On September 11, a new cohort of residential Master of Science students arrived at the Geisel School of Medicine ready to begin a year of discovery and growth.
Representing Geisel’s MS programs in Epidemiology, Health Data Science, and Medical Informatics, the incoming students began the day gathered at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for an orientation designed to introduce them to their new academic community and the resources available to support their success.
The day began with a community breakfast before students gathered for a welcome information session with Geisel faculty and staff.
“You have joined a dynamic community of health sciences, public health, and medical students who are dedicated to improving health and healthcare through innovation, research, and leadership,” said Sonia Chimienti, Dean of Education Affairs, welcoming students to Geisel.
The morning session also featured remarks from Craig Westling, Associate Dean for Health Sciences Education; Jennifer Emond, Assistant Dean for Health Sciences MS Programs; Monica Espinoza, MS Curriculum Director; Amanda Helali, Program Coordinator; and Kristine Giffin, QBS Director of Academic and Student Affairs.
Emond encouraged students to embrace the opportunities ahead. “This will be an intense but rewarding year where you will have many opportunities to grow,” she shared.
Following the welcome breakfast, students were introduced to the resources available through the Biomedical Library, including research and educational support. The morning continued with professional headshots and a tour of the medical center, introducing students to the spaces they will frequent throughout their time at Geisel.
The afternoon portion of orientation moved to the Hanover campus, where students were introduced to the many offices and individuals dedicated to supporting their academic, professional, and personal success.
The Office of Student Life’s afternoon session featured Tara K. Cunningham, Associate Dean for Student Life; Taryn C. Weinstein, Director of Student Life; Tina Hoisington, Events Coordinator; Erin Anderson, Case Manager for Student Well-Being & Team; Chandlee Bryan, Career Resources Manager; Courtney Buzzell, Student Life Coordinator; Graham R. Knight, Associate Director, Student Academic Success; and John Caldora, Assistant Director for Accessibility Services. Students also learned about the Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement (DICE) Office, represented by Jerome Wilcox.
The afternoon concluded with an overview of the upcoming term curriculum, structure, and degree requirements led by Espinoza, giving students a clear picture of the academic year ahead.
For Espinoza, orientation marked the beginning of a year in which students will have the opportunity to develop as researchers, innovators, and future leaders in health and healthcare.
“I am excited to welcome our new cohort to Geisel, and I know this will be a year of innovation, ingenuity, and explosive growth for all of our students,” Espinoza said. “Our orientation was just the beginning. I encourage students to pose questions, challenge themselves, and lean on their community. I hope orientation was a demonstration of the support they will receive as they work toward their academic goals here at Geisel.”
Throughout the day, students came prepared to learn and engage. They asked questions, connected with faculty and staff, and began forming relationships with their new classmates. Many shared their enthusiasm about starting classes and their eagerness to become involved in research and extracurricular opportunities.
The day ended with a campuswide scavenger hunt, giving students a chance to become more familiar with their new learning environment and strengthen connections with their peers.
With orientation behind them and the academic year ahead, Geisel’s newest residential MS students are ready to begin their journey, bringing curiosity, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to improving health and healthcare to their work at Dartmouth.
Written by Mia Soucy, Admissions Manager at Geisel School of Medicine