Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

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July 10, 2024

The LifeFlight legacy: 40 years in 40 photos

Since July 1984, LifeFlight has made 76,942 flights and transported 80,118 patients. It’s transported another 37,133 patients since its ground transport program began; critical care ground transports number 4,188.

This is the ever-expanding legacy: mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, wives, husbands, children and grandparents — alive. Explore an audio clip, map and more.

By Craig Boerner, Diana Duren, Holly Fletcher, Erin O. Smith, Wayne Wood
Jennifer Najjar, MD, center, with longtime colleagues Margaret Anderson, DNP, FNP-BC, left, and Barbara Duffy, MSN, APRN, CPNP. (photo by Donn Jones)
July 8, 2024

Noted pediatric endocrinologist Jennifer Najjar retires after 47 years at Vanderbilt

After 47 years as a pediatric endocrinologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Jennifer Najjar is reflecting on her life of work, highlighting moments of pride and gratitude for her patients and colleagues, and relishing in her ability to practice medicine while also training the next generation of pediatric doctors.

By Christina Echegaray
July 1, 2024

Vanderbilt mourns the loss of neonatal medicine pioneer Mildred Stahlman

Mildred T. Stahlman, MD, who pioneered the treatment of lung disease in premature infants and who was a tireless advocate of children of all ages, died June 29. She was 101.

By Bill Snyder
June 28, 2024

“Toby Keith: American Icon” event July 29 to benefit Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Ashley McBryde, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, The War And Treaty, and more to perform; NBC television special set for Wednesday, Aug. 28.

June 25, 2024

International trial introduces another curative option for sickle cell disease 

The therapy, haploidentical bone marrow transplant with thiotepa and posttransplant cyclophosphamide, is as safe and more affordable than the recently FDA-approved myeloablative gene therapy and gene editing treatments.

By Jessica Pasley
June 25, 2024

Connie Orr honored as a Care Partner of the Year 

Orr is one of five care partners from across Vanderbilt Health recognized for their exceptional interaction, dedication and positive impact with patients, families and staff.

By Jessica Pasley
June 21, 2024

Eunice Huang named to the Board of Governors for the American Pediatric Surgical Association

As a governor, Huang will work to support the professional life cycle of its members and be a voice for children with surgical problems, with an intentional focus on areas in which the voice of a pediatric surgeon is especially effective. 
By Christina Echegaray
June 20, 2024

Kate Carlson named to academic health leadership program for women

The program is targeted to rising women at the equivalent of the associate or full professor level who are established experts in their domain. Participants have a track record of achievement in clinical program development and aspire to lead at the executive level.
By Christina Echegaray
June 14, 2024

Removing race improves accuracy of lung function testing in children

The study suggests the adjustment for race in spirometry resulted in an underreporting — and thus possibly undertreatment — of chronic lung diseases, including asthma and cystic fibrosis, in Black children.
By Bill Snyder
June 13, 2024

Melanie Walker implemented a new mechanical breathing assist mode in the PICU in just four days. Her quick work saved a child’s life.

Walker received a VUMC Credo Award for her dedication to that patient and to quality and safe respiratory care for pediatric patients.
By Nancy Humphrey
June 12, 2024

From clinic to comic cons: Team helps nonverbal, nonmobile patient unlock his interviewing voice

Seven years ago, asking questions was not possible. Ivan, who is nonverbal and nonmobile, had no way to communicate. What he was thinking, feeling or wanting was always a “best guess” for his mom.
By Christina Echegaray
June 6, 2024

Stokes, Austin, Rosas-Salazar honored by the American Thoracic Society

The mission of the ATS is to promote the respiratory health of children and adolescents and to improve the care of children with respiratory disease through research, education, patient care and advocacy.
By Christina Echegaray
June 6, 2024

A man who wears “20 different hats,” Jonathan Kraft earns Credo Award for his dedication to pediatric patients and his colleagues

“In the OR, kids don’t have anyone except the doctors, techs and nurses taking care of them. They can’t speak for themselves. I realize the privilege and responsibility I have to those kids, and I’ve felt a lot of purpose in my role.”
By Nancy Humphrey