Vanderbilt University supports Healthcare reform

Vanderbilt University today issued its endorsement of the latest healthcare reform proposal before Congress, saying, in part, "...Vanderbilt believes the reforms embodied in the legislation will improve our health insurance and health care delivery systems..." The release is here.

Vanderbilt hiring leaders

In Alumni Relations, Development, Communications, Public Affairs, Drug Discovery and elsewhere about the campus, Vanderbilt University is hiring key executives and scientists. At least two national executive-search firms have been hired to shoulder the responsibility. The story's here.

Balser Era begins at VUMC

Having this week begun his stint as Vanderbilt University Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, Jeff Balser, M.D., Ph.D., began rearranging senior staff. Predecessor Dr. Harry Jacobson, of course, has retired and is taking up new duties. VUMC Reporter writer Bill Synder's story today notes Balser's changes:
"Gordon Bernard, M.D., was named associate vice chancellor for Research, overseeing clinical research, and senior associate dean for Clinical Sciences in the School of Medicine.
"John Manning, Ph.D., M.B.A., was appointed associate vice chancellor for Health Affairs, chief administrative officer for Vanderbilt Medical Center, and senior associate dean for Operations and Administration.
"C. Wright Pinson, M.D., M.B.A., is the new deputy vice chancellor for Health Affairs, CEO of the Hospitals and Clinics, and senior associate dean for Clinical Affairs.
"Susan Wente, Ph.D., was named associate vice chancellor for Research, overseeing the basic sciences, and senior associate dean for Biomedical Sciences..."

VUMC's Balser speaks

VUMC's Jeff Balser (at left) says becoming world's first med center to achieve delivery of personalized medicine may be his highest long-term goal, as he succeeds Harry Jacobson as vice chancellor.

VU Top Brass promise MedCenter continuity

Vanderbilt University Chancellor Nicholas Zeppos and Vice Chancellor Health Affairs-designate Jeff Balser met last week with Med Center staff to assure them the Main Campus and Med Center will remain fast allies and will undertake a smooth transition following the recently announcement retirement of Harry Jacobson. VU's release is here.

Jacobson retirement leaves entrepreneurs wondering

Vanderbilt University Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Harry Jacobson, M.D. (at left), will pass the baton to his 47-year-old successor-in-waiting, Jeff Balser, M.D., on June 1, according to yesterday's university release. Balser is currently dean of the VU medical school. Here's our story today on reactions from the campus and beyond.