Sarah Sell, M.D., professor of Pediatrics, emerita, center, with Mildred Stahlman, M.D., professor of Pediatrics, left, and Kathy Edwards, M.D., professor of Pediatrics, at a recent event honoring Sell’s contributions to the department.
photo by Dana Johnson
The Vanderbilt Medical Center Bereavement Office recently changed its name to Decedent Affairs. The work of the office has not changed, said Wendy S. Leutgens, assistant director for clinical services access at Vanderbilt University Hospital.
“For many years, the term 'bereavement' has caused significant confusion about the services provided by the office,” Leutgens said.
The technical and business aspects of reporting a patient death are handled by this office, but not the provision of grief support and counseling. Grief support and counseling are provided by VUMC social workers and chaplains.