If you are obese, you are at great risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. But research now underway at Eastern Virginia Medical School could drastically improve your odds of avoiding these serious diseases.

EVMS has secured a major, five-year research grant from the National Institutes of Health that may lead to ways to prevent the development of these diseases linked to obesity. The $1.8 million grant supports a multidisciplinary study of how to safely thwart chronic inflammation; scientists believe that inflammation triggers disease in people who are overweight.

Nearly 250 faculty, residents, students and staff attended the Jan. 12 Town Hall meeting. In case you were not able to be there, here's a recap of the discussion:

In his first public appearance at EVMS, new Provost and Dean Richard V. Homan, MD, applauded President Harry T. Lester and former Provost and Dean Gerald J. Pepe for their leadership. Dean Homan said his immediate priorities are to gather more information about the school and its strengths, evaluate the institution's organizational structure and prepare for the LCME accreditation.

Do you know a coworker who regularly goes above and beyond? How about a colleague who exemplifies collegiality or integrity? Perhaps someone in your office regularly volunteers in the community to make this a better place for us all.

If so, consider submitting a nomination for one of the five 2011 President's Staff Achievement Awards. Go online to learn more about the criteria for each award and to complete the simple nomination form. The nomination deadline is Oct. 7, 2011.

The President's Staff Achievement Awards and the Dean's Outstanding Faculty Awards will be presented in a joint ceremony Nov. 1, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. At that same ceremony, EVMS will honor staff who celebrate a service milestone this year. RSVP to attend the event.

The EVMS community will have two chances to hear from senior leadership at Town Hall meetings scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 8 and 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 9. Topics will include changes in the national Graduate Medical Education system, the move toward accountable care organizations (ACOs), the search for EVMS' next dean and an update on campus construction.

The meetings will be in held in McCombs Auditorium in Lewis Hall. To accommodate varying schedules, the same material will be presented at both sessions.

Want to recommend a discussion topic? Please leave a comment on the Mission:Possible blog to have your suggestion considered.