patient and family advisory councils

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
December 31, 2025

From medical-surgical nursing to behavioral health, Greyson Hammons finds her calling in helping patients heal

Hammons, a 2025 Patient and Family Choice Award recipient, was honored for her compassion.

By Jessica Pasley
December 11, 2025

Bobo Tanner is a standout in both name and personalized patient care

“Dr. Bobo Tanner is one of the most exemplary doctors that I’ve had the privilege to encounter during my lifetime.”

By Jill Clendening
September 11, 2025

It’s all about connection for Larry Wingo, who knows that serving patients at their lowest points is a critical part of making health care personal

Recognized by patients and colleagues, Wingo’s selfless attitude and commitment to making those he serves feel heard earned him a Patient and Family Choice Award.

By Evan Dorian
August 26, 2025

Pup-tacular duo Kaylor Glassman and Velour fetch top honors

“…the work that Kaylor and Velour are doing together makes a difference for children and families facing tough medical challenges.”

By Christina Echegaray
July 29, 2025

Compassion in action: Nurse Vicki Caldwell finds joy in serving others in the emergency department at Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital

Recognized for her calm, caring approach, Caldwell credits her team and her passion for helping others during life’s toughest moments.

By Bill Snyder
February 14, 2025

Hope Collins named senior director of Patient and Family Engagement

In her new role, Collins will oversee patient and family councils that advise individual Vanderbilt hospital entities from the patient/family perspective.
By Matt Batcheldor
September 19, 2024

As a champion for countless children diagnosed with cancer, Debra Friedman has received many rewards and recognitions for her work. A recent award, however, might be among the most special.

Selected by patients and families, Friedman is the winner of a 2024 Patient and Family Choice Award.
By Christina Echegaray
July 30, 2024

Friend’s cancer diagnosis inspired Tracey DeWire to change career path

Nominated by four patients, DeWire is a recipient of a 2024 Patient and Family Choice Award.
By Tom Wilemon
July 22, 2024

Nursing may be a later in life career for Christin Inman, RN, but the VWCH Patient and Family Choice Award winner is right on time

“I take my time with every single patient and want to hear what brought them here and what they want to take out of their experience.”
By Danny Bonvissuto
July 10, 2024

As the first face people encounter at Vanderbilt Behavioral Health, Selene Lanier-Henderson promises ‘kindness, a friendly face and a smile.’

“We repeatedly saw her show that same sort of grace and love to everyone who crossed her path. She was a blessing during this very difficult time!”
By Bill Snyder
June 18, 2024

A patient wanted to eat a juicy Bonnaroo burger, but he had to learn to swallow food again after neck cancer. Julie Judkins-Giffin helped him get there.

“She taught me exercises that strengthened my throat muscles, which enabled me to eat again and gave me my life back.”
By Jessica Pasley
June 5, 2018

Doing his own colonoscopy made Christopher Lind a legend. But his commitment to patients and families is also legendary.

“The cultural change of having a respected, practicing physician serve as a Patient and Family Advisory Council member has been invaluable.”
By Leigh MacMillan