Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Accurate care begins with accurate results. And that is where our lab teams shine. At Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories, our dedicated laboratory professionals bring precision, focus and deep expertise to every patient sample. Behind every diagnosis and treatment plan is their work, powering informed decisions across every specialty and care setting. We're proud of their essential role in delivering high-quality care across the care continuum. This week, we're proud to spotlight the people behind the test results.

During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we recognize the dedicated individuals who generously give their time to support patients, families and staff at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. From offering comfort to assisting with daily operations, our volunteers play a vital role in advancing patient- and family-centered care. Thank you for your compassion, commitment and the meaningful impact you make every day. https://bit.ly/3Eykf5c

Vanderbilt University Hospital has received the American College of Surgeons Quality Verification Program focused verification, a national recognition of the hospital’s strong infrastructure and data-driven processes to deliver high-quality, safe surgical care to patients. “The QVP verification lets patients know VUH is dedicated to quality and safety and that our hospital adheres to the most rigorous surgical quality standards," said Lee Ann Liska, MBA, President and Chief Operating Officer of VUH. We're honored to receive this designation and look forward to furthering our mission of providing personalized, patient-centered care. https://lnkd.in/eUNiMBFZ

For more than 15 years, we have been the official health care provider for the Nashville Predators. What started as a simple proposal five years ago to create a moment for a hospitalized patient at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to root for the home team and share the excitement from fans and players in the arena, the Champ of the Game has become a welcomed tradition. Read more about the Champ of the Game program and the impact its had on patients, families, fans and players: https://bit.ly/4hRvBPf

Dr. Peter Chang is a Vanderbilt Health sports medicine surgeon who specializes in the care of hip, knee and shoulder injuries. He treats a broad range of conditions including ACL and meniscus tears, rotator cuff injuries and hip labrum tears. He also serves as a team physician for the Nashville Sounds and Vanderbilt University athletics, while contributing to research and medical education through his work with residents and fellows. “Sports medicine allows me to care for patients of all ages and help them return to the activities that matter most,” he says. Outside of work, Dr. Chang enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, playing tennis and traveling.

Dr. Whitney Loring is a licensed clinical psychologist and associate professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center who has spent nearly 15 years helping children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. Through her work with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s TRIAD team and her Behavioral Sleep Medicine Clinic, Dr. Loring provides caregiver coaching, workshops and sleep support for patients who need strategies that fit their individual needs. “I have always wanted to work with children,” she says. “The most meaningful part of my work is celebrating progress that truly impacts a family’s quality of life.” Dr. Loring is also a leader in TRIAD’s Families First Program. This April, she will host a virtual session for caregivers: Understanding Behavior Monday, April 21, 2025 | 12 to 1 p.m. CST Register: https://lnkd.in/edCRq6J2

Eric Wallace, MD, a specialist in musculoskeletal radiology from Louisiana State University, recently joined the Department of Radiology as the first vice chair of Community Radiology. Each year, the division performs more than 160,000 radiologic exams at Vanderbilt Bedford County Hospital, Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital, Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital and at multiple Vanderbilt Health imaging clinics throughout the region. “I look forward to helping expand the accessibility of Vanderbilt-level care to patients in those communities,” said Wallace. Welcome to the team, Dr. Wallace! https://lnkd.in/eQmFu-_6

Vanderbilt University Medical Center has surpassed 3,000 liver transplants, a milestone made possible by collaboration, expertise and ongoing innovation. Liver transplantation requires more than surgical skill. It is a multidisciplinary effort involving pharmacists, nurses, social workers, transplant hepatologists, psychiatrists, advanced practice providers and surgeons, all contributing to each patient’s care. “Calling a patient to let them know a new liver is available is one of the greatest privileges of my job,” said Christina, a liver transplant nurse practitioner. “We can see them go from critically ill to walking again in just a few days.” Weekly education sessions and technologies such as OCS (Organ Care System) and NRP (Normothermic Regional Perfusion) machines support our efforts to expand transplant access and improve outcomes. This milestone reflects the strength of interdisciplinary teamwork and our continued commitment to advancing health care, one transplant at a time.

April 18th, our team will be hosting a lung cancer conference on "Navigating the Patient Journey from Early Detection to Advanced Therapies." The keynote speakers include David Carbone, MD, PhD and Kathryn Carbone, MD. Interested in joining? Check out the link to register: https://lnkd.in/e66JCdZS

The Vanderbilt community mourns James W. "Jim" Ayers, who passed away on April 1. He was 81. Ayers was a prominent Tennessee banker, businessman and philanthropist. The 15-story patient care tower that is under construction now at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville is named for him. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Ayers,” said Dr. Jeff Balser, President and CEO of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Dean of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “His and Janet’s generosity will continue to impact VUMC well into the future." The Jim Ayers Tower is set to open in October 2025. It is a fitting tribute to his legacy of generosity and his goals of improving health care and quality of life for Tennesseans. Our thoughts are with his wife, Janet, and the rest of the Ayers family at this time. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eGkU-H_G