Voice Archive — Page 36 of 90

June 18, 2024

A patient wanted to eat a juicy Bonnaroo burger, but he had to learn to swallow food again after neck cancer. Julie Judkins-Giffin helped him get there.

“She taught me exercises that strengthened my throat muscles, which enabled me to eat again and gave me my life back.”

June 13, 2024

Melanie Walker implemented a new mechanical breathing assist mode in the PICU in just four days. Her quick work saved a child’s life.

Walker received a VUMC Credo Award for her dedication to that patient and to quality and safe respiratory care for pediatric patients.

June 12, 2024

From clinic to comic cons: Team helps nonverbal, nonmobile patient unlock his interviewing voice

Seven years ago, asking questions was not possible. Ivan, who is nonverbal and nonmobile, had no way to communicate. What he was thinking, feeling or wanting was always a “best guess” for his mom.

(iStock image)
June 7, 2024

As “trauma season” approaches and the need for blood donation grows, VUMC names Blood Assurance its primary supplier of blood and blood products

Blood Assurance guarantees that blood donated at VUMC blood drives will be used for patients at Vanderbilt. It is also possible for donors at any Middle Tennessee Blood Assurance drive to designate the donated blood for VUMC.

June 6, 2024

DAISY Award spotlight: “He makes both of us feel like his sole mission is to give my husband extraordinary care”

Christian Haefele, RN, works in the Vanderbilt Transplant Center, which is part of Vanderbilt Adult Ambulatory Clinics. He is is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.

June 6, 2024

A man who wears “20 different hats,” Jonathan Kraft earns Credo Award for his dedication to pediatric patients and his colleagues

“In the OR, kids don’t have anyone except the doctors, techs and nurses taking care of them. They can’t speak for themselves. I realize the privilege and responsibility I have to those kids, and I’ve felt a lot of purpose in my role.”