Researchers, clinicians and trainees across Vanderbilt Health’s Department of Pediatrics recently participated in Research Week 2026 to share discoveries, spark collaboration and highlight advances aimed at improving the health of children. The weeklong series of lectures, presentations and discussions underscored the Department of Pediatrics’ commitment to research excellence and innovation.
“Research Week is designed to bring together residents, fellows and faculty in the Department of Pediatrics, showcasing their passion, expertise and commitment to advancing the field,” said Michael DeBaun, MD, MPH, Vice Chair for Clinical and Translational Research and holder of the J.C. Peterson, MD Chair in Pediatrics. “This year we saw the emergence of high-impact quality improvement efforts that are leading to better health care for children locally, regionally and nationally.”
The week opened with presentations from K12 Scholars moderated by Jennifer Sucre, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, and Jim Cassat, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and holder of the Edward Claiborne Stahlman Chair in Pediatric Physiology and Cell Metabolism. The session spotlighted research led by early-career investigators. Their projects reflected strong scientific rigor while emphasizing the department’s focus on cultivating emerging leaders and supporting groundbreaking scholarship.
On Tuesday, Research Week continued with Grand Rounds featuring the distinguished Heller Lecture in Pediatric Imaging. Anne Marie Cahill, MBBch, BAO, Chief of Interventional Radiology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, delivered an inspiring presentation on using advanced imaging techniques to treat vascular anomalies.
Midweek programming highlighted the intersection of research and quality improvement. Lori Jordan, MD, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics, Vice Chair for Faculty Advancement, and Director of the Pediatric Stroke Program, kicked off Wednesday’s events with an engaging session for incoming fellows, offering guidance on how to navigate their research careers and create impactful projects. Later that day, the Department of Pediatrics’ Quality Improvement Presentations, moderated by David P. Johnson, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Quality, showcased initiatives that are driving meaningful change in pediatric health care by leveraging data and collaboration.
Residents took center stage on Thursday, presenting their latest research findings. Moderated by Jordan and Ryan Stark, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, these presentations highlighted the residents’ dedication to addressing complex challenges with innovative solutions.
The week culminated on Friday with the Department of Pediatrics Research Retreat, a day filled with reflection, discovery and celebration. Attendees enjoyed a keynote address from Sallie Permar, MD, PhD, Nancy C. Paduano Professor and Chair of Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine. Permar earned her PhD in microbiology/immunology from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and her MD from Harvard Medical School, followed by clinical training in pediatrics and pediatric infectious diseases at Boston Children’s Hospital. She is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the Society for Pediatric Research E. Mead Johnson Award, and the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society’s Stanley A. Plotkin Award.
“Through an expansive agenda that spanned basic, translational, clinical, quality improvement and health services research, the week highlighted the breadth of scholarly work advancing child health while reinforcing the department’s commitment to mentorship and career development at every stage of training,” said Paul Moore, MD, Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs, Director of the Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonary Medicine, and holder of the Janie Robinson and John Moore Lee Directorship in Pediatrics.
The retreat also featured Data Blitz presentations from graduating fellows. The day concluded with a poster session and reception, where researchers displayed their innovative work and engaged in meaningful discussions with colleagues. As the final highlight of the week, award winners were announced, recognizing the exceptional contributions of researchers within the department.
The prestigious Turner-Hazinski Research Award was presented to Kristie Aamodt, MD, PhD, and Sudeep Sunthankar, MD, MSCI. The Abstract Award winners were Tristan Loveday, MD, Evie Cannon, MD, MPH, Kacie Denton, MD, MPH, Layana Al-Halbouni, MD, and Jessica Hayes, MD.
