UVA Health. Read more. 

Happenings 

Market Square 

Weekly on Thursdays through Sept. 26 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Courtyard at MR5 | Shop for fresh produce, beautiful flowers, unique crafts, and delicious eats from local food trucks. Questions? Contact George Minor, UVA HR, Rewards and Recognition.  

Charlottesville and Beyond: The Art of Eric Bolsmann 

Sept. 12-Nov. 13 | Main Hospital Lobby | UVA Health Arts Program is pleased to present “Charlottesville and Beyond: The Art of Eric Bolsmann.” Pictured: “The Battle Building, West Main St., Charlottesville.” Stop by and check it out! 

Medical Center Hour | Infectious Diseases and Inequalities: The Future of Global Social Medicine  

Friday, Sept. 13 | 12:15-1:15 p.m. | Education Resource Center | Louise Ivers, MD, MPH, Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, will deliver the talk "Infectious Diseases and Inequalities: The Future of Global Social Medicine.” Dr. Ivers works on the implementation of health programs with the goal of advancing health equity and access to care and social services for impoverished communities, supported by research and advocacy. She is a practicing infectious diseases physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Mass General Hospital.  

Celebrating Women in Medicine Month 

• Who’s Your Inspiration? | Submission deadline: Friday, Sept. 13 | Let us know who has supported, mentored, or motivated you in your UVA Health career — or whose work you admire! All team members can nominate any woman in any role in healthcare — inside or outside of UVA Health. Submissions will be considered for inclusion in a Women in Medicine Month article on Connect. To participate, please send an email to RUVAConnect@uvahealth.org with the following details: 
  • Your name, credentials, title, and unit or work area.
  • Name, title, credentials, and unit or work area of the woman you’re nominating.
  • A brief paragraph (up to 450 words) describing why the nominee should be honored during Women in Medicine Month. What’s special about them or their work, or how do they inspire you?
  • Photo (optional): Snap a selfie of you and the nominee and attach it to your email. 
• UVA Health Storytellers Featuring Dr. Janet Cross | Monday, Sept. 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall 1005, Zoom | Janet V. Cross, PhD, shares her academic and career journey utilizing storytelling, significant mileposts, new learnings, and positive individual, team, or institutional growth recommendations. 

Mindfulness Classes  

• Mindfulness for Healthcare Employees | Wednesdays, Sept. 18-Nov. 6 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Fontaine Research Park | Register  
• Mindful Eating | Mondays, Sept. 23-Nov. 11 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register  
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction | Mondays, Oct. 21-Dec. 16, I 4-6:30 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, Feb. 24 | Zoom | Register  

iTHRIV's Fall NIH Proposal Development Series  

Mondays, Sept. 23-Oct. 28 | 4-6 p.m. | Virtual | iTHRIV's (integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia) six-session National Institutes of Health (NIH) Proposal Development Series contains pre-recorded informational videos and will be moderated with time for questions after each segment. Topics covered include proposal development, specific aims page, research strategy, administrative components, resubmissions, and transitions and renewals. See the flyer. Free and open to faculty, staff, and trainees. Registration required. Questions? Contact Jennifer Phillips or Sandra Burks.  

Valley Cares for Kids Radiothon 

Thursday, Sept. 26 | 6 a.m.-6 p.m. | Harrisonburg Radio Group, 1820 Heritage Center Way, Harrisonburg, Virginia | Volunteers are needed for UVA Health Children’s live phone bank; two-hour slots available. Hear from inspiring patient families. Sign up. 100% of funds raised support the basic needs of our patients and their families. Questions? Contact Erin Chandler, Associate Director of Development, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Corporate Philanthropy. 

Pulmonary Fibrosis 6th Annual Patient Education Day  

Saturday, Sept. 28 | Quayle Learning Center, Battle Building; or virtual | Register | The UVA Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine invites patients, friends, and family to this one-day event to learn more about pulmonary fibrosis. Keynote speaker Daniel Kass, MD, Director, Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease Associate and Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh. Details. 

Appreciation 

Years Ahead 

America’s Essential Hospitals is recognizing member hospitals and health systems for successful projects to improve the quality of care and population health. It’s highlighting UVA Health’s Interactive Health Monitoring (IHM), a remote patient monitoring and care coordination program to reduce readmission rates among our sickest patients and those with the highest social needs. 

Inpatient discharges — and pediatric, ambulatory, and emergency department patients — receive no-cost tablet computers and cellular hub patient kits with condition-specific peripherals to monitor vital signs. IHM aims to improve healthcare outcomes; manage patient care where the patient lives, including on the streets and in deeply rural areas; and target underserved patient populations. 

In 2017, UVA Health had an 18.1% readmission rate among our sickest and highest-risk patient populations; from 2020 to the present, overall readmission rates have ranged from 7.3 to 9.3%. UVA Health also has taught systems in southwest Virginia how to provide this service for their patients. 

“UVA Health is years ahead of many other health systems due to our belief in the power of innovative technology and programs that deliver care beyond hospital walls. Today, not only do we provide high quality patient care through our IHM program, we’ve expanded into other areas where remote patient monitoring is a common thread that positively impacts the behavioral utilization of services. The credit for this recognition all goes to my IHM program leader Jared McComb, our case management, and clinician team,” says Novella Thompson, MBA, MA, ALM-C, FACHE, Administrator, Population Health. 

Monday, Sept. 9

UVA to Test Emergency Notification System

Tuesday, Sept. 10 | 10:50-11 a.m. | During this time, UVA will test all components of its emergency notification system. When the test is over, a “test complete” message will be issued. UVA’s siren and public address system will be included in the test. All current students, faculty, staff, and UVA Health team members with a valid UVA email account will automatically receive an email alert. Students, faculty, staff, and UVA Health team members who provided a phone number during orientation or onboarding will also automatically receive a text alert. For details, refer to the Sept. 3 email from Jennifer (J.J.) Wagner Davis, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Timothy J. Longo Sr., Associate Vice President for Safety and Security and Chief of Police.

Patient Care

Patient Care Change to Complete Blood Count Orders Coming Sept. 10

Currently, six unique Complete Blood Count (CBC) lab orders specific to various clinic locations exist in Epic (e.g., CBC WITH DIFF, RIVERSIDE [LAB6274]). As part of the Sept. 10 Epic bundle update, these location-specific orders will no longer appear in order sets, preference lists, or treatment plans and care teams should transition to ordering CBC WITH DIFFERENTIAL [LAB293], a universal CBC order that works across all UVA Health locations.  

On Sept. 10, the Epic team will run an order replacer activity to update active, outpatient site-specific CBCs to LAB293. This activity will capture most but not all existing orders (e.g., signed, held, etc.); therefore, prescribing teams are asked to check to ensure that existing orders have been updated to LAB293. To support a smooth transition, location-specific CBC orders will not be deactivated until mid-October, though care teams should begin using LAB293 on Sept. 10. Please see the ELL tip sheet for additional information and contact Carl Lake, point of care testing lead, with questions.

Operations

Construction Complete: Plastic Surgery Clinic

Construction for the Plastic Surgery Clinic, located on the fourth floor of the Davis Wing of the West Complex, is complete. This work refreshed its existing 3,000 square foot space and expanded its footprint by over 300 square feet — increasing the clinic from an eight exam-room suite to a 10 exam-room suite. The new space is scheduled to reopen for patients on Sept. 10.

Monthly Update: Clinical and Operational Documents

Having a working knowledge of policies and other clinical and operational documents relevant to your role and responsibilities at University Medical Center supports quality patient care and regulatory compliance. Learn What’s New in Clinical and Operational Documents. This month’s highlights include a new Central Cardiac Monitoring SOP, updates to the Palliative Care Guideline, updates to the Warfarin Maintenance Dosing in Ambulatory Clinics Protocol Order, and many more. Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org.

Monthly Epic Update

Changes go live Tuesday, Sept. 10 | 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 Service Desk at 434.924.5334.

Happenings

Market Square

Weekly on Thursdays through Sept. 26 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Courtyard at MR5 | Shop for fresh produce, beautiful flowers, unique crafts, and delicious eats from local food trucks. Questions? Contact George Minor, UVA HR, Rewards and Recognition.

Managing Through Life’s Changes: Don’t Just Survive — Thrive!

Tuesday, Sept. 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | How often do you find yourself lost in thought — either negatively forecasting the future or longing for life “back in the day”? How does this habit of thinking impact your everyday health and well-being? What if you could strike that middle ground, where you could simply embrace the present and all its possibilities? Register.

Lunch and Learn Series: Vascular Disease

Tuesday, Sept. 10 | noon-1 p.m. | WebEx | Join the Heart and Vascular Center as it kicks off the Vascular Disease Lunch and Learn Series for National Vascular Disease and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness month. Lauren Huck, AG-ACNP, will discuss aneurysms, dissections, risk factors, symptoms, medical versus surgical management, and treatment plans.

Compassionate Care Initiative Learning Series: Making Room for Rest and Recovery in Healthcare 

Tuesday, Sept. 10 | noon-1 p.m. | McLeod Hall, Room 5060 | Increased awareness of global inequality and collective suffering has made compassion a critical behavior and business imperative. Making room for rest and recovery in healthcare is necessary to sustain compassionate care, support our most vulnerable populations, and reduce compassion fatigue. Lecturer: Courtney McCluney, PhD, Founder and Principal Consultant, EquiWell Partners. Lunch provided for the first 30 people. Accredited continuing education provided by UVA School of Medicine and UVA School of Nursing. Details. Co-sponsored by UVA School of Nursing’s IDEA initiative.

ECHO: Stroke Ready Primary Care

Virtual | Register | A free webinar series for primary care providers to better understand stroke and management of risk factors. This series will provide a comprehensive review of the newest treatment and evaluation paradigms for the primary and secondary prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular disease.  

• Wednesday, Sept. 11 | noon-1 p.m. | "Navigating Life After Stroke: Management of Stroke Sequela and Aiding in Recovery," Keri Johnson, NP  
• Wednesday, Oct. 9 | noon-1 p.m. | "Trimming Trends: Mastering Obesity Treatment in Primary Care," Catherine Varney, DO 
• Wednesday, Nov. 13 | noon-1 p.m. | “High Stakes: Unveiling Substance Abuse as a Stroke Catalyst,” Emily Fisher, MD

Celebrating Women in Medicine Month

• Who’s Your Inspiration? | Submission deadline: Friday, Sept. 13 | Let us know who has supported, mentored, or motivated you in your UVA Health career — or whose work you admire! All team members can nominate any woman in any role in healthcare — inside or outside of UVA Health. Submissions will be considered for inclusion in a Women in Medicine Month article on Connect. To participate, please send an email to RUVAConnect@uvahealth.org with the following details: 
  • Your name, credentials, title, and unit or work area.Name, title, credentials, and unit or work area of the woman you’re nominating.A brief paragraph (up to 450 words) describing why the nominee should be honored during Women in Medicine Month. What’s special about them or their work, or how do they inspire you?
  • Photo (optional): Snap a selfie of you and the nominee and attach it to your email.
• UVA Health Storytellers Featuring Dr. Janet Cross | Monday, Sept. 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall 1005, Zoom | Janet V. Cross, PhD, shares her academic and career journey utilizing storytelling, significant mileposts, new learnings, and positive individual, team, or institutional growth recommendations.

Medical Center Hour | Infectious Diseases and Inequalities: The Future of Global Social Medicine

Friday, Sept. 13 | 12:15-1:15 p.m. | Education Resource Center | Louise Ivers, MD, MPH, Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, will deliver the talk "Infectious Diseases and Inequalities: The Future of Global Social Medicine.” Dr. Ivers works on the implementation of health programs with the goal of advancing health equity and access to care and social services for impoverished communities, supported by research and advocacy. She is a practicing infectious diseases physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Mass General Hospital.

ROSE Program Gives Office Supplies New Life

Tuesday, Sept. 17 | 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 or take what you need monthly.

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot

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

• Thursday, Sept. 19 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  
• Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Know Your Numbers 

Saturday, Sept. 21 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Mount Zion First African Baptist Church, 105 Lankford Ave.| Registration preferred; walk-ins welcome | The UVA Health Office of Diversity and Community Engagement is partnering with Mount Zion First African Baptist Church and other community partners to offer the church’s 3rd Annual Men’s Health Day Event: Know Your Numbers. Through LabCorp, blood testing for CBC (complete blood count), lipids, prostate, and hemoglobin A1c will be provided free of charge. Clothing, haircuts, food, and information on community resources also will be available. UVA Cancer Center also will share information during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Questions? Email Jackie Martin, Director, UVA Health Community Partnerships and Health Equity.

Appreciation

‘Remarkable Involvement and Dedication’: Celebrating the Newest Uteam Members of the Month

Each quarter — UVA Health recognizes Uteam Members of the Month for their outstanding service and their commitment to our ASPIRE values. Congratulations to honorees announced this summer during the Uteam Member of the Month Quarterly Breakfast in the Education Resource Center:

• Alanna Baker, Addiction Counselor, Department of Psychiatry
• Judy Casella, Director, Delegated Credentialing and Enrollment (pictured, center)
• Bianca Bonilla, Patient Care Technician, Inpatient Services
• Mia Ward, Coding Quality Specialist, Orthopedic Surgery
• Amy Lewis, RN, Radiology
• Stacy Hite, Physical Therapist, Outpatient Physical Therapy
• Cierra Hill, Intermediate Administrative Assistant, Department of Pediatrics 
• Casey Moler, Physical Therapist, Outpatient Fontaine Orthopedics
• Caitlin Castillo, RN, Infusion Center

Read more about the amazing colleagues listed above on Connect.

Friday, Sept. 6

Celebrating Women in Medicine Month  

Each September, we honor the achievements and contributions of women in our field. Check out these events and celebrate the month by sharing the story of a woman in medicine who inspires you! 

• Women in Medicine and Science Luncheon: Empowering Voices for Meaningful Change | Monday, Sept. 9 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall G1 and G2, Zoom | Register | Join the Office of Diversity and Community Engagement for a luncheon and panel discussion with Nassima Ait-Daoud Tiouririne, MD; Janet Cross, PhD; Ivora “Ivy” D. Hinton, PhD; Ifeyinwa Obiorah, MD, PhD; and Marquita Taylor, PhD. Melody M. Pannell, D.Min, will facilitate the panel discussion. Register for the event for the Zoom link. Lunch will be served.  

• Women in Medicine Month: Who’s Your Inspiration? | Submission deadline: Friday, Sept. 13 | Let us know who has supported, mentored, or motivated you in your UVA Health career — or whose work you admire! All team members can nominate any woman in any role in healthcare — inside or outside of UVA Health. Submissions will be considered for inclusion in a Women in Medicine Month article on Connect. To participate, please send an email to RUVAConnect@uvahealth.org with the following details: 
  • Your name, credentials, title, and unit or work area.
  • Name, title, credentials, and unit or work area of the woman you’re nominating.
  • A brief paragraph (up to 450 words) describing why the nominee should be honored during Women in Medicine Month. What’s special about them or their work, or how do they inspire you?
  • Photo (optional): Snap a selfie of you and the nominee and attach it to your email. 

• UVA Health Storytellers Featuring Dr. Janet Cross | Monday, Sept. 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall 1005, Zoom | Janet V. Cross, PhD, shares her academic and career journey utilizing storytelling, significant mileposts, new learnings, and positive individual, team, or institutional growth recommendations. 

COVID-19 

Should I Come to Work if I’m Sick? Answers to This Question and Other Reminders as COVID Cases Increasing, Flu Season Approaches 

Many inpatient and ambulatory clinic teams are being impacted as COVID rates are on the rise in Virginia, and as we embark on flu season. For the answers to important questions such as what to do if you’re not feeling well, return to work guidance for COVID, and reminders about patient care during cold and flu season, visit Connect. 

Patient Care 

Patient Care Change to Complete Blood Count Orders Coming Sept. 10 

Currently, six unique Complete Blood Count (CBC) lab orders specific to various clinic locations exist in Epic (e.g., CBC WITH DIFF, RIVERSIDE [LAB6274]). As part of the Sept. 10 Epic bundle update, these location-specific orders will no longer appear in order sets, preference lists, or treatment plans and care teams should transition to ordering CBC WITH DIFFERENTIAL [LAB293], a universal CBC order that works across all UVA Health locations.  

On Sept. 10, the Epic team will run an order replacer activity to update active, outpatient site-specific CBCs to LAB293. This activity will capture most but not all existing orders (e.g., signed, held, etc.); therefore, prescribing teams are asked to check to ensure that existing orders have been updated to LAB293. To support a smooth transition, location-specific CBC orders will not be deactivated until mid-October, though care teams should begin using LAB293 on Sept. 10. Please see the ELL tip sheet for additional information and contact Carl Lake, point of care testing lead, with questions. 

Operations 

Flu No More in ‘24 — 2024 Team Member 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 No More in ‘24.  

Getting influenza/flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone age six months 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. Read more about the vaccination program and FAQs on Connect. 

Monthly Update: Clinical and Operational Documents 

Having a working knowledge of policies and other clinical and operational documents relevant to your role and responsibilities at University Medical Center supports quality patient care and regulatory compliance. Learn What’s New in Clinical and Operational Documents. This month’s highlights include a new Central Cardiac Monitoring SOP, updates to the Palliative Care Guideline, updates to the Warfarin Maintenance Dosing in Ambulatory Clinics Protocol Order, and many more. Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org. 

Monthly Epic Update 

Changes go live Tuesday, Sept. 10 | 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 Service Desk at 434.924.5334.   

UVA to Test Emergency Notification System 

Tuesday, Sept. 10 | 10:50-11 a.m. | During this time, UVA will test all components of its emergency notification system. When the test is over, a “test complete” message will be issued. UVA’s siren and public address system will be included in the test. All current students, faculty, staff, and UVA Health team members with a valid UVA email account will automatically receive an email alert. Students, faculty, staff, and UVA Health team members who provided a phone number during orientation or onboarding will also automatically receive a text alert. For details, refer to the Sept. 3 email from Jennifer (J.J.) Wagner Davis, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Timothy J. Longo Sr., Associate Vice President for Safety and Security and Chief of Police. 

Human Resources 

2024 Annual Retraining  

Deadline: Monday, Sept. 30 | All UVA Health team members hired on or before April 1, 2024, who provide patient care, receive training, or participate in healthcare education and research within or for the benefit of UVA Health University Medical Center — regardless of their employer — are required to take Annual Retraining. This is part of our commitment to excellence and to meet regulatory requirements. Those required to take the course may access it here: 2024 Annual Retraining. Find more information on the 2024 Annual Retraining webpage. 

Happenings 

UVA Health Team Member Art Show and ‘Blue Ridge East and West: The Art of Debra Sheffer’ 

Through Sept. 11 | University Medical Center lobby | Our colleagues are multi-talented and the UVA Health Arts Program is proud to showcase their artwork! View their stellar creations on the two, far wall art panels in the main hospital lobby. In addition, Debra Sheffer’s artwork can be viewed until Sept. 11. 

UVA Health Pediatric Sickle Cell Blood Drive: Your Donation Is Urgently Needed 

Monday, Sept. 9 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Battle Building, First Floor, Quayle Learning Center, 1204 West Main St. | One in three donors who are Black are a match for a patient with sickle cell — join us to unlock the power in your blood to save lives! Red Cross is experiencing critically low levels of blood supply, particularly those with type O blood, that is currently impacting their ability to fulfill orders as expected. Sign up to donate by emailing giveblood@uvahealth.org. Swag alert: Donors will receive a Red Cross raglan shirt and a $20 Amazon gift card. 

Managing Through Life’s Changes: Don’t Just Survive — Thrive! 

Tuesday, Sept. 10 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | How often do you find yourself lost in thought — either negatively forecasting the future or longing for life “back in the day”? How does this habit of thinking impact your everyday health and well-being? What if you could strike that middle ground, where you could simply embrace the present and all its possibilities? Register. 

Compassionate Care Initiative Learning Series: Making Room for Rest and Recovery in Healthcare 

Tuesday, Sept. 10 | noon-1 p.m. | McLeod Hall, Room 5060 | Increased awareness of global inequality and collective suffering has made compassion a critical behavior and business imperative. Making room for rest and recovery in healthcare is necessary to sustain compassionate care, support our most vulnerable populations, and reduce compassion fatigue. Lecturer: Courtney McCluney, PhD, Founder and Principal Consultant, EquiWell Partners. Lunch provided for the first 30 people. Accredited continuing education provided by UVA School of Medicine and UVA School of Nursing. Details. Co-sponsored by UVA School of Nursing’s IDEA initiative. 

Lunch and Learn Series: Vascular Disease 

Tuesday, Sept. 10 | noon-1 p.m. | WebEx | Join the Heart and Vascular Center as it kicks off the Vascular Disease Lunch and Learn Series for National Vascular Disease and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness month. Lauren Huck, AG-ACNP, will discuss aneurysms, dissections, risk factors, symptoms, medical versus surgical management, and treatment plans. 

ECHO: Stroke Ready Primary Care 

Virtual | Register | A free webinar series for primary care providers to better understand stroke and management of risk factors. This series will provide a comprehensive review of the newest treatment and evaluation paradigms for the primary and secondary prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular disease.  

• Wednesday, Sept. 11 | noon-1 p.m. | "Navigating Life After Stroke: Management of Stroke Sequela and Aiding in Recovery," Keri Johnson, NP  
• Wednesday, Oct. 9 | noon-1 p.m. | "Trimming Trends: Mastering Obesity Treatment in Primary Care," Catherine Varney, DO  
• Wednesday, Nov. 13 | noon-1 p.m. | “High Stakes: Unveiling Substance Abuse as a Stroke Catalyst,” Emily Fisher, MD 

Medical Center Hour | Infectious Diseases and Inequalities: The Future of Global Social Medicine 

Friday, Sept. 13 | 12:15-1:15 p.m. | Education Resource Center | Louise Ivers, MD, MPH, Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, will deliver the talk "Infectious Diseases and Inequalities: The Future of Global Social Medicine.” Dr. Ivers works on the implementation of health programs with the goal of advancing health equity and access to care and social services for impoverished communities, supported by research and advocacy. She is a practicing infectious diseases physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Mass General Hospital. 

2024 Bice Lecture: ‘Following What Matters’ 

Thursday, Oct. 3 | noon-1 p.m. | Claude Moore Medical Education Building, Room 3110 | American Academy of Nursing immediate past president and dean emeritus of MGH Institute of Health Professions' School of Nursing Kenneth R. White, PhD, APRN-BC, FACHE, FADLN, FAAN, will deliver UVA School of Nursing's annual Bice Lecture. Learn more. 

Appreciation 

‘Life Changing and Transformative’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues 

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

• “I am a retired critical care and clinical research RN who worked at [another institution] for 33 years. I've had several surgeries through the years and this experience was by far the best I've ever had! Thank you for your excellence!”  
• “The overall visit was excellent, well-coordinated, and carried out extremely well. The scheduling staff were very helpful and patient, since my trip to the hospital was emergent, delayed, and late in the day on a Friday. The nursing staff were amazingly supportive from the start through my surgery and discharge the following day. Dr. Mangram and his surgical staff were outstanding, providing excellent information about the procedures. All aspects of my visit, surgery, and post-op were excellent. The quality and extent of information provided far exceeded my expectations and that of my wife. Follow-up has been regular, frequent, and helpful.” 
• “My experience at the UVA Health Transplant Center has been life changing and transformative. I am a better person after receiving care from the entire team, from check-in through leaving the building.” 

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

Wednesday, Sept. 4

Flu No More in ‘24 — 2024 Team Member 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 No More in ‘24. 

Getting influenza/flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone age six months 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. Read more about the vaccination program and FAQs on Connect. 

Ambulatory 

Free AAACN Certification Review Course for Ambulatory RNs 

Saturday, Oct. 19 | 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Orthopedic Center Ivy Road (OCIR) | Register via Workday | UVA Health is offering the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing’s (AAACN) Certification Review Course. This one-day session is designed to prepare UVA Health registered nurses (RN) for the Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification Exam and provides 8.0 contact hours. Registration is capped at 80 participants. The course, offered free of charge, provides an overview of the potential content that may be tested on the AAACN Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification Exam. In an interactive, case-based format, it reinforces knowledge of ambulatory care and identifies areas for further study in preparation for the exam. The class also may be suitable for RNs transitioning into ambulatory care or those who need a refresher on the ambulatory care nursing specialty. 

Patient Care 

Patient Care Change to Complete Blood Count Orders Coming Sept. 10  

Currently, six unique Complete Blood Count (CBC) lab orders specific to various clinic locations exist in Epic (e.g., CBC WITH DIFF, RIVERSIDE [LAB6274]). As part of the Sept. 10 Epic bundle update, these location-specific orders will no longer appear in order sets, preference lists, or treatment plans and care teams should transition to ordering CBC WITH DIFFERENTIAL [LAB293], a universal CBC order that works across all UVA Health locations. 

On Sept. 10, the Epic team will run an order replacer activity to update active, outpatient site-specific CBCs to LAB293. This activity will capture most but not all existing orders (e.g., signed, held, etc.); therefore, prescribing teams are asked to check to ensure that existing orders have been updated to LAB293. To support a smooth transition, location-specific CBC orders will not be deactivated until mid-October, though care teams should begin using LAB293 on Sept. 10. Please see the ELL tip sheet for additional information and contact Carl Lake, point of care testing lead, with questions. 

Operations 

Monthly Update: Clinical and Operational Documents 

Having a working knowledge of policies and other clinical and operational documents relevant to your role and responsibilities at University Medical Center supports quality patient care and regulatory compliance. Learn What’s New in Clinical and Operational Documents. This month’s highlights include a new Central Cardiac Monitoring SOP, updates to the Palliative Care Guideline, updates to the Warfarin Maintenance Dosing in Ambulatory Clinics Protocol Order, and many more. Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org.  

Servicing Stacey Hall Servers 

Wednesday, Sept. 4 | 8-9:30 p.m. | Health Information Technology (HIT) and the Network Team will be conducting maintenance on our core network devices that service our main data center for the health system in Stacey Hall. Cisco Systems, our primary network manufacturer, recommends a simultaneous reload of our core equipment to clear a memory condition that caused the outage on Aug. 13. While the duration of the impact to Stacey Hall is expected to be 30 minutes or less, HIT wants to ensure the technical teams have the time to overcome unanticipated difficulties. We do not expect any major impact to clinical operations during the event, though there may be small outages or interrupted service as they work through the change. 

Spok System Upgrade 

Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 2-8 a.m. | The Spok System upgrade is expected to last approximately four hours. During this period, the Contact Center will operate under downtime procedures. All emergencies will be communicated via overhead announcements.  

Leadership 

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall 

Tuesday, Sept. 17 | noon-1 p.m. | Sandridge Auditorium and livestream | If your schedule allows, please join UVA Health leaders for the next Town Hall to learn more about the top priorities and latest developments for our organization as we continue our momentum as One Future Together | Health and Hope for All. We have a great agenda planned and a surprise segment to share with you! 

University Medical Center CEO Blog | Building for the Future With a Virtual Helping Hand 

In her latest Vision and Voice blog, Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, discusses virtual nursing, the future of patient care, and the work environment. Read more. 

Celebrate Women in Medicine Month 

Each September, we join the medical profession in commemorating Women in Medicine Month — a time to celebrate all women and highlight those who are making their mark toward our vision of being one of the nation’s leading public academic health systems and a best place to work. Read the full Women in Medicine Month message from UVA Health senior leadership on KnowledgeLink. 

Happenings 

Market Square 

Weekly on Thursdays through Sept. 26 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Courtyard at MR5 | Shop for fresh produce, beautiful flowers, unique crafts, and delicious eats from local food trucks. Questions? Contact George Minor, UVA HR, Rewards and Recognition. 

University Futures: A Presidents' Panel 

Thursday, Sept. 5 | 3:30-4:45 p.m. | Old Cabell Hall | Register | The signature event of UVA's Futures Initiative Speaker Series, this panel will feature four university and college presidents in conversation about how their institutions are each boldly taking on the future. UVA President Jim Ryan will moderate the conversation with presidents Michael Crow, Arizona State University; Harriet Nembhard, Harvey Mudd College; and Santa Ono, University of Michigan. This event will not be livestreamed, but a video will be available after the event. Free and open to the public. Details. 

Physicians and APPs: Get a New Provider Directory Headshot 

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

• Friday, Sept. 6 | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  
• Monday, Sept. 9 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.  
• Thursday, Sept. 19 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  
• Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 1:30-4:30 p.m. 

UVA Pediatric Sickle Cell Blood Drive: Your Donation Is Urgently Needed  

Monday, Sept. 9 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Battle Building, First Floor, Quayle Learning Center, 1204 West Main St. | One in three donors who are Black are a match for a patient with sickle cell — join us to unlock the power in your blood to save lives! Red Cross is experiencing critically low levels of blood supply, particularly those with type O blood, that is currently impacting their ability to fulfill orders as expected. Sign up to donate by emailing giveblood@uvahealth.org. Swag alert: Donors will receive a Red Cross raglan shirt and a $20 Amazon gift card. 

Women in Medicine Month 

• Women in Medicine and Science Luncheon: Empowering Voices for Meaningful Change | Monday, Sept. 9 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall G1 and G2, Zoom | Register | Join the Office of Diversity and Community Engagement for a luncheon and panel discussion with Nassima Ait-Daoud Tiouririne, MD; Janet Cross, PhD; Ivora “Ivy” D. Hinton, PhD; Ifeyinwa Obiorah, MD, PhD; and Marquita Taylor, PhD. Melody M. Pannell, D.Min, will facilitate the panel discussion. Register for the event for the Zoom link. Lunch will be served. 
• Women in Medicine Month: Who’s Your Inspiration? | Submission deadline: Friday, Sept. 13 | Each September, we honor the achievements and contributions of women in our field. Let us know who has supported, mentored, or motivated you in your UVA Health career — or whose work you admire! All team members can nominate any woman in any role in healthcare — inside or outside of UVA Health. Submissions will be considered for inclusion in a Women in Medicine Month article on Connect. To participate, please send an email to RUVAConnect@uvahealth.org with the following details:     
  • Your name, credentials, title, and unit or work area.
  • Name, title, credentials, and unit or work area of the woman you’re nominating.
  • A brief paragraph (up to 450 words) describing why the nominee should be honored during Women in Medicine Month. What’s special about them or their work, or how do they inspire you?
  • Photo (optional): Snap a selfie of you and the nominee and attach it to your email. 
• UVA Health Storytellers Featuring Dr. Janet Cross | Monday, Sept. 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall 1005, Zoom | Janet V. Cross, PhD, shares her academic and career journey utilizing storytelling, significant mileposts, new learnings, and positive individual, team, or institutional growth recommendations. 

Lunch and Learn Series: Vascular Disease  

Tuesday, Sept. 10 | noon-1 p.m. | WebEx | Join the Heart and Vascular Center as it kicks off the Vascular Disease Lunch and Learn Series for National Vascular Disease and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness month. Lauren Huck, AG-ACNP, will discuss aneurysms, dissections, risk factors, symptoms, medical versus surgical management, and treatment plans. 

Compassionate Care Initiative Learning Series: Making Room for Rest and Recovery in Healthcare 

Tuesday, Sept. 10 | noon-1 p.m. | McLeod Hall, Room 5060 | Increased awareness of global inequality and collective suffering has made compassion a critical behavior and business imperative. Making room for rest and recovery in healthcare is necessary to sustain compassionate care, support our most vulnerable populations, and reduce compassion fatigue. Lecturer: Courtney McCluney, PhD, Founder and Principal Consultant, EquiWell Partners. Lunch provided for the first 30 people. Accredited continuing education provided by UVA School of Medicine and UVA School of Nursing. Details. Co-sponsored by the School of Nursing’s IDEA initiative. 

ECHO: Stroke Ready Primary Care 

Virtual | Register | A free webinar series for primary care providers to better understand stroke and management of risk factors. This series will provide a comprehensive review of the newest treatment and evaluation paradigms for the primary and secondary prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular disease. 

• Wednesday, Sept. 11 | noon-1 p.m. | "Navigating Life After Stroke: Management of Stroke Sequela and Aiding in Recovery," Keri Johnson, NP 
• Wednesday, Oct. 9 | noon-1 p.m. | "Trimming Trends: Mastering Obesity Treatment in Primary Care," Catherine Varney, DO 
• Wednesday, Nov. 13 | noon-1 p.m. | “High Stakes: Unveiling Substance Abuse as a Stroke Catalyst,” Emily Fisher, MD 

iTHRIV's Fall NIH Proposal Development Series 

Mondays, Sept. 23-Oct. 28 | 4-6 p.m. | Virtual | iTHRIV's (integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia) six-session National Institutes of Health (NIH) Proposal Development Series contains pre-recorded informational videos and will be moderated with time for questions after each segment. Topics covered include proposal development, specific aims page, research strategy, administrative components, resubmissions, and transitions and renewals. See the flyer. Free and open to faculty, staff, and trainees. Registration required. Questions? Contact Jennifer Phillips or Sandra Burks. 

Information Session: 'What Nursing Program is Right for Me?' 

Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Zoom | No matter your goals, UVA School of Nursing has a program to suit you, the time you have, your family and work situation, and your financial needs. Thanks to a generous base of supporters, there are financial resources to make returning to school affordable — and a reality. Learn more and register. 

Pulmonary Fibrosis 6th Annual Patient Education Day 

Saturday, Sept. 28 | Quayle Learning Center, Battle Building; or virtual | Register | The UVA Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine invites patients, friends, and family to this one-day event to learn more about pulmonary fibrosis. Keynote speaker Daniel Kass, MD, Director, Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease Associate and Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh. Details. 

Mindfulness Classes 

• Mindfulness for Healthcare Employees | Wednesdays, Sept. 18-Nov. 6 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Fontaine Research Park | Register 
• Mindful Eating | Mondays, Sept. 23-Nov. 11 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Zoom | Register 
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction | Mondays, Oct. 21-Dec. 16, I 4-6:30 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, Feb. 24 | Zoom | Register 

Appreciation 

Celebrate National CNS Recognition Week 

Sept. 1-7 is National Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Week. This year’s theme, "Innovate," highlights the transformative impact CNSs have on healthcare through their leadership, expertise, and innovation. With nearly 90,000 CNSs across North America, we proudly acknowledge their critical role in enhancing patient care, advancing nursing practice, and improving health systems. 

CNSs, as advanced practice registered nurses, excel in integrating care across three key areas: patient, nurse, and system. Their specialized education and clinical skills enable them to tackle complex health challenges and drive evidence-based improvements in care delivery. They lead initiatives that improve patient outcomes and shape the future of nursing practice through clinical education, technology integration, and evidence-based practice. Their progressive Advanced Practice Provider-CNS model is setting new standards, influencing healthcare organizations nationwide, and serving as a benchmark for achieving exceptional patient outcomes. 

Join us in celebrating our outstanding CNSs advancing healthcare and empowering change in our communities. Their dedication and expertise are vital to the success of our healthcare system. 

Meet the UVA Health CNS team: 

• Kim Elgin, APP Director – CNS, Genetic Counselors, and Center for Nursing Excellence 
• Cheri Blevins, Critical Care Medicine 
• Scott Darrah, Acute Care Medicine 
• Brenda Deller, Renal 
• Dina Hood, Emergency Services 
• Amy Johnston, Neuroscience 
• Gary Jones, Critical Care Medicine 
• Susan Ketcham, Perioperative 
• Kristi Kimpel, Surgical Critical Care 
• Michelle Longley, Falls and HAPI 
• Dea Mahanes, Neuro Critical Care 
• Kimberly Miller, Glycemic Management 
• Kathleen Rea, Surgical Sub-Specialties 
• Tanya Thomas, Oncology 

Let’s take this week to honor and celebrate the CNSs who are at the forefront of advancing healthcare and making a difference in our communities. Their expertise and commitment are integral to the success of our healthcare system. 

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