How can we — together — make research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) better and stronger?

Joseph Little, M.D., ’77, BA ’72, left, and Irwin Venick, J.D., ’75, right, shown here with Robert Miller, M.D., recently spoke about their experience with the Vanderbilt Student Health Coalition, an initiative of Vanderbilt medical, nursing, law and undergraduate students that began in 1969.

In his message to the class of 2017 at Commencement last Friday, Jeff Balser, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and Dean of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (VUSM), spoke of challenges caused by the rapid pace of change in health care and eroding public trust in the U.S. health care system.

Commencement begins at 9 a.m. Friday, May 12.

When Jacob Schultz learned the U.S. Navy had awarded him a prestigious Health Professions Scholarship to medical school, he didn’t tell his family—at least not immediately. Four days later, Schultz, a senior snapper on Vanderbilt’s football team, also learned he’d been accepted into Vanderbilt’s School of Medicine.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is known for world-renowned research, national leadership in training health care professionals and for the most cutting-edge medical care for complex conditions.

This year’s Shade Tree Trot, held April 22, and benefit dinner raised a record amount — $76,000. Approximately 550 runners and walkers registered for the ninth annual 5K race on the Vanderbilt campus organized by Vanderbilt University School of Medicine students.