Patient and Family Choice Award

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
July 30, 2024

Friend’s cancer diagnosis inspired Tracey DeWire to change career path

Nominated by four patients, DeWire is a recipient of a 2024 Patient and Family Choice Award.

By Tom Wilemon
July 22, 2024

Nursing may be a later in life career for Christin Inman, RN, but the VWCH Patient and Family Choice Award winner is right on time

“I take my time with every single patient and want to hear what brought them here and what they want to take out of their experience.”

By Danny Bonvissuto
July 10, 2024

As the first face people encounter at Vanderbilt Behavioral Health, Selene Lanier-Henderson promises ‘kindness, a friendly face and a smile.’

“We repeatedly saw her show that same sort of grace and love to everyone who crossed her path. She was a blessing during this very difficult time!”

By Bill Snyder
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.”

By Jessica Pasley
June 5, 2024

A seriously ill patient was scared she wouldn’t survive the night — until she met nurse Inga-Liese Konynenbelt in the VUMC Emergency Department

“Inga made me feel that I was going to be OK. I am eternally grateful for her.”

By Nancy Humphrey
June 16, 2023

Some days Bill Moore wondered if he was actually helping the children in his care. Then patients’ families gave him a Patient and Family Choice Award.

He started with a career in marketing, moved to the music business, and has found his calling at Monroe Carell
By Christina Echegaray
June 1, 2023

Brenda Campbell lifts patients’ spirits with smiles, humor and genuine love

“I love people, I love helping, and I love what I do. Some of the patients who come don’t want to live. Some of them don’t have any support. I let them know, ‘Somebody loves you. You’re loved. You’re worthy of being loved. You’re so special and valued."
By Danny Bonvissuto
May 30, 2023

Catherine Stober plays health care quarterback for generations of families

"Being a good doctor is meeting people where they are emotionally, physically, intellectually and helping your patient navigate this really complicated health care system that we have. I tell my patients I’m their quarterback and I’m here to help them figure out what the next step should be.”
By Nancy Humphrey
May 25, 2023

Small victories and success stories inspire Haley Sullivan to be a better nurse each and every shift

“As a nurse I always try to think about what I can do, even if it’s just something little that can make a difference to them, make them more comfortable, and keep them in the know about what’s going on with their situation."
By Nancy Humphrey
May 23, 2023

First as a server, and now as a food and nutrition patient ambassador, Carla Moore cares for the same people twice

“Carla provided great care to my grandmother in her time of need. She made my grandmother feel comfortable and important. She was very nice and outgoing. We were always greeted with a smile from Carla, and she really did make a difference.”
By Danny Bonvissuto
June 15, 2022

Thomas Akins recognized for his compassionate spirit in the Emergency Department

Thomas Akins was named winner of the Patient and Family Choice Award.
By Jill Clendening
June 3, 2022

Donna Butler-Rawson always greets patients with a smile and reassurance — especially important in her role in the electroconvulsive therapy program

Butler-Rawson earns inaugural Patient and Family Choice Award for Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital
By Emily Stembridge
1 2