Dr David B Todd Jr Foundation

This lovely floral arrangement was placed on the alter at our home church in Nashville, Tennessee, First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill, by our family in honor of our parents' birthdays: Dr. David B. Todd, Jr. (March 22), and Loraine C. Todd (March 24). Mommy and Daddy, you remain forever in our hearts and minds. Love Eternal. 🙏🏾🎂❤❤❤

Your loving family ❤

Dr. David B. Todd, Jr. Foundation proudly presents this Black History Month Spotlight

This cherished photo taken at Hubbard Hospital, affiliated with Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, captures my mother, Loraine Todd, Registered Nurse, alongside Rev. Jesse Jackson.

My mother served as an RN with skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication. In her white coat, with her stethoscope resting at her collar, she represented more than a profession. She represented progress. She stood in rooms where few women who looked like her had stood before, offering care, confidence, and calm in moments that mattered most.

Black history is not only written in marches and microphones. It is written in hospital halls, in steady hands, in long shifts, and in the quiet courage of those who serve.

Today I honor her legacy, her service, and the example she set for our family and community.

The Early Years of Dr. David B. Todd, Jr.

Before he became a pioneering heart surgeon, he was a bright, curious boy from Homewood, Alabama.

Dr. David B. Todd, Jr. was born on March 22, 1931, in Homewood, Alabama, just outside Birmingham. He was the son of a Baptist minister, David B. Todd, Sr., and Gladys Morris Todd. As the eldest of three children, responsibility and leadership were woven into his earliest years.

Even as a child, his intellect was unmistakable. Teachers advanced him ahead of his peers because academics came naturally to him. Family members recalled that while others studied diligently, young David would read comic books — and still excel in every subject.

He graduated Valedictorian of his class at Rosedale High School in Birmingham, Alabama. Long before he ever entered an operating room, he had already demonstrated the discipline, brilliance, and focus that would define his life.

During Black History Month, we honor not only the accomplished surgeon, but the young boy whose gifts were nurtured by faith, family, and education.

Greatness often begins quietly.

BLACK HISTORY AND HEART HEALTH TOGETHER IN FEBRUARY

The Todd-Brown Heritage Lecture held Wednesday, 2/11 at Meharry Medical College is Legacy in Motion. Heart Health Month and Black History Month converging at Meharry is not coincidence. It is choreography. 🫀📖

The Dr. David B. Todd, Jr. Foundation proudly honors the enduring legacy of two towering figures in cardiovascular medicine during the annual Todd-Brown Heritage Lecture at Meharry Medical College.

Held each year during Heart Health Month, this distinguished lecture recognizes the groundbreaking contributions of Dr. David B. Todd, Jr., MD ’56, Nashville’s first African American cardiovascular thoracic surgeon, and Dr. Kermit R. Brown, MD ’59, FACC, an esteemed cardiologist and educator whose leadership helped shape Meharry’s Department of Cardiology and Internal Medicine.

Dr. Todd performed the first open-heart surgery at Meharry Medical College in 1972, forever altering the trajectory of cardiac care in Nashville and beyond. Dr. Brown served as Professor of Medicine, Director of the Residency Training Program, and a dedicated mentor to generations of physicians.

This year’s featured lecturer, Debra Dixon, MD, MS, Assistant Professor in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, delivered a compelling presentation titled:

“Heart and Mind: Role of Depressive Symptoms in Heart Failure Risk.”

Dr. Dixon’s lecture examined the powerful connection between mental health and cardiovascular disease, highlighting emerging evidence that depressive symptoms contribute to heart failure risk and disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. Her presentation emphasized integrated approaches to prevention and patient care, aligning with Meharry’s mission to address health disparities.

Established as part of Meharry’s Heritage Lecture Series, which began during the College’s Centennial celebration in 1976, the Todd-Brown Lecture honors Meharrians whose excellence and service brought national distinction to the institution.

During Black History Month, we reflect with gratitude on these cardiac trailblazers whose brilliance, courage, and commitment expanded access to life-saving cardiac care and reshaped medical education.

Their legacy continues to beat strong at Meharry.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE & BREAKING BARRIERS

Dr. David B. Todd Jr. practiced medicine during a time when Black physicians faced significant systemic barriers in hospitals across the South.

After earning his medical degree from Meharry Medical College, where he finished at the top of his class, he completed surgical training and advanced studies at the University of Minnesota, picking up a PhD in the process, equipping him to specialize in cardiovascular surgery — one of the most demanding fields in medicine.

Dr. Todd was relentless in his pursuit of medical excellence. His mentors, colleagues, and students remembered him as calm, brilliant, and passionate about both healing and teaching. He shattered barriers at a time when Black doctors faced significant discrimination, paving the way for future generations in medicine.

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🖤 BLACK HISTORY MONTH SERIES
Honoring the life of Dr. David B. Todd Jr.

Who Was Dr. David B. Todd Jr.?

A major street in North Nashville — Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Boulevard — carries his name, yet many don’t know the story behind it. Let’s change that this month.

During Black History Month, we proudly honor the life and legacy of Dr. David B. Todd Jr. (1931–1980), a pioneering cardiovascular surgeon and one of Nashville’s most respected medical leaders.

Born in Jefferson County, Alabama, Dr. Todd graduated from Morehouse College and earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College. He later completed advanced surgical training and became the first African American cardiovascular surgeon in Nashville.

In 1972, Dr. Todd led the team that performed the first open-heart surgery at Meharry’s Hubbard Hospital (now Nashville General Hospital). His work changed the landscape of cardiac care in Tennessee.

Today, Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Boulevard in North Nashville bears his name. This month, we remember not just the street — but the extraordinary man behind it.

Honoring the Heart of Our Family — Lorraine Todd

There are people whose presence fills a room — not with noise, but with grace, wisdom, and strength. My grandmother, Lorraine Todd, was one of those people. The kind of woman who didn’t need to raise her voice to be heard, whose love taught you discipline, and whose presence made you feel safe, capable, and seen.

The wife of Dr. David B. Todd Jr., and a force of her own, Grandma was the most incredible woman I’ve ever known. A devoted wife, a nurturing mother to four beautiful children, and a phenomenal registered nurse, she lived her life in service to others — with grace, strength, and a quiet power that shaped everyone around her.

As a registered nurse, she cared for others with skill and compassion. But as a wife, mother of four, grandmother, and matriarch, she shaped generations with something even more powerful — her example. She taught us how to be strong, how to be kind, how to carry ourselves with dignity, and how to never settle for anything less than excellence.

Everything I know about what it means to be a woman — I learned from watching her. The way she moved through life with quiet power. The way she loved her family. The way she held us all together.

She poured into the women in our family — into my mom, my aunt, my cousin, and me — and because of her, we walk with pride, with confidence, and with legacy. She was elegance, she was resilience, she was everything.

And she is still with us. In our mannerisms, in our choices, in our laughter, in our lives.

We miss you always, Grandma. Thank you for being our foundation.

Happy Heavenly Birthday to Dr. David B. Todd Jr.

Today, we honor and celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Dr. David B. Todd Jr. — a pioneering surgeon, visionary leader, and a true trailblazer in the field of medicine. As the first African American cardiovascular surgeon in Nashville and the first Black chief of surgery at a major Nashville hospital, Dr. Todd broke barriers with courage, excellence, and a deep commitment to patient care.

His groundbreaking contributions not only transformed lives in the operating room but also opened doors for countless others in the medical profession. More than his titles and achievements, Dr. Todd was known for his quiet strength, generous spirit, and unwavering belief in the power of education, service, and community.

Through the work of the Dr. David B. Todd Jr. Foundation, we continue to honor his legacy by supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals and carrying forward his mission of equity, access, and excellence in medicine.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Todd. Your legacy lives on in every life you touched and every path you helped pave.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, to my Grandfather🤍

On a more personal note, even though I never had the chance to meet my grandfather, Dr. David B. Todd Jr., his presence has been deeply felt throughout my life — in the stories we’ve been told, in the legacy he left behind, and in the paths my family continues to walk. The way he lived his life in his truth inspires me to do the same. Inspires all of us. And my hope is that his legacy can inspire others as well.

He was a groundbreaking surgeon and a true pioneer, but to us, he’s also the root of a powerful legacy that continues to bloom. He was a father, community member, earth shaker, and a true man. My brother followed in his footsteps, graduating from both Morehouse College and Meharry Medical College. My mother, my aunt, my cousin, and I are all proud Spelman women. The legacy of Spelman and Morehouse runs strong in our family — a reflection of the values Granddaddy embodied: education, excellence, and service.

His life continues to inspire us to dream boldly, walk proudly, and lead with heart. I may not have known him personally, but I carry his story with me every day. And I know he’d be proud of what we’re building in his name.

Happy Birthday, Granddaddy. Your legacy lives in us.

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Dr. Rachel M. Bond – A Champion for Women’s Heart Health

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women who are shaping history in their fields. The Dr. David B. Todd, Jr. Foundation shines a spotlight on Dr. Rachel M. Bond, a leading cardiologist and national advocate for women’s heart health.

Who is Dr. Rachel M. Bond?
Dr. Bond is a board-certified cardiologist and the Director of Women’s Heart Health at Dignity Health in Arizona. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to preventive cardiology and raising awareness about heart disease in women, particularly among Black and underserved communities.

Why is Her Work Important?
• Advocate for Women’s Cardiovascular Health – Dr. Bond has led groundbreaking initiatives focused on heart disease prevention, detection, and treatment in women.
• Educator & Mentor – She is committed to mentoring young physicians, fostering diversity in cardiology, and ensuring more women pursue careers in cardiovascular medicine.
• Community Health Leader – Dr. Bond partners with national organizations to educate and empower women about the importance of heart health.

Why We Celebrate Her
Dr. Bond is more than a physician—she is a trailblazer, mentor, and health equity advocate. Her work ensures that women, particularly those in marginalized communities, receive the heart health education and care they need to thrive.

This Women’s History Month, the Dr. David B. Todd, Jr. Foundation proudly celebrates Dr. Rachel M. Bond for her contributions to medicine and her relentless commitment to saving lives.



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This version highlights Dr. Bond’s contributions through the lens of Women’s History Month while keeping the Dr. David B. Todd, Jr. Foundation at the forefront. Let me know if you need any tweaks! 🚀

Todd-Brown Heritage Lecture 2025: Advancing Cardiac Care and Honoring a Legacy
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the Todd-Brown Heritage Lecture was held at the Kresge Learning Resources Center on the campus of Meharry Medical College. This annual event, hosted by the Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. P. Renee Brown Obi, and The Dr. David B. Todd Jr. Foundation, takes place during Heart Health Month and continues to serve as a platform for advancing knowledge in cardiovascular medicine while honoring the contributions of Black medical pioneers.

Named in honor of Dr. David B. Todd Jr. and Dr. Kermit Brown—the Meharry Medical College dynamic duo pioneers in cardiac medicine—this distinguished lecture series celebrates their enduring impact on the field of cardiology and their unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare education.

This year’s featured speaker was Dr. Abdullahi O. Oseni, an Interventional Cardiologist at the Norton Heart and Vascular Institute in Louisville, KY. Dr. Oseni delivered an insightful and compelling lecture on Advanced Therapy for Acute Pulmonary Embolism, shedding light on the latest innovations in treating this life-threatening condition. His expertise and dedication to cardiovascular health underscored the importance of continued advancements in patient care and medical research.

The Todd-Brown Heritage Lecture serves as a beacon of education, inspiration, and remembrance, celebrating the legacy of Dr. Todd and Dr. Brown, whose groundbreaking work paved the way for excellence in medicine and cardiology.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Oseni, Dr. P. Renee Brown Obi, the Department of Internal Medicine, and all who contributed to making this year’s lecture a success.