Trustees Back Medical Center

The Dartmouth Trustees at their June meeting unanimously approved recommendations for establishment of a Dartmouth- Hitchcock Medical Center and confirmed the College's plans for a selective fundraising effort to underwrite the long-term development of the Dartmouth Medical School in the face of shrinking federal support.

In April, at their prior meeting, the Trustees had requested that the Dartmouth Medical School, the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital, and the Hitchcock Clinic draw up plans for "an effective functioning relationship" within "a true medical center." That request to the separate, independent organizations which historically have worked closely together was made as part of an overall effort to assure the viability of the Medical School as it completes its transition to a return to an M.D. degree institution. At the Commencement, among the more than 1100 degree recipients were 18 men and women who became the first awarded the Dartmouth M.D. degree since 1914.

The Dartmouth Trustees' approval of the recommendations of the Center Planning Committee is the second step in a three-part action required before Medical Center plans can be implemented. With the Hitchcock Clinic Corporation having already approved the plans, the final step will be taken with the expected approval by the Trustees of the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital.