Reporter Nov 17 2017

November 16, 2017

Drug’s effectiveness for neurosarcoidosis studied

A drug commonly prescribed for Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis is also effective for treating neurosarcoidosis, according to new research led by Vanderbilt neurologists.

By Tom Wilemon
Jeff Balser
November 16, 2017

Rounds: A message from the President and CEO of VUMC

Over the year, Congress has repeatedly attempted to “fix” healthcare by altering the funding streams between states and the federal government, as well as to commercial insurers. All of this might lead one to think that Congress is focused on the most important problems facing healthcare.

By VUMC News and Communications
November 16, 2017

Alternatives to emergency room visits abound

More than 50 percent of emergency department visits are unnecessary or avoidable, meaning care could have been provided by a primary care physician or urgent care facility, according to a study from Aetna.

By Matt Batcheldor
November 16, 2017

Insurance commissioner outlines ACA challenges

Since 2014 the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, has assisted lower- and moderate-income people who buy insurance on their own on the individual market, providing premium subsidies and discounts on out-of-pocket expenses. Under the law, people who don’t carry compliant insurance face a penalty, the so-called individual mandate. Large employers who don’t offer insurance are also penalized.

By Paul Govern
autism concept: puzzle
November 16, 2017

Study may point to new treatment approach for ASD

Using sophisticated genome mining and gene manipulation techniques, researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) have solved a mystery that could lead to a new treatment approach for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

By Bill Snyder
November 16, 2017

NFID honors Edwards’ infectious diseases research

Kathryn Edwards, MD, professor of Pediatrics and the Sarah H. Sell and Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, is the recipient of the 2018 Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).

By Bill Snyder
November 16, 2017

Nashville Christmas Parade set to roll Saturday, Dec. 2

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt will again benefit from proceeds from the upcoming 64th annual Piedmont Natural Gas Nashville Christmas Parade presented by Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.
By VUMC News and Communications
November 16, 2017

Malow, Bingham named to new state council on autism

Vanderbilt’s Beth Malow, MD, MS, and Emelyne Bingham have been appointed by Gov. Bill Haslam as Middle Tennessee representatives on the newly created Tennessee Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder, which held its first meeting in Nashville in October.
By VUMC News and Communications
November 16, 2017

A visit from Noah Cyrus

Singer and actress Noah Cyrus recently visited with patients and families in Seacrest Studios at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
By VUMC News and Communications
November 16, 2017

Smoking study personalizes treatment

A simple blood test is allowing Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) researchers to determine which patients should be prescribed varenicline (Chantix) to stop smoking and which patients could do just as well, and avoid side effects, by using a nicotine patch.
By Craig Boerner
November 16, 2017

Team’s mobile app helping health care workers in Africa

A smartphone application called mUzima, developed for healthcare workers by Vanderbilt’s Martin Were, MD, MS, and his team, is catching on in eastern Africa.
By Paul Govern
November 16, 2017

Phenotyping center a global resource for investigators

This summer the Vanderbilt Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center (MMPC) began its 17th year of continuous operation and federal support with a $5.5 million, five-year renewal grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
By Bill Snyder
November 16, 2017

American College of Surgeons lauds Trauma Center

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma has recertified the Vanderbilt Trauma Center with its Level 1 ranking.
By VUMC News and Communications