The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth has received a $1 million endowed gift from Carlos Li MED ’86 to support the medical school’s MD-PhD program. The gift will establish the Li Endowed Fund for Geisel’s MD-PhD Program, ensuring stable financial support for students pursuing the school’s rigorous dual-degree training in medicine and research.
Li’s philanthropic commitment will expand and sustain opportunities for aspiring physician-scientists to pursue their passion to combine clinical medicine with research. The endowment will provide ongoing funding for student stipends and research opportunities, strengthening the program’s ability to attract and support top-tier physician-scientist candidates.
“I know it’s difficult for students to afford medical school these days,” Li says. “Some give up their research dreams because they can’t afford to take extra time away from clinical work. I hope this gift helps remove that obstacle and encourages more students to follow their passion for scientific discovery and medicine.”
“Dr. Li’s generous gift will enhance our ability to support these exceptional students, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in both rigorous scientific inquiry and compassionate patient care.” says Duane Compton, PhD, dean of Geisel School of Medicine. “He was very thoughtful in how he could make a strong impact on our students, and this endowment will have a lasting effect on our program and, ultimately, on the future of healthcare.”
Li himself has a deep understanding of how participating in research can improve a clinician’s medical practice. His gift comes at a pivotal moment, as physician-scientists are increasingly being called upon to advance medical knowledge and bridge the gap between research and critical care globally.
Li’s decision to give back to his alma mater stems from his love for medicine and innate scientific curiosity. As a medical student at Dartmouth in the mid-1980s, faculty mentors instilled in him a passion for inquiry and discovery. For example, during his training he conducted research in the lab of Dartmouth anatomy professor William Layton, MD, where he studied congenital heart defects in mice. Li’s time there sparked his enduring interest in cardiovascular research.
In fact, Li says that lab experience inspired him to join the Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation between his second and third years of medical school at Dartmouth, where he conducted advanced studies in fetal cardiac physiology. After receiving his medical degree in 1986, he continued this research at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), reinforcing his commitment to integrating academic medicine into clinical practice.
These formative years, both within and beyond Dartmouth, cemented Li’s path as a physician-scientist. Throughout his career in cardiothoracic surgery, including residency at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a fellowship at the University of Washington, Li saw firsthand the importance of merging patient care with research-driven innovation. He emphasizes that this integration fosters professional curiosity, leading to better patient outcomes by continually improving treatments and advancing medical understanding.
Striking a balance between research and clinical practice is critical, Li emphasizes. “I’ve always believed curiosity is essential in medicine,” he says. “Doctors need to constantly ask questions—why is this happening, how can we improve treatment? That’s the essence of being a physician-scientist, and I want to support students who think critically and push medicine forward.”
Strengthening the MD-PhD Program
At Geisel, MD-PhD students dedicate years to rigorous biomedical research before completing their medical training, a journey that prepares them to shape the future of medicine.
“This program affords us the independence to chase our interests and the support to get things done,” says current Geisel MD-PhD student Lisa Francomacaro. “I am not only getting a world-class education, but I am also becoming the type of physician-scientist, the type of person, I have always admired.”
Although Geisel covers most tuition costs for MD-PhD students, additional philanthropic support is essential for sustaining and expanding the program. Li’s endowed gift will enhance student stipends, fund innovative research opportunities, and strengthen mentorship initiatives. Reducing financial barriers will also open the opportunity for more students to enroll.
“The people who helped me along the way were more than just teachers or supervisors. We developed a strong bond through research and mentorship—they became like father figures to me,” Li reflects. “This gift honors their impact and ensures future students have similar opportunities. I hope it helps them find the same sense of purpose and guidance.”
Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future
Li’s generosity reflects his lifelong commitment to medicine and mentorship. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he has devoted much of his personal life to caring for his family, a value deeply rooted in his upbringing. His dedication to service transcends the operating room, and he hopes this gift enables others to view medicine as both a profession and a calling.
“For me, medicine is about more than just following procedures. It’s about seeking knowledge, questioning, and improving patient care,” Li says. “I was very specific in my donation—I wanted it to go to the students because they are the heart of the Geisel School of Medicine, especially the MD-PhD program.”
While Li wishes to shine a light on the importance of physician-scientists, his ultimate goal is to allow students the freedom to fully immerse themselves in their education. “When students don’t have to worry about money, they can focus entirely on learning and research. All that’s left is to simply focus on becoming the best physician-scientists possible.”
Founded in 1797, the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth strives to improve the lives of the communities it serves through excellence in learning, discovery, and healing. The Geisel School of Medicine is renowned for its leadership in medical education, healthcare policy and delivery science, biomedical research, global health, and in creating innovations that improve lives worldwide. As one of America’s leading medical schools, the Geisel School of Medicine is committed to training new generations of diverse leaders who will help solve our most vexing challenges in healthcare.
