Jessica Pasley Archive — Page 2 of 57

Patient Porter Pickett with facility dog Squid.
July 21, 2026

Celebrating the canine connection: Calamari honors Squid

Squid, a facility dog at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, helped relieve Porter Pickett’s anxiety throughout cancer treatment.

Jess Gagen, MD, stands smiling beside a stairway in a brightly lit children's hospital interior decorated with colorful railings and large spheres.
July 2, 2026

For Jess Gagen, caring for patients means caring for families

The third-year pediatric resident was recognized for her commitment to the Vanderbilt Health Credo.

Promotional graphic reading “Free Gun Locks — Use one. Give one. Stay Safe.” above a revolver secured with a red cable lock in an open case, with ammunition visible.
June 30, 2026

Vanderbilt University Hospital launches gun lock program after Monroe Carell success

Locks for Community Safety (LOCS) provides free gun locks to patients and family members to expand safety measures and safe gun storage to the community.

A man in a blue shirt sits in a hospital chair holding a young boy in a Mickey Mouse shirt on his lap. Both face the camera.
June 27, 2026

Parent of near-drowning victim urges others to take CPR classes

“We were able to begin CPR so quickly and get oxygen restored to his brain … we had a good outcome.”

(photo by Erin O. Smith)
June 25, 2026

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is home to novel GI motility care

With few motilists in the region, patient referrals come from across Tennessee and from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida and Illinois.

Two lit sparklers emitting bright golden sparks in front of a blurred American flag.
June 22, 2026

That sparkler is hotter than your oven. Here’s how to stay safe this Fourth of July

Vanderbilt Health burn doctors offer Fourth of July safety advice — starting with sparklers.