Department of Pediatrics

January 15, 2026

How a summer job sparked Paul Dressler’s career in developmental medicine

The Patient and Family Choice Award recipient shares why developmental medicine is never just about protocols.

By Danny Bonvissuto
Image of February 2026 cover art for Diabetes created by Christopher Wilson, PhD.
January 14, 2026

Research reveals B cells’ more sinister role in progression of Type 1 diabetes

B cells are immune cells thought to drive the immune system’s attack on insulin-producing beta cells by activating anti-islet T cells.

By Jill Clendening
William Russell, MD
January 7, 2026

Longtime pediatric endocrinology director Bill Russell to focus on research, patient care

He has been succeeded on an interim basis by Jill Simmons, MD, professor of Pediatrics and founding director of the Program for Pediatric Metabolic Bone Disorders at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

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
Larry Markham, MD
January 2, 2026

Larry Markham named director of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology and co-director of the Pediatric Heart Institute

Markham succeeds Scott Baldwin, MD, who stepped down after leading the division for more than two decades.

By Christina Echegaray
December 31, 2025

Experts stress importance of vitamin K to prevent bleeding in newborns

Nearly a decade ago, neonatologists at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt noticed a VKDB diagnosis uptick and called for a state and national tracking system.

By Jessica Pasley
December 22, 2025

Meg Rush and her storied career of caring for children celebrated

For Rush, the most meaningful part of her journey has been the people — the children, their families, and the faculty, staff and trainees with whom she has worked over the years. 
By Christina Echegaray
December 15, 2025

Antibody research may lead to broadly protective flu vaccine

These findings could lead to the development of cross-reactive and neutralizing antibody therapies for individuals who are severely ill from the flu.
By Bill Snyder
December 15, 2025

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt named 2025 Leapfrog Top Hospital

This year, Monroe Carell is one of only 15 children’s hospitals nationwide to receive the Top Hospitals designation.
By Christina Echegaray
December 11, 2025

Experts call for better adherence to guidelines for antiviral prescribing for children at higher risk of severe influenza

Researchers found a substantial gap between recommendations and real-world treatment practices in pediatric EDs (emergency departments) across the country.
By Jessica Pasley
December 5, 2025

Welcoming Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH

Salazar shared his vision for the department and expressed gratitude to the Advisory Board members and supporters in the community.
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
November 25, 2025

New NICU program cares for infants with complex lung and airway diseases

Over the past two decades, there has been a steady increase in the number of patients born preterm with severe lung disease requiring highly specialized care.
By Jessica Pasley