Writing Samples

Media Contact:

John Howser

john.howser@vumc.org

615-322-4747 

Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital Introduces New Wound Care Provider

Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital welcomes wound care Nurse Practitioner (NP) Megan Smith and highlights how to access these services in the community.

Tullahoma, Tenn., July 14, 2025 - Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital (VTHH) has announced Megan L. Smith, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, as a new wound care Nurse Practitioner serving patients in and around Coffee County. She will provide comprehensive wound care services and aims to educate the community on the importance of wound care and seeking timely care.

Smith brings over ten years of healthcare experience to her new role and spent five years as a Family Nurse Practitioner prior to joining VTHH. She has specialized in wound care since 2020 and is revered as a collaborative, innovative colleague who motivates teams to work together and provide excellent patient care.

“Megan has extensive experience as a wound care provider and we are excited to be bringing her expertise to Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital,” said Rich Ellis, president of VTHH. “Her drive to connect with patients and deliver quality services will be a great addition to our team, further enabling us to expand our wound care services to our community.”

Wound care is a form of specialized treatment when a wound is not healing in a timely fashion, shows signs of infection or requires additional treatment. Wounds that may demand specialized wound care can include, but are not limited to,  bite injuries from animals, puncture wounds from foreign objects and deep lacerations - especially when bone or muscle may be visible. 

If a wound does not stop bleeding when applying consistent pressure, becomes numb, severely painful, changes color or develops red “streaks,” or is accompanied by a fever you should seek out wound care services as soon as possible. These are all signs of serious infection and improper healing. A healthcare professional can refer you to a wound care specialist, or you can self-refer to the appropriate provider.

“I am eager to step into this new role and be a resource for the community in Coffee County,” Smith says. “By helping people understand when to seek care and how to properly treat wounds, we can prevent complications and support better long-term outcomes.”

Proper wound care leads to quicker healing time for injuries, less scarring, and avoids serious complications, such as spreading infections or more severe damage to other parts of the body. The VTHH wound care clinic is open five days a week and has a number of providers that cater to a wide range of wounds from diabetic and venous leg ulcers, surgical dehiscence, pressure ulcers to auto-immune induced ulcers and burns. New patients are seen within one week of being referred so as to not delay wound care.

To learn more about VTHH and the wound care services available visit vanderbilttullahomahartonhospital.com or connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/VanderbiltTullahomaHartonHospital.

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About Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is the largest comprehensive research, teaching and patient care health system in the Mid-South region. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, VUMC sees over 3.3 million patient visits per year in over 180 ambulatory locations, performs 81,000 surgical operations, discharges 80,000 inpatients and has 213,000 emergency department visits from its main-campus adult, children’s, psychiatric and rehabilitation hospitals and three regional community hospitals. The Medical Center is the largest non-governmental employer of Middle Tennesseans, with more than 43,000 staff, including more than 3,000 physicians, advanced practice nurses and scientists appointed to the Vanderbilt University faculty. For more information and the latest news follow VUMC on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and at VUMC News.

Safe Weight Loss Strategies Post-Pregnancy

The arrival of a newborn is an exciting time but for many women it also brings questions about how and when to lose pregnancy weight. While it’s natural to want to return to your pre-pregnancy body, everyone’s journey looks different and there are plenty of ways to find a weight loss strategy that is both healthy and effective for you.

Most women will see a 10 to 15 pound change right after giving birth. However, for the first six weeks after pregnancy, women should prioritize recovery and allow their body time to rest. Jumping into a diet or exercise routine too soon can delay recovery. Most women gradually lose pregnancy weight within six to 12 months, though the timeline varies based on a number of individual factors.

After pregnancy, women go through major hormonal changes. Having a newborn is a stressor on the body which can lead to higher levels of cortisol, or the body’s “stress hormone,” and increase appetite. Additionally, leptin, another hormone that helps regulate appetite, can be affected by pregnancy as well. Some women develop leptin resistance during pregnancy, making it difficult to feel full and control cravings. Prioritizing sleep, reducing processed foods, managing stress and incorporating gentle movement can help rebalance leptin levels and support healthy weight loss after pregnancy.

Breastfeeding is another major factor in post-birth weight loss. Breastfeeding burns extra calories, normally between 300 and 500 calories per day, which contributes to increased hunger. Conversely, overeating or having an unbalanced diet while breastfeeding can counteract any benefits.

Eating habits are an important part of maintaining a balanced diet after pregnancy. Ensure you are consuming and replenishing essential nutrients, and avoid “crash diets” that provide temporary results. Instead, prioritize whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. While it can be hard to monitor your own needs with a newborn, it is crucial to make time to eat regularly and avoid skipping meals to nourish your body, support energy levels and prevent your metabolism from slowing.

Once cleared by your healthcare provider, it is recommended to ease into exercise and start with light activities such as walking or gentle stretching. Make sure your exercise is consistent, even if that means only exercising for small amounts of time during your weekly routine. Remember, your body is different than it was pre-pregnancy, so you shouldn’t jump into a rigorous exercise routine as you may have done before pregnancy. If you had a cesarean delivery or complications, your timeline for resuming exercise may look different so listen to your body and physician and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts over time.

Sleep is also a critical component in weight loss and for your body’s overall function. Try to get sleep whenever possible – such as taking a short nap when possible – and don’t ignore feelings of sleep deprivation. They say it takes a village so don’t be afraid to tap your support system for help when needed.

Losing weight after pregnancy is a normal goal of many women, and it doesn’t have to be a daunting process. There are many habits women can take up to help the weight loss process, and returning to a healthy weight will improve your health overall. If you are having issues with post-pregnancy weight loss, you can always consult with your healthcare provider or a weight loss specialist for individualized guidance. The most important thing to remember is that weight loss is a personal journey and it’s important to do what is safe and healthy for your body.

SUBJ: GRAND OPENING: Meharry School of Dentistry’s New CRET Innovation Suite

Hi X, 

Meharry Medical College’s School of Dentistry continues its streak of bringing high-quality education and resources to its students!  On Friday, July 25, Meharry Medical College’s School of Dentistry will celebrate the grand opening of the CRET Innovation Suite with a ribbon-cutting, guided tours of the new center, and luncheon.

The new center will improve students' educational experience by providing advanced resources and technology, replicating real-world dental practices. You'll see the future of dentistry and have the opportunity to speak with Meharrians about the critical shortage of dentists across Tennessee and why it's paramount we equip our students with the latest tools to provide high-quality care to communities in Nashville and beyond.

At the grand opening, I can coordinate interviews with the leaders spearheading this partnership, including: 

• Dr. Cherae Farmer-Dixon, Dean of Meharry School of Dentistry, and 

• Dr. Julie Gray, Associate Dean of External Affairs for Meharry School of Dentistry.

An advisory with more information is below. Interested?

Thank you, 

X

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Media Contact:

Jolene Butts Freeman

AVP Communications and Marketing

Cell: 615 887-2947

jolene.freeman@mmc.edu 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry To Open New Center for Research and Education Technology (CRET)

Ribbon-Cutting, Guided Tours, and Luncheon, July 25 at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, for the grand opening of the Center for Research and Education Technology (CRET) Innovation Suite.      

WHAT: Meharry Medical College’s School of Dentistry will host the grand opening for its new Center for Research and Education Technology (CRET) Innovation Suite. The CRET Center will give Meharry students access to innovative and advanced technology, and will expand Meharry’s educational offerings to replicate real-life dental practices where students will be able to treat patients in collaboration with dental hygienists and assistants.

The CRET Innovation Suite furthers Meharry’s mission by providing its dental students with access to the latest technology and familiarizing them with advanced procedures and techniques.

WHO: Participants at the event include: 

• Dr. Cherae Farmer-Dixon, Dean and Professor, Meharry School of Dentistry

• Dr. Julie Gray, Associate Dean of External Affairs, Meharry School of Dentistry 

• Meharry Students

• Meharry Faculty

WHEN: 

• Ribbon Cutting - Friday, July 25 at 10:30 a.m. CT 

• Guided Tours - Friday, July 25 from 11:00 a.m. to noon

• Luncheon - Friday, July 25 from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry

                1801 Meharry Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208

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ABOUT MEHARRY MEDICAL COLLEGE: 

Meharry Medical College is a historically Black academic health sciences center founded in 1876 that trains qualified physicians, scientists and dentists from every demographic to heal underserved communities. Meharry educates its students in the school’s nearly 150-year heritage of healing the whole person and advancing public health. True to its heritage, it is a United Methodist Church-related institution. Diverse Issues in Higher Education’s ranking of institutions annually lists Meharry as a leading national educator of African Americans with M.D. and D.D.S. degrees and Ph.D. degrees in the biomedical sciences. Visit www.mmc.edu to learn more.

A Media Brief for the Vice President of Student Enrollment and Success at Fisk University:

WHO: Logan Langlois

POSITION: Freelance Reporter, The Tennessee Tribune

SOCIALS: LinkedIn

LOGISTICS: Thursday, June 12 at 3 p.m.

BACKGROUND:

Logan Langlois is a freelance reporter for the Tennessee Tribune where he covers local entertainment, business and community initiatives. Logan is currently pursuing a master’s degree in journalism at Middle Tennessee State University. His journalism experience has spanned the past six years with publications across Tennessee and as a freelance reporter. He wrote for the Middle Tennessee State University newspaper and worked on two mini documentary series about the 2020 Nashville Black Lives Matter protests. Logan has not previously reported on Fisk University. 

INTERVIEW FOCUS:

Logan will meet with Dr. Tiffany Steward to discuss Fisk Bound, a transfer success initiative between Fisk University and Nashville State Community College. Logan is interested in learning about how this new partnership will help bridge gaps in success for education.

RELATED ARTICLES:

The Tennessee Tribune: MTSU aims to help rural medical providers

By: Logan Langlois | February 29, 2024

“Middle Tennessee State University has recently launched a PA program that is partnering up with medical facilities in many of Tennessee’s rural areas. Program Director Dr. Marie Patterson said many of these rural Tennessee clinics have been experiencing hurdles in providing medical care to their communities, one of which is understaffing.

She said that many of these community’s face difficulty with both medical access and education, with citizens much of the time unable to make the long-distance travels that are required for them to receive advanced, or sometimes even basic medical care.

‘We’re trying to partner with everyone,’ Patterson said. ‘So obviously we want to be in the bigger cities as well, but we have it as a goal for all our students to do at least one rural or underserved area rotation.’”

The Tennessee Tribune: Student Freedom Initiative and Cisco provide cyber security to minority schools 

By: Logan Langlois | February 15, 2024

“The Student Freedom Initiative, or SFI, has partnered up with technology company Cisco on a mission to fight the current wealth gap being experienced to the detriment of minority communities by providing technological and financial relief to minority colleges. Chief Operating Officer Keith Shoates said SFI and Cisco originally started the program to assist Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, in updating their outdated cyber-security technology following a message from the Department of Education which set forth an updated set of guidelines that had to be followed by all colleges receiving federal funding, or else said funding would be pulled. Shoates said this was a big deal as 90 percent of the students attending HBCUs receive federal funding; therefore, the cancellation of this resource would have led to the shutdown of many institutions. 

Shoates said that the upgrades required would have themselves been extremely difficult for the HBCUs to afford. To exemplify this, Shoates brought up that the endowment of the smallest Ivy League institution is almost twice as large as all of the endowments of the over 100 HBCUs in the country.”

Talking Points

• Fisk University is Nashville’s oldest institution of higher learning and among America’s most storied Historically Black College & Universities. 

• Fisk University is committed to developing masterful and principled leaders who will be poised to make substantive contributions to society.  

• At Fisk, we recognize that there are students with immense, yet untapped, talent often due to limited opportunity or guidance.   

• The Fisk Bound initiative reinforces Fisk’s 150 plus-year commitment to opening doors and removing roadblocks for driven students from all backgrounds.

• Fisk University and Nashville State Community College partnered to connect ambitious students with greater access to education to equip them with the knowledge and resources needed to become successful contributors to our community.

• Through Fisk Bound, eligible Nashville State graduates will receive a $10,000 tuition scholarship toward their bachelor's degree at Fisk University.

• Fisk Bound strengthens the community-college pipeline by serving as an incentive for Nashville State students to excel academically to eventually pursue a bachelor’s degree at one of our nation's leading HBCUs.

Anticipated questions

• What is the goal of the initiative? What catalyzed the partnership between Fisk and Nashville State?

• What kind of students are you hoping Fisk Bound will attract? Are you currently accepting applications for the program’s inaugural year?

• What success do you expect to see from this initiative? How will this program benefit prospective students?

• What does the application process look like? What will the integration of Fisk Bound students into the general Fisk community look like?

• Fisk Bound students receive a $10,000 scholarship that goes towards the cost of tuition. Will that cover the entire cost of those students earning a bachelor’s degree at Fisk? If not, what resources will those students be eligible for if they require additional financial assistance for other university-related costs?

• I saw Fisk plans to discontinue its gymnastics program. Is Fisk facing financial challenges? Where is the money coming from for the $10,000 scholarships?

• How have President Trump’s Executive Orders impacted Fisk? I know a lot of HBCUs have taken some massive hits. I recently saw that Meharry has lost millions of dollars in grants and programs support. How much has Fisk lost?

Interview Tips

This is an informational interview but remember: Logan’s objective is to quote you. Use that to your advantage! When possible, offer concise, informative statements with active words for strong quotes or “sound bites.” Prior to the interview, practice the top-line messages you’d like to get across and be ready to repeat them to the reporter. 

Be candid, yet diplomatic. Do not be reluctant to express a strong opinion but be ready to see it made public. Be careful not to be overly critical of any person, company or group in the interview, even if the reporter asks a question designed to lead you there. 

If she asks a question, you do not immediately know the answer to, it is okay to say, “I don’t know but I’ll find out.” We will take note and can follow up with the reporter to provide the correct information.

SUBJ: EXPERT OPINION: Declining Vaccination Rates are Endangering our Children

Hi X,

As children head back to school, it's a critical time for parents to ensure their kids are up to date on routine vaccinations. Our country is facing a concerning decline in vaccination rates, a trend that puts not only unvaccinated children at risk but whole communities. 

Outbreaks of preventable diseases like the measles are on the rise, reaching levels not seen in over 20 years. For a community to be protected, vaccination rates for measles need to be at or above 95%. The latest data shows the national rate has dropped to 92%, with vaccine exemptions rising to 4.1% from 3.7% just a year ago.

Dr. Dontal Johnson, a pediatrician and professor at Meharry Medical College, is available to provide expert commentary on the critical importance of routine childhood vaccinations. 

Dr. Johnson can discuss how maintaining immunization schedules protects not only individual children but also the broader community. He is available to speak on this topic as well as other pediatric and general health issues.

Interested? Happy to connect you with Dr. Johnson immediately.

Best,

X

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SUBJ: Opioid Crisis: CONNECT program expands to Rio Arriba County

Hi  X,

The process to access social care services can be long, tedious, and complicated, which often becomes a barrier for individuals who would benefit from extra support. That’s why Unite Us and Rio Arriba County are excited to share that the CONNECT initiative is expanding to the Rio Arriba region! CONNECT simplifies the process of finding social care services, such as housing, food, and behavioral health assistance, enabling individuals to easily receive the help they need. This initiative has already been overwhelmingly successful in Santa Fe County, winning a National Achievement Award in 2022, and Unite Us has facilitated over 60 million connections between services and individuals nationwide. CONNECT will strengthen the Rio Arriba community and ensure residents thrive, and we’re looking forward to seeing this expansion’s success.

Would you be interested in covering this story?

Sincerely,

X

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SUBJ: Changing Lives: Montanans Impacted by Organ Donation

Hi X,

I’d like to share three powerful stories from Montanans whose lives were forever changed by organ donation. Each individual’s experience with organ donation has led them to raise awareness on behalf of LifeCenter Northwest, the nonprofit that facilitates organ donation across Montana, Washington, Alaska, and Northern Idaho. 

• Rev. Jim Shelden, Billings local and chaplain with Montana Health, received a heart transplant that allows him to keep working with patients and spending time with family. 

• Todd Ware, Bigfork local and lung recipient, runs Air Therapy Aviation, helping veterans experience the joy of flight and mentoring future pilots. 

• Eden Atwood, whose son Benjamin became a donor hero, made the selfless decision to donate his organs on Mother’s Day weekend—saving four lives and restoring sight to two others. Rev. 

Jim and Todd are available for in-person interviews, and Eden is open to speaking virtually. 

What do you think? 

Sincerely,

X