Department of Medicine

Clostridium difficile bacterium, 3D illustration
January 28, 2026

Gut microbiome differs according to C. diff symptom status

In a study of children with symptomatic or asymptomatic C. diff, symptom status loomed as the strongest association with differences in gut microbial abundance and diversity.

By Paul Govern
(iStock)
January 20, 2026

VIGH, Ugandan partners land grant to study bunyaviruses in Tennessee and Uganda

Bunyaviruses can lead to many illnesses, ranging from mild fevers to serious and sometimes deadly diseases such as hemorrhagic fevers and encephalitis in both children and adults.

By Kristin Centers
(iStock)
January 16, 2026

Study finds so-called super agers tend to have at least two key genetic advantages

Super agers were 68% less likely to harbor the gene nobody wants,APOE-ε4, compared to individuals with AD dementia in the same 80+ age group.

By Paul Govern
(iStock)
January 15, 2026

Immunometabolism may be a key to controlling sepsis: study

This discovery may lead to new ways to block metabolic changes contributing to excessive and ineffective inflammation, reset the immune system, and bring sepsis under control.

By Bill Snyder
Kascey Malone, CST; Brandon Petree, MD; Aaron Williams, MD; Yatrik Patel, MD; and Sean Bunch, RN; work around a patient during a heart transplant surgery. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
January 14, 2026

Vanderbilt Transplant Center nation’s largest after performing record number of solid organ transplants in 2025

Through dramatic growth, the VTC is now the largest transplant center in the country by volume, according to data from the United Network for Organ Sharing.

By Matt Batcheldor
January 12, 2026

Pablo Juárez named president-elect of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities

Juárez’s election to this role reflects his long-standing commitment to innovation in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

January 12, 2026

Guide published for outpatient cancer treatment with bispecific antibodies

Vanderbilt-Ingram was among the first in the nation to establish outpatient protocols for another personalized immunotherapy, CAR-T.
By Tom Wilemon
January 9, 2026

Weight loss drugs and bariatric surgery improve the body’s fat ‘balance:’ study

The retrospective study analyzed the electronic health records of 1,257 patients ages 18 to 65 who underwent bariatric surgery at Vanderbilt Health from 2017 to 2022, and 1,809 patients treated with the drugs semaglutide or tirzepatide from 2018 to 2023. 
By Guillermo Sanchez, PhD
January 8, 2026

Patients with clonal hematopoiesis have increased heart disease risk following cancer treatment 

Study supports the potential benefits of screening patients for CHIP before they undergo cancer treatment so they can be more closely monitored for heart complications.
By Tom Wilemon
January 7, 2026

Study identifies potential target for blood cancer treatment, prevention

The findings could lead to new treatments for blood cancers, which kill an estimated 23,540 people in the United States every year.
By Bill Snyder
January 5, 2026

Vanderbilt Health honored for providing care to patients with congenital heart disease

The program recognizes “the critical role of facilities providing care to patients with congenital heart disease who transition their care from pediatric cardiology to adult cardiology services.”
By Matt Batcheldor
January 5, 2026

Anna Hemnes named chair of Department of Medicine and system physician-in-chief for Vanderbilt Health

She will serve as the 11th chair of the Department of Medicine and system physician-in-chief for Vanderbilt Health. Her appointment was effective Jan. 1.
By John Howser
December 23, 2025

Vanderbilt Health performs record number of adult and pediatric heart transplants during 2025

As in prior years, the success of Vanderbilt Health’s transplant program is a testament to the greatness of individuals and innovations alike and to the tremendous power of teamwork.
By Matt Batcheldor