Christina Echegaray

Drake Robideau, 7, puts his handprint on a car with the help of Nashville SC mascot Tempo during the Hyundai Hope on Wheels check presentation and handprint ceremony. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
September 24, 2024

Hyundai Hope on Wheels award bolsters pediatric cancer research

Since 2007, Hyundai Hope on Wheels, which includes funding from Hyundai Motor America and local dealerships, has awarded more than $2 million in funding to pediatric cancer researchers at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

By Christina Echegaray
September 24, 2024

Numerous activities mark VUMC’s observance for advanced practice providers

From Sept. 23-27, VUMC is observing Advanced Practice Providers week with various activities; read profiles of two of these dedicated professionals

By Christina Echegaray
September 19, 2024

As a champion for countless children diagnosed with cancer, Debra Friedman has received many rewards and recognitions for her work. A recent award, however, might be among the most special.

Selected by patients and families, Friedman is the winner of a 2024 Patient and Family Choice Award.

By Christina Echegaray
William Cooper, MD, MPH, delivers the State of the Department of Pediatrics address. (photo by Susan Urmy)
September 18, 2024

Address highlights Department of Pediatrics’ achievements, research and health leadership

During the address, Cooper focused on Accelerate 2025’s core areas, which include: serving our children, promoting children’s health through discovery and career pathways; ensuring financial fairness; and training the next generation.

By Christina Echegaray
September 5, 2024

Taking Everett home: Born with only days to live, the little boy’s family got to show him the room they had prepared for him, let the sun shine on his face, and surround him with love

The Monroe Carell transport team is best known for bringing babies to the hospital. Sometimes, though, the journey goes home.

By Christina Echegaray
September 5, 2024

From a bread truck to a fleet: ‘Angel’ transport celebrates 50 years of giving critically ill children a fighting chance

The first of its kind in the region, the Neonatal and Pediatric Transport team launched under the direction of Mildred T. Stahlman, MD, a neonatal medicine pioneer who created the first modern NICU in 1961. The goal: to give babies a fighting chance.

By Christina Echegaray
August 12, 2024

Jennifer Najjar named Senior Pediatrician of the Year

She will be honored Aug. 17 during the TNAAP Excellence in Pediatrics Annual Awards, which recognize pediatricians and community members who have made exceptional contributions to children’s health advocacy in Tennessee.
By Christina Echegaray
August 9, 2024

Jeffrey Upperman selected to the American College of Surgeons Academy of the Master Surgeon Educators

The aim of the academy is to advance the science and practice of avant-garde surgical education and training.
By Christina Echegaray
July 12, 2024

Anthony Flores named director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

In his clinical and research work, Flores examines the mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens cause disease in humans.
By Christina Echegaray
July 11, 2024

Gift establishes Panda Cares Center of Hope at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

The Panda Cares Center of Hope will focus on four key pillars of pediatric health care programs and services, not only for patients but also for their siblings and caregivers.
By Christina Echegaray
July 8, 2024

Noted pediatric endocrinologist Jennifer Najjar retires after 47 years at Vanderbilt

After 47 years as a pediatric endocrinologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Jennifer Najjar is reflecting on her life of work, highlighting moments of pride and gratitude for her patients and colleagues, and relishing in her ability to practice medicine while also training the next generation of pediatric doctors.
By Christina Echegaray
June 21, 2024

Eunice Huang named to the Board of Governors for the American Pediatric Surgical Association

As a governor, Huang will work to support the professional life cycle of its members and be a voice for children with surgical problems, with an intentional focus on areas in which the voice of a pediatric surgeon is especially effective. 
By Christina Echegaray