Darrell G. Kirch, MD, president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), will deliver the commencement address at Eastern Virginia Medical School's 2010 graduation ceremony on May 15 at Norfolk's Scope Arena.

"This is a great opportunity for our graduates to hear from one of the leaders shaping the future of medical education and health care in this country," said EVMS President Harry T. Lester. "With his experience across the spectrum of medicine, Dr. Kirch brings a unique perspective that will make a fitting message as these rising professionals head into the field."

A distinguished physician, educator, scientist and noted authority on the organization and management of academic medical centers, Dr. Kirch's career spans all aspects of academic medicine. He has held leadership positions at two medical schools and teaching hospitals, as well as at the National Institutes of Health.

Jeffrey Yates, MPA, assistant professor in the School of Health Professions, has been nominated for America's Most Wanted All-Star award for his life-saving acts during a 2009 shootout involving the Portsmouth police SWAT team.

Mr. Yates risked his own safety to save two officers who had been shot by a man barricaded in his home. One officer was struck in the leg, and the other was hit in the arm, severing a nerve and an artery. For his calm work under tremendous pressure, the Portsmouth Fire Department gave Mr. Yates the Silver Medal of Valor, and the American Police Hall of Fame awarded him a medal of valor and Life Saving Award.

Read more about Mr. Yates heroic acts, and cast your vote for the award.

James F. Paulson, PhD, assistant professor of pediatrics at EVMS, received a $420,000 grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to study the development of depression in first-time parents.

The project will examine mothers and fathers from the 3rd trimester of pregnancy to 6 month postpartum, and study whether a parent's depression has an affect on a couple's ability to co-parent effectively.