Medical School

Here in Hanover we are working in the shadow cast by the financial mushroom cloud emanating from Washington; there is noise and dirt in the air caused by oversized bulldozers tidying up construction of the new Vail Building; and from the College itself there are emanations from the postpartum throes of the introduction of year-round operation and coeducation. But at this time, almost hour by hour, these problems become almost relegated to distractions as we near what is the event of the century for the Medical School. As you read these words we will be granting our first M.D. degrees since World War I. To avoid belaboring the import of this splendid development, we'll use the vernacular and claim that the phrase "event of the century" says it all.

We have a letter from Hildrus A. Poindexter M'27, who is a friend and benefactor of the Medical School, and though it is addressed to his classmates, we are happy to reproduce it here for all:

"Communications with all members of the D.M.S. Class of 1927 reveal that:

"Most of them are in semi-retirement but still active on a part-time or consultant basis.

"Many are still teaching electives or special courses in medical schools or schools of public health. Example: Dr. Ernest L. Stebbins, Dean emeritus at John Hopkins still teaches a course in Public Health Administration. A few conduct weekly or bi-weekly teaching ward rounds for medical students and interns in teaching hospitals.

"With more leisure time from scheduled professional duties, several members of the Class have become globe trotters, for cultural expansions or visiting children or grandchildren living or on assigned duties in at least four continents outside of North America.

"All members of the Class who replied to the most recent communication from the secretary send best wishes and congratulations to Dean Carleton Chapman for his new responsibilities with the Commonwealth Fund and congratulations and support to Dr. S. Marsh Tenney in his official resumption of the duties of acting Dean of D.M.S.

"Several members of the Class are looking forward to a return to the campus at the time of this 1973 commencement in order to be present when the first class under the New M.D. Program graduates. Dr. Stebbins, specifically states that he will probably come up for this commencement. My personal regrets 'I don't get around much any more.'

"The Class gives complete support to the proposal of Mr. B. K. "Ted" Thorne for a D.M.S. Publication designed to keep the D.M.S. Alumni informed on Dartmouth Matters.

"The class secretary has published his autobiography under the title My World of Reality published by the Balamp Publishing, 7430 Second Ave., Detroit, Michigan 48202.

Sincerely, Hildrus A. Poindexter Secretary D.M.S. '27 Medical Director PHS:Retired"

We hope many DMS alumni will be visiting Hanover this summer.