VUMC in the news

The major story for the week was the NBC “Today” show’s spotlight on VUMC nurse Olivia Neufelder, RN, as part of that program’s “Thank a Nurse” series. “Today” anchor and reporter Sheinelle Jones surprised Neufelder at VUMC along with family members of the patient the nurse sang to in a viral video. Singing duo Dani and Lizzy, who originally recorded the song “Dancing in the Sky,” were also flown in from Canada to be part of the surprise. The “VUMC Voice” story by Craig Boerner about the behind-the-scenes effort to set up the story is here.

“PBS Newshour” broadcast a story on the opioid crisis’ effect on hepatitis C rates among pregnant women and their babies. Stephen Patrick, MD, assistant professor of Pediatrics and Health Policy, was quoted in the piece.

American Public Media’s “Marketplace” reporter Dan Gorenstein interviewed Stacie Dusetzina, PhD, associate professor of Health Policy, for a story about capping out-of-pocket spending on Medicare Part D. The New York Times reporter Reed Abelson also interviewed Dusetzina for a story about women with breast cancer delaying care due to high insurance deductibles.

Christine Lovly, MD, PhD, assistant professor of Medicine, is quoted in a Forbes story about three young women diagnosed with a rare gene mutation who united to support cancer research into a rare subtype of cancer they share.

Healthline.com reporter Susan Abram interviewed William Schaffner, MD, professor of Preventive Medicine, for a story about E. coli and how food experts were able to identify it and stop an outbreak in multiple states. Schaffner was also interviewed at VUStar, Vanderbilt’s broadcast facility, about E. coli for video supplied to CBS affiliates nationwide.

The Tennessean published a feature on Children’s Hospital heart transplant patient Caleb Daniel, who fell in love with hockey while waiting for his transplant. Caleb threw a ceremonial catfish onto the rink before the Predators’ playoff game against Winnipeg Saturday.

The Rural Monitor, a health newsletter, interviewed John Schnelle, PhD, professor of Medicine and director of the Center for Quality Aging, for a story about reducing hospitalizations in Medicare beneficiaries.