VUMC People

October 16, 2025

DAISY Award spotlight: ‘Shanda is the kind of nurse who changes lives, not just through her skill but through her heart.’

Shanda Bridges, RN, works in the Neurological Intensive Care unit at Vanderbilt University Hospital. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.

By Kylie Avery
October 16, 2025

DAISY Award spotlight: ‘If we hadn’t had her at the ER visit when we got the initial diagnosis, I am not sure what I would have done.’

Nicole Meador, RN, works in the Emergency Department at Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.

By Kylie Avery
October 16, 2025

DAISY Award spotlight: ‘I have never seen this level of compassion combined with a dedication to go above and beyond for the patient.’

Megan Wambold, BSN, RN, works in the Transitional Care unit at Vanderbilt University Hospital. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.

By Kylie Avery
October 16, 2025

DAISY Award spotlight: ‘Nurses aren’t just there to physically care for their patients, but to care for their spirit and emotions as well.’

Michael Ramirez, BSN, RN, works in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit at Vanderbilt University Hospital. He is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.

By Kylie Avery
October 15, 2025

VIGH’s Douglas Heimburger retires

He helped create research training opportunities for doctoral and postdoctoral trainees at Vanderbilt as well as those from low- and middle-income countries.

By Kristin Centers
Mark Kelley, MD, MMHC
October 13, 2025

Mark Kelley retires, having ‘profoundly shaped surgical oncology’ at VUMC

Kelley is lauded by his colleagues and surgical leaders for his contributions both at VUMC and nationally.

By Jill Clendening
October 9, 2025

Mariana Byndloss honored by microbiology society

Byndloss, who joined the Vanderbilt faculty in 2018, studies the links between the gut microbiota (the microorganisms that reside in the intestines), host metabolism and disease.
By Leigh MacMillan
October 1, 2025

Symposium honors personalized medicine leader Dan Roden

Roden is internationally known for his contributions to understanding arrhythmias and to the field of pharmacogenomics.
By Bill Snyder
September 30, 2025

Alvin Powers honored by Endocrine Society for his research in islet biology and diabetes

This award, which recognizes meritorious contributions to endocrinology research, is one of the Endocrine Society’s prestigious 2026 Laureate Awards.
By Jill Clendening
September 30, 2025

William Schaffner receives national honor for his vaccination, public health advocacy

The award honors medical school faculty members who have made major contributions to improving public health and health care.
By Bill Snyder
September 30, 2025

DAISY Award spotlight: ‘Our daughter was afraid, weak, and in pain, and Katie not only delivered the care she needed but also eased her through her excellent communication skills.’

Katie Jordan, BSN, RN, works in the Pediatric Emergency Department at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
By Kylie Avery
September 30, 2025

DAISY Award spotlight: ‘I can say that Gabe is the most caring and skilled nurse I have ever had.’

Gabe Tiamson, BSN, RN works in the Adult 4 unit at Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital. He is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
By Kylie Avery
September 30, 2025

DAISY Award spotlight: ‘Beth’s quick decisions and escalation of care likely saved this situation from resulting in a devastating outcome for the mother.’

Beth Cochran, 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