Levi Watkins

American heart surgeon and civil rights activist

Levi Watkins

Levi Watkins Jr. (June 13, 1944 – April 11, 2015) was a pioneering American cardiac surgeon and civil rights activist. He is best known for being the first surgeon to successfully implant an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) in a human patient. Watkins was also a prominent advocate for diversity in medical education and healthcare.

Early life and education

Levi Watkins was born in Parsons, Kansas, and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. He was the son of Levi Watkins Sr., a prominent educator and president of Alabama State University. Watkins attended Tennessee State University, where he graduated with honors in 1966. He then went on to attend Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, becoming the first African American to be admitted to the institution. He graduated in 1970.

Medical career

After completing his medical degree, Watkins pursued a residency in cardiothoracic surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. During his time at Johns Hopkins, he worked under the mentorship of renowned heart surgeon Denton Cooley and became deeply involved in research on cardiac arrhythmias.

In 1980, Watkins made history by performing the first successful implantation of an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) in a human patient. This groundbreaking procedure marked a significant advancement in the treatment of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and has since saved countless lives.

Advocacy and contributions

Levi Watkins and Ben Carson

In addition to his medical achievements, Watkins was a passionate advocate for civil rights and diversity in medicine. He played a crucial role in increasing minority representation at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he served as an associate dean. Watkins implemented programs to recruit and support minority students and faculty, significantly enhancing the institution's diversity.

Watkins was also involved in numerous civil rights activities throughout his life. He participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches and worked alongside prominent civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr.

Legacy

Levi Watkins' contributions to medicine and civil rights have left a lasting impact. His pioneering work in cardiac surgery and his efforts to promote diversity in medical education have inspired generations of physicians and activists. Watkins received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the American College of Cardiology's Distinguished Service Award.

Related pages

• Cardiac surgery
• Automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
• Johns Hopkins Hospital
• Civil rights movement