Dr. Marc Watkins (Kroger Health) Marc Watkins, M.D., M.Sc.P.H., FACOEM, is the chief medical officer of Kroger Health, the health care arm of The Kroger Company, which comprises more than 2,200 pharmacies in 37 states and Washington, D.C., and more than 220 locations of The Little Clinic in nine states, as well as 11 specialty pharmacies across the country. Working with a cross-functional team of pharmacists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dietitians, and technical care providers, he helps to develop the strategic direction and overall clinical program initiatives for Kroger Health’s providers and delivers clinical guidance for associate benefit design. Dr. Watkins is also responsible for regulatory and accreditation requirements, maintaining a comprehensive suite of high-quality care for patients. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, he has also advised the company on its response, including testing and vaccination efforts.
Dr. Watkins joined Kroger in 2015 as vice president and medical director of The Little Clinic. In August 2018, he was promoted to chief medical officer of Kroger Health. Prior to joining Kroger, he spent six years with Concentra Health Services in various physician leadership roles, providing strategic, operational, and clinical program development to major employers across the country.
Dr. Watkins is a fellow of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. He served five years of active duty in the Navy as senior medical officer and twice received the Navy Commendation Medal. Dr. Watkins graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from the College of the Holy Cross and received his Doctor of Medicine and Master of Science in Public Health from Meharry Medical College, a historically black medical school.
He splits his time between Nashville and Cincinnati and lives with his wife, six nephews, and two cats. He enjoys golf and traveling.