Orkin's research led to a gene therapy for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia; it is the first Food and Drug Administration-approved CRISPR-based gene therapy.

She served in a number of leadership roles, including evening hospital administrator and assistant hospital director for VUH. She was an administrative director for several areas, including LifeFlight and the Burn Patient Care Center, and helped guide the creation of VUH’s dedicated Trauma Intensive Care Unit.

Positive findings from a clinical trial support further study of the investigational drug ifetroban to treat cardiac complications, the leading cause of death in patients with DMD.

“Melissa Smith is the heart and soul of the trauma program and is involved in every aspect of the oversight and functioning of the trauma service.”

Former patients who recovered from serious illness and life-preserving surgeries in the SICU returned for a “Great Saves” event to share health updates and their gratitude with the people they credit with saving their lives.

Long-term trajectories of irregular sleep durations outside the optimal range (more or less than the healthy duration of seven to nine hours of sleep per night) increased the risk of death from all causes by as much as 29%.

The award is presented to an individual who provides exemplary service and support to emergency medical services in Tennessee.