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.

The AAMC represents all 131 accredited U.S. medical schools, 17 Canadian schools and hundreds of teaching hospitals, medical centers and academic societies.

Dr. Kirch became AAMC president in July 2006 following six years as senior vice president for health affairs, dean of the college of medicine and CEO of the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at The Pennsylvania State University, where he and his leadership team are credited with revitalizing the institution and guiding it through a period of educational innovation and major growth in clinical activity and research funding.

Before joining Penn State, Dr. Kirch held leadership positions at the Medical College of Georgia from 1994 to 2000, including serving as dean of the medical school, senior vice president for clinical activities and dean of the school of graduate studies. He also previously served as acting scientific director of the National Institute of Mental Health, where he was honored with the Outstanding Service Medal.

A native of Denver, Colo., Dr. Kirch received both his BA and MD degrees from the University of Colorado. He has had an active career as a clinician and researcher, and he is a prolific writer and public speaker, publishing more than 100 articles and book chapters and making presentations to numerous medical, educational, scientific and advocacy organizations.

More information about Dr. Kirch and the AAMC.