John Tarpley Archive — Page 1 of 1

An older man stands at a lectern beside a microphone, speaking in an auditorium with a projected presentation behind him.
October 9, 2026

‘Nobody Even Knows My Name:’ John Tarpley considers his career, and life

Tarpley titled his Levi Watkins Jr., MD Lecture to reflect what he has learned during his journey in surgery, and in life.

By Bill Snyder
Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. wearing glasses, a dark suit, white shirt, and patterned yellow tie, seated indoors near a window.
September 25, 2026

John Tarpley to deliver annual Levi Watkins Jr. Lecture Oct. 5

This annual lecture celebrates Dr. Levi Watkins Jr., VUSM’s first African American student and graduate and pioneering cardiac surgeon.

Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. wearing glasses, a dark suit, white shirt, and patterned yellow tie, seated indoors near a window.
September 2, 2026

Call for nominations open for Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. Award; deadline is Sept. 20

The annual lecture is Oct. 5, and the speaker will be 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
Two men pose together in an auditorium with tiered seating. The man on the left wears a black academic-style jacket and bow tie; the man on the right wears a blue suit and striped bow tie.
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
Two women stand at a Vanderbilt reception as one presents the other with a framed plaque and award; several attendees watch in the background.
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