Pediatrics

February 25, 2026

Prevalence of US youth who are overweight or with obesity raises concerns: Study

Childhood obesity, which starts early, contributes to health issues throughout life.

By Jessica Pasley
Photo of the exterior of Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt shows the four new floors added atop the pediatric facility. (photo by Anne Rayner)
February 24, 2026

Grant supports study to improve detection of parathyroid glands in pediatric endocrine neck surgery 

Researchers will study the validity of near-infrared autofluorescence to improve detection of parathyroid glands during endocrine neck surgery, now looking at pediatric patients.

By Evan Dorian
C. difficile bacteria (image courtesy of CDC/Jennifer Oosthuizen)
February 18, 2026

Vanderbilt research offers new hope for preventing repeated C. diff infections

Treatment options are limited for the more than 500,000 people in the U.S. who are diagnosed annually with C. diff infections, but researchers are working on potential vaccines, therapeutic antibodies and — most recently — nanobodies, to prevent and treat C. diff infections.

By Bill Snyder
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
January 21, 2026

Experts warn parents about carbon monoxide risks as freezing temps persist: signs, causes

As residents prepare for frigid temperatures, injury and prevention experts at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt urge parents to be aware of potential dangers.

By Jessica Pasley
Traumatic brain injury patient Mark Ogorodnik. (photo by Donn Jones)
January 20, 2026

From tragedy to triumph: How a 6-year-old beat the odds after a devastating brain injury

A fall from a tree left Mark Ogorodnik fighting for his life. Thanks to faith, family and cutting-edge neurocritical care at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, his story became a testament to resilience and hope.

By Christina Echegaray
January 20, 2026

Following recommended schedule helps keep children safe from vaccine-preventable diseases

Any length of time without immunizations is a time without protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
By Jessica Pasley
January 7, 2026

Longtime pediatric endocrinology director Bill Russell to focus on research, patient care

He has been succeeded on an interim basis by Jill Simmons, MD, professor of Pediatrics and founding director of the Program for Pediatric Metabolic Bone Disorders at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
By Bill Snyder
January 2, 2026

Larry Markham named director of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology and co-director of the Pediatric Heart Institute

Markham succeeds Scott Baldwin, MD, who stepped down after leading the division for more than two decades.
By Christina Echegaray
December 31, 2025

Experts stress importance of vitamin K to prevent bleeding in newborns

Nearly a decade ago, neonatologists at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt noticed a VKDB diagnosis uptick and called for a state and national tracking system.
By Jessica Pasley
December 22, 2025

Meg Rush and her storied career of caring for children celebrated

For Rush, the most meaningful part of her journey has been the people — the children, their families, and the faculty, staff and trainees with whom she has worked over the years. 
By Christina Echegaray
December 15, 2025

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt named 2025 Leapfrog Top Hospital

This year, Monroe Carell is one of only 15 children’s hospitals nationwide to receive the Top Hospitals designation.
By Christina Echegaray
December 11, 2025

Experts call for better adherence to guidelines for antiviral prescribing for children at higher risk of severe influenza

Researchers found a substantial gap between recommendations and real-world treatment practices in pediatric EDs (emergency departments) across the country.
By Jessica Pasley