Sandy Bledsoe, Vice President of Risk and Insurance Management for Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), will be leaving her role in January 2024. Bledsoe, who has worked at Vanderbilt since 1984, has made a significant impact on the organization and the patients it serves during her tenure.
Bledsoe began her career at Vanderbilt as a clinical risk manager in 1984. Over the years, she has steadily progressed within the organization, taking on more responsibilities and positions of leadership. In 2011, she was appointed as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Risk and Insurance Management for Vanderbilt University, and in 2016, she assumed the role of Vice President for VUMC.
Michael Regier, VUMC General Counsel and Secretary, expressed gratitude for Bledsoe’s contributions, stating, “It’s hard for me to overstate the positive impact Sandy has had on VUMC and the patients we serve, and I have learned so much through working with her.” Regier emphasized Bledsoe’s unwavering commitment to doing what is right for patients and staff, particularly in challenging and difficult circumstances.
The Office of Risk and Insurance Management, under Bledsoe’s guidance, plays a vital role in supporting VUMC’s missions through risk financing, prevention, and control activities. Bledsoe and her team have been responsible for finding solutions to problems or complaints raised by individuals seeking services at VUMC while continually evaluating and improving the medical center’s performance.
Reflecting on her time at Vanderbilt, Bledsoe expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the community. She highlighted the privilege of supporting faculty and staff during stressful and challenging times, as well as engaging with patients and families who may have had less-than-optimal experiences at VUMC. Bledsoe’s commitment to resolving issues and striving for the best outcomes for patients has been a cornerstone of her work.
One of Bledsoe’s notable contributions has been her efforts in building and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders such as insurance underwriters and attorneys. These relationships have enhanced VUMC’s reputation for fairness, honesty, and continuous quality improvement in risk management practices.
Speaking about her experience at VUMC, Bledsoe praised the organization’s values and the collaborative nature of its employees. She said, “From the top all the way through the organization, there is a sense of wanting to do the right thing. That shared value has made my job so much easier.” Bledsoe also commended her team’s commitment to the mission and their ability to work together seamlessly in providing excellent service to VUMC, its patients, and its staff.
During the transition period, Bledsoe will continue working in a part-time capacity while her successor is identified. Beyond her professional commitments, Bledsoe is excited about the prospect of traveling, pursuing her hobbies, and increasing her involvement in volunteer work.
Sandy Bledsoe’s departure from Vanderbilt University Medical Center will mark the end of an era characterized by her dedication, expertise, and positive impact on the organization. Her contributions to risk management and her unwavering commitment to the well-being of patients and staff have left an indelible mark on VUMC’s culture and reputation.