A New Chapter Begins: Geisel Welcomes New Master’s Students

This September, the Geisel School of Medicine welcomed new health sciences master’s students, bringing together learners from across the country and around the world for the start of an exciting academic journey.

Incoming students in Geisel’s residential Master of Science programs in Epidemiology, Health Data Science, and Medical Informatics gathered at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center on September 11 for a full day of orientation. The program introduced students to their new academic community, campus resources, and the faculty and staff who will support them throughout the year.

“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 the new students.

The day included opportunities to connect with classmates and faculty, learn about the Biomedical Library and student support services, tour the medical center and Hanover campus, and get an overview of the curriculum and academic expectations for the year ahead. The orientation concluded with a campuswide scavenger hunt, giving students an opportunity to explore their new surroundings while building connections.

Geisel also welcomed new cohorts in the Online MS in Health Data Science and Online MS in Implementation Science programs. Through live virtual orientation sessions, students met program leaders and classmates, learned about academic and career resources, and gained a better understanding of what to expect as they balance graduate study with their professional and personal commitments.

“We feel that the individual perspectives of each student’s lived and professional experience in our cohort strengthens the learning of the whole, and ultimately will improve outcomes for the lives they impact,” said Gayle Cohen, director of the MS Implementation Science program.

Across both residential and online programs, students arrived with a shared enthusiasm. Questions during orientation reflected their eagerness to explore research opportunities, connect with peers, and engage beyond the classroom.

Jennifer Emond, Assistant Dean for Health Sciences MS Programs, encouraged the residential students to embrace the year ahead. “This will be an intense but rewarding year where you will have many opportunities to grow,” she said.

Geisel’s newest master’s students join the Geisel community ready to learn, collaborate, and make an impact, during their time at Dartmouth and beyond.