Medicine

Former College of Medicine dean to give commencement address

Former Penn State College of Medicine dean Dr. Darrell G. Kirch, now the president and chief executive officer of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), will provide the keynote address at the 47th annual College of Medicine commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 21.

Kirch assumed the position of 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 Medical Center 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.

As a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, Kirch conducted research on the biological basis of and clinical treatments for severe neuropsychiatric disorders. Following the completion of his residency training at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, he joined the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in Bethesda, Maryland, where he was named acting scientific director in 1993. His NIMH contributions were recognized when he was presented with the Outstanding Service Medal of the United States Public Health Service.

A native of Denver, Kirch received both his bachelor of arts and medical doctor 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, Kirch has published more than 150 articles and book chapters, and made numerous presentations to medical, educational, scientific and advocacy organizations.

Last Updated February 3, 2017

Contact