{"id":241207,"date":"2026-05-08T16:05:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T20:05:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/?p=241207"},"modified":"2026-05-15T14:24:35","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T18:24:35","slug":"ceo-update-may-8-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2026\/05\/ceo-update-may-8-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"CEO Update &#8211; May 8, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dear Colleagues,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leapfrog-11-As_Drone_photo_20260506_DJI_20260506070217_0031_D-1500x1000-1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Green &quot;A&quot; lawn signs along the sidewalk leading to UConn John Dempsey Hospital\" class=\"wp-image-245489 img-responsive lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leapfrog-11-As_Drone_photo_20260506_DJI_20260506070217_0031_D-1500x1000-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leapfrog-11-As_Drone_photo_20260506_DJI_20260506070217_0031_D-1500x1000-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leapfrog-11-As_Drone_photo_20260506_DJI_20260506070217_0031_D-1500x1000-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leapfrog-11-As_Drone_photo_20260506_DJI_20260506070217_0031_D-1500x1000-1-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leapfrog-11-As_Drone_photo_20260506_DJI_20260506070217_0031_D-1500x1000-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leapfrog-11-As_Drone_photo_20260506_DJI_20260506070217_0031_D-1500x1000-1-998x665.jpg 998w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leapfrog-11-As_Drone_photo_20260506_DJI_20260506070217_0031_D-1500x1000-1.jpg 1500w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/200;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This week The Leapfrog Group announced its semi-annual hospital safety grades, and I\u2019m proud to say <a href=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2026\/05\/raising-the-bar-again\/\">we\u2019re at 11 straight A\u2019s now<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a reflection of our focus on consistently providing the safest and highest quality care. Doing so requires discipline, teamwork, and a shared commitment to excellence, which you \u2014 whether you\u2019re a clinician or employee whose work supports our patient care \u2014 demonstrate every day. I couldn\u2019t be more thankful for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Patient-Move-for-UConn-Today-1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"nursing staff moving a patient bed down a hospital hall\" class=\"wp-image-112802 img-responsive lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Patient-Move-for-UConn-Today-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Patient-Move-for-UConn-Today-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Patient-Move-for-UConn-Today-1-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Patient-Move-for-UConn-Today-1-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Patient-Move-for-UConn-Today-1-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/200;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">May 13, 2016: We move our patients into the new University Tower.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you go back to 2016, our hospital, with 234 licensed beds, resided in what we know today as the Connecticut Tower, and we were years away from our first Leapfrog A. On May 13 that year we started moving our patients into the new University Tower. It may be hard to believe, but next Wednesday marks the 10 year anniversary of the <a href=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2016\/05\/hospital-patients-move-new-tower\/\">first new patient arriving in our new University Tower<\/a>, by way of the just-opened emergency department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are a few examples of how things have changed over that 10-year time period, at a glance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hospital employees<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>May 1, 2016: 1,717<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>May 1, 2026: 2,471 (up 44%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Net patient revenue (JDH, UMG, dental clinics, specialty pharmacy)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>FY 16: $451.5 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>FY 26: $1,093.9 million (up 142%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Operating Room<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>FY 16: 5,378 cases<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>FY 26: projected 8,015 cases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, JDH and the UConn Health Community Network together represent a 184% increase in bed count compared to what John Dempsey Hospital had when the new tower opened, and we\u2019re on our way to increasing that bed count by nearly 300% once Bristol and Day Kimball Hospitals join.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s fitting the University Tower\u2019s 10<sup>th<\/sup> anniversary falls on <a href=\"https:\/\/events.uconn.edu\/event\/2071997-proud-to-be-uconn-health-day\">our Proud to Be UConn Health Day celebration<\/a>, which is in the middle of our observance Health Care Week next week. We have a lot to celebrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talking about our hospital, all our facilities and campus as a whole are also key to the quality of care, patient experience, and support for our employees. Toward this end, this week, Tom Vacarreli (VP facilities, development, and operations) hosted a space planning retreat to introduce the work of a consulting firm, HKS, that will conduct a 16-week assessment and assist us in developing a master plan. As this development process provides the link between our space utilization and strategic plans, it will be become our data-driven road map to achieving our strategic goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260508-ceo-facilities-slide.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"601\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260508-ceo-facilities-slide-1024x601.png\" alt=\"slide depicting how Master Plan Space Assessment plus UConn Strategic Plan equals Strategic Master Plan\" class=\"wp-image-245661 img-responsive lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260508-ceo-facilities-slide-1024x601.png 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260508-ceo-facilities-slide-300x176.png 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260508-ceo-facilities-slide-768x450.png 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260508-ceo-facilities-slide-630x370.png 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260508-ceo-facilities-slide-1134x665.png 1134w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260508-ceo-facilities-slide.png 1364w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/601;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not to forget our partners, this week we \u2014 as in, the UConn Health Community Network \u2014 announced a partnership between UConn Health Waterbury Hospital and Connecticut Children\u2019s to take over management of NICU services in Waterbury. This means Waterbury\u2019s NICU is now included in the largest regional network of NICUs staffed 24\/7 by Connecticut Children\u2019s specialists, and improves the community\u2019s access to critical and timely care for small or critically ill newborns. This is an exciting development within our community network, consistent with our goal of expanding access to high-quality care, in this case for infants born prematurely or with complex medical conditions, and for their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/padlet.com\/uconnhealthhr\/nurses-week-2026-93yvny7m9g1i4hjm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260507-nurses-wall-neuro-800x1000-1-240x300.jpg\" alt=\"Group portrait seven nurses in and around a &quot;Celebrating the Power of Nurses&quot; fram\" class=\"wp-image-245662 img-responsive lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260507-nurses-wall-neuro-800x1000-1-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260507-nurses-wall-neuro-800x1000-1-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260507-nurses-wall-neuro-800x1000-1-336x420.jpg 336w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260507-nurses-wall-neuro-800x1000-1-532x665.jpg 532w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260507-nurses-wall-neuro-800x1000-1.jpg 800w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 240px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 240\/300;\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Neurology nurses, among the many whose photos appear on <a href=\"https:\/\/padlet.com\/uconnhealthhr\/nurses-week-2026-93yvny7m9g1i4hjm\">our Nurses Week gratitude wall<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Returning to the theme of celebrating, we honored our nurses this week, with daily Nurses Week festivities, including today\u2019s Nursing Excellence Recognition Ceremony in the Keller Auditorium. I had the honor and privilege of being invited to speak at the event. My message was that more than our growing collection of awards, what truly defines us is the trust the people of Connecticut place in us for their and their loved ones\u2019 care. We\u2019ve earned a reputation for upholding high standards for patient safety, quality, and compassion, none of which would be possible without our nurses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still more to celebrate \u2014 word came this week that our outpatient anticoagulation clinic has earned a designation of Anticoagulation Center of Excellence from the Anticoagulation Forum for a second three-year term. Only about one in four programs pass the assessment to earn this distinction, and ours has done it twice now. For those not familiar, our anticoagulation clinic, located at 11 South Road, provides ongoing management, including dosing, monitoring, education, and prescription needs, for patients who are prescribed anticoagulants, or blood-thinning medications. The work of this small team improves safety and efficacy outcomes by preventing new or recurrent blood clot problems and avoiding adverse drug events for those taking anticoagulants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260506-anticoag-1500x1000_140427169-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"portrait of four indoors in front of UConn Health Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center Anticoagulation Clinic sign\" class=\"wp-image-245663 img-responsive lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260506-anticoag-1500x1000_140427169-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260506-anticoag-1500x1000_140427169-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260506-anticoag-1500x1000_140427169-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260506-anticoag-1500x1000_140427169-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260506-anticoag-1500x1000_140427169-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260506-anticoag-1500x1000_140427169-998x665.jpg 998w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260506-anticoag-1500x1000_140427169.jpg 1500w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/200;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Congratulations to (from left) Dr. Anuja Rizal (clinical lead pharmacist), Lauren Wallace (pharmacy technician), Damian Green (pharmacy technician) and Dr. Elizabeth Biron (clinical staff pharmacist), and medical directors Dr. Heiko Schmitt and Dr. Ritika Vankina, under the leadership of Dr. Enrique Ballesteros and Dr. Kevin Chamberlin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lastly, we also just got word that our noninvasive vascular lab has earned accreditation for vascular testing by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission. This is yet another reflection of our institution\u2019s commitment to consistent excellent quality care, in this case specifically in the area of extracranial cerebrovascular testing, or the evaluation of vessels outside the skull that provide blood to the brain. This three-year accreditation from the IAC means our vascular lab meets or exceeds published standards for the testing that contributes to accurate diagnoses of heart disorders, stroke, and other cardiovascular disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Congratulations to Dr. Kwame Amankwah (medical director and chief of vascular and endovascular surgery), Lonnie Colins (lead vascular sonographer), Megi Dzidzitsky, David Lavoie, and Hayden Shields (specialty sonographers), as well as Drs. Mina Boutrous, David Kull and Christine Kariya, for making this achievement possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As I said, we have a great deal to celebrate \u2014 all made possible by the work you do every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thank you for all you do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"438\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2509-andy-signature-1200x513-1-1024x438.png\" alt=\"Dr. Andy's signature\" class=\"wp-image-240900 img-responsive lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/438;aspect-ratio:2.338014833517437;width:242px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2509-andy-signature-1200x513-1-1024x438.png 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2509-andy-signature-1200x513-1-300x128.png 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2509-andy-signature-1200x513-1-768x328.png 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2509-andy-signature-1200x513-1-630x269.png 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2509-andy-signature-1200x513-1.png 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Andrew C. Agwunobi, MD, MBA<br><\/strong>Chief Executive Officer<br>EVP for Health Affairs<br>UConn Health<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-background-1-color has-contrast-2-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-3f464b1fc4fd4159557050f260f737ba\">Dear Dr. Andy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>In recent weeks, several employees have written with questions about how we recognize professional observances, such as National Doctors&#8217; Day.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I appreciate those who took the time to raise these questions and to advocate for your colleagues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recognition across a complex organization like ours can vary by department, location, and team, and not every observance is marked in the same way or with a formal event. We understand how important it is to make our appreciation visible and meaningful, and your feedback helps us strengthen that approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the same time, we are intentionally building more consistent, organization-wide opportunities to celebrate our workforce. Now in its third year, <a href=\"https:\/\/events.uconn.edu\/event\/2071997-proud-to-be-uconn-health-day\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Proud to Be UConn Health Day<\/strong><\/a><strong>, coming May 13<\/strong>, has become a meaningful way for us to come together and recognize all members of our community, regardless of role and discipline. I look forward to being out across campus that day with our leadership team, connecting with you, and sharing our appreciation in person. I encourage you to join us and take part in the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And I\u2019d also like to acknowledge the work of Alexis Crean and her team in our Office of Professional Well-Being and Engagement, as they are the driving force behind events like Proud to Be UConn Health Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thank you again for writing and for all that you do in support of our patients and one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Have something you want to ask Dr. Andy?&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hub.uconnhealth.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Submit&nbsp;your question on The Hub.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-background-1-color has-uc-blue-700-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-f7897ea2c0dfe90ce7a9c11f70aad83f\">Hub Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2026\/05\/uconn-health-celebrates-its-nurses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ryan-toni-ann-UCH-2026-04-09-2002-1500x1000-1.jpg\" alt=\"nurse handing a supply to a co-worker in postoperative setting\" class=\"wp-image-245249 img-responsive lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ryan-toni-ann-UCH-2026-04-09-2002-1500x1000-1.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ryan-toni-ann-UCH-2026-04-09-2002-1500x1000-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ryan-toni-ann-UCH-2026-04-09-2002-1500x1000-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ryan-toni-ann-UCH-2026-04-09-2002-1500x1000-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ryan-toni-ann-UCH-2026-04-09-2002-1500x1000-1-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ryan-toni-ann-UCH-2026-04-09-2002-1500x1000-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ryan-toni-ann-UCH-2026-04-09-2002-1500x1000-1-998x665.jpg 998w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1500\/1000;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hub.uconnhealth.org\/news-search\/news\/2026\/05\/healthy-rounds-stroke-prevention-treatment-and-recovery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2605-pod-collage-narwal-alessi-1500x1000-1.jpg\" alt=\"two-portrait collage, Narwal and Alessi\" class=\"wp-image-245365 img-responsive lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2605-pod-collage-narwal-alessi-1500x1000-1.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2605-pod-collage-narwal-alessi-1500x1000-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2605-pod-collage-narwal-alessi-1500x1000-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2605-pod-collage-narwal-alessi-1500x1000-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2605-pod-collage-narwal-alessi-1500x1000-1-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2605-pod-collage-narwal-alessi-1500x1000-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2605-pod-collage-narwal-alessi-1500x1000-1-998x665.jpg 998w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1500\/1000;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2026\/05\/farewell-class-of-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"809\" height=\"539\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2605-dental-awards-group-IMG_6761-809x539-1.jpg\" alt=\"group of students and faculty\" class=\"wp-image-245644 img-responsive lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2605-dental-awards-group-IMG_6761-809x539-1.jpg 809w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2605-dental-awards-group-IMG_6761-809x539-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2605-dental-awards-group-IMG_6761-809x539-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2605-dental-awards-group-IMG_6761-809x539-1-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2605-dental-awards-group-IMG_6761-809x539-1-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 809px) 100vw, 809px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 809px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 809\/539;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nurses Week<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/padlet.com\/uconnhealthhr\/nurses-week-2026-93yvny7m9g1i4hjm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Go to our <strong>gratitude wall<\/strong><\/a>, plus see <a href=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2026\/05\/uconn-health-celebrates-its-nurses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">videos of each of our <strong>Nightingale nurses<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dr. Priya Narwal<\/strong> talks stroke on <a href=\"https:\/\/healthyrounds.podbean.com\/e\/stroke-prevention-treatment-and-recovery\/\">our lates<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/healthyrounds.podbean.com\/e\/stroke-prevention-treatment-and-recovery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">t \u201cHealthy Rounds\u201d podcast<\/a> with <strong>Dr. Anthony Alessi<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our graduating <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2026\/05\/farewell-class-of-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dental students celebrate at their senior awards ceremony<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-uc-grey-100-background-color has-background\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hub.uconnhealth.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Visit the Hub Now<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Note:<\/em><\/strong><em> Unlinked content is only available on <a href=\"https:\/\/hub.uconnhealth.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The&nbsp;Hub<\/a>, for which you must be on the UConn Health network to access.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our <strong>commencement is Monday<\/strong> \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/active.totalwebcasting.com\/ControlUsher.aspx?cpak=9791588170491277&amp;pak=6548697135887926\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">learn how you can <strong>livestream the ceremony<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See <a href=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2026\/05\/faculty-in-the-spotlight-spring-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">our medical school\u2019s <strong>Spring Faculty Spotlight honorees<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read about how <strong>we\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2026\/05\/uconn-health-strengthens-perinatal-mental-health-care-for-connecticut-families\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">strengthening perinatal mental health care<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make it <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2026\/05\/raising-the-bar-again\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">11 straight A\u2019s for hospital safety<\/a><\/strong> from the Leapfrog Group!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plus, get the scoop on <strong>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/events.uconn.edu\/event\/2071997-proud-to-be-uconn-health-day\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Proud to Be UConn Health<\/a>\u201d Day, coming Wednesday<\/strong>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From the Desk of Dr. Andy<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":111,"featured_media":245049,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"wds_primary_category":0,"wds_primary_series":0,"wds_primary_attribution":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2723],"tags":[],"magazine-issues":[],"coauthors":[2010],"class_list":["post-241207","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ceo-update"],"pp_statuses_selecting_workflow":false,"pp_workflow_action":"current","pp_status_selection":"publish","acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-07-02 01:30:59","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/posts\/241207","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/users\/111"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=241207"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/posts\/241207\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":246275,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/posts\/241207\/revisions\/246275"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/media\/245049"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=241207"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=241207"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=241207"},{"taxonomy":"magazine-issue","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/magazine-issues?post=241207"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=241207"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}