William M. Watkins, MD
Associate Professor
Department:
SOM-Ophthalmology
Email:
wwatkins@umc.edu
Work Phone:
(601) 984-5020
Biography
William Watkins, M.D., Associate Professor, is a board-certified surgeon in Comprehensive Ophthalmology. Dr. Watkins is a native of Jackson, MS, and after graduating from Mississippi College with a biology major, he attended medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). After graduation, Dr. Watkins completed a General Surgery internship, also at UMMC, and then pursued his residency training in Ophthalmology at Vanderbilt University. While at Vanderbilt, Dr. Watkins served as chief resident in Ophthalmology and was recognized with the Vanderbilt Eye Institute Benchmark Award for Residence Excellence. After completing his residency training, Dr. Watkins began his ophthalmology practice at UMMC in 2013 and has served here throughout his career. As part of his UMMC service, Dr. Watkins was medical student educator from 2015 through 2018 and most recently became the Ophthalmology Residency Program Director in 2018.
Dr. Watkin’s wife is an attorney in Jackson and together they have one daughter.
Education
| University of Mississippi Medical Center, Fellowship Medical Retina, Ophthalmology Medical Retina | 2022 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Residency Training, Ophthalmology | 2013 |
| University of Mississippi Medical Center, Internship, General Surgery | 2010 |
| University of Mississippi Medical Center, MD, Medicine | 2008 |
| Mississippi College, BS, Biology | 2004 |
Specialty Certification Licensure
| Certification, American Board of Ophthalmology | 08/2014 - 08/2024 |
| Licensure, Medical Licensure, State of Mississippi Board of Medical Licensure | 07/2013 - Present |
Current Positions
| Associate Professor, School of Medicine | 05/2017 - Present |
| The University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, Mississippi 39216 | |
Academic Appointments or Other Previous Appointments
| Assistant Professor, UMMC, School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology | 07/2013 - 04/2017 |
Publications
Journal Article | |
| Watkins WM, McCollum GW, Savage SR, Capozzi ME, Penn JS, Morrison DG. Hypoxia-induced expression of VEGF splice variants and protein in four retinal cell types. Experimental Eye Research 2013 Nov;116:240-6. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2013.09.014. Epub 2013 Sep 26 | 2013 |
| Watkins W, Schoenberger S, Lavin P., Agarwal A. CIRCUMSCRIBED OUTER FOVEOLAR DEFECTS IN SPINOCEREBELLAR ATAXIA TYPE 7. Retinal Cases and Brief Reports: July 2013 - Volume 7 - Issue 3 - p 294–296. doi: 10.1097/ICB.0b013e31828ef084. | 2013 |
Review Article | |
| Williamson S, Watkins W, Thinda S, Hwang R, Rapoport Y, Wayman L. Review of “Complications and visual outcomes after glued foldable intraocular lens implantation in eyes with inadequate capsules” Eye World August 2013. | 2013 |
Book | |
| Penman A, Crowder K., Watkins W. 50 Studies Every Ophthalmologist Should Know Oxford Press Print ISBN-13: 9780190050726 DOI: 10.1093/med/9780190050726.001.0001 May 2020 | |
Presentations
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, Long Term Outcomes in Traumatic Hyphema Based on Mechanism of Injury, UMMC Resident Research Day | 06/2024 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, Compositional Changes of Pre-Injection C3F8 and SF6 as Related to Time and Syringe Position in an Outpatient and Emergency Setting, UMMC | 06/2024 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, Compositional Changes of Pre-Injection C3F8 and SF6 as Related to Time and Syringe Position in an Outpatient and Emergency Setting, UMMC | 06/2023 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, A comparison of Target Refractive Outcomes between the Zeis IOL Master 500 and 700 in Routine Cataract Surgery, UMMC Ophthalmology Department, UMMC | 06/2019 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, Unilateral Blurry Vision as the Sole Presenting Symptom of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, UMMC Ophthalmology, Jackson, Mississippi | 06/2019 |
| Regional Invited Seminars/Lectures, Ophthalmology for the Primary Care Provider, Alabama and Mississippi American College of Physicians Regional Meeting, Jackson, Mississippi | 05/2019 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, The Role of Quality Improvement in a Training Program, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Chicago, Illinois | 10/2018 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, History taking and initial work up strategy for patients seeing an anterior segment surgeon, UMMC Ophthalmology Update, Jackson, Mississippi | 08/2018 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, How to Recognize and Handle Ocular Emergencies, UMMC Ophthalmology Update, Jackson, Mississippi | 08/2017 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, Overview of Ocular Conditions Commonly Associated with Low Vision, Mississippi Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually impaired (MS AER), Jackson, Mississippi | 10/2016 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, Focused History Taking for Ophthalmic Medicine, Jackson, Mississippi | 08/2016 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, Anticipating What the Patient Will Need When Seeing An Anterior Segment Ophthalmologist, Jackson, Mississippi | 08/2015 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, Overview of Neurophthalmology and Ocular Emergencies, Jackson, Mississippi | 08/2014 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Effect of the Water Drinking Test in Subjects with Pure Autonomic Failure and Normal-Tension Glaucoma., Association for Research and Vision in Ophthalmology, Seattle, Washington | 05/2013 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Igfbp3 Upregulates VEGF Production in Normotoxic Retinal Cell Culture., Association for Research and Vision in Ophthalmology, Fort Lauderdale, Florida | 05/2010 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Hypoxia Stimulates Retinal Cell Type-Specific Differences in the Expression of VEGF Splice Variants., Association for Research and Vision in Ophthalmology, Fort Lauderdale Florida | 05/2010 |
| Poster Presentation, Long Term Outcome of Pars Plana Vitrectomy with Concurrent Sutured Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implant, American Retinal Specialist Society, Maui, Hawaii | 10/2008 |
Honors, Awards, and Recognition
| Vanderbilt Eye Institute Benchmark Award for Resident Excellence, Vanderbilt Eye Institute | 2013 |
| Ophthalmology Chief Resident of Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt Eye Institute | 2012 |
Professional Membership and Service
| Mississippi Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, Officer, Other Officer, I serve as a council officer to help recruit ophthalmologist from the state to join the Academy and direct advocacy projects. | 2017 - Present |
| Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology, Member | 2016 - Present |
| Mississippi State Medical Association/ Central Medical Society, Member | 2013 - Present |
| American Academy of Ophthalmology, Member | 2010 - Present |
| Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, Member, Medical Student Inductee AOA | 2008 - Present |
Committee Service
| SCHOOL OF MEDICINE-RESIDENCY REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE, Member | 2018 - Present |
| SCHOOL OF MEDICINE-GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION, Member | 2018 - Present |
| Patient Advocacy Reporting System (PARS) Program, Member | 2017 - Present |
| THE UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS AND CLINICS-CREDENTIALS, Member | 2016 - Present |
| SCHOOL OF MEDICINE-ADMISSIONS FILE REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE, Member | 2015 - Present |
Community Service
| Sow Reap Feed - Ministry to grow and provide fresh produce to Jackson citizens, Volunteer | 07/2017 - Present |
| Church leadership role at Grace City Church Jackson, I served in an advisory role to the church staff and helped implement curriculum, organize volunteers, support members of the church, and teach in a small-group setting. | 07/2016 - 07/2019 |
| Diabetes/Glaucoma Screenings, Organizer/Participant providing eye screening exams for the annual State Capital, health fair. | 10/2015 - Present |
| Diabetic/Glaucoma Screening, Organizer/Participant providing eye screening exams for the annual Grant's Ferry clinic health fair. | 07/2014 - Present |
| Diabetic/Glaucoma Screening, Faculty Representative for Screenings at Jackson Free Clinic. | 07/2014 - 07/2016 |
Other Service
| Ophthalmology Program Director | 2018 - Present |
| Ophthalmology Medical Student Educator | 07/2015 - 2018 |
| Ophthalmology Associate Program Director | 07/2015 - 2018 |
| Ophthalmology Residency Program Evaluation Committee, Chair 2018 to present, Member 2013-2018 | 07/2013 - Present |
| Ophthalmology Resident Applicant Selection Committee, Chair 2018 to present, Member 2013-2018 | 07/2013 - Present |
| Ophthalmology Residency Clinical Competency Committee, Chair 2018 to present, Member 2013-2018 | 07/2013 - Present |
Teaching Experience
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Intro to Medical Practice 2 | Fall 2023 |
| Medicine, Lab, Lab Presenter | Spring 2023 |
| Lab, Lab Presenter, Neuro anatomy lab | Spring 2022 |
| Medicine, Lab, Lab Presenter, Neuroanatomy lab | Spring 2022 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Intro to medical practice 2 | Fall 2021 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Intro to Medical Practice 2 | Fall 2020 |
| Medicine, Lab, Lab Presenter, Neuroanatomy Lab | Spring 2019 |
| Medicine, Lab, Lab Director, Emergency Medicine Residency skills lab | Summer 2019 |
| Medicine, Lab, Lab Presenter, Emergency Medicine Residency skills lab | Summer 2018 |
| Graduate, Lecture, Lecturer, Internal Medicine Grand Round Conference- Ophthalmology for the primary care provider | Fall 2018 |
| Medicine, Lab, Lab Presenter, Neuroanatomy Lab | Spring 2018 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Course Presenter, IMP2 Ophthalmology Lecture series: 3 part lecture series entitled "Introduction to Ophthalmic Pathology and Disease" | Fall 2018 |
| Medicine, Lab, Course Director, IMP2 Direct ophthalmoscopy lab | Fall 2018 |
| Medicine, Course, Course Director, Direct ophthalmoscopy course | Fall 2018 |
| Department of Allergy Immunology, Lecture, Lecturer, UMMC Allergy Department: Allergic eye disease and treatment | Fall 2018 |
| Medicine, Lab, Lab Presenter, Emergency Medicine Resident's and Faculty Lecture - Diagnosis of Ophthalmic Disease and Examination Lab | Summer 2017 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Internal Medicine Tuesday Chair Conference- Diagnosing eye disease by the primary care provider | Fall 2017 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, UMMC Allergy Department: Allergic eye disease and treatment | Fall 2017 |
| Combination of both the school of Medicine and Graduate Medical Education, Course, Course Director, IMP2 Direct ophthalmoscopy simulation course | Fall 2017 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, IMP2 Ophthlamology lecture series: 3 part lecture titled "Introduction to Ophthalmic Pathology and Disease" | Fall 2017 |
| Medicine, Lab, Lab Presenter, Neuroanatomy Lab | Spring 2017 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, M3 General Surgery Ophtalmology Lecture | Annual 2017 |
| 630, Medicine, Course, Course Director, M-3 Ophthalmology Elective | Annual 2017 |
| 660, Medicine, Course, Course Director, M-4 Ophthalmology Elective | Annual 2017 |
| Medicine, Course, Course Director, Ophthalmology Optics | Annual 2017 |
| Graduate, Lecture, Lecturer, Infectious disease Peru Mission didactic series | Annual 2017 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Geriatrics department: Age associated eye disease | Summer 2017 |
| Medicine, Lecturer, Emergency Medicine Resident's and Faculty Lecture - Diagnosis of Ophthalmic diseaseand examination Lab | Summer 2016 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Internal Medicine Tuesday Chair Conference- eye pathology overview for the primary care provider | Fall 2016 |
| Medicine, Course, Lab Director, ICM Direct Ophthalmoscopy Simulation Lab Director | Fall 2016 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, ICM: Ophthlamology lecture series: 3 part lecture titled "Introduction to Ophthalmic Pathology and Disease | Fall 2016 |
| Medicine, Lab, Lab Presenter, M1 Neuro anatomy Lab | Spring 2016 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Geriatrics department: Age associated eye disease | Summer 2016 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Rheumatology department: Inflammatory eye disease and treatment | Spring 2016 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, M3 General Surgery Ophthalmology Lecture | Annual 2016 |
| 660, Medicine, Course, Course Presenter, M-4 Ophthalmology Elective | Annual 2016 |
| 630, Medicine, Course, Course Director, M-3 Ophthalmolog Elective | Annual 2016 |
| Medicine, Course, Course Director, Ophthalmology Optics | Annual 2016 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, M3 General Surgery Ophthalmology Lecture | Annual 2015 |
| Medicine, Course, Course Director, Ophthalmology Optics | Annual 2013 |
Directed Student Learning
| Program Director, Advised: John Fitzpatrick, Hannah Miller, Amin Shivam, Amit Baja, Jonathan Glaze | 2018 - 2019 |
| Medical Student Educator, Advised: Thomas Coleman, John Lippincott, Salma Dawoud, Landen Tharp, Robert Browning, Ashley Pickering, David Riem, Daniel Robbins, Johnny Mckenzie, Jessica Arnold | 2017 - 2018 |
| Medical Student Educator, Advised: Sean Carter, Edmond Wright, Erin Petersen, Charles McGuffey | 2016 - 2017 |
| Supervised Teaching Activity | 2016 - Present |
| Supervised Teaching Activity | 2016 - Present |
| Medical Student Educator, Advised: Justin West, Andrew Whittington, Crystal Daigle, Jeffrey St. John, Meghan Guirintano, Jonathan Feng | 2015 - 2106 |
Residency Training
| Ophthalmology, Program Director | 2018 - Present |
| Emergency Medicine, Subspecialty/Activity Director | 2016 - Present |
| Family Medicine, Subspecialty/Activity Director | 2016 - Present |
| Ophthalmology, Assoc. Program Director | 2016 - 2018 |
| Ophthalmology, Attending Physician | 2013 - Present |