West End Women's Health Center

08/21/2025

Prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes are common conditions. Genetics can play a role in their development, but many people can prevent these illnesses with the right habits. And when these conditions do develop, the right medical treatment combined with lifestyle changes can actually reverse the disease.

See the link in the comments for expert information about how to help prevent or manage prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

08/21/2025

Coming from more than 24 states and five countries, 96 future physicians took the stage for Vanderbilt University's School of Medicine White Coat Ceremony.

Senior Associate Dean Dr. Donald Brady reminded the Class of 2029 that great care requires both knowledge and compassion: “Your patients want your head and your heart.”
Read more at the link in the comments below.

08/19/2025

“MS changed my life, but it didn’t stop it.”

Becca Fuqua had always been active — yoga, travel, nonprofit leadership. But when her leg gave out during a charity walk, she knew something was wrong.

One message later via the My Health at Vanderbilt portal, Becca was connected to a team that listened, acted fast and helped her reclaim her life.

Diagnosed within weeks at the Vanderbilt Multiple Sclerosis Center, she started treatment right away. “It was scary, but I had a plan — and people who cared.”

Today, Becca’s back to yoga, turning pottery on the wheel and walking every day.

Her advice: Don’t face it alone. Lean into your people. And keep moving.

08/19/2025

Getting the news that you have lung cancer can be a shock. It’s normal to be afraid, have many questions and feel overwhelmed. So what comes next? Start by learning about your diagnosis and building some support around you. The link in the comments will bring you some expert advice.

08/15/2025

08/14/2025

“We’ve celebrated patient victories with popsicle parties, hosted commitment ceremonies and honored last wishes. In the CVICU, care goes beyond the clinical.”

Michaela serves as assistant nurse manager of the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Vanderbilt University Hospital.

Michaela joined Vanderbilt Health 11 years ago as a travel nurse. Today, she leads one of the Southeast’s most complex cardiac intensive care units, which serves critically ill patients from across the country.

“Our staff are quick, smart, empathetic and resilient,” she says. “I’m proud to stand beside them every day.”

Outside of work, Michaela enjoys tending to her plants, traveling and supporting her favorite teams.

08/14/2025

08/14/2025

At just 36 years old, Lindsey Strayhorn experienced a spontaneous coronary artery dissection, a rare type of heart attack, and discovered shortly after that she was four weeks pregnant.

“They told me I had a 10 to 20% chance of having another cardiovascular event or complication during my pregnancy and up to three months after,” Strayhorn said. “So, it was very scary. Every little thing kind of made me fearful.”

Her journey led her to the Women’s Heart Center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she was cared for by Dr. Kathryn Lindley and her team. Although there were challenges during Strayhorn's pregnancy, the team successfully delivered her a happy and healthy baby girl, Lydia.

https://news.vumc.org/2025/07/21/patients-medical-journey-highlights-importance-of-heart-health-when-pregnant/

08/13/2025

Dr. Mildred T. Stahlman transformed the care of premature infants, pioneering treatments for lung disease and establishing the nation’s first newborn intensive care unit at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She also founded Vanderbilt’s Division of Neonatology, training generations of physicians and setting a new standard for neonatal care.

“Dr. Stahlman was pioneering in so many ways,” said Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, president and chief executive officer of Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “Refusing to accept the poor outcomes of babies born prematurely, she forged new methods to support their survival while upending the field of neonatology.”

Today, her legacy lives on in every baby cared for in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. We are honored to continue her work—supporting families and protecting the most vulnerable lives.

A statue of Dr. Stahlman is now part of Monumental Figures, a sculpture exhibit by Alan LeQuire on view at the Parthenon through Sept. 21.

Read more at the link in the comments below.

08/12/2025

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center's very own Dr. Ben Ho Park and Dr. Tae Hyun Hwang will be featured in this special Stand Up To Cancer segment on Friday. Don't miss it!

08/12/2025

“One of my professors once told me that there are physicians who are interested in diseases that people happen to have, and physicians who are interested in people who happen to have those diseases,” said Dr. Reid Thompson, who leads the Department of Neurological Surgery. “Ryan is both. Every patient is in good hands with him. Our patients are fortunate to have Dr. Lee and his amazing team here at Vanderbilt. It’s rare to have a single center with this expertise.”

Thank you, Lainey and Caden Mathis, for your willingness to share such an inspiring story. And thank you Tennessean for publishing it. 💙

Exhausted from a multi-year journey navigating a debilitating illness, Lainey Mathis received life-changing care from Dr. Ryan Lee, whose new cerebrospinal fluid disorders center is one of the few centers in the country treating complex brain disorders.

08/11/2025

Physiatry (also known as physical medicine and rehabilitation) is a medical specialty focused on improving the quality of life for people with disabilities or physical impairments, including osteoarthritis. They work to help patients regain physical function through treatments that do not involve surgery — so they may be able to help you avoid a surgery.

Click the link in our comments to see a physiatrist explain how working with this type of doctor can help with osteoarthritis.