Artist Rich Gabriel has captured the traditions of Nashville Steeplechasing in this whimsical piece that features the new Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and highlights this year’s Steeplechase theme, “Racing Toward a New Era.”
Heart Advisory Council formed
The Division of Cardiovascular Medicine recently convened the inaugural gathering of the Heart Advisory Council.
The founders consists of 11 individuals with ties to Vanderbilt and the cardiovascular program. It was created to assist the Division in developing a strong philanthropic base for its cardiovascular programs and will work to advance the mission of the Division.
“We intend to be recognized as one of the top 10 cardiovascular programs in the country,” said Dr. Douglas E. Vaughan, C. Sidney Burwell Professor of Medicine and chief, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. “Cardiovascular disease is an enormous problem in Tennessee. By promoting the growth and development of a world-class cardiovascular center, we can have a real impact not only in our community, but worldwide.”
Vanderbilt’s cardiovascular program was ranked 23rd in the 2000 U.S. News & World Report magazine’s 11th annual assessment of health care facilities. The survey ranks institutions by 17 different specialties. In the 1999 report, the heart program was listed as 30th.
“We are moving up and we’re optimistic that we will continue this trajectory,” Vaughan said. “In order to do that we must have a great faculty, the most talented and productive investigators and a training program that attracts the best talent. You need resources to make all of that happen.”
Vaughan said he wants to develop endowments for professorships, research labs, and clinical projects including the novel programs like the Women’s Heart Institute and Atrial Fibrillation Management Program to enhance the growth of the cardiovascular program at Vanderbilt in terms of impact and stature.
Edward G. Nelson, chair of the Medical Center’s Board of Directors, will also sit on the Heart Advisory Council.
“Tackling heart disease is of substantial importance. We are very interested in mapping a solid course for the Cardiovascular Division,” Nelson said. “We have a superior service in our cardiovascular unit and it deserves our support. Through the insight we gain by serving on this Council, we can become ambassadors to the community and bring solid reinforcement to this program.”
The Heart Advisory Council founders include both local and national representation with plans for membership to total 25.
In addition to Nelson members of the Council include: Robert C. Arnett; Hugh Entrekin; Dr. R. Glenn Greene; Jan Jacobson; Dr. Robert W. Mahley; Alyne Massey; Elizabeth E. Moore; Stephen S. Riven; Dr. John Rutherford; and Paula Wilson.