Jessica Pasley

June 18, 2024

A patient wanted to eat a juicy Bonnaroo burger, but he had to learn to swallow food again after neck cancer. Julie Judkins-Giffin helped him get there.

“She taught me exercises that strengthened my throat muscles, which enabled me to eat again and gave me my life back.”

By Jessica Pasley
Tom Cook Jr. in front of the house he won in this year’s Home with Heart Raffle. (photo by Susan Urmy)
June 3, 2024

Third time’s the charm for Home with Heart Raffle winner

This year’s Home with Heart Raffle marked the third time that Willow Branch Homes has donated a home to support Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

By Jessica Pasley
From left are LifeFlight’s Lyle Holmes, Chad Hollingsworth, RN, and Mark Dittrich.
May 29, 2024

LifeFlight, Project ADAM lauded by Children’s Emergency Alliance

LifeFlight 8, based in Humboldt, Tennessee, was recognized with the Region 7 Award for its work in responding to a mass casualty in Carroll County in 2023. It is the second time this specific unit has been recognized for its work.

By Jessica Pasley
Alex Diamond, DO, MPH, speaks at a sports injury treatment training event at Green Hill High School in Mount Juliet. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
May 15, 2024

Alex Diamond to chair national high school sports medicine advisory committee

Alex Diamond, DO, MPH, was recently named the chair of the National Federation of State High School (NFHS) Associations Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.

By Jessica Pasley
May 7, 2024

I wasn’t sure my hands were worthy of a blessing. Then I heard: “Bless these hands and the work they perform,” and I got misty-eyed.

I don’t perform direct patient care; I’m a writer. But I learned that the annual Blessing of Hands is for all of us.

By Jessica Pasley
May 6, 2024

VandySafe app provides mobile personal security option

There are several options VUMC employees can use to ensure not only their own safety, but that of their colleagues.

By Jessica Pasley