Molly Louderback, PA-C
A native of Cincinnati, advanced practice provider Molly Louderback had an early interest in neurology as she double-majored in biology and neuroscience at Miami University (OH). After finishing PA school at Trevecca, she worked in a private practice neurology clinic prior to joining the general neurology and stroke divisions at Vanderbilt in July 2025. In her free time, she enjoys pilates, reading, and exploring Nashville’s restaurant scene.
Tell us about your background and how your path led to Vanderbilt.
I’m from Cincinnati, and went to undergrad at Miami of Ohio. Up North you can just say “Miami” and people know what you mean, but since moving to Nashville I’ve learned that here you have to add the “of Ohio” or people assume you mean Miami University in Florida! Miami (OH). I double majored in biology and neuroscience, so I’ve really always been interested in neurology. For PA school you have to complete patient care hours, such as working as an EMT or nursing aide. So I was a CNA and I worked in the Mercy Health system at the Jewish Hospital on the rehab floor all through undergrad. Right from undergrad I went straight to PA school at Trevecca, which is how I ended up in Nashville. I loved Nashville so I stayed. After graduation, my first job out of school was in a neurology private practice in Gallatin. I was there for three years before I came to Vanderbilt in July 2025. I’ve been in neurology since I started practicing, and I love neurology.
What initially piqued your interest in neurology?
I think the brain and all its pathways are so interesting. You can explain most things through some circuit of the brain, so I think understanding the brain has always been really cool. At Miami of Ohio, neuroscience was largely a lot of psychology, biology, and statistics classes, which was interesting.
What made you interested in pursuing a PA career?
I always liked medicine. I loved the idea of helping people, solving problems, and patient care. I love walking with patients and their families through a disease state and helping people understand, which I believe is so important.
Growing up, I actually saw a dermatologist who was a PA which was my first exposure to the profession, and that’s when I decided to go to PA school.
What attracted you to making the switch to Vanderbilt from private practice and how has that been going?
I think what attracted me to it was the multi-disciplinary aspect. It is neat that if I have a question about, for instance, a stroke patient, I can often consult their cardiologist.
I compare the Vanderbilt health system to a team sport–everyone wants to see everyone else succeed, and everyone wants what is best for the patients.
What do you consider the highlights of your work?
Honestly it’s just talking to the patients. I think it’s important that patients understand what’s going on with them, even in the unknown. It can be frustrating for patients when diagnoses are uncertain so explaining the possibilities and options is very beneficial. I think it’s important that we all understand our health the best we can.
What professional challenges have you encountered, and what helps you face them?
I think health literacy is a problem healthcare-wide. At Vanderbilt we see such a diverse patient population which is great and also challenging to ensure patients have understanding of their health.
Who have been some important mentors for you along the way?
Since coming to Vanderbilt, I would say Dr. David Curfman and Lexi Rouse, APRN, have both been tremendously helpful in my practice.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I’m an avid pilates-goer. I go to pilates most mornings before clinic. I love reading and walking my dogs. I have a Goldendoodle and an American bulldog. I love exploring the parks around Nashville and trying out new restaurants and coffee shops. There’s always a new restaurant to try in Nashville!
Do you have a favorite restaurant?
I really like Answer in Sylvan Park. It’s so easy and everything always tastes so fresh.
What do you like to read?
I really enjoy fiction–thriller and rom-com. I just read Remarkably Bright Creatures. I was late to the game on that one, but that was really good.
Anything else we should know about you?
I love to travel. I just got married in May and we’re planning our honeymoon to Japan this winter.
Skyline Chili, yes or no?
Yes, I love Skyline.