By Kathy Whitney

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 diversity leader and a recipient of Modern Healthcare’s Luminary Award.

“The Diversity Leaders Luminary Award was created to honor those who have made outstanding, sustained contributions to health care. They have a proven track record of advancing the careers of other prospective leaders. We recognize these luminaries for making their health care organizations more vibrant, financially viable, better at providing patient care and for providing mentorship and sponsorship to the next generation of leaders,” according to Modern Healthcare’s announcement.

Churchwell, Senior Advisor to the Chancellor in Inclusion and Community Outreach at Vanderbilt University, is among an esteemed group of “luminaries” who are being recognized “for making their health care organizations more vibrant, financially viable, better at providing patient care and for providing mentorship and sponsorship to the next generation of leaders.”

Churchwell served in various roles to increase Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s diversity and inclusion for more than 12 years, and he served as VUMC’s chief diversity officer from 2015 to 2021. He was previously recognized by Modern Healthcare for being 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.

“It takes great teamwork to be successful and to be a leader in diversity and inclusion work. I would not have received this honor without the tremendous leadership and support from VUMC, with President and CEO, Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, and from Vanderbilt University, with Chancellor Daniel Diermeier,” Churchwell said. “This work requires intentionality and a recognition that it is a marathon, not a sprint, to create effective, sustainable programs that change culture and create belonging.”