April 14, 2015—(BRONX,NY)—Darrell G. Kirch, M.D., president and chief executive officer of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) will deliver the keynote address at the 2015 commencement ceremony for Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. Einstein’s 57th graduation will take place at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall on Thursday, May 28 at 3 p.m.

Darrell G. Kirch, M.D.“Dr. Kirch’s distinguished background as a physician-scientist and academic leader, along with his widely lauded leadership of the AAMC, make him a stellar role model for our medical and graduate students,” said Allen M. Spiegel, M.D., the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean at Einstein. “We are honored to have him join us this year.”

Dr. Kirch’s commencement speech, titled “Gifts Given and Promises Made,” will address the state of health care in America and a doctor’s ethical commitment to create a healthier and more just society.

Dr. Kirch has led the AAMC since 2006. Before becoming president of the non-profit, he was selected chair-elect of the association, and co-chaired the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. He also has served as chair of the AAMC Council of Deans Administrative Board, and as chair of the American Medical Association Section on Medical Schools.

Prior to the AAMC, Dr. Kirch served 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. Before joining Penn State, he held a number of 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.

“Dr. Kirch’s distinguished background as a physician-scientist and academic leader, along with his widely lauded leadership of the AAMC, make him a stellar role model for our medical and graduate students.”

– Dean Allen M. Spiegel, M.D.

As a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, Dr. Kirch conducted research on the biological basis of and clinical treatments for severe neuropsychiatric disorders. He conducted research at the National Institute of Mental Health, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he also served as scientific director. He received the Outstanding Service Medal of the United States Public Health Service for his NIMH contributions.

Dr. Kirch is a member of several professional societies, including the American Psychiatric Association, American College of Psychiatrists, and American Medical Association. He was elected to membership in the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies in 2007, and currently serves as a member-at-large of the National Board of Medical Examiners.

A native of Denver, Dr. Kirch received both his B.A. and M.D. degrees from the University of Colorado, which in 2002 presented him with its Silver and Gold Alumni Award. He has had an active career as a clinician and researcher, and has held medical faculty positions at Penn State, the Medical College of Georgia, and George Washington University. A prolific writer and public speaker, he has published more than 100 articles and book chapters, and made presentations to numerous medical, educational, scientific, and advocacy organizations.

Edited: March 8, 2018