Mission of Caring Archive — Page 5 of 8

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
Sebastian Brook is what his parents call ‘the exception.’
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