Department of Medicine

March 12, 2025

Expanded space enhances care for pediatric cancer patients

The renovation will provide private infusion rooms and dedicated, tailored space for young children, teenagers and young adults, all of whom have different needs.

By Nancy Humphrey
(iStock)
March 11, 2025

Thinking outside the (voice) box: VUMC surgeons have all the pieces in place for the complex puzzle of laryngeal transplantation 

Only a few laryngeal transplants have been successfully performed in the United States. Now, surgeons at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are ready for their first patient.

By Evan Dorian
Richard Peek, MD. (photo by Susan Urmy)
March 7, 2025

Richard Peek to serve as president of international gastroenterology group

He will serve successive one-year terms as AGA vice president, president-elect, president in 2027-2028, and then past president.

By Bill Snyder
March 4, 2025

Poll: Parents report challenges accessing care, concerns about influenza and HPV vaccines

Nearly half (47%) of Tennessee children had public health insurance (TennCare or CoverKids) in 2024. This was the same percentage as private insurance (47%) and an increase from previous years of the poll.

By Jake Lowary
Patient Heather Burich with her husband, Alex.
March 4, 2025

‘That’s the most scared I’ve been:’ 23 weeks pregnant with a heart condition.

Heather Burich had just driven to Clarksville after an appointment on Vanderbilt Health’s Nashville campus when she got a call from a doctor she was yet to meet. The news about her echocardiogram results was alarming.

By Matt Batcheldor
(iStock)
February 27, 2025

VUMC part of new study validating curative therapy for sickle cell disease

Of 38 adults with severe SCD who participated in the study, more than 97% no longer required immunosuppressive therapy one year after the transplant.

By Bill Snyder
February 26, 2025

Vanderbilt Health implants novel device to monitor atrial pressure inside patient’s heart in real time

The V-LAP device allows medical teams to monitor the pressure inside a patient’s heart in real time, allowing them to make better decisions about the patient’s medications and improving outcomes.
By Matt Batcheldor
February 26, 2025

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine fifth in the nation in NIH research funding

The NIH is the world’s largest public funder of biomedical research. VUSM, which received $586 million in direct and indirect NIH grant support in FY24, has been among the top 10 recipients of NIH funding among U.S. medical schools for nine of the past 15 years.
By Bill Snyder
February 25, 2025

Metro Nashville Public Schools’ culture of wellness bolsters employee health, cuts costs

The MNPS Certificated Employee Health Plan covers 6,500 in collaboration with Vanderbilt Health active teachers plus 11,500 retirees and dependents.
By Bill Snyder
February 24, 2025

Leadership announced for Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

An interim plan has been announced to fill the roles held by Alvin C. Powers, MD, in Vanderbilt’s Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism.
By Jill Clendening
February 20, 2025

Experts publish action plan to address appendiceal cancer enigmas

They have identified key research priority areas to deliver a fundamental understanding of appendiceal tumors and to improve treatments and outcomes for patients.
By Tom Wilemon
February 18, 2025

Scot Pollard’s journey took him from the NBA to the heart transplant waitlist

At 6 feet, 11 inches, he played in the NBA for 11 years on five different teams before retiring in 2008 and never had any heart issues that slowed him down.
By Matt Batcheldor
February 17, 2025

VUMC designated as a Chest Pain Center with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Resuscitation

Hospitals that earn ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms.
By Matt Batcheldor