Our History

Innovation and compassionate care for our New Hampshire and Vermont neighbors are rooted deeply in our long history. From the founding of Dartmouth Medical College in 1797—one of the original four medical schools in America—to the formation of our ever-expanding network of hospitals, clinics, home care and facilities across our region, this foundational commitment remains embedded in our culture.

Timeline: Growing our system

1797

Dartmouth Medical School, the fourth medical school in the nation, is founded by Nathan Smith.

 

1893

Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital opens in Hanover, New Hampshire.

 

1896

Anna Littlefield, MD, one of the founders of New London Hospital, becomes the first female doctor in the New London area.

 

1907

Visiting Nurses Association services are initiated in Windsor, Vermont.

 

1938

The White River Junction Veteran’s Administration Hospital opens and becomes a Dartmouth Medical School teaching affiliate.

 

1991

Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital moves to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center campus in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

 

1992

Former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop establishes the C. Everett Koop Institute at Dartmouth.

 

1994

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Advanced Response Team (DHART) is launched. It is the first air ambulance service in New Hampshire and Vermont.

 

2009

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health is formed with two members, Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital and the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic.

 

2013

New London Hospital joins Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health.

 

2014

Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center joins Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health.

 

2015

Cheshire Medical Center joins Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health.

 

2016

Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital joins Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health.

 

2016

Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire joins Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health.

 

2019

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health and West Health Partnership create the first rural geriatric emergency department.

 

2021

Ground is broken for the new Patient Pavilion at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

 

2022

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health rebranded as Dartmouth Health.

 

2023

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center joins Dartmouth Health.

 

2024

Valley Regional Hospital joins Dartmouth Health.