Jessica Pasley

September 5, 2025

Leslie Grissim’s dedication to fitness led to the national Senior Games — and a medal

As the facility dog coordinator at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Grissim is always on the go.

By Jessica Pasley
Among those involved in the gun lock safety program are, from left, Heather Kreth, PsyD, left, Erica Shannon and Kelsey Gastineau, MD, MPH. (photo by Donn Jones)
August 27, 2025

Be SMART campaign highlights efforts to reduce firearm incidents involving children

The Be SMART campaign was launched to raise awareness that secure gun storage — storing guns unloaded, locked and separate from ammunition — can save children’s lives.

By Jessica Pasley
Brittany Saunders, holding her son, Bennett, talks with Julia Peredo, DNP, APRN, during a telehealth visit. (photo by Susan Urmy)
August 15, 2025

NICU babies are going home weeks earlier thanks to an iPad

The NICU Bridge to Home program is a remote monitoring initiative designed to support families during their transition from the hospital to home.

By Jessica Pasley
Alex Diamond, DO, MPH. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
August 11, 2025

Alex Diamond named to national Health and Safety Advisory Council

The advisory council is a part of the National Council of Youth Sports, a leading organization representing youth sports in the United States.

By Jessica Pasley
August 4, 2025

Researchers debunk long-standing concern about flu treatment in children

The findings demonstrated what many pediatricians have long suspected: that the flu, not the flu treatment (Tamiflu), is associated with neuropsychiatric events.

By Jessica Pasley
July 11, 2025

Prevent heat-related injuries, deaths in children with these important tips

As parents and caregivers are being mindful of safety in rising temperatures, experts also urge adults to take appropriate steps to prevent hot car deaths and injuries.

By Jessica Pasley
July 10, 2025

Velour Vanderbilt is just what the doctor ordered

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt facility dog “transforms tears to giggles on a daily basis,” said her handler.
By Jessica Pasley
July 7, 2025

Experts offer tips on dealing with ticks this summer

Four tick-borne illnesses are most common in Tennessee, including spotted fever rickettsiosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
By Jessica Pasley
July 1, 2025

Fireworks and sparklers are lots of fun, but they can cause terrible injuries; how to celebrate safely

Protect the eye on the Fourth of July
By Jessica Pasley
June 25, 2025

First pediatric liver-pancreas dual transplant performed in Tennessee

Phone call changes the life of family whose daughter with cystic fibrosis needed both a liver and pancreas transplant.
By Jessica Pasley
June 12, 2025

From professional photographer to pediatric nurse, Mel Firebaugh is focused on bringing joy

“Being a photographer taught me to treasure the good memories and hold tight through the tough times. This is useful in nursing because there are a lot of tough times.”
By Jessica Pasley
June 9, 2025

Mother and son help form a kidney donation chain that eventually involved six people

The chain is a system where a series of incompatible living donor-recipient pairs are connected, allowing recipients to receive a compatible kidney from an altruistic donor.
By Jessica Pasley