Great Catch and Exceptional Teamwork at CGCH

While performing an outpatient ECHO, the technologists identified a suspected abnormality of the aorta and immediately notified the cardiologist before the patient left the department. Acting quickly, the cardiologist ordered a same-day CTA chest, which Imaging was able to promptly work into the schedule and complete without delay.

Shout out to 12 newly trained Change Practitioners who invested 3 days of their time learning and applying industry-standard tools, methodology, and research-based best practices for effectively implementing change! Carilion Clinic now has 29 fully trained Change Practitioners, positioned to support the people of our health system to not just 'survive' but to thrive through the constant which is change.

On Saturday, 2/21/2026, the Cath Lab had 2 STEMI's called back-to-back, overlapping critical care and access to life-saving treatment. The CCU team responded to the first patient with their CCU bed, accepted report bedside in the Cath Lab and transported the patient up to CCU enabling the Stemi Team to remain in the Cath Lab and quickly turnover and accept the next patient. This teamwork ensured excellent continuity of care for the first patient and assisted with critical timing for the second patient to receive treatment.

Haley Spencer identified an abnormal finding during an outpatient echocardiogram and promptly notified Dr. Jose Rivero, who confirmed the concern and ordered a stat CT scan. The scan was performed by Mark Atkins and Rachel Smith, who recognized additional abnormalities and escalated the case to the radiologist for expedited review. The patient was diagnosed with a large aortic dissection and was immediately transferred to the Emergency Department. Dr. Ethan Freeborn then coordinated transfer to CMC through the transfer center.

The CIPR liaison team would like to recognize our incredible Speech Therapist Mariana Wood and Respiratory Therapist Jennifer Wolters-Argenio for their exceptional advocacy, expertise, and teamwork in supporting a patient’s journey toward recovery.

Carilion Clinic Dental, in collaboration with Carilion Children's Pediatrics and Carilion Community Health, held its third annual Super Smile Savers event on Saturday, February 7th from 9-12PM. Volunteers provided free dental evaluations, sealants, SDF and Fluoride varnish applications to children ages 6-16 at the event.

Megan Conklin and Jenny Shail did a great job leading the icebreaker at the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center's Construction Strategic Planning Session.  Their creative, dance-infused version of Jeopardy brought energy and engagement to the room.  The matching dresses were an added detail that added to the overall impact.  Outstanding teamwork! 

Labor and Delivery team wearing red in support of the American Heart Association 

Leah identified a significant patient‑safety concern while reviewing the intake badge buddies provided by Source Four. She discovered multiple inconsistencies in listed volumes—ranging anywhere from 1 mL to 120 mL—as well as discrepancies among unit‑posted resources containing conflicting volume information. This meant that staff across several hospital units were referencing mismatched data when documenting patient, I&Os.

Despite bad weather, VelocityCare clinician, Philip Furrow, PA-C went above and beyond to ensure a patient at Westlake was able to access healthcare by coordinating a visit with VelocityCare’s Telemedicine clinician, Ron Cople, PA-C.  The patient recalled, “he was genuinely concerned about my safety and made sure I was taken care of.”  A huge thanks to Philip walking through snow & ice to check on this patient outside of a closed building and Ron for quick follow up and completing the visit.  A great collaboration between our in-clinic & Telemedicine providers.