As you open the pages of this edition of Hope, you will find familiarity and also see signs of change. Several months ago, at my last town hall for Monroe Carell team members, I spoke about transitions and the opportunities they bring. I have had the true honor of serving as a senior leader at Monroe Carell for 18 years and have contributed to this publication through this letter for most of those years. We have shared stories of hope through the lens of our patients, families and our health care heroes who deliver excellence through care delivery, discovery and education. As you read through these pages, you will find these familiar stories, highlighting just some of 2025. This edition also marks my transition, as I closed out 2025 with retirement. So, as I write to you for the last time, I share these reflections.
You are the community that has embraced Monroe Carell, helping us build programs, grow the hospital and clinics — not once, but twice during my tenure — strengthen our ability to train specialists, and ensure we can continue cutting-edge research. Your efforts helped us mature from a new children’s hospital to a nationally ranked and well-respected leader in children’s health care, ranking again as the No. 1 children’s hospital in Tennessee for the 19th consecutive year and breaking into No. 20 nationally in 2025. This is a remarkable achievement for a hospital that is only 22 years old in its current structure.
You are the community that surrounds us with care when we need it (think COVID-19 pandemic) and nudges us when we need to fill a gap in care for children (think pediatric inpatient rehabilitation and behavioral health). You are the community that always stands by us and responds.
You have heard me say that we truly can’t do our work without you. I have been blessed with a rich career, and this last chapter has been truly amazing. I am so grateful to this community for your commitment to children. Through your unwavering support, you have enabled our hearts, minds and hands to provide hope and healing every day. I look forward to joining this community of supporters and watching others continue this amazing story as we transition to your new President, Jamie Phillips.
With heartfelt gratitude to you and wishes for a wonderful 2026,
Meg Rush, MD, MMHC
Retired President, Monroe Carell Jr.
Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
It is with great honor, profound humility and genuine excitement that I step into the role of President of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
For countless families, this hospital is much more than a medical facility — it is a sacred space, a promise of hope, a source of unwavering strength, and a compassionate partner during your family’s most challenging and most triumphant moments. That promise, which came before me, will continue, and I am honored to now lead an institution committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow, thrive and dream without limits.
My leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that true excellence begins with listening. I am inherently a listener, guided by the conviction that understanding the experiences of those on the front lines of care is the foundation for breakthrough achievements. I thrive on building collaborative environments where empathy, transparency and clinical brilliance converge. What truly drives me is the profound responsibility we share — to transform moments of challenge for a child and their family into enduring hope and healthier tomorrows — a mission that continually fuels my dedication and energy.
Looking ahead, my excitement for our future in serving children and families is boundless. We stand at the precipice of remarkable advancements, and my vision is to amplify the impact we already have across the region and beyond. We will continue to invest heavily in the discovery and implementation of innovative treatments, ensuring that our patients have access to the most advanced care available. This includes expanding our clinical footprint and leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve the patient experience, making the path to healing as smooth and supportive as possible.
However, the future is not solely about technology and buildings; it is about people. It is about supporting our incredible nurses, physicians, researchers and team members, who are the true heart of Monroe Carell. It is about actively listening to our families and integrating their voices into how we evolve our care models. We will continue to champion a holistic approach to health, recognizing that emotional, mental and physical well-being are all interwoven in a child’s journey toward recovery and lifelong health.
We are entering a promising new era, one defined by collaboration, discovery and an enduring commitment to the singular promise of providing hope and healing. As my husband, Greg, and I settle into Nashville, we look forward to becoming deeply involved in this vibrant community. We are excited to partner with all of you — our patients, families, donors and the broader community — to ensure Monroe Carell remains the premier destination for pediatric care.
I am eager to begin this journey and work side by side with you.
With heartfelt hope and commitment to the future,
Jamie Phillips, MHA, FACHE
President, Monroe Carell Jr.
Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt