Mission of Caring Archive

February 3, 2026

1,000 lungs and countless more breaths: Vanderbilt Transplant Center commemorates landmark

Vanderbilt Health’s fourth lung transplant patient is thought to be the world’s record holder for longevity following a single lung transplant.

By Matt Batcheldor
February 2, 2026

Pom-poms for a new era: Briceton Latta’s next cystic fibrosis chapter

When Briceton Latta was born in 2006, the average life expectancy of a patient with CF was 37. Today, that expectancy is 65 and beyond.

By Christina Echegaray
December 30, 2025

Academy for Excellence in Clinical Medicine adds 27 new members

The AECM was formed in 2021 to “honor exemplary clinicians who combine humanism, professionalism and a passion for patient care with a scholarly approach to improving patient health and establish a community of leaders to promote clinical excellence.”

Pi Beta Phi Rehabilitation Institute dog Norman.
December 19, 2025

Norman, Pi Beta Phi facility dog, celebrates his 9th birthday and new book

Norman, Vanderbilt Health’s first facility dog, celebrated his 9th birthday recently, surrounded by his biggest fans and human and canine co-workers.

By Danny Bonvissuto
December 10, 2025

DogTalk Q&A 

Norman, Squid, and Velour get candid with Pi, an honorary member of News & Communications, when she asks very important questions about treats, sleeping, and if they play like regular dogs.

By Pi Bonvissuto
December 10, 2025

Sit, stay, heal: Meet the facility dogs of Vanderbilt Health 

More than a pet project, facility dogs can lower patient blood pressure, reduce pain perception, ease loneliness and fear and offer an important form of medicine — connection.

By Danny Bonvissuto
December 8, 2025

Minutes to hours, to weeks, months and years … How a patient defied the odds

Born at 34 weeks gestation June 8, 2023, Sebastian Brook was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt with severe hydrocephalus and tetralogy of Fallot.
By Jessica Pasley
November 17, 2025

Award program celebrates improvement work across VUMC

The 2025 QSRP Pursuit of Excellence Awards ceremony was combined with celebration of this year's honorees of Vanderbilt's Safety Superhero and Good Catch programs.
By Paul Govern
November 17, 2025

Latest workshop to modify toys for children with physical disabilities held at Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center

Participants successfully adapted more than 30 toys using simple modifications that allow children with limited mobility to operate them with an accessibility switch.
By Evan Dorian
November 12, 2025

Vanderbilt Home Care Services celebrates 40 years of excellence

Founded in 1985, VHCS has grown into a comprehensive home-based care program, serving a daily census of over 650 patients.
By Kylie Avery
November 7, 2025

Directorships celebrate VUMC leaders and philanthropic partners

Many of these endowed directorships at VUMC are funded by generous donors who are passionate about making a meaningful difference in research and patient care.
By Doug Campbell
October 24, 2025

VUMC, Tennessee Donor Services celebrate birth tissue donation partnership

Membranes and cellular components of the umbilical cord and placenta are used across many medical disciplines.
By Danny Bonvissuto
October 23, 2025

John Seibert to continue serving community through Department of Otolaryngology’s partnership with Nashville General Hospital

Seibert was officially reappointed to Nashville General in October.
By Evan Dorian