Reporter May 7 2021
Vanderbilt mourns loss of pulmonary medicine pioneer Richard Light
May. 17, 2021—Richard Light, MD, professor of Medicine in the Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care, died May 11 from injuries he sustained from a fall. He was 79.
VUMC to lead national study to treat severe COVID complications
May. 6, 2021—The Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (VICTR) has been awarded a major federal grant to lead a national trial of treatments targeting the Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS) in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
IMPACT research grants to help underserved patients access clinical trials
May. 6, 2021—The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) announced today the launch of IMPACT (Influential Medicine Providing Access to Clinical Trials) research grants to increase enrollment of individuals from underrepresented communities in clinical trials. Vanderbilt University Medical Center is leading one of the first three projects to receive IMPACT funding.
Flexibility, trust: Takeaways from Leadership Assembly
May. 6, 2021—The flexibility and adaptability of Vanderbilt University Medical Center has been center stage as the pressures of COVID-19 and ongoing strategic imperatives have transformed how and where care is delivered.
Faculty Awards honor teaching, research, clinical excellence
May. 6, 2021—The 2021 Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Faculty Awards for Excellence in Teaching, Outstanding Contributions to Research and Extraordinary Performance of Clinical Service were presented April 30 during the annual spring faculty meeting, held virtually this year via Zoom.
Churchwell to focus on VU diversity roles
May. 6, 2021—André Churchwell, MD, the Levi Watkins Jr. MD Professor, professor of Medicine, Biomedical Engineering and Radiology and Radiologic Sciences, senior associate dean for Diversity Affairs and Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Chief Diversity Officer, will step down from his administrative roles as Chief Diversity Officer and senior associate dean for Diversity Affairs for Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (VUSM) on June 30.
Study finds that regulatory protein prevents signaling that triggers cell death
May. 6, 2021—A protein implicated in neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis prevents the activation of an innate immune response that leads to cell death, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.
Spine surgery helps patient take steps toward his dream
May. 6, 2021—Jeff Vanderford always dreamed of walking his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.
American Academy of Audiology honors Gifford, Roberts
May. 6, 2021—Two faculty members from the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences — René Gifford, PhD, and Richard Roberts, PhD — were recognized for their work in the field at the 2021 American Academy of Audiology (AAA) convention.
Special ceremonies celebrate students who graduated last year
May. 5, 2021—On Sunday, May 2, the Class of 2020 of Vanderbilt University Schools of Medicine and Nursing and the Graduate School held in-person commencement ceremonies for students earning degrees. While the classes participated in virtual ceremonies last year, many opted to return to campus to celebrate with friends, family and faculty.
Dire need to reform organ procurement rules: Karp
May. 5, 2021—A rule requiring greater accountability from organ procurement organizations (OPOs) will increase the nation’s supply of organs donated for transplantation, but it must be implemented quickly and effectively, Seth Karp, MD, director of the Vanderbilt Transplant Center, testified before Congress on Tuesday, May 4.
Faculty, students to honor late professor Matthew Walker III in virtual memorial service on May 8
May. 3, 2021—Faculty, students, administrators and friends of the School of Engineering and School of Medicine will hold a memorial to honor professor and mentor Matthew Walker III. Walker was a beloved professor and mentor who developed and taught Vanderbilt University’s biomedical engineering design curriculum and served as the associate director of the Medical Innovators Development Program. Walker died suddenly on April 24.
