Supporting a Balanced Life

Yes, becoming a doctor requires long hours of hard work. But at Dartmouth that doesn't require you to sacrifice outside interests, a healthy lifestyle, or opportunities for social, personal, and emotional growth. The culture at Dartmouth fosters a balanced lifestyle. In fact most of the people here—students, doctors, researchers, nurses, residents—make sure they find the time for other interests. Dartmouth's Student Affairs Office, and the student-initiated Wellness Committee, are two key resources that can assist you in meeting the challenges of medical school while enjoying a balanced, fulfilling life. Assistance comes in many ways: through individual advising, mentoring, or peer relationships; through groups focused on professional or personal interests; through religious or spiritual connections; through service and advocacy; or through recreation or artistic pursuits. We are interested in physical and mental wellness, including the needs of students' families," says Dr. Lori Alvord, Associate Dean for Student and Multicultural Affairs, and the first Navajo woman surgeon. Her book, The Scalpel and the Silver Bear, describes her journey from the reservation to becoming a surgeon and her efforts to combine traditional healing with her Western practice. Multi-dimensional support," says Alvord, helps students become healers."

Support and Diversity
From orientation to the formal curriculum, DMS is committed to fostering an understanding and appreciation for cultural differences, while helping develop the clinical

skills needed to work effectively with diverse patient populations. The Bridging Program aims to enhance the medical education of our students through contact and meaningful interactions with alumni and provides opportunities for professional and career mentoring. To support the unique needs of students from diverse and minority backgrounds, Dartmouth's Office of Multicultural Affairs provides a combination of

individual support, resources, training, and programs.

Students lead active chapters of the Student National Medical Association, a national organization addressed to students of color, the American Medical Women's Association, and qMD, an interest group for those concerned about health issues facing gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people. See also our list of student organizations.