Dr. Watkins received her Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Public Health from Columbia University. She then served two years in the United States Public Health Service as a Public Health Nutritionist before receiving her medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her internship at the University of Pennsylvania and her residency in Internal Medicine at Lankenau Hospital, and affiliate of Thomas Jefferson Medical School.

She is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Watkins has over 14 years experience working as an internist in both community health and private practice. She also works as a research physician conducting clinical trials.