The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth has named John T. Mullen, MD, FACS, as the new William N. and Bessie Allyn Professor in Surgery, effective August 18, 2025. Mullen, professor and chair of the Department of Surgery at Geisel and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC), brings a distinguished record of clinical excellence, research, and leadership to this five-year term professorship.
Mullen joins Dartmouth from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), where he served as the John Homans Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and a renowned surgical oncologist. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in the multidisciplinary management of complex malignancies, including soft tissue and retroperitoneal sarcomas, and gastro-esophageal cancers. He is recognized nationally for his commitment to advancing surgical techniques, patient-centered care, and collaborative research.
At MGH, Mullen also held several prominent leadership positions. He served as program director of the general surgery residency for 14 years, mentored dozens of surgical residents and fellows, and most recently held the position of vice chair of faculty affairs.
“I am honored to join the Dartmouth community as the William N. and Bessie Allyn Professor in Surgery,” said Mullen. “This professorship represents a commitment to surgical excellence and academic leadership. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance patient care, foster innovation, and mentor the next generation of surgeons.”
A Tradition of Surgical Excellence
The William N. and Bessie Allyn Professorship in Surgery was established at Dartmouth by William G. Allyn D ’32, in honor of his parents, to support exceptional surgical faculty who exemplify excellence in care, research, and education. In being named to this distinguished professorship, Mullen joins a tradition of surgical leaders at Geisel who are dedicated to innovation, compassionate care, and the advancement of the field.
Reflecting on the legacy of the Allyns, Mullen said the professorship was especially meaningful given the family’s role in formative medical technology. “As a medical student, some of the very first tools I purchased were a Welch Allyn otoscope and ophthalmoscope—devices that have been essential in patient care for generations,” Mullen said. “I really appreciate the generosity of this family for leaving such a lasting legacy at Dartmouth.”
Duane Compton, PhD, dean of the Geisel School of Medicine, emphasized that Mullen’s appointment reflects Geisel’s ongoing commitment to recruiting leaders who combine clinical expertise with a passion for education and research. “Dr. Mullen’s expertise in surgical oncology and his dedication to education and research make him an exceptional addition to our faculty,” said Compton. “We are delighted to welcome him to Dartmouth and look forward to the impact of his leadership as the Allyn Professor in Surgery.”
Meeting the Challenges of Rural Healthcare
In his role as chair of surgery at DHMC, Mullen will focus on expanding access to care in a region where geography, infrastructure, and resources all present real challenges. “Healthcare is in a tough spot right now, especially in rural areas,” he said. “My goal is to build on the great work already being done to ensure high-quality care for the people of the Upper Valley, New Hampshire, and Vermont.”
He also emphasized the unique role of DHMC as both an academic and regional hub. “Dartmouth serves as the primary academic center for a large, rural catchment area. Patients deserve access, but the hospital is often full. That creates a real dilemma: How do we ensure timely surgical care when space is limited?”
At the same time, he acknowledged the limits of such strategies. “You can’t just build 50 new operating rooms overnight,” he said. “And we can’t expect our staff to work around the clock. So, we have to find smart, sustainable solutions that protect quality of care and staff well-being.”
Mullen is also enthusiastic about collaborating with researchers at The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice to tackle broader questions of cost and equity in care delivery. “We’re an amazing country with incredible doctors, researchers, and institutions—but our healthcare system is expensive and increasingly unsustainable,” he said. “I’m looking forward to partnering with colleagues to find better, more efficient ways to deliver care, especially in underserved communities.”
Despite the complexities ahead, Mullen said he is energized by the opportunity. “A lot of the challenges of being a rural academic medical center are also opportunities—for innovation, for creativity, and for meaningful impact,” he said. “That’s what drew me to Dartmouth.”
As he begins this new chapter, Mullen brings both humility and vision. “I won’t be the last holder of this professorship,” he said. “There will be others after me. My job is to honor the legacy I’m stepping into—and to leave the institution stronger for the next generation.”
About The William N. and Bessie Allyn Professorship
Established through the generosity of William N. and Bessie Allyn, the professorship supports surgical faculty who demonstrate outstanding leadership in clinical care, research, and education. The Allyn Professorship is awarded to individuals who exemplify the highest ideals of the surgical profession and who are committed to advancing the mission of the Geisel School of Medicine and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
