Eastern Virginia Medical School celebrated the opening of its state-of-the-art Education and Research Building by inviting friends and supporters to a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 22.

"This is the foundation of continued, excellent health care for Hampton Roads," said EVMS President Harry T. Lester.

The building provides expanded room for increased enrollment, state-of-the-art simulation facilities for teaching and research and a home for the school's Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center.

Four physicians with ties to EVMS were recently named among the top leading gastroenterologists in the country. Becker's ASC Review listed J. Sumner Bell III, MD; David A. Johnson, MD; Irving Pike, MD; and F. Taylor Wootton III, MD, in the top 125 of their field.

The publication compiled the list of leading physicians in the U.S. based on the awards they received from major organizations in the field, leadership in those organizations, work on professional publications and distinguished service.

Eastern Virginia Medical School has recruited Richard V. Homan, MD, a family physician with extensive academic and management experience, to become Provost and Dean of the institution. Within two years, Dr. Homan will transition into an expanded role as President and Dean of EVMS.

The Board of Visitors voted unanimously September 13 in support of Dr. Homan's appointment.

Watch a video greeting from Dr. Homan.