Reporter Oct 2 2020
Early steps in reovirus replication
Oct. 6, 2020—Conformational change in a reovirus surface protein modulate the virus’s attachment to host cells, Vanderbilt researchers have found.
Clue to diabetic kidney disease
Oct. 5, 2020—Vanderbilt researchers have identified a signaling pathway that promotes kidney fibrosis in patients with diabetes — and that could be targeted with an existing approved medication.
Pinpointing brain changes in psychosis
Oct. 1, 2020—Specific regions of the thalamus — a central brain region — are smaller in adults with psychotic disorders and youth at risk for psychotic disorders and are associated with cognitive impairment.
Genes spell penicillin allergy risk
Oct. 1, 2020—Studies using large DNA biobanks revealed genetic variants associated with penicillin allergy, the most common type of drug-induced allergic reaction.
Liska named adult hospital chief operating officer
Oct. 1, 2020—Lee Ann Liska, a 30-year veteran of the health care industry, has been named chief operating officer of Vanderbilt University Adult Hospital (VUAH). She will join Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Oct. 19.
Transplant program reaches milestone 10,000th procedure
Oct. 1, 2020—Vanderbilt University Medical Center has completed its 10,000th organ transplant, a monumental achievement representing nearly 60 years of life-saving work.
Legner to direct new Primary Patient Care Center
Oct. 1, 2020—Victor Legner, MD, has been named the founding executive medical director of the newly formed Primary Care Patient Care Center (PCC) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, effective Sept. 1.
UAB’s Vickers set for Oct. 6 Watkins Lecture
Oct. 1, 2020—The 19th Annual Levi Watkins Jr., MD, Lecture will be held at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 6, via virtual format.
Diversity role model inspires career path
Oct. 1, 2020—Portia Thomas grew up in Doerun, Georgia, a small, rural city named by pioneer hunters as a place with “a perfect doe run,” where the population has hovered around 800 people for the past 30 years. A childhood impression lifted her aspirations beyond her hometown and inspired her to pursue a career as a physician-scientist.
VUMC forms center focused on Alzheimer’s and related dementias
Oct. 1, 2020—Leaders at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have announced that the Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center (VMAC), currently housed in the Department of Neurology, will become a freestanding institutional center.
Caregivers discuss impacts of treating COVID-19 patients
Oct. 1, 2020—Taking care of patients critically ill with COVID-19 takes an emotional and physical toll on health care providers who say many of these patients are among the sickest they’ve ever encountered.
VUMC to acquire Tennova Shelbyville and Tullahoma Hospitals from Community Health Systems, Inc., and partner with Tennova Clarksville Hospital
Sep. 30, 2020—Leaders of Vanderbilt University Medical Center announced plans to purchase Tennova Healthcare-Shelbyville and Tennova Healthcare-Harton hospitals from subsidiaries of Community Health Systems Inc. (CHS). At the same time, VUMC will acquire minority ownership in CHS’s Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville hospital.
