disease.The new CECS and TRB will be connected to Borwell by the LeBaron Commons, a place where scientists and physicians can meet and share ideas. A $5-million leadership gift from Dean LeBaron will fund the Commons, which will be named in memory of LeBaron's father, Dr. Francis E. LeBaron.

While these projects have yet to break ground, other capital projects are up and running. A four-story expansion of the Rubin Building at DHMC was completed in 2003, nearly doubling the building's size. And Norris Cotton Cancer Center-North in St. Johnsbury, Vt., a collaborative effort by DHMC and seven other hospitals to bring advanced cancer care to the North Country, has just opened.

More than merely bricks and mortar, these buildings are the physical embodiment of the Dartmouth medical enterprise's extraordinary work and vision: to transform medicine and the lives of those patients we serve.

Annual giving
With all the talk of milliondollar gifts, it's easy to wonder where the smaller donor—who faithfully writes out a modest yearly check—fits in. Last fiscal year was among the most successful for both the Fund for Dartmouth Medical School, which raised $435,545, and the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Annual Fund, which raised $722,543. While these two annual funds represent relatively small portions

Advancing the frontiers of medical knowledge. Pictured here is Dr. Wendy Wells, a pathologist who has studied uncertainties in the diagnosis of breast cancer.

Photo by: Jon Gilbert Fox

Bringing the best clinical care to patients of the region, the nation, and the world. Pictured are cardiovascular surgeons who are part of a network that reduced regional mortality for bypass surgery by 24%.

Photo by: Flying Squirrel Graphics

of the academic medical center's overall budget, the monies they raise are crucial, according to Annual Fund Director Amy Schrom.That's because, unlike endowment, they provide current-use funds.

Annual fund growth is especially important during a campaign, says Schrom, since it's the base of support for the future. Schrom hopes to see the annual funds reach $2 million a year by the campaign's end."This community is extremely generous and believes in our mission," she says."As we better communicate the value of annual fund gifts, more people will be inspired to give annually."

The future
"This campaign is about building on our strengths and accelerating our accomplishments to provide better care, more effective treatments, and more targeted therapies for our patients and our community," says Alfred Griggs, chair of the DHMC and MHMH Trustees. "Only with philanthropic dollars can we fulfill the extraordinary promise and potential of these great institutions."

"This is a time of real opportunity and real challenge," concludes Brian Lally."Part of being successful in any campaign is, first and foremost, people have to believe in it . . . believe in the institution, the mission, and want to be part of it.And that is happening. It's wonderful to see the Medical School, the Hospital, the Clinic, the College, and our community so united in this effort."

Raising the bar
The financial goal of the Transforming Medicine Campaign for Dartmouth Medical School and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is to raise $250 million by 2009. Even more far-reaching is its goal of "raising the bar" in medicine. Of questioning assumptions—respecting tradition but not following it blindly. Of erasing boundaries—translating science from the lab bench to the bedside by connecting researchers with clinicians. Of creating solutions to the nation's most critical health-care issues. Of transforming medicine.

Anatomy of a goal
Gifts to the Transforming Medicine Campaign are building endowment reserves, enhancing programs and services, supporting learning and teaching in clinical settings, advancing medical education, and stimulating a stronger annual giving program, as well as advancing the work of the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth and Norris Cotton Cancer Center. Here is a breakdown of the $250-million goal:

• $98 million for clinical research programs and unrestricted support.
• $85 million for faculty and clinical academic endowment.
• $67 million to build and enhance research, academic, and patient-care facilities.

As of mid-August, the Transforming Medicine Campaign had raised over $106 million in cash gifts and pledges—more than 42% of the total goal.

Learning more
For more about the Transforming Medicine Campaign, visit http://transmed.dartmouth.edu