John Tarpley

During the 23rd annual Levi Watkins Jr., MD Lecture, individuals were honored for noteworthy contributions that reflect Watkins’ mission of improving health care for all people. From left are Consuelo Wilkins, MD, MSCI, Senior Vice President and Senior Associate Dean for Health Equity and Inclusive Excellence, Ariana Matos, Andrew Kittleson, speaker Constance Mobley, MD, PhD, Ebele Umeukeje, MD, MPH, Tia’Asia James, MD, and Kimberly Vinson, MD, associate dean for Diversity Affairs at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Wilkins and Vinson presented the awards. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
November 25, 2024

Lecture, awards honor legacy of Levi Watkins Jr., MD

Constance Mobley, PhD’98, MD’03, shared her journey to becoming a transplant surgeon, the research and clinical innovations she has contributed to during her career, and the wisdom she has gained through the years.

By Jill Clendening
October 14, 2021

Lecture reflects on the lives touched by Levi Watkins

Levi Watkins Jr., MD, has an enduring legacy as a cardiovascular surgeon, mentor and advocate, and Vanderbilt’s John Tarpley, MD, recently shared his reflections about the remarkable impact of his friend and colleague, both on the medical profession and on the lives of others.

By Jill Clendening
July 26, 2016

Tarpley may be retiring, but he isn’t slowing down

On June 30, John Tarpley, M.D., retired after 23 years of service at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and the Nashville VA Medical Center. The next day, he packed a suitcase, and on July 2 he boarded a Kenya-bound plane, a move that was absolutely no surprise to all who know him.

By Jill Clendening
April 8, 2016

Report highlights global need for surgical services

An estimated 5 billion people — two-thirds of the world’s population — do not have access to surgery because of a lack of facilities, money and trained surgeons and anesthesiologists.

By Bill Snyder
April 30, 2015

Watkins memorialized with establishment of new chair

By Nancy Humphrey
April 13, 2015

Remembering Levi Watkins Jr.

Andre Churchwell, M.D., George Hill, Ph.D., Kevin Johnson, M.D., and John Tarpley, M.D., reflect on the life and legacy of Levi Watkins Jr., M.D.

By VUMC News and Communications
December 11, 2014

Terhune to direct General Surgery residency program

The General Surgery residency program at Vanderbilt School of Medicine is getting a new program director, but it won’t be a new face.
By VUMC News and Communications
December 5, 2013

Davies named Physician Assistant of the Year

Luda Davies, clinical instructor in Surgery in the outpatient surgery clinic at the Nashville campus of the Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, has been named Physician Assistant of the Year by the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants.
By Bill Snyder