The designation by the Society of Hospital Medicine recognizes physicians whose careers have been marked by outstanding leadership, service, innovation and lasting contributions to hospital medicine and health care.

After a toddler’s alarming symptoms uncover hidden heart defects in four siblings, coordinated care at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt sets two brothers on a path to lifelong health.

Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and we know their health is shaped by much more than clinical care.

From a small pilot initiative to a sought-after, yearlong program, the Quality Academy has trained more than 175 leaders across disciplines to advance patient safety and strengthen outcomes.

Upperman, who joined Vanderbilt in 2019, is one of 52 individuals from business, government, education, medical and nonprofit sectors across the state to make up the 2026-2027 cohort.

How coordinated, compassionate care helped one child overcome extraordinary medical challenges.