Department of Surgery Archive — Page 1 of 16

Group portrait of military personnel and civilian healthcare officials, including people in camouflage uniforms, formal suits, and hospital attire, standing together in an office.
October 23, 2026

Military leadership meeting advances opportunities for collaboration

Vanderbilt Health’s Military-Civilian Partnership Programs hosted representatives from the Department of Defense, also known as the Department of War, to discuss the continuum of interconnected military and medical service.

By Evan Dorian
Smartphone screenshot of a “VIRTUAL KIDNEY DOCTOR” interface showing a “Benefits of kidney transplant” section, a video thumbnail with a play button, a response button, a checkbox to receive details by email, and “Go Back” and “Next” buttons.
October 21, 2026

The virtual doctor will see you now: AI-powered avatars, chatbots show potential in transplant research

Two Vanderbilt Center for Transplant Science studies show the efficacy of having a virtual conversation with an avatar or chatbot. In the latest version of one of the interfaces, patients can even choose the race and sex of the avatar.

By Matt Batcheldor
An older man stands at a lectern beside a microphone, speaking in an auditorium with a projected presentation behind him.
October 9, 2026

‘Nobody Even Knows My Name:’ John Tarpley considers his career, and life

Tarpley entitled his Levi Watkins Jr., MD Lecture to reflect what he has learned during his journey in surgery, and in life.

By Bill Snyder
Portrait of Roger Dmochowski, MD, MMHC, wearing a tan jacket, white shirt, and tie against a brown background.
September 30, 2026

Roger Dmochowski, Deepa Magge named to American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators

This distinction recognizes surgeon educators who have devoted their careers to surgical education and are considered premier leaders in their respective fields.

By Jill Clendening
Harold Scott was the first patient at Vanderbilt Health to receive a transplant of an HIV-positive organ into a HIV-positive recipient. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
September 17, 2026

Vanderbilt Health transplants first HIV-positive organ into HIV-positive recipient

Harold Scott of Lebanon, Tennessee, received the kidney transplant from a deceased donor in July. He is doing well and wants to spread the word about this new frontier in organ transplantation.

By Matt Batcheldor
Melissa Glass of Morgantown, Kentucky, had single-port robotic surgery at Vanderbilt Health to remove a cancerous tumor in her colon. The minimally invasive procedure allowed her to recover more quickly and return to activities she loves. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
September 17, 2026

Single-port, robotic colorectal surgery means patients go home, heal faster

Vanderbilt Health is among the highest volume single-port robotic colorectal surgery programs in the nation. Dozens of established surgeons from around the U.S. have come to train with this team.

By Jill Clendening