Read the full story, published by the Geisel News Center.

“I did feel tempted to go farther away, but I love this area and the people who live here,” says first-year medical student Catherine Gordon. “Why would I leave for the sake of leaving?

“One thing that was important to me when choosing a medical school was a place that highly valued balance—work/life balance and self-care. The students and faculty I met at Geisel have a really good perspective on that.”

Gordon grew up in Norwich, Vt., and like most people in the Upper Valley, she lives a balanced life: volunteering at local community service organizations, indulging in creative pursuits, and spending a good deal of time outdoors. “I love winter and skiing, so this is a great place to be. And growing up in this community—a place where people truly care about each other—was wonderful. I felt that I was very well looked after,” she says. “It is a community that also emphasizes service, and that had a big influence me as I thought about college and what I wanted to do.”