Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute
Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute White Coat Ceremony Fall 2022
The Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute, established by the Tennessee State University, is named for a most distinguished graduate of the University, Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. who became an outstanding physician, as a heart surgeon. He performed the first surgery to implant an automated cardioverter-defibrillator in a human patient in 1980. This surgery was a game changer in the field of cardiology. The device is still the first-line of treatment and prophylactic therapy for patients at risk for sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
Dr. Watkins, Jr. was also a champion of racial equality and diversity. He worked to increase diversity at Johns Hopkins Medical School. Four years after joining its admission committee in 1979, minority representation rose by 400 percent. Dr. Watkins, Jr. blazed the trail for underrepresented minorities in medical education. He led efforts to address racial disparities and advance health equity for medically underserved communities in the United States and around the world.
“Service and joy; as you keep that in your heart, in your pulse, equity and opportunity will be easy.”
-Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr.