Internal Medicine Residency Program
Resident Life
Internal Medicine chief residents pose for a photo on the VUMC helipad with the Nashville skyline in the background.

Marcus Threadcraft, MD
VA Outpatient Chief Resident
VUMC Resident Voices
"Not only is Vanderbilt a great place to work and train during residency but Nashville is a fantastic place to live! We believe life outside the hospital is just as important in becoming a well-rounded and socially conscious physician.
From the varying greenways/hiking trails, music venues, restaurants and sports events, there is truly no shortage of fun things to do in the area.
We look forward to welcoming you to our city and hope you enjoy it as much as we do!"
Nashville recommendations from Chief Residents
Classic Nashville
- Grand Ole Opry – Legendary weekly radio show with live country music performances
- Ryman Auditorium – Must-see historic venue in the heart of downtown with top-tier acoustics
Smaller Venues and Listening Rooms
- The Bluebird Cafe – Iconic songwriting venue in Green Hills (where Taylor Swift got discovered)
- Jane's Hideaway – Hidden gem with live bluegrass and southern comfort food
- The Listening Room – Singer-songwriter showcases with full dinner/drink service
- The Local – Cozy spot with frequent local acts from singers/songwriters with amazing food and an even better vibe
- Rudy's Jazz Room - Cozy, mellow lounge featuring jazz musicians, classic cocktails and traditional Cajun/Creole dishes
- Station Inn – Premier spot for bluegrass in Nashville
- Skinny Dennis – Brooklyn dive bar transplant with strong honky-tonk vibes
Outdoor and Seasonal
- Ascend Amphitheater – Beautiful open-air venue right downtown near the river
- Musicians Corner – Free outdoor concerts every spring/summer at Centennial Park
Symphonic and Classical
- Nashville Symphony (Schermerhorn Symphony Center) – Rotating schedule of classical and seasonal concerts
Sit-down Meals
- Barcelona Wine Bar – Lively tapas spot with excellent cocktails and a great patio
- Butcher and Bee – Seasonal, shareable plates with Middle Eastern influences
- Iberian Pig – Chic Spanish spot with craft cocktails and charcuterie
- Kisser – Elevated Japanese comfort food in East Nashville (lunch only)
- Lyra – Eastern Mediterranean with inventive twists and a beautiful interior
- Noko – Modern Asian wood-fired concept in East Nashville
- Oku – Modern sushi spot with sleek décor and creative rolls
- Pelato – Small Italian plates in a cozy Germantown venue
- Pelican and Pig – Wood-fired everything in a cozy East Nashville setting
- Rolf and Daughters – Inventive New American cuisine in Germantown. Trendy and always excellent
- Sadie’s – Modern Mediterranean that transitions well from dinner to drinks
Wine and Cocktail-forward Spots
- Attaboy – Custom cocktail experience — no menu, just vibes
- Mother’s Ruin – Cocktails, beer, and snacks served in a comfortable bar with a diverse crowd and a patio
- Old Glory – Subterranean bar offers elevated cocktails served in a historic boiler room with iron and concrete
- Otto’s – Stylish neighborhood hangout with natural wines and small casual plates
- Patterson House – Speakeasy-style craft cocktail bar with a quiet, upscale vibe
- Pearl Diver – Tiki bar with tropical vibes and a killer outdoor space
Breakfast and Brunch
- Brightside Bakeshop – Local bakery for pastries, coffee, and relaxed mornings
- Benji's Bagel & Coffee House – Comfort brunch with Southern flair and great outdoor seating
- The Pancake Pantry – Nashville classic known for long lines and even bigger stacks
Casual Eats / Neighborhood Gems / Takeout
- A-Roi – Low-key spot for quick, flavorful Thai food
- The Centennial – Classic dive sports bar with solid food in The Nations
- Degthai – Fast-casual Thai with bold flavors
- Greko Greek Street Food – Authentic Greek street food done right
- Jack Brown’s Burger Joint – No-fuss burgers with creative toppings and beer selection
- Midnight Oil – Relaxed restaurant offering pizza by the slice or pie, including gluten-free options, plus margaritas
- Smith & Lentz – Brewery with a great food menu, especially pizzas and sandwiches
- Southern Grist – Craft brewery with rotating taps and casual eats
- Tailgate Pizza – Craft beer and solid pizza — ideal for casual hangings, especially on half-priced pizza Wednesdays
- Two Ten Jack – Ramen and Japanese-inspired izakaya in East Nashville
International/Street Food-Inspired
- Edessa – Kurdish and Mediterranean dishes served in a warm, welcoming space
- Red Headed Stranger – Southwestern-inspired tacos with creative twists
Dessert / Treats
- Bobbie’s Dairy Dip – Retro soft-serve stand great for milkshakes and nostalgia
- Jeni’s Ice Cream – Cult favorite ice cream with creative, rotating flavors
Breweries and Bars
- Bearded Iris – Known for hazy IPAs and industrial-chic taproom
- Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar – French Quarter vibes and nightly live blues. Go on Saturdays and see Big Monti!
- Monday Night Brewing – Large open space perfect for groups and events
- Neighbors – Laid-back neighborhood sports bar with solid drinks and snacks
- Pins Mechanical – Arcade bar with specialty cocktails, craft beer, duckpin bowling, yard games, pinball and more
- Schulman’s – Cool dive bar energy with good food and a rotating menu
- Von Elrod’s – Beer hall near First Horizon Park; great for pretzels and people-watching
Outdoors / Nature
- Arrington Vineyards – Picturesque vineyard just 30 minutes south of downtown. Great for a weekend afternoon picnic and wine tasting with some bluegrass music!
- Centennial Park – Home of the full-scale Parthenon replica and open lawns
- Natchez Trace Parkway – Scenic drives and historic trails starting just outside the city
- Percy & Edwin Warner Parks – Over 3,000 acres of green space for hiking and biking
- Radnor Lake State Park – Serene trails with wildlife less than 20 minutes from downtown
- Shelby Bottoms Greenway – Flat trails ideal for walking, running, or biking
Kid-Friendly / Family Activities
- Cheekwood Botanical Garden – Seasonal festivals, gardens and art exhibits
- Nashville Public Library – Tons of free programming and great kids’ area
- Nashville Zoo at Grassmere – Fun for all ages, plus the annual pass pays for itself
Arts and Culture
- Frist Art Museum – Rotating exhibitions in a beautifully preserved historic post office
- Nashville Farmer’s Market – International food court, produce and local goods
Recreation
- McCabe Golf Course – Accessible public golf course just west of campus
Annual Events and Festivals
- Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival – Multi-day camping fest is about 90 minutes away.
- CMA Music Fest – Country music fans descend on the city each summer
- Pilgrimage Festival – Midsize music/art/food fest in Franklin
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon – Springtime race with live bands along the course
Professional Sports
- Nashville Predators (NHL)
- Nashville SC (MLS)
- Nashville Sounds (AAA Baseball)
- Tennessee Titans (NFL)
Other
- Nashville Guru – Great site to explore restaurants, events and neighborhoods
- Work Life Balance – Weekly curated email of events around town

Watch the video to learn more about what VUMC residents love about life in Nashville.