Briefs

Holder named president-elect of National Academy of Neuropsychology

Le Bonheur Neuropsychologist Christen Holder, PhD, was recently named president-elect of the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN). NAN has more than 3,000 active members, including clinicians, scientist-practitioners, and researchers in the field of neuropsychology from 24 countries.

Ethridge named Top 40 Under 40 Urban Elite Professionals

Melissa Ethridge, LPC-MHSP, was named to the “Top 40 Under 40 Urban Elite Professionals” in Memphis. Ethridge serves as a behavioral health consultant at the Le Bonheur Pediatrics – Ridgeway Loop location, where she works alongside primary care physicians to provide consultation and brief therapy to patients.

Waller recognized by Rhodes College

In celebration of 100 years in Memphis, Rhodes College honored Rush Waller, MD, as an alumnus making a lasting impact on the city. Waller currently serves as chief medical officer at Le Bonheur and was Memphis’ first pediatric interventional cardiologist.

Ruiz named Early Career Physician of the Year

Le Bonheur Neonatologist Edson Ruiz, MD, was named Early Career Physician of the Year in the 2025 Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (TNAAP) Excellence in Pediatrics Awards. The TNAAP Excellence in Pediatrics Awards recognize and honor pediatricians and community members who have made exceptional contributions to children’s health advocacy in Tennessee.

Burroughs-Ray receives Next-Gen 10 Award

Le Bonheur Hospitalist Desiree Burroughs-Ray, MD, was among the recipients of The Greater Memphis Chamber’s Next-Gen 10 Awards. The awards highlight 10 young professionals with exceptional achievements in their careers and community
involvement, as well as a commitment to the region’s growth.

Williams named co-chair of AAP Firearm Injury Prevention Special Interest Group

Le Bonheur Medical Director of Trauma Services, Regan Williams, MD, was named as the new co-chair of the Firearm Injury Prevention Special Interest Group by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The Firearm Injury Prevention Special Interest Group (SIG) provides a forum for pediatricians and other health care professionals focusing on firearm injury and violence prevention to share successes and strategies, promote educational programs, engage in advocacy efforts and foster connections among members to address problems specific to local or regional care of children, adolescents and young adults.

Smith-Young recognized by the American Heart Association – Tennessee

Le Bonheur Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner Jamila Smith-Young, DNP, MPH, CPNP-AC, was recently recognized among the Women of Impact by American Heart Association - Tennessee. Women of Impact nominees form impact teams, leveraging their influence in their respective communities to educate women on the risks of heart disease and to raise money for research. This honor highlights Smith-Young’s passion for creating lasting change in the lives of children and families.

Le Bonheur physicians inducted into the Academy of Master Educators

Le Bonheur Geneticist Joel Mroczkowski, MD, PhD, and Pediatric Hospitalist Daniel Wells, MD, were inducted into The University of Tennessee (UT) Health Science Center Academy of Master Educators for 2025–26. The Academy recognizes educators who
consistently exemplify the highest standards of educational and clinical excellence, humanism and professionalism; innovation; leadership in their fields and mentorship. Master Educators will support the mission of UT Health Science Center and serve as ambassadors for the university.

Le Bonheur specialists receive awards from UT Health Science Center

Multiple Le Bonheur physicians received awards from the University of Tennessee (UT) Health Science Center for 2024-25.

• Excellence in Clinical Care Award: Christen Holder, PhD, clinical director of Neuropsychology at Le Bonheur and associate professor in the Division of Pediatric Clinical Neurosciences at UT Health Science Center
• Educational Excellence Award: Timothy Minniear, MD, infectious disease specialist at Le Bonheur and assistant professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at UT Health Science Center
• Excellence in Research Award: Negar Noorizadeh, PhD, neuroscientist at Le Bonheur and assistant professor at UT Health Science Center
• Excellence in Mentoring Award: Keadrea Wilson, MD, neonatologist at Le Bonheur and assistant professor at UT
  Health Science Center

Le Bonheur receives fifth Level 1 Trauma Center redesignation

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital was redesignated for the fifth time as a Level 1 Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons — a testament to unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of pediatric emergency care. Level 1 trauma centers must be capable of providing system leadership and comprehensive trauma care for all injuries. In addition to providing acute trauma care, Level 1 centers have an important role in local trauma system development, regional disaster planning, increasing capacity and advancing trauma care through research.

Le Bonheur named Leapfrog Top Children’s Hospital

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital was recently named a 2025 Top Children’s Hospital by The Leapfrog Group. This national award recognizes hospitals for excellence in quality of care and patient safety. Le Bonheur was one of only 15 children’s hospitals selected for this honor.

Le Bonheur physicians named Health Care Hero finalists

Le Bonheur Pediatric Surgeon Tim Jancelewicz, MD, Pediatric Orthopaedist Derek Kelly, MD, and Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery Paul Klimo, MD, were named finalists in the 2025 “Memphis Business Journal” Health Care Heroes Awards. Jancelewicz was a finalist in the Health Care Innovations category for his groundbreaking research into congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Kelly was the winner and Klimo a finalist in the Health Care Provider – Physician category.

Le Bonheur doubles its network of primary care practices

Memphis Children’s Clinic providers and staff recently joined Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital with all six clinics joining the Le Bonheur Pediatrics primary care network. Since 1952, Memphis Children’s Clinic has delivered compassionate care to all children from infancy to adolescence in Memphis and North Mississippi. With this addition, Le Bonheur Pediatrics will have a total of 12 clinics located across Shelby and Desoto counties.

Le Bonheur receives third consecutive Magnet redesignation

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital has achieved Magnet® recognition for the third time from the American Nurses Credentialing Center — the gold standard for nursing excellence. Fewer than 10% of hospitals nationwide earn this honor, and only a select few children’s hospitals are part of this elite group. Le Bonheur ranked in nine Magnet exemplars, which are the detailed stories of outstanding nursing practices, programs or innovations that showcase Le Bonheur’s excellence.

Le Bonheur hosts 2025 AANS/CNS Joint Section on Pediatric Neurosurgery

Le Bonheur’s Neurosurgery Department, led by Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery Paul Klimo, Jr., MD, recently hosted pediatric neurosurgery leaders from around the word for the 2025 American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)/Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Joint Section on Pediatric Neurosurgery Annual Meeting. During the four days of the meeting, leaders in the field shared groundbreaking research, innovative techniques and collaborative strategies with the goal of advancing neurosurgical care for children.

Le Bonheur becomes the provider of care for West Tennessee Healthcare NICU

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital is now the new provider of care for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Jackson- Madison County General Hospital through a partnership with West Tennessee Healthcare. A team of Le Bonheur neonatologists, nurse practitioners, and pediatric specialists — including cardiologists, neurologists, ophthalmologists and pulmonologists — staff the hospital’s 42-bed, Level III NICU. This builds on Le Bonheur’s growing presence in Jackson, Tenn.

Eubanks named chair of TCAA

Trey Eubanks, MD, FACS, president of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, was named chair of the Trauma Center Association of America (TCAA) for the next two years. As TCAA Chair, Eubanks will champion trauma centers nationwide, advocating for resources and readiness to ensure lifesaving care for communities across America.