The Ambassadors share the goal in attracting the best possible students to Wake Forest University School of Medicine. They assist with on and off campus recruitment activities and act as liaisons among visiting students and the student body.
Dean's Ambassadors
Dean's Ambassadors are an elected group of students who are a part of the Admissions Office team.
Ankita Prakash - Class of 2028
I remember when I first came to visit the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, excited and nervous knowing that I may call this place home for the next four years. I was enamored by the rich culture, architecture, and community that Winston-Salem has to offer. I walked down Bailey Park and entered the Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education, finding gorgeous glass paned study halls surrounding the building, lush greenery lining the walkways, and most importantly, a smiling face at every corner. I learned about the rich history of the building and the surrounding Innovation Quarter area, and met the many wonderful people who bring character to this city. I immediately knew that I wanted to call this place home.
Beyond stellar academics and a curriculum guaranteed to develop students into fantastic, skilled physicians, the school of medicine houses a deep sense of community that welcomes students of all backgrounds with open arms. Within my first few months at school here, I have made friendships that will last me a lifetime. I feel genuine support in every aspect of my life here from my friends, faculty, and mentors. Rather than competition, I find collaboration, a pillar of medicine that no physician can be successful without.
Within every faculty and staff member, I have been pleased to find warmth, kindness, and a genuine desire to develop me into an excellent, well rounded physician. Even more so, I feel as though I am valued and cared for as a student beyond just my academics. I feel supported in every endeavor I wish to take on. I feel confident that my experiences at Wake Forest will guide me in every aspect of my career in medicine and beyond.
Whether it be run club at Fiddlin’ Fish on Mondays, Salsa at East of Texas on Tuesdays, or Jiu Jitsu on Wednesdays, Winston-Salem continuously offers a strong sense of community that deeply resonates with me. This environment has allowed me to grow academically and personally, which has been vital to my ability to thrive in medical school. I am confident that Wake Forest University School of Medicine offers a unique and exceptional program like no other. There is no place I would rather be.
If you have any questions about my experience at Wake Forest, living in Winston-Salem, or being a student navigating medicine, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I can’t wait to talk to you and meet you at school soon!
Katherine Cavanaugh, Class of 2027 (Winston-Salem Campus)
From the moment that I first interacted with Wake Forest University School of Medicine; I had a feeling it was going to be the right place for me. Having left North Carolina for my undergraduate education, I had a strong desire to return and learn how to study medicine in my home state to benefit a population that I care deeply about. The School of Medicine had the perfect combination of community engagement, exceptional clinical experience, and an incredible culture among the student body. Every student that I have interacted with at Wake is incredibly driven and has passions both within and outside of medicine. Students here lift each other up, encourage each other to pursue academic pursuits, and are always willing to take a study break and enjoy so many of the great opportunities that Winston-Salem has to offer. From hikes to great restaurants to tailgates, Wake students love to interact with the community around them.
I have felt equally supported by the faculty here as I have by my peers. The preclinical instructors are all fantastic, extremely accessible, and genuinely want you to succeed. I have developed close relationships with many faculty through research and extracurricular projects, and they are all genuinely interested in me as a person and as a student.
I really feel that I've found my place at Wake; I've developed lifelong mentors and friends that I know will be incredible colleagues one day. I have already begun to cultivate a strong passion for medicine, advocacy, and leadership throughout my time at Wake, and I can't wait to see what field I end up in. Wake has truly become a second home for me, and I can't imagine a better place to learn medicine and train to become a doctor.
Emily Ye, Class of 2027 (Charlotte Campus)
Wake Forest University School of Medicine has long been one of my dream schools on my journey to becoming a physician. As someone who grew up in North Carolina, Wake Forest has always held a place of high regard, not just as a top-tier medical institution, but as a symbol of excellence in service, education, and innovation. It's a school that has consistently been admired by my community, and its reputation for producing well-rounded, compassionate physicians is one I’ve deeply respected from a young age.
What truly sets Wake Forest apart is its collaborative and supportive environment. The students, faculty, and staff here are what make the school so special. Medical school is not an easy path, but the people here at Wake Forest go beyond what is expected to ensure we’re not only receiving the best education but also cared for as individuals. Faculty members take the time to truly listen, valuing each student’s thoughts, goals, and concerns. There is a deep culture of respect and compassion, where your voice is heard, and your well-being genuinely matters. Wake Forest doesn’t just train excellent physicians—it cultivates a community where people uplift and inspire one another every step of the way.
I’ve had the pleasure of being a student at both the Winston-Salem and Charlotte campuses, and each offers its own unique strengths and character. If you have any questions about either campus, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am extremely grateful to be part of the Wake Forest family and excited to welcome future students into this remarkable community.
Miles Hollimon, Class of 2026
I believe the reason Wake Forest University School of Medicine is so special is that the culture and community at Wake makes learning fun and collaborative. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I couldn’t have an in person visit at Wake, and therefore I had to rely on the current students and admissions’ events to understand what it was like to attend Wake Forest University School of Medicine. I remember talking to the medical students about work-life balance and about how they navigated difficult topics in medical school. Each student I spoke to provided me with a similar answer. They all accredited their success in and outside of medical school to the wonderful community of faculty and students at Wake who are always ready to help and support each other.
Now as a first-year student I can attest to the positive learning environment here at the School of Medicine which is focused on allowing students to be the best they can be and providing them with the necessary resources if they are struggling. Whether it be course directors, academic coaches, upper-level medical students, or physicians in the hospital, every person at Wake wants students to succeed and feel motivated to take on the challenges of medical school. I am still impressed by the many different resources that students are provided as well as the variety of different extracurricular clubs and activities we can participate in. (I recommend DEAC, its awesome!).
If you value a supportive community and a plethora of resources to assist you throughout your journey in medical school, then Wake Forest University School of Medicine is the perfect place for you. Like I said earlier, I would have never fully experienced how amazing of a school Wake is without the insight of current students. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me! I would love to show you how unique Wake Forest is!