Meg Rush, MD, MMHC, recently retired after more than 40 years at Vanderbilt Health, primarily as President of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital. Starting as a neonatology resident in 1984, she grew into her leadership role, influencing children’s health care significantly during her tenure. Under her guidance, the hospital earned the title of Tennessee’s No. 1 children’s hospital for five years in the U.S. News & World Report rankings and achieved Leapfrog Top Hospital status in 2025—a rare honor for only 15 children’s hospitals in the nation.
Rush was instrumental in major expansions, including a substantial 160,000-square-foot addition finished in 2025. She also spearheaded critical initiatives, notably establishing Tennessee’s first pediatric inpatient rehabilitation unit for children under 13. Currently, Monroe Carell serves over 1,800 children daily from 30 different locations.
Rush emphasizes the importance of staying true to the hospital’s mission: “Our focus is on providing excellent clinical care and connecting deeply with each other as caregivers. This is more than just a workplace; it’s a special place of hope.”
Her efforts have not gone unrecognized. She has received multiple accolades, including being named a “Woman to Watch in Medicine” and earning a Distinguished Alumni award from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Even after retirement, Rush plans to continue advocating for children’s health.
Jamie Phillips, MHA, took over as President on January 12, 2026. With nearly 30 years of experience in health care, Phillips previously served as President and System Chief Operating Officer at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Her goals include building on Rush’s legacy while reimagining care and research for families.
Research shows that effective leadership in healthcare can significantly impact patient outcomes. According to a 2022 study published by the American College of Healthcare Executives, strong leadership correlates with higher staff satisfaction and better patient care. Phillips’s experience and commitment to innovation could drive even greater improvements at Monroe Carell.
As the healthcare landscape evolves, the focus on pediatric care remains critical. The need for specialized services, like those initiated by Rush, highlights a growing acknowledgment of the unique health challenges faced by children. This is not just about treating illnesses—it’s about holistic care that fosters well-being for young patients and their families.
In a world increasingly centered on health equity, the next chapter for Monroe Carell under Phillips’s leadership promises to be exciting and transformative for children’s healthcare in Tennessee and beyond.
