After nearly three decades in Clarksville, neonatologist Dr. Brad Stancombe has seen thousands of newborns enter the world while helping build one of the region’s most critical health care services from the ground up.
He was also preparing to retire. Then came the opportunity he’d hoped for: bringing Vanderbilt to Clarksville. “I was considering retiring a year ago,” Stancombe said. “I was asked to stay on to help bring on this new hospital. Since that has been my goal for a number of years, I more than happily agreed to do that.”
Today, as Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital enters its first months under new ownership, Stancombe’s enthusiasm is clear. He understands that, for longtime residents, the hospital may still feel like Tennova with a new sign out front. The transition could reshape health care in a region where many residents still look to Nashville for specialized care.
“The number one goal is quality,” he said.
That focus has already translated into action.
More nurses, new equipment
Within days of Vanderbilt assuming ownership, the hospital brought in dozens of additional nurses, helping relieve one of the community’s biggest frustrations: emergency room overcrowding. Patients who once waited for beds are now being moved more quickly into hospital units, improving both care and the patient experience.
The hospital is also investing in new equipment, including imaging technology, patient beds and specialized neonatal equipment. Another sign of change is renewed interest from health care professionals.
“When the Vanderbilt sign went on the building, I’ve already had about 10 physicians reach out wanting to come interview,” Stancombe said.
Recruiting physicians to Clarksville
For years, recruiting physicians to Clarksville was difficult. Doctors trained in major academic centers often gravitated toward larger metropolitan areas. Now, Clarksville’s growth is changing that equation.
Physicians see a community with expanding amenities, a strong military presence, a growing university, family-friendly neighborhoods and increasing professional opportunities. They also see a chance to practice medicine with support from one of the nation’s leading academic health care systems.
The Vanderbilt name is accelerating that momentum.
Physicians are attracted not only by the hospital’s resources but also by the ability to remain connected to Vanderbilt’s academic medical system. Young specialists can work alongside experienced local physicians while maintaining relationships with department leaders, continuing education programs and clinical resources in Nashville.
Stancombe stresses Vanderbilt’s goal is not to become a referral pipeline sending patients to its main campus in Nashville.
“We want to build this facility where it has the quality and capability to take care of patients from all areas around us,” Stancombe said. That vision aligns with something he has believed since arriving nearly 30 years ago: Great health care should be available close to home.
Growing number of advanced services
Today, Vanderbilt physicians provide neonatal care, labor and delivery services, specialty clinics, cancer treatment, pediatric subspecialties and a growing number of advanced services throughout the region. More specialties are expected to follow.
For a community that has long celebrated growth in manufacturing, education and quality of life, health care may be the next frontier.
“As someone who’s lived here for 30 years, I am very, very excited about this,” Stancombe said. “I think the community is going to see a big difference.”
For now, retirement can wait. There is still work to do. Dr. Stancombe is helping write what may be the most significant chapter in Clarksville’s health care history.