Great Saves Archive — Page 1 of 1

Group of former patients and hospital staff pose together in a conference room beneath a presentation screen reading “Great Saves Program”; several people wear identification badges, and some hold gold balloon decorations.
May 18, 2026

Great Saves event reunites patients with medical teams who saved their lives

Though the event has been hosted by various units in recent years, this was the first VUH-wide Great Saves event. The event was specifically scheduled to celebrate National Nurses Week to honor the work nurses do every day.

By Matt Batcheldor
Five people pose together indoors beneath a sign reading “VUMC Surgical ICU Great Saves 2025.”
April 8, 2026

Great Saves event reunites former patients with those who provided lifesaving care  

They and their families shared their journeys back to health, from initial illness followed by weeks to months in the SICU, to their ongoing rehabilitation and recovery. 

By Jill Clendening
Former Vanderbilt University Hospital patients who had long recoveries at the Nashville medical facility reconnect with the care teams who helped them regain their health. (photo by Susan Urmy)
March 12, 2025

Great Saves event reunites medical teams with grateful former patients and families

Former patients who recovered from serious illness and life-preserving surgeries in the SICU returned for a “Great Saves” event to share health updates and their gratitude with the people they credit with saving their lives.

By Jill Clendening
Smiling man in a navy blazer and blue plaid shirt stands beside a smiling woman in a mustard-yellow coat in front of a stone wall with a carved leaf motif.
January 13, 2020

Five surgeries in nine days. A month in intensive care. An amazing recovery.

Kyle Mullicane’s is the only medical story you will read today that features a hallucination taking place in a Vegas steakhouse.

By Matt Batcheldor
Five adults, including a woman in the center, stand together indoors in front of a projection screen and wall clock.
March 21, 2019

Patients’ stories of recovery bring joy to care teams

Former Vanderbilt Health patient Chris Peters remembers the day he found the motivation he needed to fight for recovery after nearly dying from complications from the flu.

By Jill Clendening
January 11, 2018

Great Saves event reunites thankful patients, caregivers

Although he was in a deep coma, Fort Campbell soldier Marshal Castillo is convinced that hearing nurses speaking his name, feeling them touching him and explaining their daily care routines was what kept him tethered, clinging to life in the intensive care unit so he could continue healing.

By Jill Clendening