Flourishing art and food scenes, and musical venues that celebrate new voices are just a few of the reasons to visit this ever-evolving city.

On Monday, Oct. 29, the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) Office for Diversity Affairs will present the second annual “Hidden VUMC Figures” event — a tribute to employees who have made significant long-term contributions to the Medical Center, often behind-the-scenes.

André Churchwell, MD, welcomed those gathered at the 17th Annual Levi Watkins Jr., MD Lecture on Tuesday with a reminder of who they were honoring and why.

Nominations are requested for the Levi Watkins Jr., MD, Faculty Award and the Levi Watkins Jr., MD, Student Award.  

On October 29, 2018, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and VUMC Human Resources will present the second Hidden VUMC Figures event in Light Hall 208. This event supports our firm belief that it is imperative to acknowledge ALL members of this large community who have helped advance our medical center to its internationally recognized status. As in last year’s inaugural event, we welcome attendance from all parts of the medical center.

Debra J. Barksdale, PhD, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP, FAAN, Professor & Associate Dean of Academic Programs at Virginia Commonwealth University will present the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Lecture, "RISE: An Instance of Becoming Higher" on Monday, January 15, 2018 in 208 Light Hall (Vanderbilt University Medical Center) from 12:00-1:00 PM.

As the guest speaker for the 16th annual Levi Watkins Jr., M.D., Lecture, Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., outlined the influence his family had on his storied career, particularly the impact of his uncle, for whom the lecture is named.