American radio and TV personality and board-certified internist Dr. David Drew Pinsky, better known as Dr. Drew, will speak April 16 at Stephens Auditorium as a part of Veishea’s entertainment lineup.

Dr. Drew has been the host of the syndicated radio talk show “Loveline” since 1984 and hosts and produces various television programs such as his current VH1 show “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.”

In addition he’s an assistant clinical professor at Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California and a private practitioner.

BJ Brugman, Veishea entertainment co-chairman and junior in agricultural business, said Veishea officials are not giving Dr. Drew a specific topic to speak on — similar to past speakers who carry on in a casual conversation with the audience.

“We always say it’s a lecturer or speaker but anymore it turns into a comedian,” Brugman said.

Dr. Drew has gained national fame primarily from television shows on MTV and VH1 in addition to numerous appearances in film and on the CBS reality show “Big Brother” and books he’s written.

His radio career spawned from his spots on a KROQ radio segment called “Ask A Surgeon” while he was a medical student at the University of Southern California in 1984.

Brugman describes the process of choosing Dr. Drew as similar to selecting bands for Veishea. They gathered a pool of possible acts, saw which ones were available and did research with Pat Miller, program coordinator for the committee on lectures, on what the different guests could contribute to Iowa State.

“We want to draw students,” Brugman said. “Our ultimate goal is to provide alternative entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.”

Brugman said the Veishea entertainment committee tries to provide names students are familiar with.

“If Motion City Soundtrack isn’t your thing, maybe Dr. Drew is,” he said, adding that one could potentially hear Dr. Drew and leave early for Motion City Soundtrack’s set.

Veishea speaker: Dr. Drew Pinsky

When: 11 p.m. April 16

Where: Stephens Auditorium

Cost: Free