News Releases

Recent and archived press releases with clinical and research news

(photo by Erin O. Smith)
March 4, 2025

Rare pancreas diagnosis, rare treatment: Surgeons perform robotic Whipple procedure for pediatric patient

The milestone surgery resulted from collaboration and exemplifies a generational shift taking place in pediatric surgery.

By Jessica Pasley
March 4, 2025

Poll: Parents report challenges accessing care, concerns about influenza and HPV vaccines

Nearly half (47%) of Tennessee children had public health insurance (TennCare or CoverKids) in 2024. This was the same percentage as private insurance (47%) and an increase from previous years of the poll.

By Jake Lowary
Facility dog Velour with Kaylor Glassman, MS, left, and Meredith George, MEd, CCLS. (photo by Susan Urmy)
February 28, 2025

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt welcomes new facility dog Velour

With only a few months on the job, “Vee Vee” as she is affectionately called, is already in high demand and quickly adapting to her work environment.

By Jessica Pasley
(iStock)
February 27, 2025

VUMC part of new study validating curative therapy for sickle cell disease

Of 38 adults with severe SCD who participated in the study, more than 97% no longer required immunosuppressive therapy one year after the transplant.

By Bill Snyder
February 21, 2025

Study shows end-of-life cancer care lacking for Medicare patients 

The study involved patients of diverse ethnic backgrounds age 66 or older who died from breast, prostate, pancreatic or lung cancers.  

By Tom Wilemon
February 20, 2025

Experts publish action plan to address appendiceal cancer enigmas

They have identified key research priority areas to deliver a fundamental understanding of appendiceal tumors and to improve treatments and outcomes for patients.

By Tom Wilemon
February 18, 2025

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is consulting people in the Nashville area about participating in a study to investigate using fresh frozen plasma to treat traumatic brain injury

The goal of the research is to determine if this treatment reduces the amount their brain lesion (brain bruise) grows and leads to better long-term brain function.
By VUMC News and Communications
February 18, 2025

Scot Pollard’s journey took him from the NBA to the heart transplant waitlist

At 6 feet, 11 inches, he played in the NBA for 11 years on five different teams before retiring in 2008 and never had any heart issues that slowed him down.
By Matt Batcheldor
February 13, 2025

Researchers simulate battlefield blast exposures to reduce impact on soldiers

The military was interested in finding ways to reduce impact on the brain by developing strategies that could be employed during training exercises.
By Craig Boerner
February 11, 2025

Vanderbilt Lung Transplant establishes new record

For the second calendar year in a row, Vanderbilt Lung Transplant has the busiest program in the Southeast and leads the nation in innovation in organ preservation and regeneration.
By Matt Batcheldor
February 11, 2025

Vanderbilt Transplant Center reaches new heights in 2024, now the nation’s third busiest 

Through dramatic growth, the VTC is now the nation’s third busiest transplant center by volume, saving 136 more critically ill patients in calendar year 2024 than in 2023.
By Matt Batcheldor
February 4, 2025

Locks for Children’s Safety program provides free gun locks

The initiative seeks to eliminate barriers and foster a safe, judgment-free space for families, employees and community members.
By Jessica Pasley
February 3, 2025

Study shows urine test for prostate cancer could be used at home

The results are important because it could enable at-home testing and increased access to testing for patients undergoing telehealth care.
By Craig Boerner