Benjamin Hopkins, M.D.Resident Profile

Dr. Amalie ChenAssistant Professor of NeurologyAfter a positive experience at Vanderbilt during medical school, Dr. Amalie Chen and her husband were happy to return to Vanderbilt in September 2025 following fellowship training and experience elsewhere. As a neuro-ophthalmologist, Dr. Chen particularly enjoys working with medical students and trainees, as well as educating patients. In a year of much transition, hot yoga has been her consistent hobby, and she recently completed her hot yoga teacher’s certification.

Dr. Carolyn Cronin joined the neurology faculty in February 2025 as both the Division Chief for Vascular Neurology and the Vice Chair of Education. Prior to her move to Vanderbilt, Dr. Cronin spent 15 years at the University of Maryland, where she discovered a love of educational and administrative work, which was a bit of a shift from her initial focus on research. When she’s not mentoring trainees, she enjoys exploring her new neighborhood, walking, and knitting.

Brooke Hazen started in the VUMC Neurology Department in January 2024 and hasn’t looked back. She originally trained as an opera singer, but when her path led to medicine, she pursued it with the same zeal she brought to music. Brooke’s regular meditation practice helps her stay focused on the compassion essential for patient care. While she no longer performs in public often, you can catch her singing “carpool karaoke” on social media.

Dr. Mitchell Gigandet served four years in the Marines in Afghanistan prior to returning to school to pursue a medical career. While he didn’t initially seek out sleep medicine, the experience of helping his patients dramatically improve their quality of life has made it a rewarding specialty. In his free time, Dr. Gigandet and his wife keep a busy concert schedule and enjoy Nashville’s scrumptious restaurant scene.

Dr. Rachel Green grew up in Dallas, Texas, but spent much of her childhood traveling around the world. Philosophical conversations around the dinner table led to her interest in the brain and ultimately neurology. The supportive environment she has found at VUMC has helped her grow as a physician while also caring for her young family. When she’s not working, you’ll find Dr. Green spending time with her family at one of Nashville’s many scenic parks.