VUMC in the news

For the second week, national coverage has focused on VUMC research studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine on IV saline vs. balanced fluids for ED and ICU patients. The Healthcare Channel host Steven Greer interviewed Todd Rice, MD, associate professor of Medicine, for a story, Futurity also posted a story on the research, and Healthline reporter Dan Gray interviewed Matthew Semler, MD, assistant professor of Medicine, about the studies.

Reuters Health reporter Marilynn Larkin interviewed Paul Sternberg Jr., MD, chair of Opthalmology and Visual Sciences, for a story about a new study that suggests that repeated ranibizumab treatment was not associated with impaired macular perfusion and so should be offered to patients with severe microangiopathy. Here is the Medscape link to the same story.

Daily Beast reporter Natalie Daher interviewed Julia Phillippi, PhD, CNM, assistant professor of Nursing, for a story about the increasing popularity of midwives.

Reader’s Digest reporter Beth Howard interviewed William Schaffner, MD, professor of Preventive Medicine, for a story about the toll this year's flu has taken and why it has been a particularly challenging flu season. Healthline reporter Liz Pratt also interviewed Schaffner about the flu and vaccines. Additionally, NPR and Kaiser Health News reporter Michelle Andrews interviewed Schaffner for a story about the recently released vaccination recommendations for adults. Time reporter Markham Heid interviewed Schaffner for a story about whether toilet seat covers are effective.

Boston Globe reporter Matt Rocheleau interviewed Todd Rice, MD, associate professor of Medicine, for a story about co-infection with different types of the flu.

CNN senior medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen interviewed Gerald Hickson, MD, Senior Vice President of Quality, Safety and Risk Prevention, for a story about hospitals’ considerations about whether to revoke a doctor’s credentials.

The Vicksburg Post of Mississippi ran a feature on Deborah Smith, M.D., a graduate of VUSM, who did her residency in Pediatrics at VUMC. She has practiced in the Vicksburg area for 37 years, and is known locally as “Dr. Debbie.”

Smithsonian magazine reporter Emily Matchar spoke with TRIAD’s Amy Weitlauf, PhD, assistant professor of Pediatrics, about methods for autism diagnosis.