John Howser Archive — Page 1 of 19

August 4, 2026

Carmen Solórzano and David Penson to serve in top surgical posts

Solórzano has been chosen to serve as Interim Chair of the Section of Surgical Sciences, while Penson has been chosen to serve as Interim System Surgeon-in-Chief for Vanderbilt Health.

August 3, 2026

Vanderbilt Health Acute Care Center now open

Access to the new center’s services are limited to existing adult Vanderbilt Health patients referred by Vanderbilt Health clinicians. The center will not accept walk-up patients or referrals from providers outside the Vanderbilt Health system.

July 15, 2026

University of Michigan’s David C. Miller chosen to succeed Jeff Balser as Vanderbilt Health’s President and CEO and Dean of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Miller’s selection as the new senior leader for Vanderbilt Health and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine finalizes an extensive national search by the VH Board of Directors to identify Balser’s successor.  

(courtesy of the CDC)
July 15, 2026

Vanderbilt Health physicians treating more patients with tick bites this year

Six medically important tick species live in the state, and many Tennesseans encounter ticks in their own yard or neighborhood. Perhaps attributable to changing weather patterns and rising temperatures, Vanderbilt Health’s Emergency Medicine physicians around the region began treating patients with tick bites in March this year.

July 7, 2026

Duke Health’s Jonathan Posner named System Psychiatrist-in-Chief and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

“I have been struck by the quality of the faculty, the strength of the institution, and the genuine warmth of the Vanderbilt community. I am thrilled to be joining Vanderbilt Health and look forward to the work ahead.”

June 25, 2026

Erin N.Z. Yu named Executive Director of Animal Care and Use program

Yu will provide strategic oversight for research infrastructure and regulatory compliance and serve as the attending veterinarian.