Stephen Engstrom, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, is an expert at replacing and repairing hips and other major joints. Last year his expertise allowed for a unique patient, 83-year-old John Livingston, to return to his passion — drag car racing.

Vanderbilt researchers have linked bone-related complications of severely injured patients — findings that could help minimize these complications.

Eric Bowman, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon practicing at Vanderbilt Orthopae-dics Franklin, first met 52-year-old Michelle O’Donnell when she had a lingering shoulder injury. As he began his examination, he realized the Vanderbilt Health community needed to step up for her in a big way.

Raymond Gardocki, MD, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, has joined Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he will provide outpatient, endoscopic spine procedures expected to minimize post-surgical pain and reduce recovery time for adult patients with degenerative spine conditions.

For weeks, coaches have put athletes through an endless series of drills in hopes that the repeated exercises will lead to a mastery of the skills. Their ultimate goal — wins. While plays and routes will become second nature to student athletes, there are a few additional skills that need to be in the lineup — ones that can ultimately save lives.

For the fourth straight year, VUMC surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and support staff provided free surgeries for underinsured individuals with chronic upper extremity conditions such as carpel tunnel syndrome and cysts.