Reporter May 7 2021

May 17, 2021

Vanderbilt mourns loss of pulmonary medicine pioneer Richard Light

Richard Light, MD, professor of Medicine in the Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care, died May 11 from injuries he sustained from a fall. He was 79.

By Kathy Whitney
May 6, 2021

VUMC to lead national study to treat severe COVID complications

The Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (VICTR) has been awarded a major federal grant to lead a national trial of treatments targeting the Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS) in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

By Bill Snyder
May 6, 2021

IMPACT research grants to help underserved patients access clinical trials

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) announced today the launch of IMPACT (Influential Medicine Providing Access to Clinical Trials) research grants to increase enrollment of individuals from underrepresented communities in clinical trials. Vanderbilt University Medical Center is leading one of the first three projects to receive IMPACT funding.

By VUMC News and Communications
Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, discusses VUMC’s commitment to community during this week’s Leadership Assembly.
May 6, 2021

Flexibility, trust: Takeaways from Leadership Assembly

The flexibility and adaptability of Vanderbilt University Medical Center has been center stage as the pressures of COVID-19 and ongoing strategic imperatives have transformed how and where care is delivered.

By Holly Fletcher
May 6, 2021

Faculty Awards honor teaching, research, clinical excellence

The 2021 Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Faculty Awards for Excellence in Teaching, Outstanding Contributions to Research and Extraordinary Performance of Clinical Service were presented April 30 during the annual spring faculty meeting, held virtually this year via Zoom.

By Bill Snyder
May 6, 2021

Churchwell to focus on VU diversity roles

André Churchwell, MD, the Levi Watkins Jr. MD Professor, professor of Medicine, Biomedical Engineering and Radiology and Radiologic Sciences, senior associate dean for Diversity Affairs and Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Chief Diversity Officer, will step down from his administrative roles as Chief Diversity Officer and senior associate dean for Diversity Affairs for Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (VUSM) on June 30.

By John Howser
May 6, 2021

Study finds that regulatory protein prevents signaling that triggers cell death

A protein implicated in neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis prevents the activation of an innate immune response that leads to cell death, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.
By Leigh MacMillan
May 6, 2021

Spine surgery helps patient take steps toward his dream

Jeff Vanderford always dreamed of walking his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.
By Emily Stembridge
May 6, 2021

American Academy of Audiology honors Gifford, Roberts

Two faculty members from the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences — René Gifford, PhD, and Richard Roberts, PhD — were recognized for their work in the field at the 2021 American Academy of Audiology (AAA) convention.
By Emily Stembridge
May 5, 2021

Special ceremonies celebrate students who graduated last year

On Sunday, May 2, the Class of 2020 of Vanderbilt University Schools of Medicine and Nursing and the Graduate School held in-person commencement ceremonies for students earning degrees. While the classes participated in virtual ceremonies last year, many opted to return to campus to celebrate with friends, family and faculty.
May 5, 2021

Dire need to reform organ procurement rules: Karp

A rule requiring greater accountability from organ procurement organizations (OPOs) will increase the nation’s supply of organs donated for transplantation, but it must be implemented quickly and effectively, Seth Karp, MD, director of the Vanderbilt Transplant Center, testified before Congress on Tuesday, May 4.
By Bill Snyder
May 3, 2021

Faculty, students to honor late professor Matthew Walker III in virtual memorial service on May 8

Faculty, students, administrators and friends of the School of Engineering and School of Medicine will hold a memorial to honor professor and mentor Matthew Walker III. Walker was a beloved professor and mentor who developed and taught Vanderbilt University’s biomedical engineering design curriculum and served as the associate director of the Medical Innovators Development Program. Walker died suddenly on April 24.
By VUMC News and Communications
May 3, 2021

New General Surgery Clinic expands care to more patients

Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Division of General Surgery, the largest division within the Department of Surgery and one of the Medical Center’s highest volume surgical practices, has moved the majority of its practice into a new space in Hillsboro Village.
By Jill Clendening
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