Christina Echegaray

Photo of the exterior of Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt shows the four new floors added atop the pediatric facility. (photo by Anne Rayner)
March 9, 2026

Pediatric sedation program earns prestigious Center of Excellence designation

To earn the designation, hospitals go through a rigorous application and evaluation process, for which only about 50% of applicants successfully achieve the designation. In this latest cycle of applicants, Monroe Carell was one of only 10 hospitals awarded the distinction.

By Christina Echegaray
February 2, 2026

Pom-poms for a new era: Briceton Latta’s next cystic fibrosis chapter

When Briceton Latta was born in 2006, the average life expectancy of a patient with CF was 37. Today, that expectancy is 65 and beyond.

By Christina Echegaray
Traumatic brain injury patient Mark Ogorodnik. (photo by Donn Jones)
January 20, 2026

From tragedy to triumph: How a 6-year-old beat the odds after a devastating brain injury

A fall from a tree left Mark Ogorodnik fighting for his life. Thanks to faith, family and cutting-edge neurocritical care at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, his story became a testament to resilience and hope.

By Christina Echegaray
Larry Markham, MD
January 2, 2026

Larry Markham named director of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology and co-director of the Pediatric Heart Institute

Markham succeeds Scott Baldwin, MD, who stepped down after leading the division for more than two decades.

By Christina Echegaray
Meg Rush, MD, MMHC, at the reception with a cake depicting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt (photo by Susan Urmy)
December 22, 2025

Meg Rush and her storied career of caring for children celebrated

For Rush, the most meaningful part of her journey has been the people — the children, their families, and the faculty, staff and trainees with whom she has worked over the years. 

By Christina Echegaray
Photo of the exterior of Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt shows the four new floors added atop the pediatric facility. (photo by Anne Rayner)
December 15, 2025

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt named 2025 Leapfrog Top Hospital

This year, Monroe Carell is one of only 15 children’s hospitals nationwide to receive the Top Hospitals designation.

By Christina Echegaray
December 12, 2025

New DAISY Award display serves as a tribute to compassionate nurses

In the heart of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt hospital leaders recently unveiled a new display dedicated to honoring pediatric nurses who receive a DAISY Award.
By Christina Echegaray
November 12, 2025

‘My Health Passport’ gives pediatric patients a voice in behavioral health care

Study finds that individual planning tool helps children feel supported when in the hospital during a behavioral health crisis.
By Christina Echegaray
October 7, 2025

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt named No. 1 children’s hospital in Tennessee and Southeast by U.S. News & World Report

Monroe Carell has been featured on the Best Children’s Hospitals list for 19 consecutive years, dating back to the rankings’ launch in 2007.
By Christina Echegaray
October 2, 2025

Country music star Kelsea Ballerini donates $100,000 to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and makes special appearance to visit patients and families

The gift, provided through Ballerini’s Feel Your Way Through Charitable Fund, will benefit the hospital’s efforts to keep the children of Tennessee and beyond safe.
By Christina Echegaray
September 25, 2025

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt offer tips for parents to spot warning signs amid rising suicide rate concerns 

There has been a growing mental health crisis among children and adolescents in Tennessee, where the suicide death rate among youth (ages 5-17) is 13.6% higher than the national average.
By Christina Echegaray
September 16, 2025

Juan Salazar delivers first State of the Department of Pediatrics address

The new chair celebrated the department’s achievements and growth for the past year and set a vision for the future.
By Christina Echegaray