The Marshal M. Parks Bronze Medal is awarded to past presidents of AAPOS and other individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to children’s eye care.

A recent Vanderbilt Health Credo Award winner, he "is unwavering in his commitment to quality care for all populations."

The annual event supports vital programs and family resources at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

In the program’s first year, the team distributed a frozen meal or box of nonperishable food items to 235 families in the hospital, with 98% of recipients saying the food was helpful.

“Follow the Call of the Disco Ball” was the theme of the celebration to mark the studio moving into double digits.

Teen mental health, social media, bullying, screen time and school quality top list of parental concerns

To earn the designation, hospitals go through a rigorous application and evaluation process, for which only about 50% of applicants successfully achieve the designation. In this latest cycle of applicants, Monroe Carell was one of only 10 hospitals awarded the distinction.