Frequently Asked Questions
Application Procedures
Does your address not need a street number?
No, the medical center has its own zip code. If you include the last 4 digits in the zip code – 1090 – it will come directly to us.
All communication can be sent to:
Office of Medical Student Admissions
Medical Center Boulevard
Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1090
What recommendations do you require?
We prefer a pre-med committee report, if your school has one. If not, there are forms attached to the secondary application that should be downloaded and given to 2 professors, 1 science and 1 non-science.
If your school uses a letter service, we will accept that, and you are not required to have the form on the secondary application filled out. We also accept recommendations from VirtualEvals and Interfolio. If you are using one of these services, you are not required to have the evaluation forms on the secondary application filled out.
If my school uses a letter service, which number should I check on the secondary application?
7. A. and state “letter service”
If you know the person signing the cover letter, you may put that on there but it is not necessary.
Do you accept international students?
Yes, please see the International Applications section for information.
Do you accept AP credit for required science courses?
We will accept AP credit for required science courses if you have taken upper level science courses at a 4-year school. In other words, we don’t accept AP credit stand alone.
Curriculum
(see also: Curriculum)
Describe the school’s curriculum in the pre-clinical and clinical years. Are there any innovations, like Problem-Based Learning?
With the entering class of 1998 (graduating in 2002), a new curriculum was implemented combining the best features of the former problem-based and traditional tracks. Students study the basic and clinical sciences in an integrated fashion throughout the 4-year curriculum, utilizing a variety of educational methods including small-group problem-based learning, small- and large-group sessions, laboratory sessions, lectures and in-class large-group discussions. During the clinical experiences students participate in patient rounds, clinical case discussions, grand rounds and in- and out-patient care.
Are there opportunities for students to design, conduct and publish their own research?
Students are encouraged to design, conduct and publish their own research. A limited number of funded summer research opportunities are available. A Scholarly Project can be undertaken for credit in the 4th year.
Is there a note-taking service? If so, is it University-run or student-run?
With the use of individual lap top computers, the students can take either paper-and-pencil notes or type notes on their computer during the lecture. Also, the audio version of the lecture is available for downloading within minutes after the lecture is over.
Is there flexibility in the course work (the number of electives) and the timing of the courses (accelerating, decelerating and time off) during the pre-clinical years?
There is no flexibility in course work for the first 2 years but considerable flexibility in Phase IV of the curriculum. A leave of absence for good reason is frequently granted.
Has this medical school or any of its clinical departments been on probation or had its accreditation revoked?
No
How do students from this medical school perform on the National Board Examinations? How does the school assist students who do not pass?
Since 1991, students of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM) have performed near the national mean on Steps 1 and 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). The school provides time and, upon request, tutorial assistance for students who are asked to repeat the USMLE. No formal remedial course is given.
Are there any special programs for which this medical school is noted?
Special programs at WFUSM include 3 5-year joint degree programs, MD/MBA, MD/MS in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Sciences Research, and MD/MA in Intercultural Studies, as well as the MD/PhD, which is intended to be a 7-year program.
Evaluations
How are students evaluated academically? How are clinical evaluations performed?
During years 1 and 2, students are evaluated via multiple formats including multiple choice and short-answer questions, student projects, small-group participation and standardized patient examinations. Students must pass Step 1 of the USMLE to continue in Phase III of the curriculum.
During years 3 and 4, the grades from shelf examinations are used in internal medicine and pediatrics as a percentage of the total grade. Students are also evaluated by faculty and house officers on basic knowledge, ability to perform histories and physicals, procedures, and relationships with patients, peers, and faculty. Oral examinations and department tests are also used. Students must pass Step 2 of the USMLE to graduate.
Is there a formal mechanism in place for students to evaluate their professors and attending physicians? What changes have been made recently as a result of this feedback?
A student-run and faculty-supported Course Evaluation Committee selects several courses each year for in-depth evaluation. Groups of students assess faculty presentations, learning materials, objectives, emphasis, pace and content of the course.
Course reports are shared with evaluated faculty, course directors, unit chairs and the Associate Dean for Medical Education. Changes are made annually as a result of information obtained in this process. Students at the mid-point of Phases I and II evaluate faculty tutors in the Basic/Clinical Science Problems I/II courses.
Counseling/Student Support
What kind of academic, personal, financial and career counseling is available to students? Are these services also offered to their spouses and dependents/children?
Office of Medical Education
Faculty Advisor Program
Academic – Office of Student of Services
Personal – Office of Student Services
None of the above services are offered to spouses or dependents/children.
Individual financial counseling is available to students and applicants. Office hours are from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Students also receive counseling in debt management, budgeting and planning. Federally required entrance and exit interviews are conducted at the beginning and end of enrollment. Spouses, parents and other family members often participate in these sessions.
Is there a mentor/advisor system? Who are the advisors – faculty members, other students or both?
There is a student-run Big Sister/Big Brother program and a Faculty Advisor Program.
Each class has a faculty mentor who attends classes and meets with the class on a regular basis. Students are also assigned an individual faculty mentor after matriculation.
How diverse is the student body? Are there support services or organizations for ethnic minorities and women?
Women represent about 50% of the student body. Approximately 15% of the student body are underrepresented minorities.
The Director of Minority Affairs and a staff member coordinate programs, which include development, implementation and coordination of a broad range of services to attract and retain minority students.
No special office is devoted exclusively to women’s needs. However, there is an active American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) chapter on campus and an active Women’s Faculty group from the undergraduate campus. The medical school has an active Women’s Liaison Officer to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). There is also a woman Ombudsperson for counsel.
Facilities
(see also Facilities)
Tell me about the library and extracurricular facilities (i.e., housing and athletic/recreational facilities).
The medical school has an extensive library, containing more than 110,000 volumes, including about 2,300 journals devoted to all aspects of medical-related periodicals. Available services include access to MEDLINE and TOXLINE, the computerized bibliographic services of the National Library of Medicine. There are extensive collections for computerized self-instruction in all phases of medicine.
The Student Life and Fitness Center provides a fitness area with a steam room, showers, lockers and Nautilus equipment. There is a TV lounge, vending area and a quiet study lounge that is open 24 hours. Through the Wake Forest University Student Activities program, medical students may attend the artist series on the Reynolda campus and obtain tickets to athletic events. Van service runs to and from the main campus regularly during the day.
The neighborhood YMCA and YWCA also have athletic/recreational facilities available.
Rooms, apartments and houses can be rented in the neighborhood around the medical school. The school does not provide dorms or housing but does maintain a housing file and roommate-seeking list.
Are there computer facilities available to students? Are they integrated into the curriculum/learning?
Each matriculating student is provided with an IBM Think Pad computer and printer. These computers are used extensively for communication and for accessing computerized curricular materials.
What type of clinical sites are available or required for clerkships? Does this school allow for students to do rotations at other institutions or internationally?
Ambulatory, private preceptors, private hospitals and rural setting clinical sites are available for clerkships. Elective rotations at other institutions are allowed.
WFUSM has a long and distinguished history of involvement and participation in international health care. Opportunities are coordinated thorough the Office of International Health Affairs. Credit is given in International Health for extramural electives during Phase IV of the curriculum. WFUSM makes every effort to appropriately match the interest, desires and needs of the student with the location, philosophy and attitudes of care of the site of their electives.
We actively participate in assisting the student in finding funding for such electives, including the Reader’s Digest Missionary Assistance Program, the Christian Medical/Dental Society, a number of different mission boards and sending agencies, as well as several denominations.
Is a car necessary for clinical rotations? Is parking a problem?
Not all students have cars. However, transportation is necessary for some of the Phase III clerkships. It is WFUSM policy that students are responsible for arranging their own transportation, including that to and from their clinical sites. Van service is available for the family medicine rotation at the Piedmont Plaza I facility. Student parking is available. Most students live close enough to walk or ride a bicycle to the school especially during the first 2 years.
Financial Aid
(see also: Financial Aid)
What is the current tuition and fees? Is this expected to increase yearly? If so, at what rate?
Tuition for 2008-2009 is $38,248 with no additional fees. Tuition is set annually and is approved by the Wake Forest University Board of Trustees.
Are there stable levels of federal financial aid and substantial amounts of university/medical school endowment aid available to students?
Federal funding is available to meet the current financial aid budget. Institutional funding is also available to supplement federal sources of assistance. About 80% of the financial aid budget at WFUSM comes from state and federal aid sources, with the remaining 20% provided by school funding.
Are there students who have an “unmet need” factor in their budget? If so, where do these students come up with the extra funds?
Some students who apply for financial aid have significant financial needs.
They are encouraged to apply for all need-based programs including loan and scholarship programs, as well as non-need sources of financial aid if they need additional funding.
Are spouses and dependents/children covered in a student budget?
Federal regulations do not permit a spouse or dependent allowance in the student aid budget. Married students with dependent children are permitted to increase their budgets for childcare expenses incurred while the student is enrolled.
Is someone available to assist students with budgeting and financial planning?
Financial counseling with the Director or Assistant Director of Financial Aid is available to individual students and applicants.
Does this school provide guidance to its students and to its graduates/alumni on debt management?
Debt management guidance is provided to students, as well as graduates. This counseling includes advice on how to implement deferment options on student loans, which loans to repay first, and how to coordinate the repayment of student loans with other types of consumer debt.
Student Involvement
(see also: Student Organizations)
What medical school committees (e.g., curriculum committee) have student representation?
The Committee on Undergraduate Medical Education has elected student representation. Student representatives also serve on each of the Phase committees of the curriculum.
Are students involved in (required or voluntary) community service?
The students are extensively involved in community service on a voluntary basis.
How active is the student council/government? Are there other student organizations?
Student government is very active. Luncheon meetings are held monthly from September to May with all deans invited to attend. The student government officers are responsible for preparing the agenda for each meeting. One officer from each class serves as a representative to the Medical Alumni Affairs Office.
Other student organizations are the North Carolina Medical Society, American Medical Student Association, American Medical Women’s Association, Student National Medical Association, Family Medicine Club, Pediatrics Club and International Club.
Policies
Is there an established protocol for dealing with student exposure to infectious disease? Is disability insurance provided to cover this exposure?
Yes.
Yes.
Does this school provide vaccinations against Hepatitis B or prophylactic AZT treatment in case of a needle-stick or accident?
Students pay for Hepatitis B vaccine. The school pays for AZT treatment.
Is there a school honor code? Is there a grievance process/procedure? Are the students involved?
An honor code system was implemented beginning with academic year 1998-99. Student members from each class are elected to the Honor Council. Recommendations of this council are sent to the Associate for Student Affairs. Students found in violation of the honor code are referred to the Faculty Committee on Student Discipline. Appeals are heard by the Associate Dean for Medical Education.
Residency
May I see a list of residency programs to which this school’s recent graduates were accepted?
A list of the most recent graduating class and where they were accepted to residency programs is available in the Student Admissions Office and is published in the school bulletin/handbook and yearbook.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Does this school have strengths in the type of medicine (primary versus specialized care, urban versus rural practice environment, academic medicine versus private practice) that I will want to practice?
Would I be happy at this school (for at least the next 4 years)?
