Darrell G. Kirch, M.D.

Dr. Darrell G. Kirch is president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which represents the nation's medical schools, teaching hospitals, and academic societies.

A distinguished physician, educator, and medical scientist, Dr. Kirch speaks and publishes widely on the need for transformation in the nation’s health care system and how academic medicine can lead change across medical education, biomedical research, and patient care. Prior to becoming AAMC president in 2006, Dr. Kirch served as the dean and academic health system leader of two institutions, the Medical College of Georgia and the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. He has co-chaired the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the accrediting body for U.S. medical schools, and now serves as chair of the Washington Higher Education Secretariat and on the board of directors of the American Council on Education. Dr. Kirch also is a member of the National Academy of Medicine.

A psychiatrist and clinical neuroscientist by training, Dr. Kirch began his career at the National Institute of Mental Health, becoming the acting scientific director in 1993 and receiving the Outstanding Service Medal of the United States Public Health Service. A native of Denver, he earned his BA and MD degrees from the University of Colorado.