History

A Legacy of Education and Innovation Since 1797
Building on more than two centuries of medical education, the Geisel Academy carries forward Dartmouth's tradition of educational excellence, innovation, mentorship, and leadership.

1797–PRESENT
A Tradition of Medical Education
Dartmouth Medical School, one of the oldest medical schools in the United States, was founded in 1797 by Dr. Nathan Smith. Over more than two centuries, the school has built a reputation for excellence in medical education and leadership in healthcare.
The medical school has played a pioneering role in medical advances, including the introduction of the stethoscope in 1838, the first clinical x-ray in 1896, and contributions to the development of the first COVID-19 vaccine in 2020.
A DARTMOUTH LEGACY
More than 225 years of innovation
From pioneering discoveries to innovative approaches to medical education, Dartmouth has long been a place where teaching, scholarship, and discovery intersect.
2012
The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
In 2012, the school was renamed the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth to honor Audrey and Theodor Geisel, whose generosity and legacy continue to shape the institution.
CLINICAL EDUCATION
A Partnership in Learning
The Geisel School of Medicine has a long-standing partnership with Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC), the primary teaching hospital for its students. Founded in 1893, DHMC is New Hampshire's only academic medical center.
EDUCATION & INNOVATION
Preparing Future Leaders
Together with the VA White River Junction Healthcare System, Geisel and DHMC form a hub of innovation, patient care, research, and medical education—preparing future healthcare leaders to address the most pressing challenges in medicine.
THE ACADEMY'S EVOLUTION
Fostering Educational Excellence
The Geisel Academy has evolved over time to recognize outstanding educators, foster mentorship, and create opportunities for collaboration and educational scholarship.

2013
Geisel Academy of Master Educators
The Geisel Academy of Master Educators was established in 2013 to recognize exceptional medical educators at the Geisel School of Medicine. Its mission was to reward excellence in medical education and provide mentorship from some of Dartmouth's most outstanding medical educators.

Members of the Geisel Academy of Master Educators in 2013

Members of the Geisel Academy of Master Educators, 2013. Membership recognized the most outstanding medical educators at Geisel.
2024
Geisel Academy of Educators and Scholars
In 2024, the leadership of the Department of Medical Education and the Office of Educational Affairs re-envisioned the Academy to be more inclusive of educators across our programs. The Geisel Academy of Educators and Scholars was launched with an expanded mission, scope, and governance structure.
This new model builds on the successes of the Geisel Academy of Master Educators while expanding the Academy's commitment to educational leadership, innovation, collaboration, mentorship, and scholarship across the health professions.

Members of the Geisel Academy of Educators and Scholars during the October 2025 Recognition Event

Members of the Geisel Academy of Educators and Scholars during the October 2025 Recognition Event.
LOOKING AHEAD
Building on a legacy of educational excellence
The Geisel Academy of Educators and Scholars continues this tradition by bringing educators together to learn, collaborate, mentor, and advance health professions education.