Current student here...
The people are a major factor as to why I think I am a happy student. The faculty who are here love being at Dartmouth, and the faculty at the hospital are really committed to being clinical educators. I think there is also just a different vibe/pace in the medical school/hospital here: it is more laid back, more collaborative, and less cut throat and overstressed. In comparing other schools/hospitals I have been to, there are not many egos at the hospital, and even the ones with egos are approachable. Sure, you could argue it might be the most realistic kind of prep for the 'real world' being in this super supportive environment, but I really like it and think it's helped me do things I never thought I would do as a medical student. There are Dartmouth-run away rotations if that environment part is a big concern for you.
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