Department of Medicine

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
(iStock image)
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
(iStock image)
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
Members of the transplant team pose for a photo after surpassing 200 adult and pediatric heart transplants. (photo courtesy of Ashish Shah)
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
December 23, 2025

Annet Kirabo named “Top Scholar” in hypertension

By Bill Snyder
December 12, 2025

Lucy Spalluto and Jennifer Lewis awarded $1 million lung cancer screening grant

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with incidence higher in veterans compared to the civilian population.
By Derek Scancarelli
December 10, 2025

Sedative choice could improve outcomes for breathing tube patients

It's the first study to demonstrate cardiovascular risks of high doses of ketamine (low blood pressure, arrhythmia), side effects that have not been well studied in the past.
By Craig Boerner
December 8, 2025

Interim data reported for multiple myeloma off-the-shelf CAR-T therapy  

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center accrued the most patients nationwide for the clinical trial for P-BCMA-ALLO1 – a chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy (CAR-T) derived from healthy donors’ white blood cells.
By Tom Wilemon
December 4, 2025

Vanderbilt-Ingram researchers present cancer advancements at ASH 2025 

Established in 1958, ASH is the world’s largest professional organization for clinicians and scientists who study blood diseases. 
By Tom Wilemon
December 3, 2025

Large-scale integration of genomics, proteomics and clinical records identifies cancer risk proteins and potential therapeutics

A new study identifies previously unreported protein biomarkers and candidate drug targets across six major cancer types and highlights approved drugs with potential cancer preventive effects.
By Leigh MacMillan
December 2, 2025

Ketamine fails surgical recovery trial

In a large, placebo-controlled, randomized trial, the pain reliever ketamine posed side effects while failing to aid patient recovery after major surgery.
By Paul Govern