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Vanderbilt University Medical Center will slash up to 650 from its staff as a result of the Trump administration’s cuts to scientific funding.
In a video message to staff, Vanderbilt University Medical Center CEO Jeff Balser said Friday morning that approximately 2 percent of its staff of 45,000 will be laid off due to budget cuts. The budget shortfall was attributed to the upcoming federal budget reconciliation necessitating changes in patient care and research. VUMC is one of the largest NIH research centers in the U.S.
“As we near the end of our fiscal year on June 30th, we are feeling the economic impact of actions being taken in Washington, D.C. — both in research and in patient care,” said Balser. “As a result, in a few weeks the Medical Center will conclude the fiscal year with operating results well short of our budget.”
Medical center responds to $250 million federal cut
VUMC’s budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 reflects $300 million in cost reductions — a 20 percent increase from the $250 million in cuts announced in March. Balser said that some federal budget proposals could lead to a more drastic revenue reduction — possibly double the amount. He thanked the staff for “creative efforts many of [them] have undertaken to find efficiencies that redistribute work.”
“Staffing reductions impact up to 650 of our valued colleagues working primarily in research, administrative and other support areas,” says John Howser, VUMC’s chief communications officer, in a statement. “While this is extremely difficult, the staffing loss represents less than two percent of VUMC’s total workforce. To support affected employees, VUMC is providing severance packages and other assistance.”
Vacant positions will be held open while hiring continues for clinical staff for the Jim Ayers Tower expansion, scheduled to open in fall 2025.
VUMC intends to notify affected staff members, who are mostly in administrative and support positions, over the next several days.
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