Albert Arias, MD, chief of addiction psychiatry at Carilion Clinic, has received an award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health to research how psilocybin, a psychedelic compound being studied for several psychiatric and substance use disorders, can offer a new approach for people with cocaine use disorder.

The initial $623,000 award is part of a phased project to evaluate whether psilocybin can help reduce cocaine use when administered in a carefully controlled clinical research setting combined with structured psychotherapy. Subsequent funding to support the larger clinical phase of the research could bring the total award to $3.5 million.

“Cocaine use disorder can have devastating consequences for patients, their families and communities, yet we still do not have an FDA-approved medication to treat it,” Dr. Arias said. “This study gives us an opportunity to rigorously investigate a promising but still experimental approach and determine whether it may ultimately have a role in helping patients reduce or stop cocaine use.”

The research comes amid growing scientific interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds. Previous research has suggested possible benefits of psychedelic-assisted treatment for conditions including alcohol and nicotine use disorders, but clinical research involving stimulant use disorders remains limited.

The first phase of research will examine safety, tolerability, feasibility, dosing, and early signals of efficacy. If successful, the project will move into a larger clinical trial designed to test efficacy and better understand why some patients may respond better than others.

The NIDA award expands Carilion’s growing research in addiction psychiatry and reflects the health system’s commitment to investigating new approaches for patients affected by substance use disorders.

“Research is especially important when patients and clinicians have limited treatment options,” Dr. Arias said. “Our goal is not to assume that psilocybin works, but to ask the question carefully, scientifically and safely. If we find evidence of benefit, it could provide the foundation for larger studies and, eventually, new treatment options.”

Christopher Cullom Named Chief Operating Officer.

Christopher Cullom, MSHA, MBA, FACHE, joined Carilion Clinic as chief operating officer, bringing nearly 20 years of executive leadership experience across nationally recognized academic health systems, integrated delivery networks and community-based organizations. 

Most recently, Cullom served as chief operating officer for Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia, part of Jefferson Health. He also held several leadership roles with Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Tenet Healthcare, and University of Florida Health Jacksonville.     

Cullom earned a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. 

As chief operating officer, Cullom will partner with teams across Carilion to advance the organization's mission while continuing to strengthen operational performance, access to care, and the experiences of patients and employees. 

Dr. Jonathan Carmouche Appointed Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Jonathan Carmouche, MD, MBA, was appointed chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery for Carilion Clinic and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine after serving as interim chair since January.

Dr. Carmouche has practiced in Roanoke for more than 18 years and has held numerous leadership roles across the organization. His previous positions include vice chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, vice chair for research, section chief of Spine Surgery, Scoliosis, Pediatric Orthopaedics and Orthopaedic Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, interim section chief of Orthopaedic Trauma, and chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Carmouche earned his medical degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine and completed his orthopaedic surgery residency and research fellowship at the University of Rochester. He completed a fellowship in Adult and Pediatric Scoliosis and Spine Surgery at Twin Cities Spine Center and later earned an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

In addition to his clinical leadership, Dr. Carmouche serves as professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

The study, published in BMJ Neurology Open, examined the relationship between the post-seizure episodes and longer-term mental health disorders. Using information from patients’ medical records, researchers compared the outcomes of patients who experienced temporary psychotic symptoms after a seizure with similar patients who did not.

"For years, we've known these episodes can happen after a seizure, but we didn't know what they might mean for a person's long-term mental health," said Varsha Nandwana, MD, a neurologist at Carilion Clinic and lead author of the study. “Our findings suggest they shouldn't simply be viewed as something that comes and goes. They may identify patients who would benefit from closer follow-up."

While the study did not confirm that these episodes cause mental illness, the findings show a strong link between the two conditions and could change the way doctors care for patients with epilepsy. Rather than ending treatment once the symptoms disappear, clinicians may consider monitoring patients' mental health more closely in the months and years that follow. Earlier recognition of psychiatric symptoms could lead to earlier treatment and support.

"This study reminds us that epilepsy can affect more than neurological function, it can also affect mental health. By paying attention to these warning signs, we may be able to identify patients who need additional care sooner and perhaps understand the origin of mental illness better," said Aashit Shah, MD, chief of neurology at Carilion and professor of medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, a collaborator on the study.

The study was led by Nandwana in collaboration with Shah and Anita Kablinger, MD, vice chair of research for Carilion Clinic’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine; Geetika Bajpai, assistant professor of neurology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and Ching-Fang Sun, child and adolescent psychiatry fellow at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Hospital.

The study was funded by the Carilion Clinic Department of Medicine.

Original study: DOI:10.1136/bmjno-2025-001473

The Tazewell practice opened to patients In June. The 12,000 square-foot building was constructed in partnership with the Tazewell Community Foundation, Tazewell County, and The Innovate Fund.

“This practice signifies improved primary care access close to home for our community,” said Grant Greenberg, M.D., senior vice president and chair of Family and Community Medicine. “What’s really exciting is the opportunity to build on existing capabilities with our teams to expand primary care offerings in an efficient, convenient way for patients.”

The practice's basic family services including acute visits, same-day access, chronic condition management, preventive and wellness services, treatment for minor injuries, pediatric and well-child visits, immunizations, and an on-site lab. The care team includes 2 doctors, 2 physician assistants, a nurse practitioner, and a registered nurse.

“Expanding access to trusted primary care experts continues to be a priority for our teams,” said Lindsay Collins, interim vice president of Family and Community Medicine. “With this project, we were able to customize a brand-new layout and flow to best meet the needs of our community. We look forward to welcoming patients onsite.”

Using MyChart, Carilion's secure online health management tool, patients can schedule upcoming in-person visits. Practice hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, you can reach the practice at (276) 988-8850 or CarilionClinic.org.

Roanoke Memorial was rated as high performing in 13 procedures and conditions:

• Colon Cancer Surgery
• Ear, Nose & Throat Surgery
• Gynecological Cancer Surgery
• Heart Arrythmia
• Heart Attack
• Heart Bypass Surgery
• Hip Replacement
• Knee Replacement
• Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma
• Lung Cancer Surgery
• Pacemaker Implantation
• Prostate Cancer Surgery
• TAVR

Of the 13 procedures and conditions, Carilion is proud to be rated as high performing in a new category this year: Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery. Additionally, Carilion New River Valley Medical Center earned high-performing status in Kidney Failure and Pacemaker Implantation.

Being recognized as high performing is the highest distinction (from U.S. News & World Report) a hospital can earn for a procedure and condition. It signifies that a specialty or procedure receives excellent clinical outcomes.

“These results show both the strength of our foundation and the urgency of the work ahead,” said Chief Quality Officer Suzy Kraemer, MD. “They reflect the dedication of our physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers and team members, and the progress we’re seeing in areas such as observed mortality, discharge to home and patient experience. At the same time, the rankings make clear that we must move faster and stay focused on the fundamentals of quality care: reliable processes, accurate documentation, strong communication and a consistent patient experience. Every team member has a role in improving outcomes for the patients and communities we serve.”

“These achievements reflect the collective efforts of our dedicated healthcare professionals, whose compassion, expertise, and commitment to excellence are at the core of everything we do,” said Steve Arner, president and chief executive officer of Carilion.

Mike Abbott, president of Carilion Roanoke Memorial added, “We are honored to see our teams recognized for the meaningful impact they make on the lives of patients and families throughout our communities. Their dedication to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care inspires us every day, and we remain committed to advancing the health and well-being of those we serve.”

U.S. Navy Reserve Capt. Brendan Byrne, MD, never expected to be part of the elite medical recovery team chosen to care for the four Artemis II astronauts after splashdown in April. But a series of unexpected events―combined with his specialized training in hyperbaric, tactical and austere medicine―placed him aboard the U.S. Navy recovery vessel off the coast of San Diego.

As the recovery team prepared for the astronauts' return after 10 days in space, Byrne considered the wide range of medical issues they could face following prolonged exposure to zero gravity and the intense physical demands of atmospheric re-entry.

"The effect of a high-speed motor vehicle accident doesn't begin to compare to the kind of G-forces astronauts experience," Dr. Byrne said.

Dr. Byrne shared the unique clinical challenges of spaceflight as the opening speaker at the VTC Aerospace Medicine Summit earlier this month, where he joined NASA flight surgeons, military physicians and emergency medicine and other experts to challenge Carilion's 35 Emergency Medicine residents to expand their view of patient care as they begin a new academic year. 

His presentation set the tone for a day focused on practicing medicine in extreme environments and applying those lessons to emergency medicine.

Another speaker was Craig Kutz, MD, PhD, of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, who was the responding flight surgeon for the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour’s return from the International Space Station in January after 166 days due to a medical incident.

“Sea-level is boring. Space is sexy,” he said, explaining a career path that has included an undersea fellowship and stint in the Himalayas.

The summit also highlighted the challenges of caring for patients in some of the world's most remote and demanding locations. Col. Greg Stiller, MD, of the Wyoming National Guard, shared lessons from his work in Antarctica and Afghanistan. As an emergency medicine physician in Antarctica, Dr. Stiller learned to process laboratory specimens and take X-rays himself. In Afghanistan, he had to intubate a patient on the tail of a cargo plane moments before takeoff.

“Learn everything you can because you’re going to have to figure it out on the fly,” he said. That’s what makes emergency medicine interesting.”

While our residents aren’t likely to face the kinds of situations the speakers described while they are working at Carilion, they have to be ready for “whatever comes in the door,” said Seth Pekoe, DO, a third-year Emergency Medicine resident. "So much of what we do―from interventions to the way we train and respond under stress―comes from the military and the battlefield.”

The discussion then shifted from clinical challenges to leadership and decision-making under pressure. Cmdr. Matthew Doubrava, MD, a U.S. Navy flight surgeon and former senior medical officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, introduced residents to the OODA loop, a model for making decisions in rapidly changing situations.

“We tend to think the solutions in medicine are in medicine. Yet, the most successful organizations are those that excel at decision-making,” said Dr. Doubrava.

“Decisions without actions are pointless. Actions without decisions are reckless.”

That broader perspective resonated with first-year resident Elizabeth Gienger, MD.

"I especially appreciated hearing about human factors and the systems approach to healthcare, thinking beyond the tactical level of daily patient encounters," she said.

Dr. Gienger is among the 12 new Emergency Medicine residents, who over the next 3 years will train at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital―which is among the nation's top 5% of high-acuity academic emergency departments. They’ll also gain experience at our community hospitals and ambulatory sites, learn to navigate regional resources and the transfer system, and develop the leadership skills needed to succeed in today's increasingly complex healthcare environment.

Nick Tsipis, MD, Emergency Medicine physician and residency core faculty member, organized the Aerospace Medicine Summit and hopes to make it an annual event.

“What better way to inspire residents and expand their view of what we can do as physicians?” he said.

One day a week, Nicholas L. Rider, D.O., an immunology and clinical informatics specialist, sees pediatric and adult patients at Carilion Clinic’s Allergy and Immunology clinic at Tanglewood in Roanoke. 

Other days find him at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine’s CHILI (for computational human immunology lab and innovation hub), where he leads a team of researchers using complex healthcare data to gain new insights on immune disorders.

Dr. Rider is an early example of the kind of specialist physicians Carilion Clinic and Virginia Tech are joining forces to hire. He came to Carilion in 2024 from Houston’s Texas Children’s Hospital, ​​the world’s largest children’s hospital.

At Carilion’s Tanglewood Center in Roanoke, Dr. Rider treats pediatric and adult patients with ​​primary immune disease, or PI, a rare disorder affecting about 60 of every 100,000 people. Because of PI’s rarity, a large number of cases go undiagnosed—a challenge that is only magnified in rural communities.

 At CHILI, Dr. Rider’s team is using clinical data and advanced tools to study disease biology, epidemiology, and treatment inequities -- all with a shared mission to improve outcomes for people with PI, wherever they live.

Beyond directing his team’s immunology research, through his additional role as an associate chief medical information officer at Carilion, his responsibilities include building a collaborative research infrastructure combining the power of Carilion’s vast amount of privacy-protected patient data with Virginia Tech’s world-class research capabilities.

Collaborations that combine Virginia Tech’s state-of-the-art, high-performance computing capabilities, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, with Carilion’s deep patient data, “have real potential for dramatically reshaping healthcare,” Dr. Rider said.

Patients with brain and urologic cancers will soon have access to a broader array of the latest treatment options here, thanks to new clinical trials at Carilion Clinic for targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies.

Radiopharmaceuticals, also known as “theranostics,” is a form of precision medicine that uses radioactive isotopes for both imaging and therapy, and has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of tumors.

In the pipeline are new theranostic treatment trials for cancer pain, renal cell carcinoma and glioblastoma. They build on the health system’s earlier research in partnership with Blue Ridge Cancer Care that has attracted patients from across the country and led to FDA approval of therapies in use today, including Pluvicto (Lu177PSMA) and Lutathera (dotatate).

“Our longstanding partnership with Carilion Clinic has allowed us to be early adopters of theranostics,” said David Buck, president of Blue Ridge Cancer Care. “Through our shared collaboration with industry partners and the SCRI research network, we're excited to continue to offer these novel, cutting-edge therapies to the patients here in their communities.”

Increasing the number of theranostics-related clinical trials is part of Carilion’s rapidly growing research enterprise, which has prioritized these novel therapies as the health system prepares to open the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center in 2028.

“The opportunity to expand access to these much-needed, innovative therapies for patients is exciting, and we are aggressively seeking clinical trials that will make Roanoke a destination for cancer research and leading-edge care,” said Lana Wahid, M.D., vice chair for research in Carilion Clinic’s Department of Medicine.

In addition to leading clinical trials, Carilion is joining with Virginia Tech’s Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC to support vital education for physicians, researchers and staff, such as today’s Appalachian Radiotheranostics Coalition workshop that features researchers from around the world presenting their findings on astatine, a promising isotope for use in brain, prostate and other cancers. The workshop is the second of four ARC is sponsoring as part of the Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging’s “Mars Shot” initiative.

“Our overarching goal is to expand access to theranostics beyond larger academic health centers where they have traditionally been offered and into rural areas to benefit Carilion patients in Southwest Virginia,” said James Crowley, Carilion imaging services manager, who along with Dustin Osborne, Ph.D., of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, were awarded SNMMI’s $100,000 Mars Shot grant in 2025.

Clinical trials are research studies that help determine whether new treatments, medications, and medical devices are safe and effective and are a critical part of the FDA approval process before new therapies are approved for public use. Clinical trials present additional options for patients by providing access to promising new therapies and interventions that may not yet be widely available.

In all, Carilion has approximately 150 clinical trials underway in more than 20 specialties, broadening access to innovative therapies and strengthening the quality of care for patients across Southwest Virginia.

Carilion’s expanding research portfolio, along with a new regional biotech incubator, an embedded usability consultancy known as Usability Works, and other developments, is contributing to continued biotech growth in the region and state, which have targeted the sector for economic development. 

For more information about clinical trials available at Carilion, visit Research and Clinical Trials | Carilion Clinic.

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The impact of opioid addiction across the urban and rural Appalachian region Carilion Clinic serves received widespread attention in the books Demon Copperhead and Dopesick, which was made into a drama miniseries in 2021.  

It also was the motivation behind the health system’s unique Addiction Medicine Fellowship program, which trains post-residency physicians in comprehensive addiction care. 

This month, Ananya Mishra, D.O., (pictured) along with Rachael Hawkins, M.D., will complete the immersive one-year program and begin their careers as practicing physicians.  

Dr. Mishra has a special interest in helping patients facing financial barriers or who lack insurance. Post fellowship, she plans to treat patients struggling with addiction while practicing as a primary care doctor at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Durham, N.C.   

Dr. Hawkins is passionate about working with adolescents. In her career at Children’s National in Washington, D.C., she hopes to help identify at-risk youths and help them course-correct early on to avoid the detrimental health impacts of substance abuse disorder later in life. 

The fellowship has prepared them with training in several aspects of addiction treatment, including rotations at Carilion Clinic hospitals as well as methadone clinics, opioid treatment centers, and other facilities.  

 “We're everywhere. There isn't really a typical day,” Dr. Mishra said about her fellowship. “We're really focused on meeting people where they are.”  

Carilion’s addiction medicine program -- one of 110 accredited Addiction Medicine fellowships in the United States and one of three in Virginia -- is supported by an inpatient addiction treatment team, as well as a clinical social worker and a care coordinator. Peer recovery specialists, who have struggled with addiction and recovery themselves, help patients navigate the treatment process. 

It emphasizes treating the whole patient, including addressing issues such as financial insecurity, housing instability, and stigma that prevents many from seeking care. 

The interdisciplinary program began in 2019 and is among Carilion Clinic-Virginia Tech Carilion Graduate Medical Education's 30 accredited residencies and fellowships involving more than 350 physician trainees, about a third of whom will graduate this year. 

“The program has a lot of heart. People are dedicating their whole lives to treating substance use disorder," Dr. Hawkins said. "I've really enjoyed being a part of it." 

 Opioid addiction, while still prevalent, has declined in recent years, yet the use of stimulants and other substances is rising, and comprehensive addiction care remains uneven in the region due to a shortage of specialists, according to the director of the fellowship program, according to Kimberly Simcox, D.O., a Carilion Clinic obstetrician/gynecologist who has dedicated her career to helping pregnant women and their families affected by substance use disorders. 

 “We have a very complex patient population to serve with a lot of psychosocial barriers and thinking creatively and collaboratively is the way that we're going to continue to meet the needs of the community,” she said.  

The National Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA) has designated Carilion Clinic as a Center of Excellence for the comprehensive care of patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, an inherited nerve disorder. 

“We are honored to be recognized as a CMT Center of Excellence” said Aashit Shah, M.D., neurology chief at Carilion Clinic. “This recognition underscores our commitment to delivering specialized care and expanding access to resources that make a meaningful difference for patients and families.” 

CMTA Centers of Excellence provide coordinated, multidisciplinary care for adults, including evaluation and diagnosis, symptom management, surgical treatment, and genetic counseling. 

CMT is a group of inherited, progressive disorders that damage peripheral nerves, primarily in the arms and legs. It is the most common inherited neuromuscular disease, and often leads to muscle weakness, atrophy, and reduced sensation in the hands and feet. 

“This is a condition that requires more than a single specialty—it takes a coordinated team working together to support patients at every stage,” said Dr. Lydia Sharp, Carilion Clinic Neurology. “By bringing together expertise across neurology, rehabilitation, orthopaedics, and supportive care, we help patients receive expert care close to home and maintain independence and live fuller, more active lives.” 

While there is no cure, treatment focuses on managing symptoms, preserving mobility, and improving quality of life through individualized care plans that may include physical and occupational therapy, bracing, pain management, and, when appropriate, surgery. 

The designation reflects Carilion’s commitment to a team-based approach and advancing care. 

Treatment options are based in Roanoke and work in conjunction with Carilion’s Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) clinic, which specializes in brain, nerve, and muscle care for people with ALS and muscular diseases. For more information about neuromuscular disorder treatment at Carilion Clinic, visit CarilionClinic.org. 

The scene resembled the aftermath of an emergency.

First responders navigated rugged terrain. Rope rescue teams moved carefully down a more than 100-foot outcropping. Patients—portrayed by high-fidelity manikins—were assessed, stabilized, and prepared for transport.

Behind it all was Carilion Clinic's Center for Simulation, Research and Patient Safety.

Selected to lead the 192nd Wing, Virginia Air National Guard's annual statewide training exercise, Carilion's Simulation Center designed a complex, multi-day training exercise simulating a mass casualty event at Hanging Rock Park in Salem. The event brought Air Guardsmen from across the Commonwealth and beyond to the Roanoke Valley earlier this year for the opportunity to practice the kind of rapid decision-making and collaboration required in real-world crises.

“We chose to work with Carilion’s simulation center because of the team’s expertise and the realism they bring to training,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Pearce Beissinger, 192nd Medical Group Detachment-1 physician assistant. “Their ability to replicate complex, real-world scenarios makes them an ideal partner for preparing our Airmen for the challenges they may face in the field.”

From scenario design to on-site execution, the Carilion team created an immersive experience that challenged participants at every level. The site, with its wooded trails, exposed rock and elevation changes, allowed teams to encounter multiple scenarios in a single exercise, replicating the unpredictability of real incidents.

As the exercise unfolded, teams practiced extracting patients from difficult terrain and coordinating their transport to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Every detail—from communication flow to clinical intervention—was designed to mirror the pressures of an actual emergency.

“This is exactly the kind of work our simulation center is built for,” said Matthew Adamski, director of the Sim Center, which more typically serves as a training and education resource for clinicians and students using the simulated operating rooms, intensive care units and physicians’ offices in its 14,000-square-foot facility on our Roanoke Campus and mobile “simbulance.”

In recent years, the center’s work has expanded to include partnerships with external organizations, including local police departments, Virginia State Police, and other public safety groups for training.

“These are the teams that will respond in a major emergency," said Adamski. “If we can support that readiness through realistic training, we’re helping strengthen emergency preparedness across our region.”

For more information about Carilion's Simulation Center, visit CarilionClinic.org/Simulation. 

Carilion Women’s celebrated the upcoming opening of Carilion’s first Roanoke-based clinic dedicated exclusively to midwifery services, marking a significant milestone for women’s health in southwest Virginia. Teams and community members gathered for a ribbon cutting and tours of the space, which will officially welcome patients on Monday, May 4.  

The practice (located at 102 Highland Avenue, Suite 301) is designed to care for women across the lifespan, serving women from adolescence through menopause and beyond.  

The new 2,345-square-foot suite will consolidate Carilion’s Roanoke City midwifery services into a single office location in the Medical Office Building behind Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital. Teams will provide weekday access to 2-3 midwives.  

Built around a patient-centered care model, midwifery visits are designed to allow for more time with patients – on average 10 minutes longer than traditional appointments – supporting more personalized care.  

“Midwives empower patients through education and support, ensuring safe, respectful, and culturally appropriate care,” said Tina Johnson, CNM, Director of Midwifery Services. “We treat pregnancy, birth, and menopause as natural life events rather than illnesses.” 

Carilion midwives provide comprehensive care for pregnancy and beyond, including annual exams, cancer screenings, family planning, and menopause care. They collaborate closely with OB/GYNs and other women’s health specialists to ensure patients receive seamless, high-quality care at every stage of life.  

“This new clinic and midwifery expansion underscore our commitment to accessible, relationship-based care for women,” said Tristi Metcalf, MD, Chair of Carilion’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Our OB/GYN physicians and clinicians work closely with midwives, giving our patients a unique suite of care options that best meet their personalized needs and journeys across their lifespan.”   

To learn more about Carilion’s Midwifery Services, visit CarilionClinic.org.  

For most patients, getting an MRI means lying still for long stretches of time in a loud, confined space. For 13-year-old Elias Dalton, it also means a chance to watch superhero movies.

Diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis and autism, Elias has required regular MRIs since age 5, often needing sedation to help him remain still during the long scans. Now, when he visits Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for one of those routine exams, he slides into the MRI machine without anesthesia focused not on the noise or tight space, but on his favorite movie playing through specialized CinemaVision goggles.

“The last time he went under for an MRI, he woke up and didn’t remember us right away,” his father shared. “That’s something no parent wants to experience. These goggles have made such a difference. We’re incredibly grateful he can now get MRIs without sedation and feel so much more at ease.”

Thanks to gifts from Child’s Play Charity, the Foster Family Foundation, and an anonymous donor through the Carilion Clinic Foundation, the health system now has two pairs of CinemaVision goggles so that children like Elias can watch movies during scans, often eliminating the need for anesthesia.

MRIs require patients to lie completely still for extended periods, which can be especially challenging for children. Traditionally, sedation has been used but requires additional coordination and recovery time, and carries potential risks.

The goggles, purchased for Carilion’s Child Life Program, allow pediatric patients to watch movies or shows safely inside the machine and relax and stay still naturally.

“Our goal is always to provide the most comfortable experiences for our patients, especially our pediatric patients,” said Teresa Crowder, Imaging Manager at Carilion. “If we can help a child successfully complete an MRI without anesthesia, that’s even better.”

The goggles have helped more than 50 young Carilion patients like Elias comfortably undergo MRIs without anesthesia.

As a not-for-profit health system, Carilion relies on grants and donations from organizations such as Child’s Play Charity and the Foster Family Foundation to help provide the very best care and comforts for Carilion’s patients, staff, and community.

To support projects like this, visit CarilionFoundation.org/give.

As part of a broader strategy for building the region as a hub for biotech and life sciences, the City of Roanoke and Carilion Clinic have approved a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a biotechnology incubator.

Known as RoVa Labs at Carilion Clinic, the incubator will support the growth of research spinoffs and start-up companies as they work to commercialize groundbreaking research. 

”Roanoke is a hub for science and research and a place where life sciences entrepreneurs, researchers, and startups can get the necessary support, collaboration, and tools needed to innovate and grow,” said Roanoke City Manager Valmarie Turner. 

RoVa Labs is in the heart of the Roanoke Innovation Corridor at 1030 South Jefferson Street, a building previously occupied by Carilion, which partnered with the city on the building’s transformation and collaborative use of the new space.

“Carilion Clinic encourages creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial mindset among all our employees,” said Carilion President and CEO Steve Arner. “RoVa Labs at Carilion Clinic is an example of our longstanding commitment to invest in innovation programs, research partnerships, and digital health solutions that are designed to continuously improve outcomes for our patients and communities."  

“The shared lab space will attract existing and start-up businesses in the life sciences, biotechnology, and healthcare sectors,” said Carilion Executive Vice President and CFO Don Halliwill. “Building the space is just the first step in creating an innovative gathering place for our region’s greatest minds to collaborate with those who have promising new ideas about exciting and challenging projects.” 

The MOU brings together Carilion and the City of Roanoke in a collaborative effort with the Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance (RBIA), Virginia Western Community College, and Virginia Tech. The collaboration reinforces the bridges that connect higher education, health services, and industry, bringing together cross-jurisdictional public and private resources to become the region’s first partnership of its kind to manage and develop biotech programming.  

“The outstanding forward-thinking that will happen in the labs will link education at all levels to start-ups and business commercialization with the infrastructure to accomplish it,” said Amy White, Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at Virginia Western Community College. “This project is a model of how to ensure that we’re growing a comprehensive plan for talent and business development that keeps people and jobs in this region.” 

Initially using just over half of the 40,000 square foot facility, RoVa Labs will provide access to multiple resources in a single convenient location to support research and commercialization across the region, the Commonwealth, and beyond. Carilion Clinic Innovation (CCI) is one of the building’s first tenants. CCI’s work includes helping Carilion employees with unique ideas for improving healthcare and connecting them to innovation partners like Virginia Tech and the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC.  

"We are very excited about the collaboration between our organizations and its potential to support translational research and improve health, not only in Virginia but across the globe," said Michael Friedlander, Virginia Tech's vice president for health sciences and technology and executive director of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. "These efforts also lay the groundwork for building an even stronger scientific, technical, and professional biotech workforce in this part of the commonwealth." 

“This collaboration represents a powerful investment in the future of health care in our region,” said Lee A. Learman, dean of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. “By integrating innovation, research, and clinical insight in the heart of the Roanoke Innovation Corridor, we are creating new opportunities for our students to learn how discovery moves from the lab to the bedside. This environment will help us educate physicians who not only provide exceptional care, but who are prepared to lead, innovate and serve the evolving needs of our community.”

RoVa Labs features include: 

• Private and open wet-lab suites with benches, sinks, gas/vacuum, and emergency systems.
• Shared equipment, including biological safety cabinets, CO2 incubators, shaker/incubators, refrigerated centrifuges, freezer, cold room, water purification, and basic analytical tools.
• Prototyping and medical device support, including light fabrication benches, small-form 3D printing, and introductions to the region’s certified contract manufacturers.
• Innovation Studio, a specialized commercialization launchpad that provides startups with advanced prototyping tools, strategic mentorship, and resources to accelerate the transition from breakthrough bench research to market-ready solutions.
• Team space, including furnished offices, huddle rooms, an event lounge, and phone rooms.
• Operational support, including biohazardous/regulated waste streams; chemical inventory templates; Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) onboarding; and a Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) start pack.

”The launch of RoVa Labs is a template for collaboration between community partners, including Roanoke, Carilion Clinic, the Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance, Virginia Western Community College, and Virginia Tech,” said Marc Nelson, Director of Economic Development for the City of Roanoke. “Our collective efforts to identify the needs of the ecosystem will ensure the needs of our startups and life sciences companies are met for years to come.” 

The City of Roanoke received $15.7 million in 2023 from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to create shared lab space in the building that Carilion contributed as matching local funding. The City facilitated and managed the project and contributed a $1.9 million match through American Rescue Plan Act funds. 

The project culminates a GO Virginia-funded project that identified the need for biotech sector lab space and access to industry experts and mentoring, which included construction of a pilot lab facility in Blacksburg, which opened in 2023. 

“This space will serve as a premier launchpad for regional startups and a magnet for outside investment,” said Erin Burcham, RBIA Chief Executive Officer. “By pairing RoVa Labs’ critical infrastructure with the specialized startup programming that early-stage biotech companies require, we’re carrying out a proven blueprint for regional economic transformation. We haven’t just built labs; we’re building an ecosystem where life sciences companies can scale and compete globally.”  

RoVa Labs is based on elite incubators nationwide that provide specialized labs and high-touch mentorship that bridge the gap between academic discovery and commercial viability. RoVa Labs’ “Tier 1” capabilities allow the Roanoke-Blacksburg region to provide a competitive, lower-cost alternative to saturated markets, addressing “brain drain” and keeping Virginia-born intellectual property in the Commonwealth. 

RoVa Labs is expected to create 250 jobs within five years.  

For more information, visit RoVa Labs at Carilion Clinic. 

Carilion Clinic today announced the launch of Usability Works at Carilion Clinic, a new usability engineering consultancy designed to support medical technology companies while strengthening the Roanoke-Blacksburg region as a hub for biotechnology innovation.

Embedded within Carilion’s nationally accredited Center for Simulation, Research, and Patient Safety, Usability Works provides medical device and healthcare technology developers with access to clinical expertise, realistic testing environments, and regulatory-aligned usability evaluation early in the development process. The consultancy helps companies reduce risk, accelerate product development, and bring innovations to market more efficiently.

“Medical technologies often fail not because of engineering flaws, but because they don’t align with how care is actually delivered,” said Robert Turner, Ph.D., Usability Works’ managing director. “By embedding usability engineering directly in a healthcare system, we’re able to generate higher‑fidelity insights grounded in real clinical workflows before design decisions are made.”

By offering capabilities typically found in major medical technology hubs, Usability Works is expected to attract startups, established companies, and investment to the region while creating new opportunities for collaboration with clinicians, researchers, and academic partners.

“Usability Works builds on Carilion’s role as both a healthcare leader and an economic engine for our region,” said Don Halliwill, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Carilion Clinic. “This initiative supports high-value innovation, workforce engagement, and long-term economic growth while advancing better healthcare technologies.”

Testing is conducted in high-fidelity simulated clinical environments, including operating rooms, intensive care units, emergency settings, physician offices, and home-care scenarios. Services include developmental usability testing, validation studies, use-related risk analysis, and design recommendations for medical devices, digital health platforms, and software-enabled technologies.

Usability Works at Carilion Clinic received funding through GO Virginia’s Project VITAL, a regional biotechnology collaboration involving Carilion Clinic, the Roanoke-Blacksburg Innovation Alliance, and Virginia Tech, aimed at accelerating biotech commercialization and medical device development in Southwest Virginia and across the Commonwealth. For more information, visit www.carilionclinic.org/usability or contact usability@carilionclinic.org.

Camp Carilion 

Tuesday, June 16 – Friday, June 19
Roanoke, VA

Camp Carilion is returning this summer for rising tenth, eleventh, or twelfth graders who may be interested in a future career in healthcare. This four-day camp allows students to have the opportunity to gain experience with life-saving skills and information through hands-on exercises and interactive demonstrations.

Students will learn more about:

• What to do in the event of an accident or life-threatening situation
• Trauma-related injuries and ways to prevent them
• Nursing skills
• CPR training
• Operating Room procedures, techniques, and instruments
• Many other different professions within the healthcare industry

If interested in this camp, please download this form to learn more about the qualifications and paperwork required. Applications must be received by Friday, April 3, 2026. If you have questions or need more information, contact Camp Directors Lynn Cowart at lmfreeman@carilionclinic.org or Karri Proctor at krproctor@carilionclinic.org.

Camp Treehouse

Friday, May 1 – Saturday, May 2 
Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center, Thaxton, VA 

Carilion's Center for Grief and Healing offers Camp Treehouse, a free, overnight camp designed to provide a safe, supportive space for children and teens (grades K-8). During this camp, youth have the opportunity to connect with peers who understand their grief. They will learn about grief's impact on one another and the family unit.

Parents/guardians must attend. Meals are provided. Indoor and outdoor lodging will be offered. For outdoor lodging, bring your own tent. Dress for outdoor adventure.

To register, call 540-527-4868. Learn more at Camp Treehouse.

Camp Too Sweet

Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 10
Fincastle, VA

Camp Too Sweet offers a week-long program for kids aged 8 to 16 who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. This exciting and educational camp provides a safe and nurturing environment where children can build confidence, form friendships, and participate in activities designed to support them on their diabetes journey. All campers have diabetes, so children won't feel alone or different. We provide positive role models to help kids establish healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Camp Too Sweet focuses on helping campers accept their diabetes, teaching them how to live a healthy lifestyle—and most importantly, on having fun! Campers interact with other kids just like themselves, who are facing the same challenges, in the beautiful and exciting setting of our residential camp. Register by May 6.

Becker’s Healthcare announced the list in February, noting that workforce challenges remain front and center for healthcare organizations nationwide. The list recognizes hospitals, health systems and healthcare companies that actively support their teams through development opportunities, flexible work environments, competitive benefits and comprehensive wellness initiatives  

According to Becker’s, organizations featured on the list distinguish themselves as premier employers by fostering meaningful, holistic support for their employees and creating cultures rooted in connection and balance. 

"This recognition reflects the dedication of physicians, nurses, caregivers and support teams who serve our communities every day,” said Paul Hudgins, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer.  “It also underscores the organization’s ongoing commitment to creating an environment where employees can grow professionally, feel supported and thrive together.” 

Carilion has also been named to Forbes’ Best Employers by State in 2025 and Fortune Magazine’s “America’s Most Innovative Companies” three years in a row. 

The full list of honorees is available on Becker’s Healthcare’s website. 

Rosemarie Fernandez, MD, joins our team as Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine for Carilion Clinic and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. 

Dr. Fernandez joins us from the University of Florida, where she served as the Executive Vice Chair for the Department of Emergency Medicine and the Research Director for the Center for Experiential Learning and Simulation. Dr. Fernandez attended Rutgers University, earned her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Cincinnati, and was a Howard Hughes research fellow at the University of Michigan Medical School. She is an alumnus of the prestigious Hedwig VA Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) fellowship and is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society. Dr. Fernandez’ research is in leadership, team science, and patient safety. She has been a Principal Investigator on investigator-initiated grants funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Department of Defense, and multiple different foundations.

Connette Gill, MBA, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CPPS, has been hired as the Assistant Chief Nursing Officer at Carilion Medical Center.

Connette comes from Central Carolina Hospital, where she served as the Chief Nursing Officer. There, she led strategic initiatives to improve patient outcomes and nurse engagement. Previously, she also served as the Assistant Chief Nursing Officer and Director of the Cardiovascular ICU at Frye Regional Health Center, where she improved care coordination and transfer processes.  

Grant Greenberg, MD, has been hired as Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Carilion Clinic and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. 

Dr. Greenberg joins us from Lehigh Valley Health Network, where he served since 2016 as the Leonard Parker Pool Endowed Chair of Family Medicine. Over the past three years, he also held the role of Chief Medical Executive for the Primary Care Service Line. Earlier in his career, Dr. Greenberg spent 16 years at the University of Michigan, where he served as Medical Director of the Chelsea Health Center and earned a master’s degree in health systems administration. Before enrolling in medical school, Dr. Greenberg received a master's degree in Ecology and Environmental Biology at Indiana University. With multiple peer reviewed publications and a track record as a national thought leader in Family Medicine, he has a deep commitment to education and a proven ability to lead.  

Habib Samady, MD, joins our team as Senior Vice President and Carilion’s inaugural Director of the Cardiovascular Institute. 

Dr. Samady most recently served as the President of the Cardiovascular Service Line and co-founder and President of the Georgia Heart Institute at Northeast Georgia Health System. Previously, he also served as a Professor of Medicine, Director of Interventional Cardiology, and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Samady has over two decades of experience and is an internationally recognized cardiologist with over 290 published research manuscripts. He is also the co-founder of Covanos, an Emory University-based computational coronary physiology start-up.  

In partnership with Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) of Southwest Virginia, the Carilion Clinic Foundation today announced Carilion’s first endowed chair. Funded through a $1 million endowment from CMN, the CMN Endowed Chair in Pediatric Medicine will honor Dr. Andrew Herman for his leadership and lasting impact on pediatric medicine at Carilion Clinic.

“The CMN Chair in Pediatric Medicine represents an extraordinary investment in the future of pediatric care,” said Tony Seupaul, Carilion Clinic’s Chief Physician Executive and President of Carilion Clinic Physicians. “It honors Dr. Herman’s exceptional work while also ensuring continued excellence in caring for children and families throughout our region.”

Dr. Herman, Chair of Pediatrics, joined Carilion in June after serving as vice president and chief medical officer for Levine Children’s Hospital and Jeff Gordon Children’s Center at Atrium Health in Charlotte, N.C. Here he has worked to strengthen academic partnerships, expand access to care with the opening of pediatric clinics in Rocky Mount and Lexington, and grow specialty care in nephrology, cardiology, oncology, and hospital-based care.

In addition to his role at Carilion, he serves as professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics for the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

“Endowed chairs signal long-term investment in excellence, and Dr. Herman exemplifies that standard,” said Lee Learman, Dean of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. "As both department chair and professor, he is strengthening the bridge between clinical care, medical education, research, and innovation. His leadership will help inspire the next generation of pediatric physicians while fostering meaningful research to directly improve the health of the communities we serve.”

The endowed chair, a distinguished position within Carilion’s Department of Pediatrics, will provide sustained, long-term support and enhance the department’s ability to advance pediatric research, education, clinical excellence, and innovation in care delivery. It is expected to pave the way for the creation of future philanthropically funded endowed chairs at Carilion.

“This endowment allows us to invest in our clinicians and staff and elevate the care we provide to children across Southwest Virginia by strengthening specialty depth through advanced training, expanding original research and quality improvement initiatives, and fostering innovation in pediatric medicine,” said Dr. Herman.

CMN is a non-profit organization that raises funds to support pediatric programs across North America. Carilion’s pediatric program is the beneficiary of CMN fundraising in Southwest Virginia.

“The creation of the endowed chair reflects both Dr. Herman’s leadership and the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to helping kids receive the best possible care close to home,” said Macy Ware, CMN Program Director for Carilion. “We are proud to support pediatric medicine today and for generations to come.”

The CMN Endowed Chair in Pediatric Medicine is held within the Carilion Clinic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to receiving, managing, and stewarding charitable gifts on behalf of Carilion.

• Free dental exams/consultations
• Free sealants, SDF (Silver Diamine Fluoride) and Fluoride varnish application applied as needed
• Free educational information focusing on healthy oral care, including:
• Healthy eating
• Interactive brushing and flossing demonstration
• Preventing “mouth monsters” (tooth decay, tartar, gingivitis) 

85 professionals volunteered for the event and served more than 40 patients.

“Pediatric dental care is essential as it establishes lifelong health habits, prevents early decay and pain, supports proper speech and eating, boosts confidence, and addresses children’s unique developmental needs,” said Dr. Karina Miller, Carilion Pediatric Dentist and event founder. “We are so fortunate to have a strong network of peers and dentistry learners willing to dedicate their time to this important event to improve access to this needed care.” 

As a not-for-profit, Carilion’s mission is to improve the health of the communities that it serves. This mission-driven event illustrated that mission at work, with Carilion and community experts volunteering their time to meet patients and families where they are, offering free pediatric preventative dental care to mainly uninsured patients and patients with no dental home. 

To learn more about Carilion Dental Care offerings, visit CarilionClinic.org.

The Beacon Award recognizes excellence at the unit level and reflects an unwavering dedication to high-quality, patient and family centered care, professional nursing practice, and continuous improvement. Units earn Gold, Silver, or Bronze recognition based on measurable outcomes, work environment standards, and alignment with AACN's evidence-based criteria. 

Carilion proudly congratulates the following units for achieving Beacon status:

Gold

• Cardiovascular Institute Vascular Surgery Intensive Care Unit
• 7 Mountain Medical Cardiac Progressive Care Unit

Silver  

• 10 Mountain Surgical Intensive Care Unit
• 8 Mountain Medical Intensive Care Unit
• Cardiovascular Institute Cardiothoracic Surgery Intensive Care Unit
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• Neuro Trauma Intensive Care Unit
• Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
• Coronary Care Unit

Bronze

• 8 South Radius Hybrid ICU/PCU
• 9 South Intensive Care Unit
   

Earning a Beacon Award signifies that these teams have successfully integrated clinical excellence, collaboration, and innovation into daily practice. The designation highlights units that foster healthy work environments, support professional development, and prioritize patient safety and outcomes. 

“This recognition reflects the extraordinary dedication of our bedside teams,” said Michelle Franklin, Chief Nursing Officer for Carilion. “Beacon status is achieved through the daily commitment of nurses and collaborative staff who consistently go above and beyond for our patients and families.”

The Beacon Award framework evaluates key areas including leadership structures and shared decision-making, evidence-based clinical practices, quality improvement and patient outcomes, teamwork and communication, and a culture that supports professional growth and excellence. These standards directly influence outcomes such as patient safety, staff satisfaction, retention, and overall quality of care.

Hospitals receiving the HeartCARE Center designation from the ACC have demonstrated their commitment to consistent, high-quality cardiovascular care through comprehensive process improvement, disease and procedure-specific accreditation, professional excellence, and community engagement.

“Carilion Clinic has demonstrated its commitment to providing Southwest Virginia with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board.

The ACC offers U.S. and international systems like Carilion access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care.

“For decades, our Cardiovascular Institute has delivered exceptional heart care to our region,” said Marguerite Underwood, vice president of Carilion’s Cardiovascular Institute. “This recognition is a meaningful acknowledgment of our unwavering commitment to patient care and to the communities we serve.”

About Carilion Clinic

Carilion Clinic is a not-for-profit healthcare organization headquartered in Roanoke, Va. A comprehensive network of hospitals, primary and specialty physician practices and other complementary services enable employees to collaborate in providing quality care close to home for nearly 1 million Virginians. With an enduring commitment to the region’s health and wellness, Carilion also advances care through philanthropy, medical education and research, helps the communities it serves stay healthy and inspires the region to grow stronger. For more information, visit CarilionClinic.org. 

About the American College of Cardiology

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at acc.org or follow @ACCinTouch.

The American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) awarded Carilion New River Valley Medical Center (CNRV) with the Pathway to Excellence Designation. This marks this hospital's second time achieving this prestigious award, further affirming its commitment to a positive practice environment for nurses.  

“We are honored to receive this distinction a second time,” said Kristi Hall, D.N.P., senior director of nursing. “This recognition demonstrates our ongoing dedication to supporting nurses through autonomy, life balance, shared decision-making, professional development, and continuing education—all of which enable us to provide the best care for our patients.” 

There are only 281 hospitals nationwide with this four-year designation, and CNRV is one of six in Virginia out of approximately 100 hospitals statewide.  

The designation is awarded based on 63 elements of nursing performance and six essential standards that foster a positive work environment for nursing staff. The six major elements include: shared decision-making, leadership, safety, quality, well-being, and professional development.  

Carilion met the highest scoring thresholds to earn this designation.  

These standards influence key outcomes such as turnover rates, job satisfaction, employee engagement, productivity, patient safety, and teamwork. 

“We see it every day – Our culture of caring drives excellence in patient safety and clinical outcomes,” said Bill Flattery, vice president for the western region. “We are fortunate to have such a talented, dedicated nursing team. They are essential to everything we accomplish.” 

This designation affirms that care begins with healthcare providers and the environment in which they live, learn, and grow.  

To learn more about the designation, visit Nursing World's website.  

The renovated space includes 5 exam rooms and enhances the care experience for pediatric patients and their families, allowing more personal interaction with Carilion pediatric experts and shorter wait times. 

“We are thrilled to open our first, designated practice for pediatric care in this community,” said Dr. Andrew Herman, chair of Pediatrics. “As a father myself, I know how important it is to have trusted pediatric care close to home. Our team looks forward to serving this community and meeting families where they are.” 

The 2,433 square-foot practice is equipped to handle a range of services from wellness visits to mild trauma. It was made possible thanks to the Carilion Clinic Foundation and Children's Miracle Network, with community donations reinvested to meet community health needs. 

“We are always assessing community needs as they evolve,” said Greg Madsen, vice president of Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital. “Both in the hospital and in the community, I’m always excited to see the new ways we are innovating to meet our community’s needs, and I look forward to welcoming Carilion Children’s to Lexington.”

Officially opening to patients on Monday, Jan. 19, regular hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, families can call the practice at 540-462-6270.

To learn more about Carilion Children’s offerings, visit CarilionClinic.org.

He and his elves rappelled down the exterior of the hospital, waving to young patients watching from their windows while the first responders watched stationed below. After his grand entrance, Santa and his first-responder friends visited the unit to spread cheer, offer greetings, and brighten the holidays.  

Carilion Children's Hospital, housed in Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, is the region's only children's hospital and Southwest Virginia’s local Children’s Miracle Network hospital. This was the second year Santa and first responders partnered on a visit, helping to normalize the hospital stay for the region’s youngest patients and their families.

Carilion Clinic and the Carilion Clinic Foundation are proud to announce a generous $150,000 gift from Freedom First Credit Union in support of the Reaching Far, Caring Close campaign and the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center.

The gift underscores Freedom First’s commitment to strengthening the health and well-being of the communities they serve, including expanding access to world-class cancer care across the region.

A check presentation was held Nov. 20 with Nancy Howell Agee, CEO Emeritus of Carilion Clinic, and members of the Freedom First leadership team, celebrating the power of philanthropy and partnership in advancing care close to home.

“Freedom First has long been a steadfast advocate for our community, and this gift is a powerful example of their deep commitment to improving the lives of those we serve,” said Agee. “Their support of the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center helps ensure that patients and families throughout our region have access to leading-edge treatment, delivered with compassion and excellence. We are profoundly grateful.”

The Reaching Far, Caring Close campaign recently surpassed its $100 million goal, providing essential philanthropic investment for cancer care innovation, expanded services, and transformative technology. Support from corporate partners like Freedom First plays a vital role in advancing Carilion’s mission to provide high-quality care for all.

“At Freedom First, our mission is rooted in helping people and communities thrive, and access to high-quality healthcare is an essential part of that,” said Paul Phillips, President & CEO of Freedom First Credit Union. “Cancer has touched nearly everyone in some way, and ensuring advanced care is available close to home makes our region stronger. We’re proud to support Carilion as they bring world-class care to the communities we serve together.”

To learn more about our $100 million campaign, visit CarilionClinic.org.

About Freedom First Credit Union: Freedom First is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution headquartered in Roanoke, VA. Founded in 1956, Freedom First now has 14 branch locations in the Roanoke Valley, New River Valley, and Greater Lynchburg and has grown to over $1 billion in assets. With a mission of Helping People Prosper – Helping Communities Thrive, we measure our success by the positive impact we create in the lives of our members and the communities we serve. For more information, please visit www.freedomfirst.com.

About Carilion Clinic: Carilion Clinic is a not-for-profit healthcare organization headquartered in Roanoke, Va. A comprehensive network of hospitals, primary and specialty physician practices and other complementary services enable employees to collaborate in providing quality care close to home for nearly 1 million Virginians. With an enduring commitment to the region’s health and wellness, Carilion also advances care through philanthropy, medical education and research, helps the communities it serves stay healthy and inspires the region to grow stronger. For more information, visit CarilionClinic.org.

This latest contribution represents fundraising from Life Ring’s Fighting Kids Cancer campaign, including the annual Charlotte’s Play Yellow Celebrity Invitational, held in July. The Fighting Kids Cancer campaign is a five-year initiative which launched in 2023 with the aim of enhancing resources for children diagnosed with pediatric cancer and blood disorders in Southwest Virginia.    

This gift will enable Carilion to accelerate improvements in pediatric care coordination, patient support and clinical capacity, and fund seven new clinical and support positions now, while the new Carilion Taubman Cancer Center construction is underway in Roanoke. These additional resources provide critical, immediate care, and treatment for children and their families.  

“Supporting children and families facing cancer isn’t just our mission, it’s our life,” said Kelly Woolwine, founder of Life Ring. His daughter, Charlotte, was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a rare form of liver cancer, at age 3 in 2018. Their experience with traveling out of state for enhanced treatment to save Charlotte’s life inspired Woolwine and his wife and co-founder, Jessica, to expand their foundation’s mission to help families facing similar journeys. 

 “Nothing is a coincidence in life, and we were chosen for this journey for a reason. Charlotte’s experience showed us how important it is for every child to receive the best care close to home. We’re honored to help expand this vital program,” said Jessica Woolwine, co-founder of the Life Ring Foundation. 

Life Ring’s funding strengthens both Carilion’s current services and long-term vision for pediatric cancer care with the opening of the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center in 2028. It specifically will support the development of a comprehensive pediatric hematology and oncology program that provides treatment and services that promote a child’s overall well-being, family support, and long-term health. 

“These resources mean more children can receive the specialized, compassionate care they need without leaving their community,” said Dr. Andrew Herman, chair of pediatrics at Carilion Clinic. “Life Ring’s commitment is helping us meet families where they are and support them throughout their care journey.” 

For more information, please visit CarilionChildrens.ChildrensMiracleNetworkHospitals.org.

Carilion Clinic is leading the way as the first in the region to provide GammaTile® therapy—a new, targeted approach to brain tumor treatment. Radiation seeds are embedded in a small collagen implant or tile and placed directly against the tumor site during surgery. The implant delivers a focused dose of radiation to the affected area immediately.

Delivering radiation through GammaTile® therapy allows even radiation distribution, protecting healthy tissue nearby while ensuring the implant naturally remains in place. 

“This innovative treatment delivers radiation therapy right in the operating room, meaning patients get a head start on fighting residual tumor cell growth," said Carilion Neurosurgical Oncologist, Cara Rogers, DO. "It’s a powerful advancement in brain tumor care.” 

This therapy is offered in collaboration with experts in neurosurgery, radiation oncology, nuclear medicine and other support teams.

Patients benefit from fewer external radiation sessions, more precise treatment and fewer side effects, such as hair loss.

Learn more about innovative cancer treatment options by visiting CarilionClinic.org.

Ashlie Ikenberry, Senior Director of the Emergency Department at Roanoke Memorial, shared, “As the largest, most skilled emergency department and trauma team in the region, we are honored to care for our communities during some of their worst days. We are so excited to open the latest expansion to our ED; It will help comfort our patients and their families as soon as they walk through the doors.”

Patients and visitors will continue to use the current ED entrance, with the renovated space providing additional seating.

To ensure uninterrupted care, the original ED remained operational during construction. Since opening the expanded ED in May, teams have increased access to care, meeting increased patient needs and ensuring Southwest Virginia can receive sophisticated Emergency and Trauma care close to home.

To learn more about Carilion's Emergency Medicine offerings, visit CarilionClinic.org.

The tournament filled Performance Pickleball’s courts as players of all levels and ages competed, connected and contributed to a cause that touches countless lives across the region.

“Supporting our community through events like Smashing Cancer! is what Performance Pickleball is all about,” said MacKenzie Cassady, general manager at Performance Pickleball ROA. “Seeing players from our community come together with such energy and purpose to support Carilion Clinic’s cancer care efforts was truly inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder of how sports can unite us for something bigger than ourselves.”

Proceeds from the event will advance Carilion’s commitment to providing world-class cancer care in Southwest Virginia, supporting expanded treatment options, leading-edge technologies and the compassionate care patients rely on close to home.

“Events like this make a real difference for our patients, helping us provide them with the best cancer care possible,” said Lindsay Collins, vice president of oncology services at Carilion. “We’re so grateful to Performance Pickleball and everyone who came out today to support such an important cause.”

The day concluded with 48 medalists recognized across 8 divisions and plenty of smiles among players and spectators alike.

“We started Smashing Cancer! because we wanted to use pickleball to make a real difference,” said Jon Laasar, cofounder of Performance Pickleball ROA. “It’s incredible to see the Roanoke community rally behind a cause that impacts so many.”

To learn more about Carilion’s work to expand sophisticated cancer care close to home for Southwest Virginia, visit CarilionFoundation.org.

Patients were dressed in various costumes, including beanie babies, superheroes and ice cream cones.

“A NICU stay can be incredibly stressful for families,” said Certified Child Life Specialist Sarah Kress. “This is an opportunity for families to feel a sense of normalcy and joy as they celebrate their first holiday season with their new family member."

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital is home to a Level IIIB NICU, which often sees infants born at less than three pounds requiring critical life-saving care. It offers the highest level of neonatal care in the region. To learn more, visit CarilionClinic.org. 

Four months after publicly announcing its $100 million Reaching Far, Caring Close campaign to fund a new cancer center, Carilion Clinic has exceeded its goal – raising more than $105 million.

Now, Carilion is expanding the project’s vision with an additional $50 million initiative to include proton therapy, the most advanced technology for treating certain cancer types. Former U.S. Ambassador Nicholas F. Taubman and Eugenia L. Taubman, have given a $17.5 million leadership gift, adding to their earlier $25 million toward the center that will bear their name. The Taubman's $17.5 million gift combined with another $2.5 million anonymous donation marks $20 million total that has been raised toward this next phase.

“The overwhelming support for the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center demonstrates our community’s shared commitment to ensuring the most advanced care is available right here,” said Steve Arner, Carilion Clinic president and CEO. “Our deepest thanks to Ambassador and Mrs. Taubman for their extraordinary leadership and generosity, which continue to inspire and set the pace for what our community can accomplish together.”

It is anticipated that the cancer center will open in 2028.

Carilion’s Roanoke facility would be the only location in Central and Western Virginia – and the third in the state, alongside centers in Fairfax and Hampton Roads – to offer proton therapy treatment. There are currently fewer than 50 proton therapy centers in the United States. The health system estimates the technology could benefit hundreds of patients each year across Virginia and surrounding states. 

“Cancer is deeply personal for us, and bringing the best possible care to our home community is one of the most meaningful investments we can make,” said Ambassador Taubman. “Jenny and I are profoundly grateful to our friends, neighbors, and the entire community for helping make the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center a reality. Your generosity has brought this dream to life, and together we can take the next step by bringing this transformative technology to our region.”

Proton beam therapy is a form of advanced radiation therapy that targets tumors with pinpoint accuracy, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue – particularly important for patients with tumors near vital organs or sensitive areas. It is also an optimal treatment option for children, as it limits radiation exposure to healthy, growing tissue.

“For adults, proton therapy is often the preferred treatment for complicated head and neck malignancies, large skull base tumors, and breast and prostate cancer,” said Tony Seupaul, M.D., Carilion’s chief physician executive. “This innovative technology will add another state-of-the-art option for Carilion to treat cancer patients. Over time, we hope it will also provide opportunities for proton-beam-based clinical trials and strengthen our medical education program.”

The historic Reaching Far, Caring Close fundraising campaign, the largest in Carilion history, began in 2019 with a $1 million seed gift from Carilion Clinic CEO Emeritus Nancy Howell Agee and her husband, Steve. The health system quietly raised $96 million—including $7.7 million from Carilion employees – before inviting the community’s partnership to help close the final $4 million gap at Roanoke City’s Freedom Festival in July.

Health system leaders, donors, and cancer survivors broke ground a year ago on the seven-story Carilion Taubman Cancer Center on Carilion’s Riverside Campus, shared with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC.

The new building and expanded program will dramatically improve access to cancer care for the region, enlarging space for services from 40,000 to 260,000 square feet, doubling patient capacity, and broadening the range of advanced treatments and clinical trials available. The center will include comprehensive services for adult and pediatric patients, multidisciplinary care teams, and wraparound support services tailored to patients and families.

Carilion operates as a not-for-profit organization and reinvests operating income into facility upgrades, new equipment and technology, and efforts to attract and retain the best talent. The generous support of donors enhances care and accelerates Carilion’s ability to meet the region’s health needs.

To learn more or make a gift, visit CarilionFoundation.org/givetocancer.

Child and adolescent psychiatry physician Abhishek Reddy, MD, shares details about his team’s research that examines the time of day, screen use and medication type related to overdose suicide attempts. “The main goal in identifying these factors is to help develop ways to reduce the number of suicides and self-harm among children and adolescents,” he said. 

As a collaboration between Carilion Clinic and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Dr. Reddy will present his research, “Adolescent Overdose Suicide Attempts: Associations with Time of Day, Screen Use, and Medication Type,” at the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry annual meeting Oct. 20-25 in Chicago.  

Research findings 

Dr. Reddy and his trainee, Timothy Ferrebee, MD, who is a child and adolescent resident psychiatry physician at Carilion Clinic, collected data from patients aged 12-17 who were admitted to the child and adolescent psychiatry unit following an intentional overdose suicide attempt. Preliminary data suggests that intentional overdose suicide attempts in adolescents are significantly more likely to occur during nighttime hours and in the context of recent screen use. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are frequently used. 

“Researchers have previously found links between screen use, suicidal behaviors, sleep problems, and mental health challenges in children. We wanted to examine the combination of those factors as well as the availability of prescription and OTC medications when it comes to overdoses,” Reddy said. “Our findings support clinical recommendations related to these factors.” 

Recommendations

1. Limit children’s access to screens, especially an hour before bedtime.  

Dr. Reddy cites the importance of disconnecting from screens such as smartphones and social media. He says parents can use screen time as a positive by making it a reward for behaviors such as completing homework or chores. Reddy notes that exposure to social media at a young age can cause mental health issues especially during children’s formative years. “Children who struggle with bullying at school can end up taking it home with them and seeing messages at night, when they are at their most vulnerable,” he said.  

2. Practice good sleep hygiene.  

Dr. Reddy says parents should help their children develop a bedtime routine to unwind from the day’s stresses. A warm bath or shower and reading before bed are examples. He also suggests refraining from sugary treats and drinks with caffeine in the evening to help children get a good night’s sleep. 

3. Reduce access to both prescription and over-the-counter medications. 

Dr. Reddy says that if a child is exhibiting mental health struggles, parents should secure both prescription and over-the-counter medications. His study of children who attempted suicide by overdose found the number that involved prescription medications did not differ significantly from those involving OTC medications.  

The health system earned a bronze-level award for 2025–2026, joining 109 organizations nationwide, following a rigorous application process. 

“We are making meaningful strides to enhance joy at work, not only for physicians but for all clinical employees, and we remain committed to building on that progress,” said Dr. Tony Seupaul, chief physician executive. “When our caregivers feel supported and fulfilled, it not only strengthens their well-being but also leads to better care experiences and improved outcomes for our patients.”

To qualify, organizations must meet extensive criteria, including completing a burnout assessment, establishing a formal well-being committee or office, and measuring and evaluating efficiency, teamwork, leadership and support programs. Dr. Lisa Uherick, Carilion Pediatric Emergency physician and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine's chief well-being officer, and Kim Butterfield, director of well-being, led the application process and were instrumental in the work.

Carilion was recognized for addressing workflow and documentation burdens to improve the physician experience, providing peer support, and developing tailored goals for each department.

“The Joy in Medicine recognition offered us a roadmap of well-being best practices,” said Niki Hale, vice president of Wellness. “It celebrates the meaningful progress our well-being team has made and inspires us to keep pushing forward, so every caregiver feels supported, valued and able to thrive in their work.”

You can read the AMA's news release and see the full list here. 

Now in its 7th year, the America’s Best-in-State Employers 2025 recognition continues to highlight companies for their success as employers on a regional and statewide level and to celebrate organizations for their commitment to fostering an environment where employees can thrive.

The number of companies on each state’s list varied by the size of its companies and workforce. Ultimately, a total of 1,417 organizations made at least one state list.

You can read the full list here.

U.S. News & World Report released its latest hospital rankings, and Carilion received several honors. The system’s flagship hospital, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, maintained its ranking as “Best Hospital” in the region.

Roanoke Memorial was rated as high performing in 15 procedures and conditions and one specialty:

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair  
• Colon Cancer Surgery 
• COPD
• Gynecological Cancer Surgery
• Heart Arrhythmia
• Heart Attack
• Heart Bypass Surgery
• Hip Fracture
• Hip replacement
• Knee Replacement
• Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma
• Lung Cancer Surgery
• Pacemaker Implantation
• Prostate Cancer Surgery
• TAVR
• Urology specialty
• Maternity and prenatal care (announced separately in Dec. 2024)

Of the 15 procedures and conditions, Carilion is proud to be rated as high performing in two new categories this year: Pacemaker Implantation and Heart Arrhythmia. Additionally, Carilion New River Valley Medical Center earned high-performing status in kidney failure.

Being recognized as high performing is the highest distinction a hospital can earn for a procedure and condition. It signifies that a specialty or procedure receives excellent clinical outcomes.

“Quality is a team effort that calls for a dedicated focus on perfecting processes to provide high-quality care. This U.S. News ranking is one example of the collaborative and compassionate work our teams are doing every day,” said Steve Arner, president and chief executive officer of Carilion. “It’s great to see this commitment recognized on the national stage.”  

"We are excited to serve our patients in this new space, tailored to suit their needs,” said Dr. Nicholas Tallman, Carilion Children’s pediatrician. “The practice has been intentionally designed to help our youngest patients feel safe and welcome.”

Specialized features in the 3,632 square-foot space include eight exam rooms, including two for specialty clinics plus a procedure room, separate healthy and sick patient waiting areas, color and art throughout the practice and kid-friendly office spaces meant for more personal interactions.

“We are committed to offering quality pediatric care close to home for our region,” said Dr. David O’Neil, Carilion Children’s pediatrician. “We’re thrilled to continue caring for our patients, acting as a resource and serving children at every stage of life.”

In addition to offering general pediatric care, pediatric specialties will begin rotating through the practice in the coming months.

“Our pediatric specialty teams are ready to meet patients where they need it, when they need it,” said Dr. Andrew Herman, chair of Pediatrics. “We will offer cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, neurology and pulmonology on an alternating basis.”

“This is another phenomenal resource in our efforts to increase access to care in our region,” said Carl Cline, president of Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital. “With our hospital’s recent operating room expansion and soon-to-be emergency department in the Smith Mountain Lake area, I’m excited to see the new ways we are innovating to meet community needs.”

The practice is equipped to handle a range of services from wellness visits to mild trauma. Officially opening to patients on Monday, July 28, regular hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, families can call the practice at 540-482-5220. To learn more about Carilion Children’s offerings, visit CarilionClinic.org.

The freestanding Emergency Departments will enhance access to emergency medical services and provide a seamless connection to Carilion’s broad network of hospitals and specialists in Southwest Virginia.

The freestanding Emergency Departments will include traditional exam rooms for adults and children, as well as advanced imaging, telemedicine options and laboratories. The facilities will be staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians and skilled clinical teams who will provide care for a wide range of conditions, including infections, chest pain and injuries. Carilion expects to break ground on the facilities later this year.

Many emergency services can be effectively managed at a freestanding Emergency Department without the need for transfer to a traditional hospital. If higher-level care is required, patients can be transported quickly to the facility of their choice, including Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital in Rocky Mount.  Carilion’s regional healthcare network includes hospitals, primary care and physician practices, specialty care services, and an integrated ground and air transportation system, creating a connected and collaborative healthcare experience for patients and their families.

“We’re always looking to find the best ways to expand access to care for our communities. The new facilities in Westlake and Daleville will make sure families can get the emergency care they need, close to home, without delay,” said Wrenn Brendel, Vice President, Emergency Services. “The facilities will be designed with dedicated parking and easy walk-in access to emergency services for patients during critical moments.”

The freestanding Emergency Departments increase Carilion’s commitment to improve the health of its communities and expand services across the region, complementing recent investments in children’s health and specialty care offerings that include new pediatric specialty services in Rocky Mount and opening Roanoke Memorial Hospital’s new Crystal Spring Tower, with expanded emergency, cardiac and vascular services.

For more information about Carilion Clinic services and locations, visit carilionclinic.org.

Michelle Franklin, R.N., has been promoted to Chief Nursing Officer.  

Most recently, Michelle was the Vice President responsible for Women’s, Children’s, Nursing Support and Interpreter Services. She began her career as a nursing assistant in 1990 at what later became Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital, and she has served in progressive clinical and operational leadership roles for over 30 years in both hospital and ambulatory areas. Michelle also previously served as co-interim Chief Nursing Officer overseeing the Nursing Center of Excellence and nursing at Carilion Medical Center and ambulatory practices.  

Andrew Herman, M.D., Chair of the Department of Pediatrics.  

Dr. Herman comes from Atrium Health in Charlotte, N.C. where he worked as vice president and chief medical officer for Levine Children’s Hospital and Jeff Gordon Children’s Center. He attended Indiana University, earned a medical degree from Saint Louis University, and completed his Pediatrics residency and Neonatology fellowship at the University of Virginia. Dr. Herman has also held academic appointments at Carolinas Medical Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine Charlotte Campus and Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Tristi Metcalf, M.D., Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 

Dr. Metcalf comes from Cleveland Clinic where she worked as OB/GYN and Women’s Institute Chief since 2021. She previously served as OB/GYN Department Chair at Houston Methodist Hospital. She attended Lewis and Clark College, earned a medical degree from Mayo Clinic Medical School, completed residency at Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, Scott and White Hospital and fellowship at Cleveland Clinic Foundation. For more than a decade, Dr. Metcalf served in the U.S. Air Force, obtaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. She is board certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery and a nationally recognized speaker on pelvic health and gynecology.

The announcement came just before the evening’s fireworks, signaling a bold and hopeful milestone for cancer care in Southwest Virginia. Having quietly raised $96 million over the past six years, Carilion is now asking for the public’s help to close the final $4 million gap.

“This beautiful, state-of-the-art cancer center won’t be just a point on the map – it will be a beacon of hope and healing. A destination for world-class cancer care, serving not only Virginia but the entire region,” said Lindsay Collins, vice president of Oncology Services at Carilion.

The Carilion Taubman Cancer Center will dramatically expand access to cancer care for the region, growing cancer care space from 40,000 to 250,000 square feet, doubling patient capacity, and introducing advanced treatments and clinical trials previously unavailable in the area. It will include comprehensive services for adult and pediatric patients, multidisciplinary care teams, and support services tailored to the needs of patients and their families.

“This cancer center represents a transformative step forward for cancer care in the region. By bringing together expert cancer specialists and patient support services under one roof, we’re creating a more convenient, sophisticated and patient-centered model of care, where collaboration ultimately leads to new opportunities for clinical trials and care innovations, better outcomes and more hope,” said Dr. Tony Seupaul, Chief Physician Executive at Carilion. “This fundraising campaign is our opportunity to make that vision a reality to benefit patients and their families for generations to come.”

To learn more or make a gift, visit CarilionFoundation.org/givetocancer.

Additional Tips 
It is difficult to spot a spoofing call by the caller ID alone. Here are some things people can do to protect themselves from phone scams:  

• Never give out personal information. 
• Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers.  
• If you answer the phone and do not know the person on the line, hang up.  
• To verify the call, hang up and use official contact information to call the organization the caller was claiming to be with. 
• If the person on the phone asks you to hit a button to stop getting calls, hang up.  
• Do not respond to any questions, especially those that can be answered with “yes” or “no.” 

If you think you have been the victim of a spoofing scam, you can file a complaint with the FCC.  

For more information 
Learn more at Caller ID Spoofing | Federal Communications Commission 

What You Need to Know:

• The closure will remain in place indefinitely as we finalize construction plans for the façade.  
• Our Terrace View Garage and North Entrance will only be accessible via Walnut Avenue (see detour map below). 
• All parking garages remain open, and there is increased shuttle service. Parking in the new McClanahan Garage is another alternative for patients and visitors to the hospital. See our campus map here to view all parking garages. 
• Pedestrians should use the Terrace View Garage tunnel to enter the hospital (parking garage starred on the satellite map below). The alternative crosswalk across Belleview near the Jefferson Street bridge is also available and marked by wayfinding.  

The closure is occurring out of an abundance of caution so we can safely move forward with construction. If visiting the hospital, please allow extra time to navigate traffic changes

We understand that any change to traffic patterns can be disruptive and thank you in advance for your patience. As more updates become available, we will share them here.

The 12-story, more-than-500,000-square-foot facility houses Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital’s expanded Emergency Department, the region’s only Level 1 trauma center for both adults and children and Carilion Clinic’s renowned Cardiovascular Institute.

“Today’s ribbon cutting celebrates much more than a facility,” said Steve Arner, President and CEO of Carilion. “This marks the culmination of years of hard work to ensure that our region has access to the most modern and advanced care for decades to come.”

The Crystal Spring Tower is designed to evolve with tomorrow's healthcare, featuring flexible spaces that adapt to new and changing technologies, patient rooms that can accommodate various types of care and procedure areas with expansion capacity to accommodate the latest equipment.

The expanded Emergency Department opened in May, doubling the department’s size and making it one of the largest in Virginia. Physicians and clinical care teams helped design the space for optimal workflows to streamline check-in, reduce delays and improve the experience for patients and their families. Other highlights include:

• Dedicated pediatric emergency waiting area, triage space and patient rooms,
• 5 trauma bays, including the region’s first Level 1 pediatric trauma bay and
• A new, additional helipad for direct trauma bay and operating room access.

The remaining portion of the tower is dedicated to Carilion’s Cardiovascular Institute, which will open mid-July.

“Our board-certified physicians perform the highest volume of complex cases in Southwest Virginia every year,” said Marguerite Underwood, Carilion’s vice president of Cardiovascular Services. “There are so many success stories – patients who, due to the extraordinary care provided by our Cardiovascular team, live to celebrate new milestones. Now we’ll have more space to treat the growing number of patients who need sophisticated care.”

The Cardiovascular Institute brings many of Carilion’s Cardiovascular experts under one roof, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and technology to provide the best quality care for patients. It also fosters collaboration among increasingly specialized teams, building on research, clinical education and innovation that advances care for patients, now and into the future.

Patient experience was central to the tower’s design, including a new lobby cafe, interfaith chapel and 550-space parking garage at the corner of McClanahan and Jefferson streets with a connecting pedestrian bridge.

To learn more, visit CarilionClinic.org/tower.

“This is a significant milestone for our region,” said David Salzberg, M.D., the lead surgeon for the program. “In Virginia, there are currently over 2,300 residents on the state’s waitlist for kidneys. In our region alone, the need for kidney transplants is expected to increase by nearly 35% over the next five years. Our program will offer the life-saving services close to home that our community deserves.”

Carilion first shared plans to apply for the program in January 2024, garnering public support as the DCOPN considered the proposal. That included:

• Sixteen cities, counties and towns in Carilion’s service territory approved resolutions supporting the application.
• Over 20 community organizations that partner with Carilion on care and numerous chambers of commerce sent letters of support.
• Over 1,500 community members sent letters to the DCOPN.

“The desire and need for these services was clear, and it was humbling to experience such overwhelming community support in advocating to bring these services here,” said Dr. Salzberg. “The public spoke up, and their voices were heard.”

With the state’s approval, Carilion teams will now work to establish services for surgeries starting in 2026. Until then, anyone interested in learning more can visit CarilionClinic.org/kidney or email questions to transplants@carilionclinic.org.

The program will ultimately be part of the Department of Surgery with a robust, multidisciplinary team offering comprehensive care and support, including transplant coordination, social work, partner nephrology, endocrinology, dietary services, financial counseling, pharmacy, mental health, and more.

Once launched, the clinic will be at 3 Riverside Circle, with plans underway for an additional clinic in the New River Valley. Transplant surgeries will take place at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

By the Numbers

Nationally and regionally, kidney disease is increasing:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 7 U.S. adults has chronic kidney disease. 
• It is the 9th leading cause of death in the country. 

Before Carilion created the program, communities in Southwest Virginia lacked adequate kidney transplant resources. For 79% of kidney transplant patients in Southwest Virginia, accessing services requires a 2- to 4-hour drive. Living far from a transplant center makes it difficult to reach critical services, resulting in long waitlist times and complicated care. 

Program Benefits

Offering kidney transplants represents a significant advancement in caring for patients with advanced kidney disease. Most importantly, it provides our community with:

• Comprehensive kidney care in one central location, reducing the need for travel.
• An experienced, compassionate care team closer to home.
• Less time away from work, family, and daily life activities.
• Enhanced quality of life and long-term health outcomes.

Learn more about the program—and consider registering as a kidney donor—by visiting CarilionClinic.org/kidney.

Weapons detection units are now at the hospital's main public entrances. All visitors 18 and over will also go through a visitor badging system, receiving an identification badge to wear throughout their visit.

“We are grateful for the community’s cooperation and understanding as we take these important steps to expand security measures,” said Carl Cline, Vice President for Carilion Police and Security. “Your partnership ensures that we can provide the safest possible experience for all staff, patients and visitors.”

Here are important tips if you plan to visit Carilion Roanoke Memorial:

• Arrive early if able: Entrances may be busier—allow extra time for screening.
• Bag checks: All bags will be searched. Clear bags are not required but may expedite entry.
• Prohibited items: Firearms, knives, blunt objects, vapes, and similar items are not allowed unless lawfully carried by on-duty law enforcement.

“While we’re constantly evaluating safety measures for all facilities, we are piloting weapons detection at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital given its high patient volumes as the region’s only Level 1 trauma center,” said Cline. “We will share details about future expansion as they become available.”

To plan your visit and learn more about Carilion services and locations, visit CarilionClinic.org.

During this time, the vehicle entrance from Reserve Avenue to Riverside Circle directly next to the parking lot will also be closed. However, an alternate entrance is available next to the SpringHill Suites. Detour and directional signs will be posted to guide drivers. The entrance from Jefferson Street SW will remain open. 

Parking is available in the Riverside parking garage. 

Shuttle Information 

Shuttles (golf carts and a van) are available for patients, guests, and employees between the Riverside garage and 1 or 3 Riverside Circle. 

• Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 
• Pickup available on the ground level at the elevator or benches on either side of the garage. 
• If you have waited for 10 or more minutes, call Guest Services at 540-526-1144 for pickup. 

We appreciate your patience as we work to enhance our facilities. Thank you for your cooperation during this time. 

For the third consecutive year, Carilion Clinic is on Fortune magazine’s “America's Most Innovative Companies” list, the only Virginia healthcare system to earn the recognition. The 2025 list was created in collaboration with market research and data company Statista and identifies 300 companies chosen for “transforming industries from the inside out.”

Carilion ranks #183 on the ’25 list, which includes 36 hospitals and healthcare systems. Healthcare companies and hospitals earned more accolades, 63, than any other sector in the ranking.

Fortune evaluated companies from mid-September through mid-October 2024. Thousands of employees, management consultants, patent attorneys, recruiters and human resources experts were surveyed about how companies spark innovation through research and development, product invention, process streamlining, and collaborative and thoughtful leadership.

The ranking is based on a methodology resulting in scores in three categories: 

• Product innovation — evaluates a company’s products and services, covering attractiveness, design, usability and uniqueness. This score is derived from analyzing a company’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio and the opinion of experts and (potential) customers. 
• Process innovation — analyzes all company processes, from sourcing and production to marketing, sales and support. This score is based on internal and external views, factoring in employee, expert and (potential) customer opinions.
• Innovation culture — measures how a company internally fosters an entrepreneurial spirit and creativity and allows ideas to be implemented. Employee opinions are central to this score, but external experts such as recruiters and HR experts were also included.

The America's Most Innovative Companies 2025 list can be found here (subscription required).

Camp Carilion 

June 10-June 13

Camp Carilion is returning this summer for rising ninth and tenth grades, or above who may be interested in a future career in health care. This four-day camp allows students to have the opportunity to gain experience with life-saving skills and information through hands-on exercises and interactive demonstrations.

Students will learn more about:

• What to do in the event of an accident or life-threatening situation
• Trauma-related injuries and ways to prevent them
• Nursing skills
• CPR training
• Operating Room procedures, techniques, and instruments
• Many other different professions within the healthcare industry

If interested in this camp, please download this form to learn more about the qualifications and paperwork required. Applications must be received by Friday, April 4, 2025. If there are any questions, please contact Camp Directors Lynn Cowart at lmfreeman@carilionclinic.org or Karri Proctor at krproctor@carilionclinic.org or for more information. 

Camp Too Sweet

July 14-18, 2025

Camp Too Sweet offers a week-long program for kids aged 8 to 16 who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. This exciting and educational camp provides a safe and nurturing environment where children can build confidence, form friendships, and participate in activities designed to support them on their diabetes journey. Register by May 14. 

Camp Treehouse

May 10, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in Bedford, VA

Camp Treehouse is a free, 1-day camp designed to provide a safe, supportive space for children and teens (grades K-8). During this camp, children have the opportunity to connect with peers who understand their grief. They will be able to learn heathy coping strategies through creative and recreational activities.

To register, call 540-527-4869 or download this form.  

Services were previously focused on the New River Valley. Now, teams are accepting patients across several new locations, and no referral is required. To schedule an appointment, patients can call the location closest to them:

• Roanoke – Highland Ave.: 540-985-9715
• Roanoke – Riverside: 540-526-2273
• Rocky Mount: 540-484-4836
• Christiansburg: 540-731-4578

In addition to Maternity Care, Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) offer everything from routine preventative exams for adolescent and adult women to post-menopausal care. Carilion’s CNMs also offer hospital-based births, providing expert care and medication options during labor and delivery.

"Midwife means 'with woman.' Our goal is to provide evidence-based, client-centered care throughout the lifespan, with a focus on wellness, shared decision-making, communication and counseling,” said Maria ‘Tina’ Johnson, director of Carilion Midwifery Services. “Whether you need an annual exam, contraception or care during the prenatal and childbirth experience, our team is with you every step of the way." 

Expanding services was made possible thanks to a growing number of expert CNMs at Carilion. Currently, the team consists of five CNMs with plans to add two more this spring.

The expansion of midwifery care builds on Carilion’s commitment to quality, which recently received national recognition. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and Carilion New River Valley Medical Center were both recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care for 2025.

“We are continually striving to meet our community members where they are and to offer individualized care experiences,” said Michelle Franklin, vice president of Carilion Women’s. “We are so excited to offer expanded midwifery services and consider it a privilege to care for our patients at every stage of life.”

Carilion Women’s Obstetrics and Gynecology offers gynecologic, prenatal, maternal-fetal medicine, delivery and postpartum care, along with the region's largest and most sophisticated NICU at Carilion Children's. 

To learn more about these services, visit CarilionClinic.org.

Chris Turnbull has been named Chief of Staff for President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Arner. In his new role, he will optimize the work of the CEO and his team, allowing them to remain strategic in their focus.

Turnbull brings more than 25 years of leadership, communications and management consulting experience to the position. He joined Carilion 10 years ago to focus on external communications, and in that time, he built Carilion’s Corporate Communications team, which has become a trusted resource to Carilion’s leaders and employees, as well as the community.

He was part of the leadership team that helped Carilion navigate the Covid-19 pandemic and is often involved in addressing complex challenges across the health system. Prior to joining Carilion, Turnbull worked with global international development agencies as well as smaller communications and management consulting firms.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Roanoke College and a Master of Science Degree in Management, with a focus on leadership communication from the University of Maryland Global Campus.