EVMS commencement keynote speaker Darrell G. Kirch, MD, president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges, urged the 2010 EVMS graduates to take an active role in creating a just health-care system.

"Think about the legacy you are inheriting, including social justice, and remember that is what makes the white coat real," he said.

The 2010 commencement ceremony took place on Saturday, May 15. Held at the Scope Arena, 254 graduates celebrated their achievements with friends and family.

View photos and video from the event.

The EVMS Class of 2010 held its baccalaureate at the Chrysler Museum of Art's Kaufman Theatre on May 14.

The graduates made a covenant with their friends, families, teachers and patients to maintain the honor and noble traditions of medicine and teach them to future medical professionals.

"Keep your medical passions. Above all, ask and live the tough questions," said keynote speaker John G. Kenerson, MD, a noted cardiologist and founder of Cardiovascular Associates Ltd.

See photos from the event.

Six Eastern Virginia Medical School medical graduates entering the armed forces were sworn in as officers Thursday in a special ceremony aboard the battleship U.S.S. Wisconsin.

The guest speaker for the Military Commissioning Ceremony was Col. Eric B Stone, MD, commander of the 63D Medical Group at Langley Air Force Base. He told the graduates that "the most valuable and precious asset our nation has is our people in service." He called it an honor and an immense responsibility to care for the individuals who serve in the military and protect the nation.

See photos from the deck of the Wisconsin.

Watch the commissioning ceremony.