Dr. Kelli Pointer, an assistant professor of radiation oncology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Geisel School of Medicine, has been named to the Union Leader’s 40 Under 40 list for her work in cancer research and mentorship.
Pointer, 37, serves as an assistant professor of radiation oncology and applied science at DHMC and the Dartmouth Cancer Center. The Chicago native earned her undergraduate degree from MIT before completing her MD and PhD at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
The recognition comes as Pointer has guided several mentees to nationally recognized awards, an achievement she cited as her most recent professional milestone. She currently focuses on mentoring students while working in radiation oncology at the Lebanon-based medical center.
“Giving back to the community was instilled in me from a very young age, and seeing how even small acts create a tangible impact fuels my desire to help,” Pointer said in the award profile. “I value the sense of belonging that comes from contributing to a place where my family is part of the community, and I see my involvement as a way to strengthen those roots.”
Pointer lives in the Upper Valley with her preschool-aged twin daughters. She said their curiosity and energy inspire her daily work, along with support from her mother and extended family.
When asked about New Hampshire’s appeal to young professionals, Pointer pointed to housing costs as a barrier. She suggested more affordable housing options and clearer career pathways through startup incubators, mentorship programs and access to capital would help young professionals build careers in the state.
Pointer expressed uncertainty about long-term plans but said the community support she has found for both family and career makes the Upper Valley an attractive place to continue her work. Her role spans both clinical work at Dartmouth-Hitchcock and academic responsibilities at Geisel School of Medicine.
The 40 Under 40 award recognizes young professionals across New Hampshire for their career achievements and community involvement. Pointer’s selection highlights the growing recognition of Dartmouth-Hitchcock’s research faculty and their contributions to both medical advancement and student development in the region.