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News
Palazzi named pediatrician-in-chief, chair of Department of Pediatrics
After a nationwide search, Debra L. Palazzi, MD, MEd, has been named the next pediatrician-in-chief at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Dunavant Chair of Excellence at The University of Tennessee (UT) Health Science Center. Palazzi comes to Le Bonheur from Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, where she served as division chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and professor of Pediatrics. She brings extensive experience in clinical care, research, education and program growth, along with a strong vision for advancing the Department of Pediatrics and building on Le Bonheur’s momentum across the Mid-South.
Palazzi will assume the role from Terri Finkel, MD, PhD, who has served as interim pediatrician-in chief and chair of the Department of Pediatrics. Palazzi will begin her new role July 1.
Heart Institute honored with Pediatric Heart Transplant Society Vanguard Award
The Heart Failure and Transplant Program at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital has been honored with the 2025 Pediatric Heart Transplant Society (PHTS) Vanguard Award. Programs recognized with the Vanguard Award must meet strict national standards, including enrolling at least 20 patients, maintaining 100% annual regulatory compliance and achieving 95% data compliance. The Heart Institute team and the data scientists supporting the program continue to ensure high quality care for children with heart failure and those awaiting transplants.
Jacobs named medical director of pediatric emergency services
Jonathan Jacobs, MD, has been named medical director of Pediatric Emergency Services at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. A pediatric emergency medicine specialist, Jacobs has served Le Bonheur families for 20 years and completed his pediatric residency and emergency medicine fellowship at Le Bonheur and UT Health Science Center. He is known for his commitment to high quality care, mentorship and efforts to enhance Emergency Department (ED) operations and patient experience.
He succeeds Rick Hanna, MD, who is stepping down after more than eight years of leadership. During Hanna’s tenure, the ED cared for an average of 90,000 children annually under his expert guidance. Hanna will continue providing care in the ED.
