This all led me to believe it was an act. I thought WFSOM had "perfected" the interview day. But then I came back for Second Look. To make a long story short, it was no act but rather an intentionally built culture. When I met people at Second Look who remembered my personal statement or who had interviewed me, it hit me deeply: the people here at Wake Forest School of Medicine care. They care about you as an applicant, yes. But more importantly, they care about you as a person.
The goal of WFSOM is to create wonderful doctors and the way that happens is through a community of support and passion, where you are encouraged to chase down your dreams in whatever capacity they might look like. The school provides the resources and guidance to build the future generation of doctors who are equipped to solve modern problems and yet deft enough to navigate any realm of healthcare that currently does or will exist within our careers.
If you are reading this and saying to yourself, "Self, Rob just said a lot there and I need a summary…" then you are in luck. Why Wake Forest? It is because of the attitude of intentionality, the community, and the pursuit of creating good doctors. In truth, my Why Wake Forest is so much longer than this and I would love to share more of it if you are interested. Also, if you have questions about being a medical student, Winston Salem, Wake Forest, or gap years (or anything else really), please send me an email.
If you are coming for an interview, don't be a stranger and say hello—I'd love to welcome you to this place many of us are blessed to call home!
