Patient Spotlight

April 25, 2022

Multiple sclerosis, lung cancer, and 50 marathons: Aaron Hawkins about to reach amazing milestone

“He has been a blessing and role model for so many,” his doctor Jonathan Nesbitt says.

By Jill Clendening
February 7, 2022

Hospital staff conspires to help transplant patient plan a surprise proposal – to his wife

Love was in the air on the seventh floor of Medical Center East

By Matt Batcheldor
January 12, 2022

Marching in the Tournament of Roses Parade after knee surgery? Check. Carrying a 30-lb. drum set? That, too.

It was a long journey for Jill Griffin to that iconic New Year’s Day parade, and her surgeon Rick Wright made it possible

By Emily Stembridge
December 16, 2021

Meredith Watson is pursuing a career as a “professional nose.” Surgery at VUMC sharpened her sense of smell.

“I literally could feel air in parts of my nose where I’d never felt it before.”

By Jill Clendening
The Eitl family poses with the plaque the family donated to thank the transplant team for taking care of Joe Eitl, who received a heart and liver transplant last year.
December 15, 2021

Down syndrome patient celebrates anniversary of novel transplant

Vanderbilt patient Joe Eitl was among the first patients in the country with Down syndrome to undergo a heart and liver transplant.

By Matt Batcheldor
December 9, 2021

Mary Marlowe decided to donate one of her kidneys. Four people received transplants as a result.

“It is amazing to see all the pieces come together from one person’s generosity.”

By Matt Batcheldor
October 26, 2021

Lydia Gross is 100. She just piloted a plane for the first time — and she heard every sound because of her cochlear implants.

Performing an elective procedure on an older patient initially raised concerns for her doctor, David Haynes — but the results have been a resounding success
By Emily Stembridge
July 23, 2021

The little boy was in the swimming pool, not breathing. Thanks to CPR, first responders and LifeFlight, he is fine.

It should have been a joyous day. It almost turned tragic.
By Jessica Pasley
July 21, 2021

Father, son benefit from jaw reconstruction guided by 3D virtual planning

By Jill Clendening
May 17, 2021

Marcus Trammell almost died on his way to pick up some pandemic takeout. A year later, his amazing rehab journey continues.

The long way back from the turn lane in front of Dino's Bar and Grill
By Matt Batcheldor
April 29, 2021

Innovative techniques help treat boy’s rare condition

Carter Ray has never been inside his family home. As a matter of fact, since he was born on Nov. 3, 2019, he has only lived in a hospital.
By Jessica Pasley
April 21, 2021

Couple takes on recovery together after storm injuries

On a beautiful Sunday in May 2020, Cassie Rooke and William Nolan decided to go on a hike at their usual spot in Percy Warner Park.
By Emily Stembridge
April 15, 2021

Afternoon with a big leaguer

In 1985, former Negro leagues pitcher Frank McAllister was a patient at Vanderbilt Hospital and spent some time talking baseball with VUMC fans. Now the official records acknowledge what has been true all along: he was a big leaguer.
By Wayne Wood
1 … 4 5 6 7 8 … 11