VUMC People

June 20, 2024

Renowned Emergency Medicine educator, clinician Keith Wrenn mourned

Dr. Wrenn’s clinical skill inspired awe. He taught by example, and his patience, compassion and focus on patient-centered care leaves an indelible impression on trainees and colleagues.

By Paul Govern
June 18, 2024

A patient wanted to eat a juicy Bonnaroo burger, but he had to learn to swallow food again after neck cancer. Julie Judkins-Giffin helped him get there.

“She taught me exercises that strengthened my throat muscles, which enabled me to eat again and gave me my life back.”

By Jessica Pasley
June 13, 2024

Melanie Walker implemented a new mechanical breathing assist mode in the PICU in just four days. Her quick work saved a child’s life.

Walker received a VUMC Credo Award for her dedication to that patient and to quality and safe respiratory care for pediatric patients.

By Nancy Humphrey
June 12, 2024

From clinic to comic cons: Team helps nonverbal, nonmobile patient unlock his interviewing voice

Seven years ago, asking questions was not possible. Ivan, who is nonverbal and nonmobile, had no way to communicate. What he was thinking, feeling or wanting was always a “best guess” for his mom.

By Christina Echegaray
June 11, 2024

2024 Chancellor Faculty Fellows selected

Each fellow holds the title for two years, receives $40,000 per year to support their work, and meets with their cohort to exchange ideas, build a broader intellectual community and engage in academic leadership development.

By Kathy Whitney
June 10, 2024

Office of Outpatient Referral Assistance announces leadership appointments 

The office ensures that patients receive timely and appropriate medical attention and optimizes uncompensated care delivery through case reviews and determinations that have dramatically increased over the last four years.

By Kathy Whitney
June 6, 2024

Stokes, Austin, Rosas-Salazar honored by the American Thoracic Society

The mission of the ATS is to promote the respiratory health of children and adolescents and to improve the care of children with respiratory disease through research, education, patient care and advocacy.
By Christina Echegaray
June 6, 2024

Fei Ye selected as a fellow of the American Statistical Association

Fei Ye is the first woman among VUMC's Biostatistics faculty to be selected as an ASA fellow. She'll be among 47 new ASA fellows inducted in August at the Joint Statistical Meetings.
By Paul Govern
June 6, 2024

DAISY Award spotlight: “He makes both of us feel like his sole mission is to give my husband extraordinary care”

Christian Haefele, RN, works in the Vanderbilt Transplant Center, which is part of Vanderbilt Adult Ambulatory Clinics. He is is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.
By Matt Batcheldor
June 6, 2024

A man who wears “20 different hats,” Jonathan Kraft earns Credo Award for his dedication to pediatric patients and his colleagues

“In the OR, kids don’t have anyone except the doctors, techs and nurses taking care of them. They can’t speak for themselves. I realize the privilege and responsibility I have to those kids, and I’ve felt a lot of purpose in my role.”
By Nancy Humphrey
June 6, 2024

Lakmini Kidder named Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Revenue Officer

In her new capacity, Kidder will assume responsibility for overseeing all aspects of VUMC’s integrated revenue cycle, encompassing hospitals, clinics, the Vanderbilt Medical Group and Vanderbilt Integrated Providers.
June 5, 2024

A seriously ill patient was scared she wouldn’t survive the night — until she met nurse Inga-Liese Konynenbelt in the VUMC Emergency Department

“Inga made me feel that I was going to be OK. I am eternally grateful for her.”
By Nancy Humphrey
June 5, 2024

Anesthesia is in this family’s blood: father, two children all working as nurse anesthetists at Vanderbilt

Brian Reid, CRNA, used to pack Chris and Mary's lunches before school. Now they all work together in VUMC's Department of Anesthesiology.
By Erin Wides