Ryan Belcher Archive — Page 1 of 1

Group portrait of members of the Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Program gathered on a blue-carpeted staircase with star-patterned railings.
March 5, 2026

Multidisciplinary clinic improves care for cleft lip/palate patients

A patient care coordinator now works to ensure that families receive a comprehensive care plan rather than needing to coordinate multiple disparate parts of their child’s treatment on their own.

By Evan Dorian
Medical illustration combining a close-up of thyroid tissue under a microscope with an anatomical neck showing the thyroid gland and a rounded nodule on its left side.
March 5, 2026

Thyroid cancer ‘atlas’ points to cell types that contribute to disease progression

A multi-institutional study led by Vanderbilt Health investigators provides a spatial understanding of thyroid cancer evolution and identifies cell types that may predict aggressive disease in both children and adults.

By Evan Dorian
Photo of the exterior of Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt shows the four new floors added atop the pediatric facility. (photo by Anne Rayner)
February 24, 2026

Grant supports study to improve detection of parathyroid glands in pediatric endocrine neck surgery 

Researchers will study the validity of near-infrared autofluorescence to improve detection of parathyroid glands during endocrine neck surgery, now looking at pediatric patients.

By Evan Dorian
3D anatomical illustration of the neck showing four parathyroid glands highlighted in red behind the translucent thyroid gland.
April 23, 2025

Study shows parathyroid gland reimplantation technique an effective option to restore function in children

Damage or removal of calcium-regulating parathyroid glands during endocrine surgery can put children at risk for poor growth and slow mental development.

By Christina Echegaray
Portrait of Ryan Belcher, MD, MPH, smiling and wearing a dark suit, checkered shirt, and striped tie against a brown background.
June 8, 2023

Novel technology helps identify parathyroids during pediatric endocrine surgery

A Vanderbilt study found that a probe technology that uses near-infrared autofluorescent lighting helps positively identify and preserve childrens’ parathyroids during endocrine surgery.

By Christina Echegaray
VUMC NEWS logo in white lettering inside a cyan and yellow outlined square on a blue gradient background.
August 26, 2021

Obese children, young adults at higher risk for thyroid cancer

Children and young adults who are obese are at greater risk for malignant thyroid nodules, according to new study from Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

By Christina Echegaray