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September 22, 2016

Patient’s kidney transplant a ‘bittersweet’ family affair

Turning tragedy into triumph is something Khris Downing is learning to do. He’s getting a lot of practice, as he is alive today because of a life-saving organ donation from his older sister, Geraldine Williams, who died on July 26.

By Jessica Pasley
Large vs small sphere
September 15, 2016

Larger transplant centers produce improved outcomes: study

How many heart transplant programs do we really need? That was a question posed by a group of investigators, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Ashish Shah, M.D., in a novel study that used a computerized algorithm to highlight the value of high-volume transplant centers with corresponding improved outcomes.

By Jessica Pasley
September 8, 2016

Proposed changes could impact liver transplant efforts

A new proposal under consideration by the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) that would change the way donated livers are distributed would negatively impact patients listed for liver transplantation at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and across the Southeast, according to Seth Karp, M.D., H. William Scott Jr. Professor and chair of the Department of Surgery.

By Jessica Pasley
August 18, 2016

Age no barrier for patient’s transplant surgery success

The old adage that age is just a number actually became a lifesaver for 71-year-old Rex Parton.

By Jessica Pasley
August 11, 2016

Timing, teamwork key for young liver transplant patient

Antwane Cole Jr., known as “AJ” to friends and family, began his summer playing football and enjoying his favorite superhero, Spiderman.

By Christina Echegaray
August 4, 2016

Heart transplant program among busiest in U.S.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s heart transplant program is ranked No. 2 nationwide in volume for its combined adult and pediatric procedures, according to the most recent data released by Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN) in July.

By Jessica Pasley
June 23, 2016

Girl’s dual heart, kidney transplants a VUMC first

Vanderbilt University Medical Center recently performed its first pediatric dual heart/kidney transplant on a 13-year-old girl from Chattanooga.
By Jessica Pasley
March 18, 2016

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and Ryan Seacrest Foundation Open Seacrest Studios, a New Multimedia Broadcast Studio

By Christina Echegaray
March 17, 2016

Life-changing impact of cornea transplantation celebrated

Since 1961, the Eye Bank Association of America has provided donors for more than 1.5 million corneal transplants nationwide. And for nearly 25 years, the group has celebrated corneal transplant recipients, promoted awareness of the need to donate and recognized donors and families during National Eye Donor Month in March.
By Jessica Pasley
March 17, 2016

Study explores gene’s role in protecting HIV patients from TB

An international research team led by scientists from Vanderbilt University Medical Center has identified a genetic variant that protects people with HIV from developing active tuberculosis. The variant is near the gene encoding the infection-fighting cytokine IL-12.
By Bill Snyder
February 25, 2016

Focus on care, quality drives heart transplant program

As the largest heart transplant program in the Southeast, the Vanderbilt Transplant Center is ranked No. 1 in volume for the combined adult and pediatric heart transplant program, according to the latest Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN) data.
By Jessica Pasley
February 18, 2016

Liver transplant program celebrates 25 years of care

Twenty-five years ago, Julie Damon’s family was preparing to say their goodbyes. Comatose and on life support at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) with liver failure, the options for the 45-year-old wife and mother of two were slipping away.
By Jessica Pasley
February 18, 2016

Study leads to new heart transplant decision support tool

Because donor organs are scarce, understanding the mortality risk associated with heart transplantation is an important consideration when evaluating patients for transplant.
By Kathy Whitney