Frequently Asked Questions
Curriculum | Evaluations | Counseling/Student Support | Facilities | Financial Aid | Student Involvment | Policies | Residency | Questions to Ask Yourself
CURRICULUM (see also: Curriculum)
Describe the school’s curriculum in the pre-clinical and clinical years. Are there any innovations, like Problem-Based Learning?
Students study the basic and clinical sciences in an integrated fashion through out the four-year curriculum, utilizing a variety of educational methods including small-group case-centered 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?
Yes, 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 to be completed before the end of the fourth 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 type notes on their computer during the lecture that are attached as posted notes to the PowerPoint lecture presentations. Also an 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 two years but considerable flexibility in the fourth year of the curriculum with 6 electives allowed.
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?
Wake Forest students perform at or above the national mean on Step 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 Wake Forest University School of Medicine include three 5-year joint degree programs, MD-MBA, MD-MS in Clinical and Population Translational Science, MD-MA in Bioethics and the MD-PhD, which is intended to be a 7- year program.
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EVALUATIONS
How are students evaluated academically? How are clinical evaluations performed?
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 the third year of the curriculum.
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, 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 Phase I and II evaluate faculty tutors in the Basic/Clinical Science Problems I/II courses.
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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?
Academic -Office of Student of Services
Office of Medical Education
Faculty Advisor Program
Personal - Office of Student Services
None of the above services are offered to spouses or dependents/children.
Financial - Director of Financial Aid
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Individual financial counseling is available to students and applicants. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 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, each class has a faculty mentor who attends classes and meets with the class on a regular basis and a Faculty Advisor Program. 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 Diversity Development and Iniatiatives and a staff member coordinate programs, which include development, implementation and coordination of a broad range of services to attract and retain minority students.
While no special office is devoted exclusively to women’s needs, there is an active American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) chapter on campus, an active Women’s Faculty group, an active Women’ Liaison Officer to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and a woman Ombudsperson for counsel.
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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 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 to and from the main campus runs 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 a laptop computer and printer. The computers are used extensively for communication and for accessing the web based curriuculum.
What type of clinical sites – ambulatory, private preceptors, private hospitals, and rural settings –is 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. Two elective away rotations at other institutions are allowed.
The Wake Forest University School of Medicine has a long and distinguished history of involvement and participation in international health care. Opportunities for student electives, faculty participation, house staff and other members of the health care delivery team at the Medical Center are coordinated thorough the Office of Global Health. This school 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 third year 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 two years.
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FINANCIAL AID (see also: Tuition)
What is the current tuition and fees? Is this expected to increase yearly? If so, at what rate?
Tuition for 2009-2010 is $39,395 with no additional fees. Another $20,780 is needed for living expenses and other items in a medical student's budget. 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 come 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 is available to individual student 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.
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STUDENT INVOLVMENT (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.
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? Is 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 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.
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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, or does the student pay for, 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?
Yes, there is an Honor Code and system. Student members from each class are elected to the Honor Council. Recommendations of this council are sent to the Associate for Student Services. 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 Education.
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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.
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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 four years)?
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