VUMC People

January 15, 2026

How a summer job sparked Paul Dressler’s career in developmental medicine

The Patient and Family Choice Award recipient shares why developmental medicine is never just about protocols.

By Danny Bonvissuto
January 12, 2026

Pablo Juárez named president-elect of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities

Juárez’s election to this role reflects his long-standing commitment to innovation in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

January 8, 2026

Melynor Fraker leads by helping her team members become the best versions of themselves, ever expanding what a regional hospital staff can do for its community

As the first recipient of the newly rechristened C. Wright Pinson Award, Fraker’s outstanding leadership reflects the award’s tradition of recognizing those who move VUMC forward.

By Evan Dorian
William Russell, MD
January 7, 2026

Longtime pediatric endocrinology director Bill Russell to focus on research, patient care

He has been succeeded on an interim basis by Jill Simmons, MD, professor of Pediatrics and founding director of the Program for Pediatric Metabolic Bone Disorders at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

By Bill Snyder
January 5, 2026

Michele Hasselblad named Chief Nursing Officer for Vanderbilt University Hospital

She succeeds Robin Steaban, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, who will retire Jan. 30 after 35 years of service at Vanderbilt Health.

By Kylie Avery
January 5, 2026

Vanderbilt LifeFlight transitioning flight program back in-house

Through a phased approach, all nine program bases will be fully transitioned by June. This change aligns with Vanderbilt LifeFlight’s goal of owning all aspects of the flight program.

By Lindsay Anderson
January 5, 2026

Anna Hemnes named chair of Department of Medicine and system physician-in-chief for Vanderbilt Health

She will serve as the 11th chair of the Department of Medicine and system physician-in-chief for Vanderbilt Health. Her appointment was effective Jan. 1.
By John Howser
January 2, 2026

DAISY Award spotlight: ‘It was as if I had fallen into a pit of darkness with no way out. But in that darkness, there was a light. That light was Jasmine.’

Jasmine Bruton, BSN, RN, works in the Pediatric Medicine and Acute Care unit at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
By Kylie Avery
January 2, 2026

DAISY Award spotlight: ‘The Neonatal Outreach Team has transformed emergency neonatal care systems in Tennessee.’

The Neonatal Outreach Team consists of Mary Lee Lemley, MSN, RNC-NIC, Katie Judd, MSN, RN, CCRN, Meghan Arms, MSN, RN, RNC-NIC, and Jillian Brown, MHA, at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. They are one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award group winners.
By Kylie Avery
January 2, 2026

DAISY Award spotlight: ‘Her blend of expertise, compassion, and leadership embodies the very best of nursing.’

Comfort Onaghinor, BSN, RN, works in the Labor and Delivery unit at Vanderbilt University Hospital. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
By Kylie Avery
January 2, 2026

Larry Markham named director of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology and co-director of the Pediatric Heart Institute

Markham succeeds Scott Baldwin, MD, who stepped down after leading the division for more than two decades.
By Christina Echegaray
January 2, 2026

DAISY Award spotlight: ‘Amanda deeply cares and connects with her peers and staff.’

Amanda Smith, MSN, RN, works in Nursing Education at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
By Kylie Avery
January 2, 2026

Jeffrey Stovall appointed to Metropolitan Board of Health of Nashville and Davidson County

A Vanderbilt Health faculty member since 2008, Stovall spent his career working extensively in community psychiatry and primary care settings.
By Danny Bonvissuto