Women in Medicine Month | Junior Volunteer Becomes Nurse and Joins Her Mom at UVA Health

9.14.2023

Women in Medicine Month | Junior Volunteer Becomes Nurse and Joins Her Mom at UVA Health

By Holly Ford
Photo by Kay Taylor

In recognition of Women in Medicine Month, we’re honoring some of the women who have dedicated their careers to making a positive impact on the lives of patients, women who are furthering our efforts to deliver quality care and women who are shaping the future of healthcare at UVA Health and beyond.

Like many who choose to pursue a career in medicine, Kim Holman transitioned into the field after witnessing a loved one’s health improve as a result of quality care. Today, she is involved in supporting those who will be the care providers of the future, both in her role as the director of Educational Affairs at UVA School of Medicine — and as a mom to a new nurse.

Kim’s youngest daughter, Kristen, first got exposure to nursing when she was a junior volunteer at UVA Health. She would accompany her mom to work and discuss becoming a nurse one day. That day has finally arrived.

“It’s fun for me to reflect on conversations that Kristen and I had when she was a junior volunteer. On our walks from the parking lot to the hospital, she would often look forward to the day when she would be a nurse at UVA, and it seemed so far off. I’m excited to see her enjoying her dream,” says Kim.

Get to Know: Kim and Kristen

Tell us about your background.

Kim: I attended the University of Cincinnati for undergrad and Emporia State University for my master’s degree. I taught computer applications for 12 years at Emporia State and Blue Ridge Community College. When a position opened at UVA to use these skills in the School of Medicine Project Management Office, I jumped at the opportunity.

Kristen: I was raised in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. After high school and governor’s school, I had the joy of attending James Madison University, where I got my BSN.

Why did you choose medicine as a career?

Kim: When my oldest daughter gave birth to her son, her left leg was amputated due to rare complications. During this ordeal, and during the six months of recovery, I developed an appreciation for various medical personnel and the benefits of an academic medical facility.

Kristen: While the basic answer — “I enjoy caring for people” — is true, I have been motivated by medical experiences in my family. During my time in high school, I knew I wanted to pursue medicine, but had not quite narrowed down what that would look like. My time as a junior volunteer solidified my decision to become a nurse. Nursing is a field where I find financial stability as well as the freedom to travel on my days off!

Tell us about your experience with the Junior Volunteer Program.

Kristen: Being a junior volunteer introduced me to many roles that are behind the scenes, and I was able to observe everyone who makes my current job as a nurse possible. From assisting patients to their pre-op rooms to watching children at Malcolm Cole Child Care Center, I learned how to navigate the hospital.

Why did you choose to work at UVA Health?

Kim: I like the size of Charlottesville and the opportunities for career growth at UVA. Once I began working in the SOM, I was fortunate to be placed with other ambitious women who truly wanted to improve how we support our SOM faculty.

Kristen: Many of my nursing school clinicals were at UVA, and I appreciated the value UVA places on teaching students. Since I grew up in Waynesboro, I was relatively familiar with Charlottesville, making it an easy transition. Charlottesville offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, and I have even joined a rock climbing gym in the area.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

Kim: I am surrounded by some of UVA’s best physicians and staff in the SOM who are continuously striving to improve the education provided to our students.

Kristen: My absolute favorite part about my job is the sweet kiddos I work with every day! Each of them is inspiring in their own way. I enjoy helping them find normality in the abnormal circumstances they find themselves in. Hearing them laugh and play never fails to brighten my day.

What are the pros and cons of working at the same place as your mother/daughter?

Kim: Having Kristen working for UVA has only been a pro for me. I’m proud of her accomplishments and being associated with her.

Kristen: After I work night shifts, I sometimes pop over to my mom’s office for coffee. We both appreciate Sarai at Higher Grounds who remembers our individual coffee orders when we show up together or separately.

How do you support each other when you face challenges at work?

Kim: Higher Grounds coffee is a great place to meet when we need a hug.

Kristen: It is comforting to know that I have my mom close by when I need someone to talk to or want her home-cooked food.

What inspires you?

Kim: I strive to have my faith guide me in how I live my life and treat others. Daily, I try to surround myself with positive people.

Kristen: There are many people in my life who inspire me because of their faith, work ethic, and happiness in life. I usually have a glass-half-full mindset, which reminds me to find joy in everyday life.

What advice do you have for women joining the field of medicine?

Kim: There are so many opportunities for women to work in the medical field. Don’t limit your vision to the obvious. Align yourself with other ambitious women. When you invest in the career growth of your colleagues, it will benefit you as well.

Kristen: You can do anything you set your mind to! More women are breaking the mold each and every day to achieve their goals.

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Thank you, Kim and Kristen, for sharing your story! During Women in Medicine Month in September, Connect will continue showcasing UVA Health team members, including a series featuring pairs of mothers, daughters, and/or sisters — all working at UVA Health. While many of our colleagues offered to participate, we regrettably can not share all of their stories (as much as we would love to!). Connect is incredibly grateful to all of them, including: