For Media

The media's connection to global experts in medicine, science, nursing and public health.

The Office of News & Communications connects print, broadcast and online media interested in learning more about research, education, and patient care to experts at Vanderbilt Health.

Interested in a phone, email or in-person interview? Call (615) 322-4747.
All media are required to be escorted by a member of our department when visiting facilities and patient care areas.

News Releases

Recent press releases approved for use by print, broadcast or online media.

September 2, 2026

Peter Embí named Director of the National Library of Medicine at NIH

Vanderbilt Health informatics leader will head the world’s largest biomedical library and the nation’s leading funder of biomedical informatics and data science research.

By John Howser
September 1, 2026

The Case of the Missing Statue: Red Paper Dolls vanish for a secret makeover!

The nearly 9-foot-tall, 1,500-pound, aluminum sculpture has served as the logo for the hospital since 1971, and now those iconic paper dolls are getting a dose of rehab therapy. Watch a timelapse video of the removal!

By Jessica Pasley
August 31, 2026

Firefly expands to Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital and other regional clinics

Vanderbilt Health’s clinical care and support program for pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorder has served 27 pregnant patients at VWCH, with the goal of serving 50-100 patients annually.

By Danny Bonvissuto
(iStock)
August 26, 2026

Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients are focus of GLP-1 therapy for obesity study

The study will begin enrolling eligible patients in September. Thirty participants, ages 12 and older, will be randomized to receive either a placebo or the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide.

By Jessica Pasley
Jordyn Bugarin, 22, was the only patient in the United States enrolled in the OPTIMA clinical trial for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a rare genetic condition that causes muscle and connective tissue to turn into bone. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
August 20, 2026

Her muscles are slowly turning to bone. She was the only American in a trial that might stop it.

As part of the clinical trial, Jordyn Bugarin regularly traveled to Vanderbilt Health, navigating a complex study while living with a disease that can flare unpredictably and permanently limit movement. The experimental drug received federal approval on Aug. 19.

By Craig Boerner
August 18, 2026

As schedules change, health care advocates encourage back seat second looks to prevent hot car deaths

It only takes 10 minutes for the temperature inside a vehicle to rise 19 degrees and continue to rise. Even on cooler days closer to 70 degrees, children can experience vehicular heatstroke.

By Jessica Pasley