Levi Watkins Jr. MD Archive — Page 1 of 3

John Tarpley, MD, delivers the 2026 Levi Watkins Jr., MD Lecture. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
October 9, 2026

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.