by Holly Fletcher

André Churchwell, MD, Levi Watkins Jr. MD Professor of Medicine and professor of Biomedical Engineering and Radiology and Radiologic Sciences, has been recognized as a national diversity leader by Modern Healthcare.

Churchwell, who is currently Chief Diversity Officer of Vanderbilt University, is among the Top 25 Diversity Leaders for 2022 — a recognition initiative that spotlights diverse executives and organizations working to influence policy, care delivery and public health by promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.

Churchwell’s career-long commitment to diversifying and deepening the U.S.’s medicine talent pipeline while advancing clinical outcomes illustrates his dedication to patients and the community. He served in various roles to increase VUMC’s diversity and inclusion for more than 12 years, and he served as VUMC’s chief diversity officer from 2015 to 2021.

“The honorees on Modern Healthcare’s 2022 lists of Top Diversity Leaders and Organizations demonstrate a willingness to devote the resources necessary to execute meaningful diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives,” said Mary Ellen Podmolik, Modern Healthcare’s editor. “Their efforts to provide greater opportunities internally while advancing health equity initiatives in their communities set a great example for others to follow.”

“Any diversity award or accolade I receive must always be placed in the context of institutional leadership’s commitment to the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion. I have been and continue to be thankful for the long-standing support we have had here at Vanderbilt and the amazing partnerships that have led to our success,” said Churchwell.