Employee Spotlight Archive — Page 1 of 14

Portrait of Cassandra Chaytor, a smiling person with long highlighted brown hair wearing a black top against a plain wall.
September 25, 2026

Cassandra Chaytor uses her breast cancer experience to support patients, families and her community

She hopes others will join her in participating in or contributing to Team Vanderbilt’s efforts at this year’s Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk, on Oct. 3.

By Wayne Wood
Grant Schlisner wears a blue shirt and four medals on ribbons in a gym, with exercise equipment and a rack of dumbbells behind him.
August 6, 2026

Vanderbilt Health physical therapist bound for Nationals after winning four medals at Tennessee Senior Olympics

Schlisner, who is based at Vanderbilt Health One Hundred Oaks, grew up in a family that valued physical fitness and playing sports, and he says, with considerable understatement, “The whole family is quite athletic.”

By Wayne Wood
A woman in a bright green ballroom dress dances with a male partner on a gymnasium floor; spectators and event signage are visible in the background.
July 1, 2026

Lived experience, elevated care: A nurse’s journey with kidney disease 

At age 30, she was diagnosed with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a genetically inherited condition. She is the fourth generation in her family to face it. And the first to survive it.   

By Kylie Avery
A group of adults and children pose indoors, with one woman holding a commemorative plaque for the Charles “Pete” Marshall Legacy Award. A backdrop behind them bears the name “Charles ‘Pete’ Marshall.”
May 22, 2026

A legacy built to last: Vanderbilt Health Patient Transport creates Charles ‘Pete’ Marshall Legacy Award to recognize the best of its own  

“Pete regularly checked in on people and brought a quiet strength and wisdom that helped everyone grow not only in their roles, but their lives. He was a supportive and constructive voice and truly exemplified the best of us not only in Patient Transport, but Vanderbilt Health.”

By Holly Fletcher
Stephen Bruehl, PhD, poses with his arms crossed in a dark blue shirt outdoors against silhouetted trees and a dusky sky.
May 7, 2026

The truth is out there, and Stephen Bruehl is bringing the scientific method to finding it

“I have to admit, I liked ‘Star Trek.’ I liked science fiction and the fact that people were reporting seeing what seemed to be artificial objects and no one knew what they were, to me, was very intriguing.”

By Paul Govern
A suited speaker stands at a podium marked “Health for all kids,” gesturing toward a seated guitarist. A projection screen behind them displays the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt logo.
April 21, 2026

Leading with heart: Juan Salazar’s mission to advance pediatric health care for all children

In a recent Q&A interview, Salazar discussed growing up in Colombia and in Washington, D.C.; why he chose to specialize in pediatric infectious diseases — focusing on HIV, Lyme disease, and later syphilis; his early vision for the Department of Pediatrics; and his deep commitment to family.

By Christina Echegaray