Reporter Dec 18 2020

December 21, 2020

Rounds: A Holiday Gift

Against the noisy background of masking debates, surges, flattening curves, warp speed initiatives, conflicting messages and misinformation, political controversies, not to mention a revolutionary mRNA technology, millions of people are deciding whether to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

By VUMC News and Communications
December 21, 2020

Tennessee’s uninsured children have doubled since 2019 and 2 in 5 live with food insecurity, poll finds

In fall 2020, 9% of Tennessee children were uninsured, more than twice the level at the same time in 2019, according to a new poll conducted by the Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy. Just 4% of children were uninsured in fall 2019, the poll found.

By Jake Lowary
December 17, 2020

Challenges, achievements share spotlight in 2020

The year 2020 will forever be defined by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s response to it has been nothing short of stunning.
The entire enterprise — clinical, research and education — began preparing for the pandemic’s impact even before the first cases appeared in Tennessee in March, and that dedicated commitment and unceasing effort did not waver in the long months that followed. But while COVID-19 dominated the news during 2020, there were still many other noteworthy achievements that made headlines during the year.

By VUMC News and Communications
December 17, 2020

Year in Review 2020: Medical Center shines in multiple national rankings

During the past year, Vanderbilt University Medical Center placed highly in several national rankings and was honored with numerous awards.

By Doug Campbell
December 17, 2020

Clinic uses new weapon to treat high-risk COVID patients

Vanderbilt University Medical Center has a new weapon in the fight against COVID-19 — an investigational antibody treatment approved last month for emergency use in COVID-19 outpatients at high risk of developing severe disease or requiring hospital care.

By Bill Snyder
December 17, 2020

Heart failure study seeks to reduce hospitalizations

A national study led by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center has found that many patients who arrive at the emergency department (ED) with acute heart failure can be safely discharged with self-care guidance and frequent phone appointments, avoiding the need for hospitalization.

By Bill Snyder
December 17, 2020

Study reveals new strategy for reducing tumor growth, metastasis

A team of Vanderbilt investigators has discovered that blocking a certain signaling pathway boosts antitumor immunity and reduces tumor growth and metastasis in models of breast cancer and melanoma.
By Leigh MacMillan
December 17, 2020

Clair, Gilbert appointed as vice chairs of Medicine

Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Medicine, has announced the appointment of two longtime Vanderbilt faculty members to newly created vice chair roles in the department.
By Paul Govern
December 17, 2020

Muñoz named to key VHVI leadership role

Daniel Muñoz, MD, MPA, associate professor of Medicine, has been named the new executive medical director of the Patient Care Center (PCC) at Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute (VHVI), effective Jan. 1, 2021.
By Matt Batcheldor
December 17, 2020

COVID-associated delays for elective services studied

This spring in the U.S., there were widespread delays in elective health care procedures and screenings. Hospitals, in observance of federal guidelines, were, for a time, conserving beds and protective equipment in preparation for a surge in COVID-19 admissions. And, perhaps on a more prolonged basis, patients in many areas of the country stayed away due to anxiety over catching COVID-19 from other patients or their health care team.
By Paul Govern
December 17, 2020

Study reveals distinct genomic landscape for young adults with appendiceal cancer

The first study to compare molecular landscapes of early-onset and late-onset appendiceal cancer has revealed distinct non-silent mutations in the tumors of younger patients, setting the stage for the development of potential therapeutic advances for this rare disease.
By Tom Wilemon
December 16, 2020

Coronavirus ‘crusaders’ spur VUMC research achievements

The development of the vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs that ultimately will defeat COVID-19 wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for the unflagging and selfless efforts of a global army of research nurses, laboratory personnel, recruiters and other staff.
By Bill Snyder
December 16, 2020

Guillamondegui named chief of Division of Trauma

Oscar Guillamondegui, MD, MPH, has been named chief of the Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care for the Department of Surgery.
By Kristin Smart
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