W. David Strayhorn, Sr. (1904-1981) was a physician, cardiologist, and teacher. He conducted research in heart disease and pregnancy. He was the first Chief of the Cardiovascular Disease Clinic at Vanderbilt Hospital in 1951.

He received his M.D. from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1928. Then he was a Resident at Cornell University from 1932-1934. Dr. Strayhorn organized the medical department of the TVA in Knoxville from 1934-1936. Then he came to Vanderbilt and advanced from Instructor to Professor of Clinical Medicine from 1936-1968. He also had a private practice from 1936-1981.