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\u201cStrong and thriving.\u201d That was Interim Dean Steven Leach\u2019s assessment of the Geisel School of Medicine during the annual State of the Medical School address on Wednesday, June 3, where he reflected on a year of transition and the deep connections he made with the Geisel community.<\/p>\n
Leach discussed the school\u2019s strategic priorities, institutional accomplishments, finances, and several leadership transitions ahead of the incoming dean Jennifer Hunt\u2019s<\/a> August 1 start.<\/p>\n He explained how the strategic priorities laid the groundwork for a successful transition: strengthening Geisel's research and discovery leadership across Dartmouth and Dartmouth Health, deepening ties between the dean's office and clinical departments, and driving momentum through investment and recruitment. Key initiatives included three deep-dive task forces on faculty appointments, clinical research barriers, and an overhaul of Geisel's communications infrastructure.<\/p>\n Geisel launched six new tenure track faculty searches and finalized 953 new faculty appointments; interim leaders were named in several areas, including faculty affairs and clinical research, and Roy Herbst<\/a> was named the new director of the Dartmouth Cancer Center.<\/p>\n With a first-year class size of 96 students, Geisel had 403 medical students enrolled this year, as well as 214 students enrolled in our health sciences programs, including two new MS degree programs launched this year.<\/p>\n The school\u2019s budget deficit came in smaller than expected\u2014a positive result given the financial pressures across higher education. He also highlighted fundraising successes, including a $5M gift from Patty and Doug Sacks D\u201980<\/a> to support early career faculty, and the successful completion of a $50M fundraising goal for the Dartmouth Cancer Center.<\/p>\n Despite federal funding headwinds, Geisel held a $100M sponsored research portfolio. Highlights include a $12M implementation science grant,<\/a> and a $13M NIDA grant<\/a> for digital teen substance-use tools. Geisel accounts for 75% of Dartmouth's NIH funding and leads among Ivy Plus schools in rural health research.<\/p>\n Following Leach\u2019s address, awards were presented to Geisel faculty and staff for their collective efforts in advancing Geisel\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026 Research Excellence Awards; Outstanding Citizen Award<\/strong><\/p>\n