Voice

Stories from around the Vanderbilt University Medical Center community — our employees, our patients, our history, and things we're interested in
Sheila Spann
Patient Spotlight

Skydiving, bungee jumping, deer hunting and the World Transplant Games: 13 years after getting her new kidney, Sheila Spann keeps living life to the fullest

All that’s in addition to her day jobs as a pharmacist and diabetes educator just outside of Jackson, Mississippi.
By Matt Batcheldor
Patient Spotlight

“Llama Love and M&M’s Forever”: One family’s palliative care experience leads to a lasting expression of gratitude
By Jill Clendening
Employee Spotlight

One year ago, VUMC nurse Susie Stephens was thrown from a horse and suffered a broken neck. The story of her injury, her recovery — and the day she got back on the horse.
By Wayne Wood
Pets of VUMC

Don’t be sad — pet photos are coming soon
By Wayne Wood

Credo Award

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October 9, 2024

Darnell Clay nourishes patients through food service and his smiles

Clay’s positive messages go a long way to uplift patients’ spirits and enhance their hospital experience.

By Jessica Pasley
July 3, 2024

Her positive mindset makes Jessie Rand an invaluable team member

“There isn’t just one story of how Jessie makes those she serves her highest priority, there are thousands,” wrote one clinic co-worker. “Her big laugh and can-do attitude are contagious.”

By Jill Clendening
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 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
October 9, 2024

Darnell Clay nourishes patients through food service and his smiles

Clay’s positive messages go a long way to uplift patients’ spirits and enhance their hospital experience.

By Jessica Pasley
July 3, 2024

Her positive mindset makes Jessie Rand an invaluable team member

“There isn’t just one story of how Jessie makes those she serves her highest priority, there are thousands,” wrote one clinic co-worker. “Her big laugh and can-do attitude are contagious.”

By Jill Clendening
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 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
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DAISY Award

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October 3, 2024

DAISY Award spotlight: “He explained everything in full detail, so we knew what to expect.”

William Ladner, BSN, RN, works in the Intensive Care Unit at Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital. He is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.

By Matt Batcheldor
October 3, 2024

DAISY Award spotlight: “While I nervously anticipated fetal surgery, Taylor was a calm in the storm.”

Taylor Melanson, RN, works in the Labor & Delivery Unit of Vanderbilt University Hospital. She is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.

By Matt Batcheldor
October 3, 2024

DAISY Award spotlight: “I felt scared and alone until Miss Emily walked into my room.”

Emily Turner, BSN, RN, works on the 9 North Surgical Specialties unit of Vanderbilt University Hospital. She is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.

By Matt Batcheldor
October 3, 2024

DAISY Award spotlight: “I saw Denise after a sexual assault. She provided kind and sensitive care.”

Denise Savage-Desai, APRN-BC, works in the Student Health Center. She is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.

By Matt Batcheldor
October 3, 2024

DAISY Award spotlight: “He explained everything in full detail, so we knew what to expect.”

William Ladner, BSN, RN, works in the Intensive Care Unit at Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital. He is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.

By Matt Batcheldor
October 3, 2024

DAISY Award spotlight: “While I nervously anticipated fetal surgery, Taylor was a calm in the storm.”

Taylor Melanson, RN, works in the Labor & Delivery Unit of Vanderbilt University Hospital. She is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.

By Matt Batcheldor
October 3, 2024

DAISY Award spotlight: “I felt scared and alone until Miss Emily walked into my room.”

Emily Turner, BSN, RN, works on the 9 North Surgical Specialties unit of Vanderbilt University Hospital. She is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.

By Matt Batcheldor
October 3, 2024

DAISY Award spotlight: “I saw Denise after a sexual assault. She provided kind and sensitive care.”

Denise Savage-Desai, APRN-BC, works in the Student Health Center. She is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.

By Matt Batcheldor
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Furry Friends

VUMC people love their pets; here are some of the winners of the Voice Pet Photo Contest.

Meet more VUMC Pets
1 of 8

VUMC Pets of the Day: Cinnamon and Angel-Baby

VUMC Pets of the Day: Duke and Bella

VUMC Pets of the Day: Raj and Benny

VUMC Pets of the Day: Maxx and Sassy

VUMC Pets of the Day: Regis Quillbin and Danicka

VUMC Pets of the Day: Jill and Tazzy

VUMC Pets of the Day: Bane and Pinch

VUMC Pets of the Day: Charlie and Mama Goat

Meet more VUMC Pets

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