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. 

 

Tennessee State University established the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute in honor of this renowned heart surgeon and alumnus. The Institute is comprised of five components: Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Meharry/TSU Medical/Dental Accelerated Pathway program; Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Healthcare Scholars Accelerated Pathway Program; Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Society; Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Lecture Series; and Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Endowed Scholarship. 

These components exemplify the principles that Dr. Watkins, Jr. espoused: academic excellence, dedication to the medical profession, equality and justice in medical education, commitment to mentoring students, service to mankind.

The Institute is designed to recruit, train and prepare students for careers in medicine and dentistry. The Institute is focused on increasing the number of minorities interested and committed to careers in medicine and dentistry.