Recent News

For University of Vermont-related news, see below. For MaineHealth news, click here.

WCAX-TV Features Dr. First Welcoming Santa Claus to UVM Children’s Hospital for Annual ‘Flying’ Visit

December 4, 2024 by Lucy Gardner Carson

(DECEMBER 4, 2024) Lewis First, M.D., M.S., professor and chair of pediatrics at the Larner College of Medicine and chief of pediatrics at the UVM Children’s Hospital, welcomed Santa to the UVM Medical Center, WCAX-TV reported.

Lewis First, M.D., M.S., professor and chair of pediatrics at the Larner College of Medicine and chief of pediatrics at the UVM Children’s Hospital, with Santa Claus at the UVM Medical Center

(DECEMBER 4, 2024) Lewis First, M.D., M.S., professor and chair of pediatrics at the Larner College of Medicine and chief of pediatrics at the UVM Children’s Hospital, welcomed Santa to the UVM Medical Center, WCAX-TV reported.

The man in the red suit has visited the hospital for the past 18 years, escorted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The tradition started when a CPB agent had a child who was sick in the hospital and needed a lift of Christmas spirit.

On this day, patients and staff rushed to the windows to watch Santa Claus descend from the sky, not by sleigh, but by helicopter, to deliver toys to all of the girls and boys.

Pediatric specialist Dr. Lewis First says the children, hospital, and parents look forward to this every year. “Being in a hospital this time of year is not anything that a child or family wants to have happen. But if they need to have their health taken care of, the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital wants to make it extra special for these families,” he said.

Read full story at WCAX-TV

Want to be our next news story?

Have you started a cool new project? Published a paper? Won an award? We want to hear from you! Contact us to be highlighted on our website, in our newsletters, and/or in our press releases.

Check out our newsletter archive:

December 2021

March 2022

August 2022

SpecialEditionAug2022

June 2023

Fall 2023

Winter 2024

Spring 2024

Summer 2024

Fall 2024

Winter 2025_Full Issue

Winter 2025_Upstream Health

Winter 2025_BERD Core

Winter 2025_Pilot Project Recipients

 

 

Questions?

Please email us with any questions or for assistance accessing services.

Become a Member

All NNE-CTR members have access to our services and support. Learn more about the free benefits of membership, and join today!