MONTHLY MATTERS
Dear team,

As August beings, it’s hard to believe that fall is approaching and that it’s time for back-to-school. Our world looks different than last year, and while that brings us great hope, it’s also a time for reflection on what we’ve been through together.

As part of this reflection, we’re focusing on empathy and believe this is key to becoming the best possible versions of ourselves. Here are a few ways we are practicing empathy:

  • listen to someone rather than trying to talk to them
  • ask someone how they are feeling or if there is something wrong
  • learn about people from different backgrounds and cultures
  • get to know about coworkers lives outside of work
  • show concern and care for others
  • pay attention to the needs of others

Check out the article “Great Empathy Quotes for Kids and Students” for more resources and ideas on empathy.

Please reach out to us if you need support – we are here to listen.

Thank you for all that you do, 

Jim, Liz, Karin, Billy, Ann, Jennifer, Leigh & Jef  
Featured Stories
No One Fights Alone: Great Recognition for a Great Kid


A note from Dr. William Petersen Jr on his patient Luke Post, a 15-year-old with T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, and the national recognition Luke has received.

Blue Ridge LEND: Improving the Health of Infants, Children, and Youth
Learn more about the partnership between the Schools of Medicine and Education and the elite federal training grant called LEND.

Covid Corner
Learn more about the latest updates on epidemiology, variants, vaccines, and more.

Together We Make a Difference
Theme of the Month:
Empathy
Quotes of the Week

August 2: “The highest form of knowledge is empathy.” ~ Bill Bullard

August 9: “Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping him up.” ~ Jesse Jackson

August 16: “The only way to change someone’s mind is to connect with them from the heart.” ~ Rasheed Ogunlaru

August 23: “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” ~ Author Unknown

August 30: “Don’t cast shadows on anyone unless you are providing shade.” ~ Terri Guillemets
Mark Your Calendar

Professional Recognition & Health Awareness Days

  • National Breastfeeding Month
  • Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
  • National Immunization Awareness Month
  • World Breastfeeding Week (August 1–6)
  • National Health Center Week (August 8–14)
  • Health Unit Coordinator Week (August 23-29)
  • Orthopedic Technologist Day (August 24)
  • Physician Family Day (August 28)
Altruistic August
Check out the August calendar from Action for Happiness. This month focuses on altruism. Each of our lives is supported by countless kind acts from other people. This month, take one kind act per day.
Video of the Month
Reflections & Expressions
Free
by Megan Ulan, Access Associate Senior (medical scheduler), UVA Children’s Pediatric Outpatient Specialty Clinics

This caged bird is finally free from her bars of steel,
built slowly,
year after year,
constructed by her own hand.

All these years stuck in self-made chains
not allowing herself to believe,
she is good enough
thinking it vanity and untrue.

But, she sees now the destructive bonds
are hers to blame
and no one else’s.

This bird chose to believe.
Now she sees the error of her ways.
She is stronger than before.
This caged bird is finally
Free. 
The goal of Expressions & Reflections is to help us reconnect with our purpose in medicine. We want to provide a space for sharing lessons learned within our Children's Hospital. Topics could include, but are not limited to: wellness, racism, violence, bias, resiliency, advocacy, burnout, equality, LGBTTQQIAAP, kindness, mistreatment, mentorship, peer support, or any fascinating, sad, happy, brave, complex, or inspiring experiences. This feature can be prose (with a limit of 500 words), poetry or art. Please submit to Dr. Joanne Mendoza jm7zg@virginia.edu
Meet the Team
Lisa Badeau, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
In Boston’s North End with my husband and three sons.
Q: Proudest/greatest achievement outside of the professional realm?
A: My family: husband Jim and three sons, Colby, Jamie, and Devin.
 
Q: What are you usually doing on the weekend or during time off?
A: Peloton, hiking/walking, spending time with family, cooking, playing (and trying to beat) my husband and sons at games we play together.
 
Q: Best advice anyone ever gave you?
A: How to really listen - think about this when you are practicing "active listening:" Are you really listening or just waiting for your turn to talk? I pride myself on being an active and intentional listener.
 
Q: What about you would surprise us?
A: I still hold the record for the 400-meter dash at my high school (ask me how and I'll tell you!)
 
Q: What would someone underestimate about you?
A: I am very competitive, but channel it for all of the right reasons. Now, it's all about using my professional craft to help UVA Health grow and enhance it's already prestigious reputational awareness in the marketplace.
Development Corner
Children's Miracle Network Updates
  • August 6 – 8: Ace Hardware Bucket Days, stop by your participating local Ace Hardware to purchase a CMN bucket for a $5 donation. You’ll receive 20% off almost everything in your bucket!
  • August 26 – September 30: Love’s Travel Stop Campaign
  • Now – August 31: GIANT/Martin’s Round-up Campaign
News
One Future Together: UVA Health Strategic Planning Process Kicks-off | Input Sought from Team Members
Our strategic planning process has launched! Entitled, One Future Together, the process is creating a 10-year vision for UVA Health. It includes and integrates all four of our missions: patient care, research, education, and community/ health equity. During the initial phase, leaders are soliciting input and inspiration from across UVA Health and from the communities we serve.
Shout Outs & Kudos
Erica Tharrington in the News
Check out this inspiring NBC 29 news coverage of our very own Erica Tharrington, Clinical Research Coordinator for UVA's Cystic Fibrosis Center. Thank you for your dedication, Erica!

Q: How has taking the Clinical Research Coordinator position changed your life?
A: Becoming a CRC with PEDS CF has allowed me to reflect on my past experiences, especially those involving my mom. It has allowed me to truly celebrate the time that I had with her and the intricacies of living with and caring for a CF patient while simultaneously opening my eyes to the varied experiences of other CF patients and their families.

Q: What is the most important/exciting part of your work?
A: I really enjoy getting to see the benefits of clinical trials first-hand from the “miracle drugs” like Trikafta to the simpler studies that analyze the patient’s treatment load. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how outstanding it is to work with a team of people who are all truly dedicated to seeing improvement in patient care and outcomes!

Q: How will you continue to honor your mother’s memory?
A: I think the best way to honor my mother is to continue to spread awareness about CF and to volunteer. So, I plan to continue fundraising for the CFF and would really love to do one of the Xtreme Hikes in the future!

Q: What is one thing you’d want everyone to know about CF?
A: CF is so much more than just a lung disease. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to acknowledge all of the different aspects of it, including mental health (for the patients AND their caretakers).

Q: What can others do to help/get involved/learn more?
A: CFF.org is the BEST resource for those who want to learn more, find resources for CF patients and families, and support the organization!

Specifically, there is a Virginia chapter with some great ways to get involved – including the annual Virginia’s Finest & Brewer’s Ball. 
In-kind Donations
UVA Children’s received several in kind donations this month. Here’s a few snapshots of the donations. We are so thankful for our community's generosity! 
Way to Go, 7 Acute!
The following 7 Acute RNs recently became Certified Pediatric Nurses (CPN):
  • Danielle Christmas
  • Andrea Garcia
  • Morgan Wright
  • Jordan Meeks
  • Somer Finisecy
  • Valerie Wiseman

Megan Matthews advanced to Clin 3

Katie Wunderler graduated and completed her BSN

Kendall Omohundro graduated with an MSN from UVA
Congrats, Liz Shifflett!
Elizabeth “Liz” Shifflett, Pediatrics Department Administrator, Pediatrics Administration
April 2021 Uteam Member of the Month
"It is with great pleasure that I nominate Elizabeth Shifflett (Liz) for consideration for the ASPIRE. In addition to performing her job at an exemplary level, Liz demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to the SOM University team. Liz takes it upon herself to provide exceptional support and service to all faculty and staff. She discerns quickly their individual needs and moves efficiently to provide key information, recommendations, or direction. Beyond this challenging time of COVID-19 and remote-work transition, she has kept all employees and the SOM Department of Pediatrics her top priority to run smoothly and effectively.

"Liz epitomizes servant leadership and inspires others to give back and pay it forward. Liz is helpful, caring, resourceful, and happy to offer service no matter the task. She often performs above and beyond and recently offered her expertise and planning skills to help our department grow with Salesforce and R&R Role Management team. Her quick wit, attention to detail, and loyalty to the University have earned the utmost respect from all her staff and team members. I cannot think of a more deserving employee. It has been a great pleasure and I take great pride in letting everyone know where I work and who I work for."
Kudos
7 Central: The care on acute peds was wonderful. The nurses, techs, doctors, and child life were the absolute best.
 
NICU: Wonderful treatment on our child. Thank you, UVA staff!!!

General Peds: We could not be happier with Dr. Stephens level of care for our daughter and for the confidence and knowledge she is bringing into her treatment.

Endocrine: The staff is wonderful and I've never attended a better facility.

Ortho: I am extremely satisfied with the care, patience, and professionalism of Dr. Lather. Her nurses were great & Dr. Lather is so amazing & kind. She made our visit a pleasant one!

Pulmonary: Nurse Felicia was so helpful and sweet. Respiratory therapist Meredith checked on us during our visit. Dr. Teague explained everything well and we came up with a plan together! Jennifer helped us schedule our next appointment!

Allergy: I have always found working with UVA to be a positive experience. They work so well with my son and his fear of doctors. There has never been a long wait time and they always make sure all of my questions are answered. I am very pleased.

Genetics: Dr. Wilson is top-notch. We did not feel rushed, and he did not leave any questions unanswered. He gave us honest answers about a complex genetic disorder that doesn't have any certainties for the future. He also helped us devise a plan for next steps. I wish more doctors cared the way Dr. Wilson does. His ability to connect to young children is very impressive as well - he was talking to my 5-year old son about Paw Patrol, which he clearly knows all about!

8 Central OB: I thank UVA workers for the great care towards my son and I. God bless you.

Cardiology: Dr. McCloud is a phenomenal physician. Not only is he incredibly well versed in his specialty but he also possesses excellent interpersonal skills. He makes the visit friendly and informative. He answers my questions fully (and I am a physician myself). He also greatly connects with my extremely shy child with his vast knowledge of Star Wars and that is why my child finds it easy to talk to Dr. McCloud!

Orange Peds: Awesome staff, as usual!

Neurology: We truly left our son's appointment feeling positive about his treatment and care. We look forward to our follow up appointment.

Northridge: Will always highly recommend! I have, for the 22 years I have been bringing my children here.
Welcome to the World
Obera "Berri" Sorrell Mathieu Reid
Born June 24
Dr. Irène Mathieu
Assistant Professor, Pediatrics
In the News
Get Involved
Have a story idea? Let us know!
Working on an exciting new project? Want to spread the word about your clinic? Know a team member that should be recognized? We can help!

WCH Communication and Culture Workgroup
The WCH Communication and Culture workgroup focuses on team-building, keeping us all in touch with the meaning of our work, giving us all common language and common goals, and helping to ensure that every member of our team, regardless of role, feels welcomed, included, respected, heard, and valued. We are always seeking new members, new ideas, and feedback!

Please help us spread the word
Know someone who would enjoy our newsletter? Please forward this email. Want to be added to the list to receive monthly updates? Please email us.

Monthly Matters newsletter archive