Community Outreach

Passionate about health equity, rural medicine, and community-based care? Dermatology outreach at Geisel is your chance to step outside the classroom and make a real difference. Whether you're providing free dermatologic care to underserved patients, teaching sun safety to kids, or connecting with Indigenous communities on culturally appropriate skin health, these experiences let you apply your medical knowledge while developing skills in public health, patient advocacy, and hands-on clinical care. Plus, you’ll work alongside dermatology faculty and residents who are just as invested in mentorship as they are in making an impact.

4 Dermatology students in front of medical buildling

Good Neighbor Health Clinic (GNHC) Dermatology Clinic

The Dermatology Clinic at Good Neighbor provides dermatological care, both in person and via teledermatology services, to the underserved population in the Upper Valley. This clinic allows students interested in dermatology to learn with Dartmouth dermatology faculty and residents while providing care to patients. Interested first-year medical students can apply to volunteer at Good Neighbor and request dermatology clinic experience. Volunteering positions begin during the second year of medical school. Applications for student volunteers are advertised through Geisel typically in the late fall/early winter.

  • Faculty Leader: Jonathan Glass, MD, FAAD
SPOTS stand at Dartmouth Powwow

Powwow

Dartmouth Dermatology students and faculty host a table at the annual Dartmouth Powwow.  Free sunscreen samples and educational materials on sun exposure and skin cancer prevention are distributed.  

  • Faculty Leader: Jonathan Glass, MD, FAAD
Dermatology students at Lebanon Middle School

SPOTS (Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students)

SPOTS logo

Geisel medical students visit local schools to educate children and teenagers about the importance of sun protection, including proper sunscreen use, avoiding tanning beds, and performing skin self-exams, aiming to prevent skin cancer by teaching them healthy sun habits early on.  For more information see the Office of Student Life.

Melanoma May: Free Skin Screenings & Sun Advice

The Department of Dermatology conducts an annual free Skin Cancer Screening for the Hanover Fire and Police Departments for Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month. The skin screening event was founded by Alumnus Joanny Paul, MD. The Department of Dermatology continues this annual event in honor of Jeryl Frankenfield Sr. who had a 42 year career with the Hanover Fire Department holding various roles. Jerry passed away from Melanoma on September 13, 2015. Jerry's wife Pat is a Melanoma screening activist and supports awareness of the importance of sun protection.

  • Administrative Leader: Brittany Stark
Derm alumni group on hike

The Prouty

Each year, our Dermatology team proudly participates in The Prouty in Hanover, NH, in support of cancer research and patient care. As part of the event, we host a Sun Safety table to promote skin cancer prevention and healthy sun habits. We provide educational materials and hand out sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and other sun-protection items to help participants stay protected while enjoying the day. It’s a meaningful way for us to support our community, raise awareness about skin health, and reinforce the importance of daily sun protection.

  • Administrative Leader: Brittany Stark

CHaD Hero

Each year, we proudly participate in the CHaD Hero event hosted by the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth in Hanover, NH. This fundraising event supports the hospital's vital programs and services for children and families in the region. As part of our commitment to health and wellness, we set up a Sun Safety table to promote awareness about the importance of protecting skin from harmful UV rays. At our booth, we provide free sunscreen, SPF chapstick, and educational materials to help attendees understand the best ways to stay safe in the sun. It's a great way to support the community while encouraging healthy habits for all ages.

  • Administrative Leader: Brittany Stark