Ebony Boulware, MD, MPH, Dean of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Executive Vice President of Academic Health Affairs, Wake Forest University, and Chief Academic Officer, Advocate Health, is committed to leading educational and research collaborations as the academic core of one of the largest academic learning health systems in the country. 

Igniting passion, guiding purpose.

Welcome to Wake Forest University School of Medicine! As Dean, I’m thrilled to introduce you to our vibrant academic community—one that values collaboration, curiosity, and a deep commitment to service. With a proud tradition of training compassionate and skilled physicians, our programs are designed to foster intellectual growth, professional excellence, and lifelong learning. Whether your path leads to primary care, surgery, research, or healthcare leadership, we are here to support your journey every step of the way.

Our MD program spans two campuses in Winston-Salem and Charlotte, North Carolina, offering distinct educational experiences to match individual student goals. In Winston-Salem, students engage in a dynamic blend of small and large group learning and benefit from access to world-class research opportunities. Our Charlotte campus features a problem-based learning model that emphasizes hands-on clinical experiences in a variety of settings.

At Wake Forest, we believe in the power of connection. We are committed to cultivating a supportive environment where students from all walks of life feel valued and equipped to thrive—personally and professionally. Here, you’ll find a place where your voice matters, your growth is encouraged, and your contributions help shape the future of medicine.

Welcome to a place where every journey matters—and together, we pursue excellence with purpose and heart.

WFUSOM 2025 Annual Report Cover  

The 2025 Wake Forest University School of Medicine Annual Report is now available. This report showcases our remarkable growth, discovery, and collaboration, offering an in-depth look at how we are turning insight into action to improve health for all. It celebrates the historic opening of our Charlotte campus at The Pearl as one school across two campuses, while honoring the generosity of our philanthropic partners and the deep impact of our community collaborations.

The report also highlights our sustained growth in extramural funding, the launch of enterprise initiatives like the National Center for Clinical Trials (NCCT), and our trajectory as the academic core of Advocate Health. These milestones reflect the collective dedication of our faculty, staff, learners, and partners across the enterprise. We invite you to explore the full report to celebrate our shared successes and see how our vision is coming to life.

State of the School Dean's Address

2026 STATE OF THE SCHOOL: This annual enterprise-wide gathering is an important opportunity for us to reflect on the progress we achieved throughout 2025 and to outline the priorities that will shape our work in the year ahead. It is a moment to recognize the accomplishments of our faculty, students, and teammates and to reaffirm the shared commitments that guide our mission.

During this year’s program, I highlight major achievements across research, education, clinical care, innovation, and workforce development. I also speak to the continued growth of Wake Forest University School of Medicine as the academic core of Advocate Health and the national impact we are advancing together across our markets.

The direction we set and the commitments we uphold influence how we teach, discover, and deliver care throughout our enterprise. Your engagement and perspective are essential as we continue to strengthen our academic mission and expand our collective impact.