For Release: August 13, 2013
Contact: Derik Hertel, (603) 650-1211 or Derik.Hertel@Dartmouth.edu
Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine Welcomes New MD Class
First-year Dartmouth medical student Emmanuel Aryee takes time to reflect on why he chose to pursue a career in medicine, as he participates in the Geisel School of Medicine's Class of 2017 orientation program. Emmanuel was born in Accra, Ghana, and is a graduate of the University of Chicago
Hanover, NH—Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine officially welcomes 85 new students to its MD program this week. The students bring with them not only high academic achievements, but also a diversity of experience in work and service from around the world.
"This is a very exciting and accomplished group of students," said Dr. Chip Souba, Dean of the Geisel School of Medicine. "In many ways, they are already stepping up to be the leaders for change we need to improve our healthcare system."
The new class comes well prepared for the academic rigors and challenges of medical school. Many already have graduate degrees in fields such as biochemistry, health policy and clinical practice, law and diplomacy, and education. Many of the new students have also published research in journals such as Annals of Surgical Oncology, Science, and Nature. Also, almost half the class has participated in healthcare, public health or biomedical research outside the U.S. or Canada.
"Our new medical students are an academically excellent and diverse group," said Dr. Richard Simons, Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education. "I'm impressed with how much they have already achieved, particularly working to improve lives throughout the world."
Last week the students participated in a variety of orientation activities, including an array of team-building exercises and many opportunities to get acquainted with Dartmouth and the community. This week, they start classes and will meet more of their fellow Geisel students, and will embark on service-learning experiences with health and social service organizations in the Upper Valley.
Interesting facts about the new 2013 entering MD class:
- 85 students from approximately 5,000 applicants to Geisel
- 10 Dartmouth College graduates
- Women make up 61 percent of the new class
- 55 percent of the students are individuals of color and/or international students
- Outside of U.S. students, others come from Canada, Zimbabwe, China, Ghana, Germany, India, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Thailand
- 15 are EMTs
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