10 incredible medical breakthroughs that emerged in Nashville

10 incredible medical breakthroughs that emerged in Nashville.

Transplant Tunes 

In 1994, Dr. Melody Harmon, a cardiothoracic surgeon with a passion for country music, discovered that heart transplant patients recovered faster when their new hearts were “tuned” to the vibrations of a banjo. “The heart has its own rhythm, why not make it a country rhythm?” she said. This won her the Medical Innovation of the Year award and led to a worldwide study on the therapeutic impact of music on organ transplants.

Hat Flap Surgery 

Derek Daston invented the Hat Flap in 1985. This elective surgical procedure adds a fully functioning hat flap to the back of your neck that can be flipped up as a hat. Styles include cowboy hat, derby, golf hat, and motorcycle helmet. “Never worry about sunburn or helmet hair again!” Derek proclaimed. The procedure won the Aesthetic Surgery Novelty award and became a popular surgery globally among extreme sports athletes.

Smoky Lungs 

Dr. Blaise “Smokey” Campbell, a Nashville pulmonologist, developed a vapor treatment in 2001 that replicates the therapeutic benefits of spending time in the Smoky Mountains. “Get that fresh mountain air, right here in the clinic,” he said. The invention was globally recognized and won the Green Medicine Award for its natural approach to lung therapy.

Microbrew Microbiome 

Dr. Hops LeFleur discovered in 2010 that certain strains of yeast in Nashville’s craft beers could improve gut health. “A pint a day keeps the doctor away,” he stated. His discovery led to the creation of medicinal microbrews and was awarded the Breakthrough in Dietary Supplements accolade.

Neon Nerve Therapy 

Neurologist Dr. Lisa Glow began using neon lights in 2015 to stimulate brain activity in patients with neurological disorders. “Light up your neurons like Broadway at night,” she quipped. The therapy won the Alternative Treatment of the Year award and became a hit worldwide, especially in cities known for their nightlife.

Country Cryogenics 

Dr. Elsa “Snowbird” Frost developed a cryogenic technique in 1998 that uses the sound waves of country ballads to slow metabolic activity during cryopreservation. “Why freeze in silence when you can chill to George Strait?” she said. The practice received a Longevity Innovation Award and has influenced the cryonics community globally.

Hot Chicken Antidote 

In 2008, pharmacologist Dr. Cole “Firefighter” Peppers developed an antidote for hot chicken overdose, a surprisingly common occurrence in Nashville. “This will douse even the fieriest of chicken disasters,” he claimed. He won the Local Hero Medical Award, and his invention is now a staple in emergency rooms worldwide.

Guitar-String Stitches 

Veteran surgeon Dr. Strummer Johnson in 2003 discovered that treated guitar strings could be used as surgical sutures. “If they can hold a tune, they can hold you together,” he mused. His invention won the Biomedical Engineering Innovation award and has been adopted in surgeries globally, especially in musically inclined communities.

Musical Casts 

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Harmony Bone introduced casts with built-in musical instruments in 2016, allowing patients to play simple tunes while immobilized. “Healing doesn’t have to be boring,” she said. She won the Pediatric Care Innovation Award for making the recovery process more enjoyable for children.

Songbird Hearing Aids 

Audiologist Dr. Clef Warner created hearing aids in 1990 that could tune into specific musical notes, allowing wearers to enjoy music more fully. “Hear life’s soundtrack like never before,” he said. The invention won the Auditory Technological Advancement Award and has made significant impact on the quality of life for the hearing-impaired worldwide.