News Releases

Recent and archived press releases with clinical and research news

July 1, 2025

New lab for transplant, other specialized testing launches at Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories

The new Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory launched its first phase of testing June 26 and ultimately will fully support clinical testing for the Vanderbilt Transplant Center, the nation’s third busiest transplant center by volume.

By Leigh MacMillan
June 24, 2025

Adult spina bifida clinic to open in October

There are an estimated 166,000 patients with spina bifida in the US and over 50 percent of them are becoming adults. Spina bifida occurs among 1 in every 2,875 births in the US each year, according to the CDC. There are only 25 clinics in the nation solely dedicated to the care of adult patients with spina bifida.

By Craig Boerner
June 23, 2025

Data from fluorescence imaging can improve outcomes in head and neck cancer surgery: study 

Research found that using data collected both during surgery and after a tumor’s removal can help guide surgeons in achieving a negative margin in cancer resection.

By Evan Dorian
June 23, 2025

Shan Foster to be inducted into New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame 

Vanderbilt men’s hoops great Shan Foster, who now works at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, will be inducted into the 2025 Allstate Sugar Bowl’s New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame.

By Doug Campbell
June 17, 2025

Brain white matter abnormalities affect cognition and impact Alzheimer’s disease development: study 

Data from more than 4,000 participants reveals link between brain structure and cognitive decline.  

By Stephanie Bryan 
June 17, 2025

VUMC-led research a step closer to understanding, preventing asthma 

“Findings from this study indicate that children who develop wheezing have different airway characteristics early in life, even before they develop asthma,” said Tina Hartert, MD, MPH.

By Bill Snyder
June 17, 2025

Rapid follow-up limits emergency department crowding, ‘boarding’ 

At Vanderbilt University Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center, ED arrival volumes have increased 8% over last year. In response, there's a newly developed rapid follow-up program for patients who can be referred safely to outpatient clinics for evaluation and treatment. 
By Bill Snyder
June 17, 2025

Drug shows safety, efficacy for precancerous stomach lesions

The drug also showed promise that it could be the first therapeutic intervention against precancerous lesions in the stomach.
By Tom Wilemon
June 10, 2025

Study shows sharp increase in appendix cancer for Generation X and millennials 

The findings reveal the need for increased awareness about appendiceal cancer from both clinicians and the public.
By Tom Wilemon
June 6, 2025

ESPN documentary chronicles former NBA player and VUMC heart transplant patient Scot Pollard’s journey

As a world leader in advanced cardiac care and organ transplantation, VUMC is committed to raising awareness and educating the public about the lifesaving impact of organ donation.
By Kylie Avery
June 5, 2025

Many Tennessee parents still have concerns about community violence, school safety

The latest analysis is based on the results of the annual Vanderbilt Child Health Poll of approximately 1,000 Tennessee parents.
By Jake Lowary
June 4, 2025

Expert tips for staying safe in the heat

Following basic summer safety tips will help keep your family safe and healthy as temperatures rise.
By Jessica Pasley
June 3, 2025

VUMC icon Mildred Stahlman to figure in ‘monumental’ exhibit at Nashville’s Parthenon

A 6-foot-tall clay statue of Stahlman that, on a pedestal, will exhibit at about 9 feet tall will be among 24 “Monumental Figures” sculpted by Alan LeQuire that will be exhibited at the Parthenon June 13 to Sept. 21.
By Bill Snyder, Erin O. Smith and Brian Hallett