In 1970, a passionate doctor at The University of Tennessee Medical Center got a two-way radio from the Department of Civil Defense and modified his van to hold an incubator, known as an isolette, for newborn babies in need of a higher level care. He took that van to hospitals throughout the region with babies in need and brought them back to the brand new 10-bed Intensive Care Nursery at UT Medical Center.
Now, the physicians and staff of the UT Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which now features state-of-the art care for about 800 premature and critically ill babies each year, are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the NICU by honoring the thousands of babies who’ve “graduated” from the unit throughout the past four decades.
The NICU Reunion is set for Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. at UT Medical Center’s AllSpice Café. The holiday themed event features activities, festive music, refreshments and a special holiday visitor. It’s open to all NICU graduates and their families as well as current and former NICU staff at the medical center. While the event is free, guests will need to RSVP by calling (865) 305-6877.
“Throughout the years more than 25,000 babies have graduated from the NICU at UT Medical Center,” said Peggy Hotz, vice president of the Center for Women and Children’s Health at UT Medical Center. “While that makes for a really big NICU family, every single baby is special and has a compelling story. We hope to see as many of our graduates as possible at the NICU reunion as we celebrate their achievements.”
The medical center also is encouraging NICU graduates to bring their baby photos with them for the Facebook page of the Center for Women and Children’s Health at UT Medical Center. Hospital representatives also will take current photos of the grads to post on Facebook.

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