Ashleigh Shenton, MD
Thank you for wanting to learn more about the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Internal Medicine program! I’m Ashleigh, one of the chief residents for the 2025-2026 year.
I grew up in northern Vermont, about two hours north of Lebanon on I-89. I studied mechanical engineering during undergrad at Northeastern University, where I worked a bit in the medical device industry. After realizing that my true passion was direct patient care, I attended medical school at the University of Vermont. I chose to complete my residency at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center because of the kind mentors, proximity to outdoor activities, and excellent clinical training that it provides.
I am proud to have trained at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center because it trains role models in patient care. The patients we see are medically complex, living in rural areas with limited interaction with the healthcare system. This facilitates development of doctors who are knowledgeable and caring, people whom I would trust to care for my own family members. In addition, our faculty genuinely care about residents. They see us as individuals and want to help us achieve our goals, no matter what they are. I have felt supported to explore and develop my career interests, which include medical education, cardiology, and longitudinal patient care. Finally, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center prioritizes work-life balance. There is amazing access to nature – as someone who loves skiing, running, and biking outside of work, being able to do all of these within fifteen minutes of the hospital has been invaluable.
I wish you all the best in your application season. If you have any questions about our program or life in the Upper Valley, please feel free to reach out!
Email: ashleigh.n.shenton@hitchcock.org
Sharon Thomson
Thank you for your interest in the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency Program. My name is Sharon Thomson and I’m one of the chiefs for the 2025-2026 academic year.
I’m originally from South India but I grew up both in Kuwait and Canada and completed my undergraduate studies at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. I spent a year doing research at Johns Hopkins and travelling before I attended Wake Forest in North Carolina for medical school. But I couldn’t stay away from the Northeast for too long and was ecstatic to come to Dartmouth for my residency training.
Training at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center is unique – although situated in the idyllic, rural Upper Valley, we are a tertiary care academic center with a wide catchment area. Patients typically have several advanced comorbidities and are often from underserved areas; this population equips us with the skills to tailor management plans in the context of relevant social determinants of health and engenders a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare system. While in residency, I had the opportunity to join our gastroenterology department for Rwanda Endoscopy Week. I look forward to continuing these global health efforts to improve accessibility to complex endoscopic procedures and am currently applying for gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship programs.
In addition to our robust training, I have enjoyed exploring the New England area. There’s something for everyone – quaint farmer’s markets, hiking and mountain biking for various skill levels, canoeing/kayaking, pottery classes, yoga and fitness studios, etc. I love spending my weekends hiking, canoeing, and taking day trips to small towns throughout New England.
I wish you all the best during this application season. Please do not hesitate to email me if you have more questions about my experience or our program.
Email: sharon.m.thomson@hitchcock.org
Michael Wright
Thank you for your interest in the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency Program! I’m Mike, one of the chief residents for the 2025–2026 academic year. I was born and raised in Colorado and completed my undergraduate degree in chemistry at the University of Colorado. After spending a gap year working as an ED tech, I attended medical school at the University of Rochester, where I met my wife. We were happy to couples match and continue our training at Dartmouth in internal medicine and dermatology.
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center is a unique training environment. As a rural academic medical center, we serve as both the tertiary referral center and safety-net hospital for the region. We care for a diverse, underserved population and manage a broad spectrum of complex disease, often for patients who drive hours to receive care. In addition to exceptional training, the culture here is incredibly friendly and supportive. The size of the program fosters close relationships with both co-residents and mentors.
Outside the hospital, the Upper Valley offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and community. As an avid skier, I’ve loved exploring the nearby mountains and trails. In the warmer months, you’ll find us enjoying local restaurants, farmers markets, CSAs, and day hikes. When I’m not in the hospital, I enjoy skiing, cooking for my wife, and playing with our dog, Goose, who we got as interns. Next up: I’m currently applying to pulmonary and critical care fellowship. Thanks again for your interest in our program. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!