In March 2023, then 14-year-old Jude Downer became one of the first patients at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to receive an implantable device designed to aid sleep.

The fashion show and luncheon included grateful patient families and health care heroes from Monroe Carell walking the runway.

Feeding and swallowing problems, known as dysphagia, occur in an estimated 25% to 45% of normally developing children.

For decades no effective preventive options existed, and the tools now exist to prevent severe disease.

Even after comprehensive testing, about 30% of children with short stature — height below the third percentile on a growth chart — do not have a definitive diagnosis, leading to extended surveillance, testing and anxiety.

The council, which consists of about 35 ABS-certified surgeons, sets national standards for surgical education, assessment, certification and research priorities.