A message from Matt Schenk, Director of Human Resources:

For FY 2011, health insurance premiums will increase significantly. As in the past several years, EVMS will absorb the majority of this increase; however, employee premiums will also increase.

To ensure that we continue to provide you the best health insurance options, and working with our benefit broker Mercer, next year's plans will include some significant changes. Some plan coverages have been modified slightly and premiums for the various plans and tiers within plans (single, family, etc.) have been adjusted to account for the risk and benefits within each plan.

While some increases will be greater than others, please remember that you have options (i.e. HMO vs. PPO) that could reduce your monthly premiums. We encourage you to be on the lookout for details on the upcoming open enrollment (May 10 - 21) and to be thoughtful in your selection of health insurance plan options.

Please contact Aimee Bader, Benefits Specialist, in Human Resources (446-6043) if you have any questions about your health insurance coverage or open enrollment.

EVMS is contributing to the global relief effort in Haiti by assisting those who go to the devastated country.

The school's leadership is providing free vaccinations and medications to full-time faculty, students and staff who plan to go to Haiti. EVMS also is offering the shots for free to the 1,200 members of the school's volunteer community faculty.

"One of the hallmarks of our institution is the commitment to service exemplified by our students, faculty and staff," President Harry T. Lester and Dean Gerald J. Pepe wrote in a message to campus. "Given the recent devastating earthquake and aftershocks in Haiti, we know that some of our EVMS family will be traveling to that country to assist with relief efforts."

Only a few days after the announcement, eight faculty and staff had come forward to take advantage of the offer, according to Lisa Lee, RN, director of occupational health at EVMS. As students and physicians continue planning, more are expected.

Any faculty, students or staff interested in the vaccinations and medications required to enter Haiti should contact Mrs. Lee at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 446-5870.

President Harry T. Lester and Dean Gerald J. Pepe, PhD, applauded the donors for their support of the campaign, which provides unrestricted funds to the institution. They also offered praise for the leadership exhibited by Dr. Hood, and George Darby, director of parking and the other co-chair of the faculty and staff campaign.

NORFOLK, VA — Eastern Virginia Medical School officially welcomed the largest medical class in its history Friday with the annual White Coat Ceremony

The 118-student-strong Class of 2013 donned the white coat, a universal symbol of medicine, and recited for the first time the Oath of Hippocrates.