Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers have secured a two-year funding award of up to $1.9 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to develop an innovative AI-powered platform for extracting cancer patient data from medical records. Led by principal investigator Daniel Fabbri, PhD, and co-principal investigator Christine Micheel, PhD, the project aims to revolutionize the time-consuming process of patient chart curation in oncology. https://lnkd.in/gApSXQ4n

Dr. Monica Rossi Meyer is a surgeon with specialized training in the areas of facial reconstruction, facial rejuvenation and facial nerve rehabilitation, as well as functional and cosmetic nasal operations. She started in September and sees patients at the Vanderbilt otolaryngology clinics in Lebanon and at One Hundred Oaks, as well as the Veteran Affairs Medical Center. In her own words: “I am originally from Central Illinois, and attended undergrad and medical school through the University of Illinois. After medical school, I completed residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (ENT) at the University of Iowa, and a fellowship in facial plastic & reconstructive surgery at Stanford University. I am married and my husband is a software engineer. We currently have one son and a dog. Since I just started a few weeks ago, I have really enjoyed meeting the friendly teams in the clinics and operating rooms. "Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, being outdoors and staying physically active. So far, we have really enjoyed jogging on the Stones River Greenway, taking our son to the Nashville Zoo and Adventure Science Center and visiting Arrington Vineyards. We are looking forward to visiting more of the museums, restaurants and music venues in the area.” Vanderbilt Health is a dynamic, growing health care system, and every member of the workforce plays an important role in making health care personal. Join Us: https://lnkd.in/ePC-Vv5X

Dr. Gerald Hickson, co-founder of the Vanderbilt Health Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy (CPPA) was recently featured on The Healthcare Plus Solutions Group Podcast hosted by Quint Studer. This is a two-part series entitled “Linking Professionalism to Patient Outcomes.” The first episode is live. The second will release on Oct. 15. A culture of safety and high reliability requires a balance between intentionally designed systems and accountable professionals who model respect for patients, coworkers and established safety practices. “When the small number of clinical team members who model disrespectful behaviors recognize that their performance varies from their peers, the vast majority change,” Dr. Hickson shared. Part 1 of the series describes the early history and research that would lead to the current work done at the CPPA with partners. It also dives into what a professional is in 2024 and how health care organizations can begin their pursuit of a culture of safety and respect. https://bit.ly/3Y5f6sj

Alexander Bick, MD, PhD, a physician-scientist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center who is internationally known for his research on the genetics of blood disorders, has been named director of VUMC’s Division of Genetic Medicine. Since he joined the Vanderbilt faculty in 2020 from Massachusetts General Hospital and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Bick has contributed to more than 125 scientific publications and secured more than $25 million in external research funding. We're glad to have you in our corner, Dr. Bick! https://lnkd.in/e7KmUaui

Last month, the Vanderbilt Transplant Center performed 10 kidney transplants in two days, in addition to transplant patients who had received other organs. “The dedication and teamwork that are exhibited by the multiple service lines involved and the 6 MCE transplant unit to make this happen is truly remarkable,” said Heidi Schaefer, MD, professor of Medicine and medical director of Adult Solid Organ Transplant. From the surgeons to the OR staff and beyond, thank you for helping us continue to change lives! https://lnkd.in/eP27tqWX

Combining her love of being a pediatric nutritionist and an advanced practice provider, in 2016 Sue Chmiel found her home in Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt’s neonatal intensive care unit. “The NICU is one of the best places to work,” Chmiel said. “You are taking care of someone’s baby and taking care of them when parents can’t be there. You treat them like your own. You sometimes take care of them for weeks and you get to know the families, and we’re their hope.” Chmiel splits her time in the NICU at Monroe Carell and Level II Vanderbilt Regional Affiliated NICUs including Maury Regional Medical Center, and if needed, Williamson Medical Center. Having a flexible schedule as a physician assistant also affords Chmiel more time with her 20-month-old son, Alex, her husband, Adam, and their dog, Willow. Being a mom also makes her appreciate the work she does in the NICU that much more. Thanks for all the love you pour into our patients and their families, Sue. 💙 Check out the link to read more: https://bit.ly/3TIXJer

Are you interested in learning more about gift planning options? When you name Vanderbilt University Medical Center as a beneficiary for a future gift, you help provide better outcomes for patients. Visit https://lnkd.in/ebqGQ-Mz to find more information on making a lasting impact in your community’s health care.

For Katie Rush, coming to work at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt as a NICU Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, “was like coming home.” ❤️ Katie practically grew up at Monroe Carell. Both of her parents, Dr. Meg Rush and Dr. Charlie Rush, have worked here for many years. Also, at 3 years old, Katie became a Monroe Carell patient herself. One of Katie’s most cherished memories is “eating Pizza Perfect in my dad’s call room on Friday nights as a kid.” And while this is Katie’s first job as a nurse practitioner, this isn’t her first job at Monroe Carell. Her very first job was as a Friend's Shop employee during college. Now, she works as a transport provider and helps bring patients to our NICU from throughout the state. In regard to coming back to work at Monroe Carell, she said ”I wanted to give back to the place that’s given so much to me.” When asked what she enjoys most about working in the NICU, Katie said, “The tiny humans — they are such fighters. They have more strength and resilience than some adults. It's hard sometimes, but one of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing patients I've helped in deliveries later discharge home with their families." In addition to the “tiny humans,” Katie also mentioned that Monroe Carell's NICU is different than any other NICU she’s worked in. “It has every single type of patient you could possibly want to care for. Working here has allowed my career and knowledge of NICU patients to expand past what we learned in school. More than anything else though, our team of neonatal nurse practitioners is what makes working here so special. We are truly there for each other no matter what.” Thanks, Katie, for the love you give our patients and your teammates. Join Katie and check out our open advanced practice jobs by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Xzddmg

Sarah Hart has been dubbed a “Hart of Gold” because of the compassion she brings to her patients with both behavioral health and acute medical needs at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Hart was recognized in the spring with Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s annual Jerita Payne Advance Practice Nurse of the Year Award, with her nominators writing, “Sarah pours herself into her patients and her colleagues. Compassion and humanism underscore everything she does…she radiates kindness and caring for her family, patients and colleagues.” Hart begins each day focused on the hospital’s mission. “I love working with children and their families in the hospital setting – it is meaningful work to me,” Hart said. “It is a privilege to be able to do the work that we do – to serve people in a vulnerable place and be able to help. It is an even greater privilege to work alongside colleagues that are equally as passionate about helping children and their families live their best possible lives.” The biggest draw to working as an advanced practice provider at Monroe Carell is to be part of an academic medical system, she said. “We’re constantly challenged. To be immersed with learners, with teachers, with students — we’re all constantly learning from one another and getting smarter, getting better. I think being in an academic medical center encourages me to stay curious, to always grow, to never stop learning,” Hart said. Outside of work, Hart enjoys time with her husband, Daniel, her two children, Mason and Robert, and their three dogs, Max, Nana and Reuben. Sarah, thank you for bringing your passion and compassion to Monroe Carell. 💙 Click the link to read more: https://bit.ly/3TIXJer

Meet Beth Waller, an advanced practice nurse working in internal medicine in Tullahoma. In her words, slightly edited: I started [at Vanderbilt Integrated Internal Medicine in Tullahoma] after I graduated nurse practitioner (NP) school in 2011. I completed my last clinical rotation with Dr. Robert Nichols in the Fall of 2011, and he asked me to work for him. I took one year off from clinic work in 2016. During this time, I worked for Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care. Prior to my NP career, I worked for Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital after completing my associate degree in nursing. I worked on the medical/surgical floor, then moved to the intensive care unit, where I stayed while completing my bachelor of science in nursing. I see adult and geriatric patients in diagnosis/management of chronic diseases, preventive care, and acute/sick visits. I enjoy internal medicine because you are able to be involved in all aspects of a patient's medical care throughout many years of their life. I truly enjoy my patients and getting to know them and their families. I have many sweet patients that I have had the privilege to care for over my time in internal medicine. My husband and I grew up in Tullahoma and are thankful to be able to raise our children here. We have three children, 19, 17, and 9. I enjoy just spending time with them, and sporting events, and community activities in our area. We enjoy visiting Nashville for concerts and restaurants. In Tullahoma, the locally owned places like Emil's or One22 West, The Painted House, and Tullahoma High School sporting events (baseball, football, and basketball). I love spending time with friends and our church family. I enjoy painting and reading. Sitting on the beach is my happiest place! I am thankful to be able to serve the community which I have lived in my whole life! I am honored to be a part of my patient's lives! Join us in making health care personal: https://bit.ly/4e4OtsV