Vanderbilt University Medical Center

We’re excited to announce a $5 million gift from the Springer-Lu Family Foundation of Massachusetts that will establish an endowment to support Aspirnaut at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Aspirnaut, a K-20 STEM pipeline, has changed the trajectory of students’ lives while developing STEM leaders of tomorrow. Scholars are talented high school students largely from rural America who have limited access to STEM opportunities. Longitudinal tracking data since 2009 shows that over 70% of participants have pursued advanced degree programs in STEM or are in the STEM workforce. “We’re deeply grateful to Dr. Chafen Lu and the Springer-Lu Family Foundation for the visionary support of the Lu-Springer High School Research Scholars,” said Aspirnaut scientific director and co-founder Billy Hudson, PhD. Lu, a Harvard scientist and biotech industry expert, has deep interest in cultivating STEM opportunities for rural youth. “My family and I look forward to joining others who believe that investing in young minds today will shape STEM innovation and leadership of tomorrow.” Join this collective fundraising effort to secure Aspirnaut’s future. Visit https://lnkd.in/esMJAWQP today!

For a decade, Danielle has been a vital part of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt Pediatric Heart Institute, providing life-saving care as an ECMO specialist. She knows the mechanics of the machine are critical, but to her, supporting families is just as important. “Gaining a family’s trust is a big deal to me,” she says. “Being there for them during their hardest moments is just as important as the mechanics of the pump.” Her proudest moments come when former patients return, healthy and thriving. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her “Wacky Pack,” cheering on the Chiefs, traveling to the beach, and catching live music in Nashville.

Today is Doctors’ Day! At Vanderbilt Health, we are grateful for all of our doctors, who provide personalized care each and every day. You can thank a special doctor and make a gift in their honor by visiting https://bit.ly/43tQo8d. ❤️

Renovation is underway at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, as the hospital is expanding space and enhancing care for pediatric cancer patients. The project will provide private infusion rooms and dedicated, tailored space for children, teenagers and young adults. The expansion and renovation, part of a philanthropic initiative, “A Campaign Against Childhood Cancer,” will also help support research and training efforts. We are so grateful to the many generous individuals and businesses in the community who helped make this vision a reality. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ejqjN9Pd

We recently hosted a two-day intensive trauma course, ASSET+, for military medical personnel — marking the first time this advanced course has been taught at a civilian medical facility. Part of the U.S. military Emergency War Surgery curriculum, ASSET+ provides training for military medical personnel working in deployed environments, military treatment facilities, and Level 1 trauma treatment facilities. Read more: https://bit.ly/41OcVdw

When you think of transplants, you usually think of hearts, lungs, kidneys and livers. However, other non-vital organs, including the larynx, can also be transplanted. Surgeons at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have built a groundbreaking new laryngeal transplant program and are ready for their first patient. According to Sarah Rohde, MD, MMHC, associate professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and lead surgeon of the program, transplanting a larynx to a patient who has undergone a laryngectomy can restore function in critical aspects of a patient’s life. For more information on the program, see the article below. https://lnkd.in/e5P_9Nv9

Jill Kinch’s impact on nursing goes far beyond patient care. She has spent her career fighting for nurses, ensuring they have a voice in leadership and safe places to work. As director of advanced practice at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, she mentors teams across pediatric perioperative, transplant, ambulatory and acute care services. She helped pass legislation protecting health care workers, was named Nurse of Distinction and recently received the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Founder’s Medal. Her mission has never changed: support nurses, improve patient care and create lasting change in health care. If you’re interested in pursuing a career like Jill’s at Vanderbilt Health, learn more here. https://bit.ly/3yOUL08

Kim has spent more than a decade shaping women’s health for Vanderbilt Health. She began her career in Labor and Delivery, working nights for 11 years before stepping into leadership. Now, as manager of Patient Care Services for the Vanderbilt Center for Women’s Health, she oversees four clinics and supports her team in delivering exceptional care. She values the culture of mentorship at Vanderbilt, crediting colleagues who foster teamwork and work-life balance. One of her favorite memories is the 2017 Celebrate Event, when her entire team paraded through campus in matching shirts, a moment that reminded her just how strong their bond was. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Nashville’s restaurants and celebrating the holidays with family.

For the second year in a row, Vanderbilt Lung Transplant has the busiest program in the Southeast and leads the nation in innovation in organ preservation and regeneration. The team performed 99 transplants in 2024, including two cases that involved combined organ transplants. This makes us the nation's eighth-largest lung transplant program by volume. Kudos to all of our doctors, nurses, clinical pharmacists, social workers, administrators and all of those that had a hand in this milestone! https://bit.ly/4hLaRZF

The wait is over—Match Day is here! Our medical students are taking the next step in their careers, learning where they will continue their training and contribute to the future of health care. Congratulations on this incredible achievement! @[ Vanderbilt Universit](urn:li:organization:4565)y @[ Vanderbilt University School of Medicin](urn:li:organization:15101506)e