Department of Pediatrics

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

From left, Nick Negretti, PhD, Bryan Millis, PhD, Jennifer Sucre, MD, and Chris Jetter co-led a research team that achieved a new view of lung development — one that could improve outcomes for premature babies. (photo by Donn Jones)

February 24, 2025

Bottling a mouse ‘superpower’ may heal lungs damaged by premature birth: study

Watch the video to hear Jennifer Sucre, MD, talk about how this study upends what people are taught about how the lung develops.

Using a four-dimensional microscopy technique, researchers at Vanderbilt have created 3D video images of mouse lung tissue grown in the laboratory.

By Bill Snyder

February 5, 2025

Richard Heller, knighted by the Queen of Denmark and first chief of Pediatric Radiology at Vanderbilt, dies at 86

Alongside his clinical, teaching, administrative and research work, Dr. Heller was a person of many other interests.

By Wayne Wood

Among those involved in the gun lock safety program are, from left, Heather Kreth, PsyD, left, Erica Shannon and Kelsey Gastineau, MD, MPH. (photo by Donn Jones)

February 4, 2025

Locks for Children’s Safety program provides free gun locks

The initiative seeks to eliminate barriers and foster a safe, judgment-free space for families, employees and community members.

By Jessica Pasley

Bill Russell, MD, left, with patient and trial participant Spencer Mannahan and his father, Zach. (photo by Evan Dorian)

January 22, 2025

Milestone in VUMC-affiliated diabetes screening and research program underscores impact of clinical trials

Screening and clinical trials are further advancing research to develop therapies that delay or prevent the progression to clinical disease in people at risk of developing Type 1 diabetes.

By Evan Dorian

The Puricelli family hosted A Night of Harmony for Healing to raise funds for the Webb of Hope Fund at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Pictured here, from left, are Eleanor, Anne, Charlotte, Webb and Steve Puricelli. (photo by Erin O. Smith)

January 16, 2025

Special night supports pediatric rare lung disease research efforts

Webb’s parents, Anne and Steve Puricelli, recently hosted A Night of Harmony for Healing, an evening of live music to raise funds for the Webb of Hope Fund at Monroe Carell.