Levi Watkins Jr.
Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr., the first African American student to be admitted and graduate from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, was a passionate mentor and advocate, serving as a role model for countless students, trainees, and faculty members pursuing careers in medicine and the biomedical sciences.
During the Levi Watkins, Jr. Lecture on Oct. 5, 2026, awards will be given to honor at least one VUSM or VUMC faculty member, house staff member, professional degree student, and medical student who have made outstanding contributions through their mentorship of others to honor Dr. Watkins’ commitment to empowering the next generation of healthcare providers and researchers.
Nomination may be submitted by uploading a one-page nomination letter (500-word limit) describing your nominee’s contributions to the redcap link below by September 20, 2026.
Lecture to be Oct. 5
The Levi Watkins, Jr. Lecture will be held on Monday, Oct. 5, at noon in 208 Light Hall. John L. Tarpley, MD, FWACS, FACS, will be the speaker.
Tarpley attended Vanderbilt University School of Medicine with Watkins. Tarpley and Watkins then went on to Johns Hopkins Hospital to complete surgical residencies together. Watkins stayed on to join the faculty at Johns Hopkins, building a career as a renowned cardiac surgeon.
Tarpley spent two years during residency at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health before forging a career as an academic surgeon dedicated to international medical service in education, clinical care and capacity building. In 2016, Tarpley retired from VUMC after 23 years as a faculty member. Post retirement Tarpley spent several years in several African countries. In 2018-2021 he was Head of Department (Chair) of Surgery at the University of Botswana, where with Motswana colleagues, they launched the country’s first general surgery residency program in 2020. From 2021-2025 he was Academic Dean for the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons. He continues to travel to Africa to help in education and capacity building several times a year.