Reporter Nov 17 2017
Drug’s effectiveness for neurosarcoidosis studied
Nov. 16, 2017—A drug commonly prescribed for Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis is also effective for treating neurosarcoidosis, according to new research led by Vanderbilt neurologists.
Rounds: A message from the President and CEO of VUMC
Nov. 16, 2017—Over the year, Congress has repeatedly attempted to “fix” healthcare by altering the funding streams between states and the federal government, as well as to commercial insurers. All of this might lead one to think that Congress is focused on the most important problems facing healthcare.
Alternatives to emergency room visits abound
Nov. 16, 2017—More than 50 percent of emergency department visits are unnecessary or avoidable, meaning care could have been provided by a primary care physician or urgent care facility, according to a study from Aetna.
Insurance commissioner outlines ACA challenges
Nov. 16, 2017—Since 2014 the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, has assisted lower- and moderate-income people who buy insurance on their own on the individual market, providing premium subsidies and discounts on out-of-pocket expenses. Under the law, people who don’t carry compliant insurance face a penalty, the so-called individual mandate. Large employers who don’t offer insurance are also penalized.
Study may point to new treatment approach for ASD
Nov. 16, 2017—Using sophisticated genome mining and gene manipulation techniques, researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) have solved a mystery that could lead to a new treatment approach for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
NFID honors Edwards’ infectious diseases research
Nov. 16, 2017—Kathryn Edwards, MD, professor of Pediatrics and the Sarah H. Sell and Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, is the recipient of the 2018 Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).
Nashville Christmas Parade set to roll Saturday, Dec. 2
Nov. 16, 2017—Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt will again benefit from proceeds from the upcoming 64th annual Piedmont Natural Gas Nashville Christmas Parade presented by Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.
Malow, Bingham named to new state council on autism
Nov. 16, 2017—Vanderbilt’s Beth Malow, MD, MS, and Emelyne Bingham have been appointed by Gov. Bill Haslam as Middle Tennessee representatives on the newly created Tennessee Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder, which held its first meeting in Nashville in October.
A visit from Noah Cyrus
Nov. 16, 2017—Singer and actress Noah Cyrus recently visited with patients and families in Seacrest Studios at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Smoking study personalizes treatment
Nov. 16, 2017—A simple blood test is allowing Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) researchers to determine which patients should be prescribed varenicline (Chantix) to stop smoking and which patients could do just as well, and avoid side effects, by using a nicotine patch.
Team’s mobile app helping healthcare workers in Africa
Nov. 16, 2017—A smartphone application called mUzima, developed for healthcare workers by Vanderbilt’s Martin Were, MD, MS, and his team, is catching on in eastern Africa.
Phenotyping center a global resource for investigators
Nov. 16, 2017—This summer the Vanderbilt Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center (MMPC) began its 17th year of continuous operation and federal support with a $5.5 million, five-year renewal grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
