Caitlin Demarest

A year after her lung transplant, Amanda Atkins is back to enjoying hiking, walking her dog and being with family and friends. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
April 8, 2025

Patient’s journey a beacon of hope to those facing a life-changing transplant

Amanda Atkins is sharing her story to give hope to those facing a life-changing transplant and to give thanks to her organ donor who made it all possible.

By Matt Batcheldor
Heart patient Lisa Kimbrell, right, with her sister, Rebecca Bickerton.
November 14, 2024

Teams help patient survive multiple traumatic injuries

In August 2022 Lisa Kimbrell was involved in a near-fatal wreck. A year later two dogs attacked her and sent her back to the hospital.

By Matt Batcheldor
Double-lung transplant patient Mike Boston and his wife, Kellie. (photo by Donn Jones)
April 8, 2024

Lung transplant patient, family glad they came to a place where ‘every single person cared’

Mike Boston was turned down by eight hospitals for a double lung transplant, which would be his second, because none believed he would survive the surgery. Finally, doctors at one medical center — VUMC — thought he might.

By Matt Batcheldor
October 14, 2021

New Clinician Spotlight: Caitlin Demarest

Caitlin Demarest, MD, PhD, recently joined the Department of Thoracic Surgery as an assistant professor, having been recruited to Vanderbilt by her mentor, Matthew Bacchetta, MD, MBA.

By VUMC News and Communications