Riverside, Calif. (Sept. 15, 2014) -- California Baptist University's College of Allied Health will host Dr. David Hilmers as it kicks off the 2014-2015 Distinguished Lecture Series on Sept. 15.

The series explores local and national issues and trends as they relate to health and features leaders from various disciplines. Hilmers will speak on "To Outer Space and Back: A Doctor's View of Global Health" at 6 p.m. in the Innovators Auditorium.

Hilmers is an associate professor in the departments of internal medicine and pediatrics and in the Center for Space Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. His clinical pursuits have included pediatrics special needs, aerospace medicine and nutrition. His research interests in nutrition include refugee health, food fortification programs and the influence of malnutrition on infectious diseases such as HIV and malaria.

Hilmers has participated in international volunteer service and disaster relief work in more than 40 counties. Before entering medical school at the age of 42, he was a Marine Corps colonel, aviator and electrical engineer. He also served as a NASA astronaut on four space shuttle missions.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 951-343-4619.