Established in 2007 by University of Virginia's Schools of Medicine and Nursing, its top-ranked Medical Center and University Physicians Group (UPG), the Center for Appreciative Practice purposefully nurtures a collaborative culture that "moves as one."

We begin our conversations with a single, deceptively simple question: What do we look like when we're at our best?

This means approaching challenging, high-stakes environments by encouraging positive energy, dialogue, inquiry, and reflection to promote change, rather than by issuing mandates. 

As consultants, we work with a variety of groups, both in and outside of the university, to facilitate improvements in clinical care, education, and interprofessional collaboration, seamlessly interfacing with experts across disciplines, including the Compassionate Care Initiative and Center for Interprofessional Collaborations. 

Our appreciative practice publication, Appreciative Inquiry in Healthcare: Positive Questions to Bring out the Best, is an encyclopedia designed to guide readers through the positive change process.

Regardless of the group or area of focus, we are guided by these principles:

• We engage and empower people at all levels
• We foster and grow curiosity and creativity, individually and institutionally
• We value input from all levels, and consider the impact of change on all levels
• We are conscious and committed members of our community

Think your organization could benefit from Center for Appreciative Practice consultants? Please contact us today.