Chris Lehmann, M.D., professor of Pediatrics and Biomedical Informatics at Vanderbilt, has been appointed by the U.S. Government Accountability Office as the first pediatrician to serve on the Health Information Technology (HIT) Policy Committee.

The next Bedside Matters, an hourlong, monthly rounds geared toward helping Vanderbilt University Medical Center health care providers deal with the social and emotional issues of caring for patients and families, will be on Wednesday, May 21.

At last week’s Commencement, the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Class of 2014 was charged with focusing on developing relationships with their patients and stepping up as leaders in their profession while making a positive impact in health care.

Linda Norman, DSN, R.N., Valere Potter Menefee Professor of Nursing and dean of Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, told graduates during Commencement and Investiture ceremonies last week that “this is the most exciting time to be a new master’s or doctorally prepared nurse because nursing is more appreciated than ever.

Most people probably don’t think much about the chemical compound that flavors curries and gives the Indian spice turmeric its yellow color. For Odaine Gordon, Ph.D., who celebrated his doctoral degree at last week’s Graduate School commencement, this compound — called curcumin — has special significance.

Executive Chief Nursing Officer Marilyn Dubree, MSN, R.N., reviewed the challenges of the past year and highlighted what Vanderbilt University Medical Center nursing is doing to prepare for the future at last week’s State of Nursing address, scheduled to coincide with National Nurses Week.

The protein CaMKII acts as a calcium sensor in a positive feedback pathway that enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.