Levi Watkins Jr. MD Archive — Page 1 of 3

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.

Seven people pose indoors holding Levi Watkins Jr., M.D. awards, including plaques naming Chimdindu P. Ugwuanyi, Jessica K. Sims, Cameron Henry, Austin Hoke, Kimberly Vinson and André Churchwell; a woman at left stands without a plaque.
October 17, 2025

Levi Watkins Jr., MD, awardees show dedication to mission to improve health care for all

Awards were presented during the 24th annual Levi Watkins Jr., MD Lecture.

By Jill Clendening
André Churchwell speaks at a lectern, raising one hand beside a microphone against a brick wall. He wears glasses, a pink shirt, patterned tie and dark pinstriped suit.
October 17, 2025

Remembrances of Levi Watkins Jr., MD, shared to honor his legacy

Watkins was a leading surgeon, physician-scientist, mentor and role model for countless students, trainees and faculty members.

By Jill Clendening
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