During the 24th annual Levi Watkins Jr., MD Lecture, individuals were honored for noteworthy contributions that reflect Watkins’ values and mission of improving health care for all people.
Consuelo Wilkins, MD, MSCI, Senior Vice President and Senior Associate Dean of Community Health and Engagement at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Mildred Thornton Stahlman Professor in Rural Health, presented the honorees with their awards.
Levi Watkins Jr., MD, Award Winners
Faculty Award Winner: Kimberly Vinson, MD, associate dean for Student Affairs and associate professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
“Dr. Vinson embodies Dr. Watkins’ legacy with her unwavering dedication to mentorship, her exceptional ability to empower and uplift others and her commitment to fostering future leaders in medicine and biomedical research,” said Wilkins. “Her compassion, advocacy and transformational guidance have profoundly impacted countless students, trainees and peers, leaving a lasting mark on the field of medicine.
Faculty Award Winner: Cameron Henry, MD, assistant professor of Radiology and Radiological Services
“Dr. Henry serves as a mentor for many medical students at Vanderbilt and Meharry and has supported numerous visiting students from across the country each year,” Wilkins read from his nomination. “Each year, he invests his time, energy and even his own dollars in supporting students who are coming here, considering Vanderbilt as a next step for their training. Many of these students, particularly those from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine, credit Dr. Henry with helping them find belonging, confidence and direction during pivotal moments in their training.”
Housestaff Award Winner: Austin Hoke, MD, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery resident
“What was most inspiring was observing Dr. Hoke’s patient interactions,” Wilkins shared from the nomination. “He has a remarkable way of speaking with patients, full of genuine care, empathy and professionalism, and his interactions with the entire health care team demonstrated the spirit of collaboration and respect. His dedication to patient care, collaboration and fostering the next generation of physicians embodies the legacy of Dr. Levi Watkins.”
Medical Student Award Winner: Jessica Sims (fourth year)
“Jessica has demonstrated exceptional dedication to teaching, mentoring and advocating for her peers throughout her time at Vanderbilt,” Wilkins said. “From leading clinical skills sessions and anatomy tutoring to spearheading initiatives like surgical skills electives, Jessica has empowered students at every stage of their medical education journey. … Her warmth, generosity and commitment to helping others succeed exemplify the legacy of Dr. Watkins.”
Professional Degree Program Award Winner: Chimdindu Ugwuanyi, MD, Master of Public Health candidate (2026)
“From founding the Speak Out for Children Development Initiative (an organization to prevent child sexual abuse in Africa) to mentoring peers at Vanderbilt and leading the Global Health Alliance, Chimdindu embodies commitment to creating safer spaces and advancing global health,” Wilkins said. “Her impact spans continents, cultures and disciplines, really exemplifying the leadership and legacy of Dr. Watkins.”
