VUMC Pets of the Day: Pico and Mochi

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.