Vanderbilt Optical Center

Welcome to all our new nurse residents! 🎉 We are thrilled to have you and look forward to the incredible impact you will make in our community.

And thank you to all who joined us over the weekend, as we celebrated our new nurse residents at First Horizon Park, home of the Nashville Sounds. Our talent acquisition team hosted a fantastic event, filled with excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead.

Congratulations to Deidra Dickerson, director of Pharmacy Operations for Vanderbilt University Hospital Inpatient Pharmacy Services, for winning the latest Five Pillar Leader Award.

“I try to make sure everyone feels supported and is growing and reaching their full potential," she said. "I adjust my management style depending on what the person needs from me in the moment, and I always try to lead with the individuals impacted in mind, hearing their perspective and being as collaborative as I can when it comes to decision making.”

That sounds like a leader worth celebrating!

For more on Deidra and the impact she's made on the department, and her colleagues, visit the link below.

https://bit.ly/4bWj8GY

How MRI-guided focused ultrasound can help treat movement disorders such as essential tremor and Parkinson’s.

Focused ultrasound for essential tremor or Parkinson’s disease Learn how MRI-guided focused ultrasound can help treat movement disorders such as essential tremor and Parkinson’s.

Meet Garrett Cushman, a 33-year-old Army National Guard member, devoted father of three, and cancer survivor. After experiencing severe migraines and vision loss, Garrett was diagnosed with a Grade 3 IDH Mutant Anaplastic Astrocytoma — a malignant brain tumor the size of a baseball. CW: tumor, blood, stitches.

Determined to fight for his family and return to his military duties, Garrett turned to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment. Under the care of Neuro-Oncologist Dr. Alex Mohler and Neurosurgeon Dr. Reid Thompson, he underwent successful surgery, followed by intensive chemo and radiation therapy.

Throughout his journey, Garrett maintained his physical fitness routine, using exercise as a tool for recovery and resilience. His dedication and positive outlook have been crucial in his path to healing.

Today, Garrett is cancer-free and recently received a promotion within the Army National Guard.

On Oct. 28, 2023, our LifeFlight 5 aircraft, based in Murfreesboro, was dispatched to respond to a five-car collision with entrapment and fire. The crew’s patient, Eric, 40, has autism. He was admitted to Vanderbilt University Hospital with multiple life-threatening injuries, requiring a five-week hospital stay. Throughout the hospital stay, Eric’s mother never left his side.

During transport, paramedic Ronnie Rushing learned of Eric’s love for helicopters. Given this knowledge and the connection Ronnie had made, he suggested a presentation of wings. So earlier this year while Eric was still in rehab, one of the flight nurses (Eric Melone) who cared for him the night of the accident; and Ronnie gave our patient his own set of LifeFlight wings. His parents were overjoyed at this display of generosity and kindness from the LifeFlight team members.

Thank you to the Vanderbilt LifeFlight teams for 40 years of making health care personal. 💙

Our Vanderbilt LifeFlight team celebrated its 40th anniversary with an event at the Grand Ole Opry last Thursday, and we had a blast! Over the past 4 decades, our team has completed over 75,000 flight missions and 4,000 ground transports.
Thank you to the LifeFlight team for their dedication to our patients, and thank you to everyone who joined us in the celebration. We can’t wait to see where the next 40 years take us!

At Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the compassionate care that we provide to patients wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our incredible nurses and nursing leaders. After more than 45 years of service, we are honoring Marilyn Dubree, MSN, RN, Executive Chief Nursing Officer, as she retires.

Marilyn has devoted her life’s work to promoting excellence in nursing practice at VUMC and beyond. Her influence has made a priceless contribution to the practice of nursing – a legacy that is truly transformational.

To honor Marilyn and the impact of her leadership over the years, VUMC has activated the Marilyn Dubree Chief Nursing Officer Directorship, the first of its kind to be dedicated to nursing leadership. If you would like to help further Marilyn’s legacy through a gift, visit VanderbiltHealth.org/marilyndubree.

July 5, 1984, marked a major change in trauma care in Middle Tennessee. This was the day that Vanderbilt University Medical Center's LifeFlight program was introduced.

In its first 40 years, LifeFlight has made 76,942 flights and transported 80,118 patients. It’s transported another 37,133 patients since its ground transport program began; critical care ground transports number 4,188.

Thank you to all the doctors, nurses, pilots and staff who have contributed to LifeFlight's journey.

You can read more on the history of the program in the article below.

https://bit.ly/3WjiKOt

Join us on Saturday, September 21 for the annual Shade Tree Trot 5k run/walk and help support the Shade Tree Clinic!

Shade Tree Clinic provides comprehensive, patient-centered health care and social services free of charge for underserved and uninsured individuals in the Nashville metropolitan area.

Registration fees increase on July 13, so register today to secure the early-bird price! VanderbiltHealth.org/shadetreetrot

Because of her cheerful dedication to patients and supporting her colleagues in her role as a Medical Specialties patient service specialist, Jessie Rand was recognized with a Vanderbilt University Medical Center Credo Award.

“There isn’t just one story of how Jessie makes those she serves her highest priority; there are thousands,” wrote one of her clinic colleagues. “Her big laugh and can-do attitude are contagious.”

Thank you for everything you do, Jessie!

https://bit.ly/3LdQzu1

Happy 40th anniversary to Vanderbilt LifeFlight! From taking care of patrons to the athletes themselves, LifeFlight plays a key role at events all over our region. And our friends with the Nashville Predators, Nashville Soccer Club, Nashville Sounds and Vanderbilt Athletics join us in saying "Thank you!"

At last week's Experience Spring Hill event, we had representation from both Vanderbilt Health and Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, spreading the good news about our services offered in Spring Hill, TN.

Some of these services are Women's Health, Pediatrics, Radiation Oncology, and walk-in clinics. With over 4,000 people in attendance, we had a great time chatting with the community. Thanks for hanging out with us, Spring Hill!

Happy Fourth of July! Have fun, but please be very cautious about fireworks. Among other traumas, they can seriously injure eyes and vision. “We are not talking about a bit of singeing of eyelashes,” this eye doctor emphasizes. “We treated injuries from projectile fireworks. These patients will be forever impacted by their injuries.” And sparklers, which seem innocuous, are the top cause of fireworks injury to children.

How to enjoy the spectacle safely:

July 4th: Eye experts warn of dangers from fireworks injuries | My Vanderbilt Health You can experience devastating vision loss if you are not properly handling fireworks. Read how to stay safe from fireworks injuries.

Sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect skin from the sun’s damaging effects, which can cause premature aging and sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. People of any age and skin tone can get skin cancer, so get savvy about SPF, sunscreen textures and how often to reapply:

Sunscreen Tips You Should Use All Summer | My Vanderbilt Health Use these top sunscreen tips to protect your family from the dangers of the sun this summer. Read more from My Vanderbilt Health.

Dr. Mildred T. Stahlman, who pioneered the treatment of lung disease in premature infants and who was a tireless advocate of children of all ages, died over the weekend. She was 101 years old.

During her incredible career, she helped establish the nation’s first newborn intensive care unit here at Vanderbilt, which used monitored respiratory therapy in babies born with damaged lungs. She also established Vanderbilt’s Division of Neonatology.

“Dr. Stahlman was pioneering in so many ways. Refusing to accept the poor outcomes of babies born prematurely, she forged new methods to support their survival while upending the field of neonatology. Throughout her life, she generously supported numerous programs and services that have advanced our mission,” said Dr. Jeff Balser, president and CEO of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

During a 2009 lecture to medical students, Stahlman was asked what advice she had for doctors in training. Stahlman answered: “What I would hope that I could convince you of is that if you are ever going to practice medicine, the first thing you have to learn is charity. What is charity? Charity is unqualified love.”

According to Stahlman’s wishes, no memorial service will be held. You can read more about her life and career below:

https://bit.ly/3zqNzaY

On the ground with Vanderbilt LifeFlight at CMA Fest! LifeFlight provides emergency medical services, by air and ground ambulance, including medical support during events. Take a look at how our Vanderbilt LifeFlight team worked together to provide a secure environment for everyone to enjoy the music. 🎶

Hermitage resident Stephen Purcell, 70, has had Parkinson’s disease for a long time. He knew something was wrong as far back as 2008. He had been diagnosed at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage and then came to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for a second opinion.

In 2008 there were a group of doctors at VUMC testing a new treatment with a handful of patients who signed up for their study, including Purcell. Half would receive deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in attempt to slow the progression of their early-stage Parkinson’s disease, and the others would not.

With Purcell, VUMC surgeon Peter Konrad, MD, hit what VUMC researchers later found is an exceptional “sweet spot” for placing DBS-leads in his brain.

This "sweet spot" has given them new hope that this therapy can slow, or even stop, the progression of motor symptoms in patients.

“I am not as active as I used to be,” Purcell said. “But, overall, I am just doing so much better than some of the other folks I have seen with Parkinson’s. I am extremely happy I had that surgery.”

https://bit.ly/4bk3Vj0

A huge honor indeed. Get your tickets this Friday!

We are honored to be one of the beneficiaries of the Toby Keith All Star Celebration Concert. Get ready for a star-studded evening in Nashville on July 29th.

Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am! https://bit.ly/4cjuRAx

👏 Thank you, care partners! 👏
This week, we celebrated the incredible care partners throughout Vanderbilt Health and Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. Your dedication, compassion, and hard work make a world of difference every day.
Check out some of the highlights from this special week. 📸
https://bit.ly/4eIj3JU

Everyone, say hello to Connie! 👋 Connie is a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Clinic in Shelbyville, TN.

Connie's role is to ensure each patient coming in for office visits is prepped and ready for the physician. This way, the physician can spend more quality time with the patient. She also schedules cardiac procedures with prior authorizations, refills patient medications, answers triage calls, and helps the other nurses with unit-wide tasks. Outside of her regular duties, she is a Wellness Champion, Mock Code Champion, a mentor on the Vanderbilt Professional Advancement and Recognition of Excellence Program, a recent Daisy Award winner, and likes to participate in the Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute Heart Walk.

When asked why she became a nurse, she had this to say: "From a very young age, I read every book I could on nursing and watched any movie as well. When I would see a nurse, to me they all looked like angels in white. I knew then that I was called to be a nurse. I wanted to be the angel in white as well. I wanted to take care of anyone I could, no matter the problem."

Thank you, Connie, for all you do for our patients!

Interested in nursing for Vanderbilt? Check out all our open roles here: https://bit.ly/3yOUL08

Care Partner Week is almost over, but we look forward to celebrating our wonderful care partners like Sheketa all year long. 🫶

Sheketa has worked for Vanderbilt Health for 25 years, but as a care partner specifically for 18 years. She says the best part of her job is the continuous growth and learning opportunities. She also likes the nursing staff. "Everybody is nice and willing to help you if you need help. Nobody criticizes or shames anyone for things they don't know. I think Vanderbilt is a great place to work. It's a good experience, a good place and a stable place to work."

Thanks for the love, Sheketa! We send it right back to you and the rest of our care partners who help make working at Vanderbilt Health special. ✨

Join us! Find open roles here: https://bit.ly/3XmaKwQ

Syphilis numbers are on the rise in Tennessee: In women, the number of cases has risen 311%, from 290 cases in 2017 to 1,191 in 2022.

According to the Tennessee Department of Health, syphilis increases risk of preterm birth and is a major cause of stillbirth: Up to 40% of babies of mothers with untreated syphilis are stillborn or die in infancy.

Congenital syphilis can have devastating effects. We know that a majority of cases can be prevented, so additional routine screening during pregnancy is one important step that clinicians can take that could potentially be lifesaving.

https://bit.ly/3VN8DkE

Rising syphilis cases prompt more testing during pregnancy - VUMC News When found and treated early with antibiotics, syphilis is curable. Untreated syphilis can cause deafness, blindness and irreversible heart and brain damage.

This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating the Reid family at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Brian Reid, CRNA, has inspired his children, Chris Reid, CRNA, and Mary Case, CRNA, to follow in his footsteps.
Some people look up to their fathers, and Chris and Mary really look up to theirs! From school lunches to operating rooms, their story illustrates dedication and family bonds.
Join us in recognizing the Reids and all the fathers who make a difference every day. https://bit.ly/3RuncXL

Working as a Vanderbilt Health care partner can be a great, rewarding, and life-long career. Although, if you're interested in working as care partner while working toward your nursing degree, you can take advantage of our employee tuition benefits like Sydney has. Sydney's currently working as a transplant care partner while studying to be a nurse and will have over half her nursing school bills covered, thanks to the benefit.

Working toward her nursing degree doesn't mean she hasn't loved her time as a care partner. "The thorough training and growth opportunities that Vanderbilt Health offers were what made me come here. I have learned so much over the past 2 years and I'm now able to help train other care partners. I also love the people I work with! They make work so much more fun. And the patients too!"

Outside of work, you can catch Sydney at any Nashville stadium, watching her favorite teams. She also enjoys snuggling with her sweet cat Sassy and reading a good book.

Thank you, Sydney, for the passionate and compassionate energy you bring to work. 💙

Join our incredible roster of care partners by checking out our open roles here: https://bit.ly/3XmaKwQ

Adrienne became interested in joining Vanderbilt Health as a care partner after her stepsister went through our Care Partner Academy. The simplicity of the process interested her and "seemed too good to be true." So, she seized the opportunity to leap into health care, after years of customer service, and joined us!

When asked what she loves most about her job, she said, "I love the staff I work with and I love the patients. I am very much a people person, and at times patients just need a good or positive conversation. At times they just need an ear as well, but it brightens my day to know I can help, and I've gained wisdom from some of them as well. I go home knowing the smallest thing I do can make their day better."

In her time with us, Adrienne has also taken advantage of some of the benefits we offer employees. "I just called recently to get set up for weight loss and it's nice to know we have that clinic available for our own use. I've also taken classes that have been knowledgeable in my line of work." Additionally, Adrienne has participated in the Care Partner Council. Outside of work, she loves playing volleyball with her coworkers, puzzles, being outdoors, and spending time with her dogs and niece.

We have so much love for Adrienne and the rest of our care partners. Thank you for your hard work and the compassion you show our patients. 💙

If you're interested in becoming a care partner, learn more about the Vanderbilt Care Partner Academy here: https://www.vumc.org/vanderbilt-nursing/vcpa

To honor Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital's fifth year as part of Vanderbilt Health, and 45 years of service in total, we're taking a look back through the many milestones we've celebrated together since September 2019.

Throughout these last five years, improvements and investments have been made, and services have been added, to ensure the highest quality of care for residents of Wilson County. And as Deputy CEO and Chief Health System Officer Dr. C. Wright Pinson said, “We are not done. We are not done by a long shot.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/4bQ9Flq