Initiatives

RVH and UTK partner in lots of different ways to advance health-related workforce development, access to clinical care, and community well-being through innovation and discovery. Below are some new and developing initiatives.

UTK has invested in hiring three faculty, with expertise in nutrition, physical activity, public health, and engaged research, to partner with RVH in conducting research that will enhancehealth outcomes in patients receiving their healthcare from RVH. Two faculty have been hired to partner with RVH: Jared McGuirt, Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition; and Chad Wagoner, Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sports Studies. Their initial focus is to work with RVH to gain a better understanding of their health system processes across various clinical sites, patient and provider needs related to supporting patient healthy lifestyle behaviors, and opportunities for innovation. This work will inform future healthy lifestyle initiatives at RVH which are tailored to meet the needs of patients and providers across the RVH system.

When REACCH was launched, staff from RVH and faculty from UTK were asked to indicate their interest in being part of a team to work in scholarship in one of the identified areas in REACCH’s strategic plan. Those that indicated interest have formed teams that have a RVH and UTK lead, and are working on developing scholarship to address Type 2 Diabetes and Health Literacy.