UVA Digestive Health at Primary Care Center

02/26/2026

Graduate Medical Education (GME) Trainee Appreciation Week, celebrated this year from Feb. 23-27, honors residents and fellows who deliver exceptional patient care across UVA Health every day.

In addition to performing clinical duties — trainees mentor medical students, bolster research innovation, and engage with our community. Their devotion to the rigorous training required for their chosen specialty, as well as their commitment to advancing the missions of the School of Medicine at the University of Virginia, is respected and appreciated. We are grateful not only for their dedication, but also for the tremendous support they receive from their families and friends.

02/26/2026

We’re resharing one of our favorite stories from 2024. 🩷

Innovation in cancer care doesn’t always start in a lab. Sometimes, it starts in the most unexpected places. ✨

For UVA Health oncologist and School of Medicine at the University of Virginia professor Dr. Tim Showalter, it began during a Saturday morning trip to Lowe’s. While picking up supplies for a home project, he had an idea that would eventually help improve comfort for women undergoing cervical cancer radiation treatment.

That moment led to the creation of BrachyGel, a first-of-its-kind vaginal hydrogel packing system designed to replace traditional gauze and balloons used during brachytherapy. After years of research, collaboration, and clinical trials — much of it conducted at UVA — BrachyGel received FDA clearance and is now helping patients in hospitals across the country.

This story is a powerful reminder that progress in cancer care is driven by compassion, creativity, and a relentless focus on improving the patient experience. 🎗️🔬

Check out the full story at https://bit.ly/4aSdhEj

02/25/2026

"Even after decades of practicing cardiology, I still absolutely love what I do and spending time with patients. So much of what we do in cardiology is sending people for procedures and tests, but there's a huge component of it which is sitting and listening and caring about people, and that's what I really enjoy."

Meet UVA Health cardiologist Jonathan Lindner, MD. He specializes in heart imaging to diagnose heart problems. He also helps patients with coronary artery disease, which happens when sticky plaque builds up in the blood vessels of your heart. It can cause deadly conditions like heart attack and stroke.

💙 We asked Dr. Lindner our 7 Quick Questions to get to know him better. Check out his answers: https://bit.ly/3P1vckw

02/24/2026

Reid Adams, MD, who has served as University Medical Center’s chief medical officer since 2020, has been named the inaugural chief medical officer for UVA Health.

In his new role, Adams will serve as the senior physician for the entire health system, which includes four hospitals across Charlottesville, Culpeper and Northern Virginia, along with a statewide network of outpatient clinics.

“I am truly honored to take on this new role for the health system,” Adams said. “I have proudly been a part of the UVA community since 1979, and I look forward to continuing to serve the University and the patients we care for in the years ahead.”

💼 Learn more about Dr. Adams' appointment at https://bit.ly/3N2TDgS

02/23/2026

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, a reminder that some of the most powerful cancer prevention steps start early. 🗓️✨

HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine helps protect against the types of human papillomavirus most commonly linked to cervical cancer, as well as several other cancers that can affect both women and men later in life.

The vaccine is recommended for preteens, typically around ages 11–12, when it offers the strongest and longest-lasting protection. It can also be given later for those who did not receive it at the recommended age. ✔️

For moms, choosing the HPV vaccine is about protecting your child’s future health before exposure ever occurs.

At UVA Health, we’re here to answer questions, share trusted information, and support families in making informed decisions about preventive care that can make a lasting difference.

Protecting their future starts with prevention. 💙

02/23/2026

02/21/2026

"I know how hard nurses work, and Jamie did more than just her job. She went over and beyond because I know she truly cared for my mom and our dad. At times, she even held back her own emotion when communicating with us. Thank you, Jaime, from our family in honor of my beloved father."

's DAISY Foundation Award is a nursing-specific award created to honor extraordinary care. 🌼 We're proud to honor Jamie Dubbs, BSN, RN who was nominated by a patient's daughter for her incredibly compassionate care – including making mementos with the patient's fingerprint and heartbeat for the family – during a stay in the Nerancy Neuro Intensive Care Unit following a stroke.

02/20/2026

We’re celebrating our doctors and providers named to Virginia Business 2026 “Virginia’s Top Doctors” list!

UVA Health experts earned this recognition for their exceptional care and expertise. When it comes to your health, you deserve care from the best.

🏆 Find out who made the list at https://bit.ly/3MSJOC7

02/17/2026

"Her actions — along with those of the nurse at the scene — are heroic. They also reflect who Sadae is all the time: someone who supports her peers, never shies away from responsibility, and sees patient care as more than just a job description. Her quick action and compassionate response during her own break reflect not only her skill but also her deep sense of duty to others — a true embodiment of what it means to be exceptional every day."

🐝 Our BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award is an award dedicated to celebrating the team members who work alongside our nurses delivering expert, compassionate care.

Today, we're proud to honor Sadae Bey, CST, Surgical Technologist, Operating Room (OR), who was nominated by multiple colleagues for her situational awareness, calmness and overall compassionate care when she saw a patient collapse just outside University Medical Center.

02/16/2026

ECMO – extracorporeal membrane oxygenation – is a key tool in helping patients with more dire outcomes. In fact, in many cases, they're not even aware of being on the ECMO machine. Not everyone that gets ECMO is able to get information about it ahead of time, but whenever possible, we strive to make sure patients feel educated about what they’re facing.

Our adult ECMO team was named a Platinum Level Center of Excellence by ELSO - Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. We spoke to UVA Health ECMO specialist Kat Argon and cardiac surgeon Jared Beller, MD, about this life-saving device that lets your heart and lungs rest during the healing process.

02/16/2026

Congratulations to Aaron S. Dumont, MD, on his appointment as Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, effective June 1, 2026.

Dr. Dumont brings exceptional expertise as a clinician, educator, and researcher, with more than 400 peer-reviewed publications and extensive leadership experience at Tulane University School of Medicine. A former UVA faculty member and graduate of our neurosurgery residency and fellowship programs, he is returning home to lead the department into an exciting new era.

Join us in welcoming him back to UVA!