Voice

October 22, 2024

Commodore spirit proves too much for superfan’s blood vessels

While most sports injuries happen on the field, one Vanderbilt football fan managed to score one in his own home the night Vanderbilt beat Alabama.

By Holly Fletcher
October 9, 2024

Darnell Clay nourishes patients through food service and his smiles

Clay’s positive messages go a long way to uplift patients’ spirits and enhance their hospital experience.

By Jessica Pasley
October 7, 2024

Skydiving, bungee jumping, deer hunting and the World Transplant Games: 13 years after getting her new kidney, Sheila Spann keeps living life to the fullest

All that’s in addition to her day jobs as a pharmacist and diabetes educator just outside of Jackson, Mississippi.

By Matt Batcheldor
October 4, 2024

Don’t be sad — pet photos are coming soon

By Wayne Wood
October 4, 2024

“Llama Love and M&M’s Forever”: One family’s palliative care experience leads to a lasting expression of gratitude

“The Palliative Care team is a special group of people, and I wouldn’t have wanted to share probably the most devastating week of my life with any other group,” said Jeff. “I’ve been a woodworker for more than 40 years, and I decided I wanted to do something to let them know just how wonderful they are.”

By Jill Clendening
October 3, 2024

DAISY Award spotlight: ‘He explained everything in full detail, so we knew what to expect.’

William Ladner, BSN, RN, works in the Intensive Care Unit at Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital. He is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.

By Matt Batcheldor
October 3, 2024

DAISY Award spotlight: ‘While I nervously anticipated fetal surgery, Taylor was a calm in the storm.’

Taylor Melanson, RN, works in the Labor & Delivery Unit of Vanderbilt University Hospital. She is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.
By Matt Batcheldor
October 3, 2024

DAISY Award spotlight: ‘I felt scared and alone until Miss Emily walked into my room.’

Emily Turner, BSN, RN, works on the 9 North Surgical Specialties unit of Vanderbilt University Hospital. She is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.
By Matt Batcheldor
October 3, 2024

DAISY Award spotlight: ‘I saw Denise after a sexual assault. She provided kind and sensitive care.’

Denise Savage-Desai, APRN-BC, works in the Student Health Center. She is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.
By Matt Batcheldor
October 3, 2024

DAISY Award spotlight: ‘She has been there so many times for my husband and me.’

Jenny Meier, RN, works in the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. She is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.
By Matt Batcheldor
September 24, 2024

Numerous activities mark VUMC’s observance for advanced practice providers

From Sept. 23-27, VUMC is observing Advanced Practice Providers week with various activities; read profiles of two of these dedicated professionals
By Christina Echegaray
September 19, 2024

One year ago, VUMC nurse Susie Stephens was thrown from a horse and suffered a broken neck. The story of her injury, her recovery — and the day she got back on the horse.

“I wake up every day and wonder why I didn’t die.”
By Wayne Wood
September 19, 2024

As a champion for countless children diagnosed with cancer, Debra Friedman has received many rewards and recognitions for her work. A recent award, however, might be among the most special.

Selected by patients and families, Friedman is the winner of a 2024 Patient and Family Choice Award.
By Christina Echegaray