I recently had the privilege of participating in the Trauma Survivors Network (TSN)’s Annual 5K Race to Rebuild, an event proudly supported by our UVA Health Trauma Team. Witnessing our community come together to honor the resilience and strength of trauma survivors was inspiring. This experience served as a powerful reminder of the importance of our strategic goal to deepen community engagement.
At UVA Health, community engagement is often seen through the lens of building meaningful relationships to inform our care, helping us fulfill our mission to transform health and inspire hope for all Virginians and beyond. The Monticello Trail event highlighted that our community has even more to teach us beyond improving patient experience and care:
- Learning from Patients’ Courage: Health challenges often reveal the remarkable fortitude within us. Whether it's running a race or battling an illness like cancer, there is so much to learn from the courage of our patients. Their strength provides us with valuable lessons and renewed purpose.
- Celebrating with Our Community: The athleticism, bravery and determination of the participants were a testament to the incredible work of our trauma care teams. Seeing the tangible impact of our efforts on the lives of those we serve is both rewarding and motivating. These events allow us to celebrate our successes and inspire us to continue our impactful work.
- We’re All in This Together: As healthcare providers, we are integral members of our community. While certain professional boundaries exist in healthcare to protect ourselves and our patients, it's essential to remember that our mission is unified. We are all working together towards the common goal of better health and well-being.
What lessons have you learned from your patients? I’d love to hear your thoughts or stories through the Be Heard Suggestion Box!
Take care and be well,
Wendy