Faculty Advising and Academic Support Services

The Office of Student Affairs serves as the home and access point for all resources to help students be successful in the MD program.

Advising refers to a variety of support we offer all of our MD program students on all campuses for sustained success in courses, clerkships and exam preparation. This is provided in a variety of ways by a team of faculty, staff and students.

We encourage each student to take advantage of all of the available resources to help maximize their learning and success in medical school. The Office of Student Affairs serves as the hub – disseminating information regarding student led review sessions, study guides and board prep while also helping to schedule students with peer tutors and faculty advisors, learning specialists, and peer tutors.

Any student who currently has learning differences or disabilities that require accommodations or a student who is concerned they may need testing can reach out to Wake Forest University’s Center for Learning, Access and Student Success.

Faculty Advising

A medical student’s journey to their professional career starts on day one of medical school, as does our career advising program. Upon matriculation and subsequent orientation, students will be paired with a Faculty Advisor and a Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) coach.

Our faculty advisors are assigned to the houses, at the Winston-Salem and Charlotte campus, so that each student has a clear advisor with whom to connect. They come from various specialties and backgrounds and many of them have served as part of the selection committee for residencies or fellowships. The advisors meet with their group of four students at least once a semester focusing on career exploration, introducing students to resources throughout the school as well as Careers in Medicine sponsored by the AAMC. As students learn more about medicine and meet specialty mentors, the CPPD coaches will help each student think reflect on their values, strengths and personal interests.

The faculty advisors are our experts in the residency application and match process. Any medical student can connect with a Faculty Advisor to discuss career plans, and these meetings are required as students begin the Individualization Phase of the curriculum. Through the help of a Faculty Advisor and a mentor from the student’s chosen specialty, we are well-poised to guide students through match.

Our Faculty Advisors

Our faculty advisors are assigned by house to support the academic and career needs of all MD students throughout their journey. Our advisors provide supports across both campuses.

Matt Gorris, MD

Endocrinology

Amelia Kirby, MD

Pediatrics

Jessica McPherson, MD

OB/GYN

Angie Niehaus, MD

Pathology

Jason Powell, MD

Radiology, Diagnostics

Patrick S. Reynolds, MD

Neurology

Ameesh Shah, MD

Pediatrics, Charlotte

Kristen Gill Hairston, MD, MPH

Endocrinology and Metabolism

Kristen A. Zeller, MD

Surgical Sciences, Pediatrics

Allison Shivers McBride, MD

Pediatrics, Hospitalists

Michael Scott Mitchell, MD

Emergency Medicine

Academic Support

The Learning Specialist is committed to supporting medical students with personalized guidance and resources throughout their journey. By meeting individually with each student, the Learning Specialist helps create tailored study plans to address specific needs. They also lead preparation programs for the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK exams, ensuring students are fully prepared for these critical milestones. Additionally, the Learning Specialist monitors academic progress and provides coaching on study strategies, time management, and executive function, empowering students to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Peer Tutoring

The Peer Tutoring Program provides an additional level of academic support to medical students.

The program aims to offer extra academic support for medical students seeking assistance with their courses beyond the classroom setting. Additionally, meeting with a student who has recently completed a course gives a fresh perspective that is helpful to many students. It acts as an additional resource alongside the academic support services provided by the Course Director, Learning Specialist, or Faculty Advisor. We have a group of trained students from second, third, - and fourth-year medical school classes who are available for 1:1 and group tutoring sessions.

Cultivating Learning in Tutoring Relationships

To ensure an optimal experience for both tutors and tutees, aspiring tutors must participate in a training session conducted by the MD Office of Student Affairs. This session, led by experts, aims to enhance teaching skills, and promote "active learning" during tutoring. As a tutor, your role is to act as a facilitator in the learning journey, addressing content gaps, and fostering the development of the tutee's reasoning and problem-solving skills. Tutoring Services are provided at no charge to enrolled medical students.

For any questions, please email stuserv@wakehealth.edu.

Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Research Focus Areas

Translation to Care

More Resources