ABC's of Academic Health Systems

Through our affiliation with Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, we represent one of only 220 academic medical centers in the nation and we are one of the most rural. As New Hampshire’s only academic medical center, we train many of the best and brightest medical minds. This distinguishing designation provides our patients with access to world-class care and medical breakthroughs. Academic medical centers like Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center have a unique ability to advance the individual health needs of patients while simultaneously advancing medical research.

Clinical Excellence

Our reputation is rooted in deep ties to Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and the NCI-designated Comprehensive Dartmouth Cancer Center. Advanced clinical trials and medical science are performed at our academic medical center–Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. These partnerships allow us to apply the most robust level of medical expertise available throughout our healthcare system. Together, we work seamlessly to provide state-of-the-art science to the individual needs of our patients. 

Advantages of Access to World Class Care

One of the key markers for the quality of life in any community is access to exceptional healthcare. In academic medical centers, patient care is inherently improved thanks to better-trained, continually educated physicians and advanced practice providers who have access to the latest advances in their respective medical field. When it comes to critical care, throughout northern New England, people have come to rely on Dartmouth Health’s designation as the only Level I Trauma Center in New Hampshire. Level 1 means that DHMC provides the highest level of trauma care to critically ill or injured patients and indicates that a facility has research and teaching facilities as well. With such highly-specialized care, we offer the most comprehensive approach to trauma patients–from injury through rehabilitation–including 24-hour in-hospital access to general surgeons.

Welcoming Collaboration

The goal of academic medicine is to ultimately improve the health and well-being of individuals and populations. Through the discovery and development of principles, policies, and best practices that advance evidence-based research and education in the health sciences, we take a collaborative approach to patient care. Not only at DHMC, but throughout Dartmouth Health, the best care plans for our patients are determined by a whole team of experienced doctors.

Community Commitment

As New Hampshire’s only academic health system, Dartmouth Health continues to set new standards of care—offering world-class, comprehensive care close to home. Last year, Dartmouth Health’s Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC), was named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s annual ranking of Great Hospitals in America in addition to being named New Hampshire’s Best Hospital year-after-year by U.S. News & World Report. DHMC was one of only three hospitals in New England included on the Becker’s list, and the only hospital in New Hampshire and northern New England.

Hospitals included on lists such as these are renowned for clinical excellence, patient safety, innovation efforts, research and education, patient satisfaction and more. National organizations recognized these hospitals for their leadership in the industry and their excellence in several specialties. Hospitals acknowledged on this list are leaders in healthcare who contribute to breakthroughs and discoveries that impact the future of medicine, and their expertise benefits not only the communities they serve, but also healthcare in general.