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July 16, 2024

Vanderbilt LifeFlight celebrates 40th anniversary of service

LifeFlight started as a single helicopter air ambulance service four decades ago and has grown to a comprehensive emergency medical services provider that includes critical care air and ground transport, a ground ambulance program, event medicine coverage, emergency and dispatch communications.

By Kathy Rivers
Katrin Karbstein, PhD
July 15, 2024

Katrin Karbstein appointed co-leader of Vanderbilt’s Cancer Cell Biology Research Program

There, she will develop and implement program aims, participate in strategic decision-making in the Cancer Center, direct pilot project funding, facilitate interactions among Cancer Center members, and assist in the recruiting activities for the 42-member program with over $11.7 million in annual peer-reviewed funding.

By Marissa Shapiro
July 12, 2024

Wesley Self named to leadership role in global clinical trials network

The Strategies and Treatments for Respiratory Infections and Viral Emergencies network includes more than 300 sites around the world and international experts in clinical trials, infectious diseases, critical care and pandemic preparedness.

By Bill Snyder
Anthony Flores, MD, MPH, PhD
July 12, 2024

Anthony Flores named director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

In his clinical and research work, Flores examines the mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens cause disease in humans.

By Christina Echegaray
Panda Express and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt leaders, along with patients and families, gathered July 10 to celebrate the opening of the Panda Cares Center of Hope. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
July 11, 2024

Gift establishes Panda Cares Center of Hope at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

The Panda Cares Center of Hope will focus on four key pillars of pediatric health care programs and services, not only for patients but also for their siblings and caregivers.

By Christina Echegaray
Jennifer Gaddy, PhD
July 11, 2024

Jennifer Gaddy receives grants from March of Dimes, Burroughs Wellcome Fund

She studies infection of the female reproductive tract in the context of pregnancy.

By Paul Govern
July 10, 2024

Clinical trial for rectal cancer subtype shows promise for less aggressive treatment

The findings were so promising that the clinical trial is being redesigned to investigate whether radiation treatment can also be avoided.
By Tom Wilemon
July 10, 2024

The LifeFlight legacy: 40 years in 40 photos

Since July 1984, LifeFlight has made 76,942 flights and transported 80,118 patients. It’s transported another 37,133 patients since its ground transport program began; critical care ground transports number 4,188. This is the ever-expanding legacy: mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, wives, husbands, children and grandparents — alive. Explore an audio clip, map and more.
By Craig Boerner, Diana Duren, Holly Fletcher, Erin O. Smith, Wayne Wood
July 10, 2024

As the first face people encounter at Vanderbilt Behavioral Health, Selene Lanier-Henderson promises ‘kindness, a friendly face and a smile.’

“We repeatedly saw her show that same sort of grace and love to everyone who crossed her path. She was a blessing during this very difficult time!”
By Bill Snyder
July 9, 2024

Grant supports development of skill assessment tool for robot-assisted surgery

Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Irving Zamora, MD, MPH, assistant professor of Pediatric Surgery, and Aimal Khan, MD, assistant professor of Surgery, have received a grant to support the development and validation of an objective robotic skills assessment tool for surgical trainees.
By Jill Clendening
July 8, 2024

Tracy Frech named director of the Division of Rheumatology and Immunology

Tracy Frech, MD, MSCI, has been named to direct the division of Rheumatology and Immunology in the Department of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and will assume the new role Sept. 1.
By Doug Campbell
July 8, 2024

Noted pediatric endocrinologist Jennifer Najjar retires after 47 years at Vanderbilt

After 47 years as a pediatric endocrinologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Jennifer Najjar is reflecting on her life of work, highlighting moments of pride and gratitude for her patients and colleagues, and relishing in her ability to practice medicine while also training the next generation of pediatric doctors.
By Christina Echegaray
July 8, 2024

VUMC Nursing ‘adopts’ Code Academy week hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee

VUMC Nursing is crafting a comprehensive program that addresses four significant nursing issues. The Boys & Girls Clubs started Code Academy to increase youth interest in tech/digital careers and to help facilitate a platform to elevate youth voices.  
By Holly Fletcher