Dr. Olivia Gruder’s experience at a pre-med summer camp at Vanderbilt in high school came full circle in August 2023 when she joined faculty as a Neuroimmunology and General Neurology attending. The changing field of MS, in which treatment options are growing rapidly, keeps her motivated, as well as witnessing the resilience of her patients. In her free time, Dr. Gruder enjoys running, exploring East Nashville, and going on adventures with her family.
Tell us about your background and how your path led to Vanderbilt.
When I was in high school, I spent a summer at Vanderbilt at the PAVE program, which was a pre-med/pre-engineering camp. I’ve always wanted to be a doctor, and seeing my first patients in this program solidified my decision to go into healthcare.
I went on to the pre-med program and eventually medical school at The Florida State University College of Medicine. I did my residency in Philadelphia at Jefferson Health. I became a diehard Eagles fan while I was there, and was thrilled to see the Birds become Superbowl Champions again recently. I then spent time specializing in a Neuroimmunology fellowship at Yale New Haven Health in Connecticut. I then moved to Nashville to start as an attending in Neuroimmunology and General Neurology.
I came back to Nashville because I already knew I loved the city and the people after doing the pre med program in high school. Nashville has definitely changed a lot, but the core values are still similar and the city has a lot to offer!
What specifically made you want to return to Vanderbilt?
The combination of highly intelligent, genuinely collaborative and fun colleagues along with Vanderbilt’s status as a leading academic medical center with comprehensive specialty representation creates an unparalleled environment for innovation and excellence. With the vast resources and robust support available, there are truly no limits to what can be accomplished here.
What provoked your interest in neurology, and ultimately neuroimmunology?
My innate curiosity has always driven me, and neurology felt like a natural fit given its many remaining unknowns. During medical school, I was fascinated by how rapidly the field was evolving—discoveries that were unimaginable just a decade prior had already led to groundbreaking treatments. Neurology, and MS in particular, has undergone a remarkable transformation, allowing us not only to manage symptoms but to fundamentally alter the trajectory of the disease. It is a privilege to be part of such a dynamic and impactful field.
What does a typical work week look like for you?
Each week is different for me; I wear a lot of different hats in part because I try to stay as well-rounded as I can. I go into the hospital for consults, see virtual consults for rural hospitals, go into outpatient clinics, as well as teach medical students and residents. In the clinic, MS and neuroimmunologic conditions are my focus and how I spend the majority of days. While that remains the core of my work, I also enjoy treating a range of other neurological disorders in and out of the hospital, keeping my practice diverse and engaging.
What kind of research are you involved with?
I recently initiated my first clinical trial—an observational, post-marketing study evaluating the safety and real-world efficacy of a newly approved MS medication. My research interests are primarily clinically driven, focusing on optimizing the therapeutic strategies we use daily to improve patient outcomes. Additionally, I have a particular interest in spasticity management, utilizing botulinum toxin injections, oral medications, and other interventions to enhance patient function and quality of life.
In addition to your clinical work, you are also the assistant vice chair of clinical operations. What does this part of your job entail?
My current focus is on enhancing the patient experience in our clinics, ensuring that every aspect of their visit—from arrival to departure—is as seamless and positive as possible. I actively review patient surveys and feedback to identify areas for improvement and implement meaningful changes. Additionally, I play a role in onboarding new clinicians and supporting departmental hiring, helping to build a strong, patient-centered team.
What are the highlights of your job? What keeps you motivated?
I feel incredibly grateful to be at Vanderbilt, where I have the support and opportunities to pursue a wide range of interests. Just last night, I conducted a teleconsult for a patient in rural Tennessee who had suffered a severe stroke, and was able to help coordinate the treatment they needed. This morning, I saw one of my clinical trial patients. Later today, I’ll be in the clinic seeing a diverse group of patients. I appreciate how Vanderbilt enables me to engage in such meaningful work across different settings while always keeping patient care at the center. Neurology can be a challenging field, but it’s a privilege to support patients through difficult moments, witness their resilience, and be part of their journey to recovery.
What are some of the more challenging aspects, and what helps you face those challenges?
One of the most difficult aspects is when there are minimal available treatments to offer patients, coupled with the task of delivering complex diagnoses. However, the resilience of patients is often a source of motivation for me, and I've learned a great deal from patients who share their experiences with me. While delivering a challenging diagnosis remains one of the toughest parts, the unwavering faith and strength of my patients provide invaluable support and perspective.
How do you like to spend your free time? What interests or hobbies do you pursue outside of work?
I love running outdoors and enjoying nature. Last year I completed my first full marathon in Philadelphia. I am still trying to convince my husband that running is fun, and hope to run a race with him soon. We are completely devoted to our cats, Sonny and Betsy, and take them for walks in the neighborhood. We recently relocated to East Nashville and enjoy discovering the area by strolling through neighborhoods to find new cafes and restaurants.
Is there a book, movie, piece of art, etc. that you have found particularly inspirational in your work, or for life in general?
The book Courage by Richard Peugeot chronicles the early Multiple Sclerosis movement led by Sylvia Lawry. Sylvia Lawry was deeply moved by her brother’s battle with MS in the 1940s and placed an ad in the newspaper seeking treatment ideas, which ultimately led her on a lifelong mission to improve care for MS patients. Her tireless dedication raised millions of dollars for research, which contributed significantly to the advanced treatments we have today. This story resonates with me because Sylvia Lowry exemplified the power of identifying a problem, refusing to accept the status quo, and dedicating her life to making a meaningful difference.