Academic and Career Advising

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.

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.

Academic Advising

Throughout the curriculum, student needs fluctuate and change. Our goal is to provide individualized and data-driven support for our students to meet their ever-changing needs.

Our Academic Advisors

We have four Academic Advisors who are assigned by house to support the academic needs of all MD students throughout their journey. Our advisors provide supports across both campuses.

Amelia Kirby, MD

Blue House

Director of Academic Advising

Genetics Content

Pediatrics Content

Study Strategies

USMLE Examination Preparation

Prep for Clinical Rotations

Matt Gorris, MD

Green House

Assistant Director of the Step Up Thread and Academic Coach

Clinical Content Expert and Application to Multiple-choice Questions

Multiple Choice Question Dissection and Approach

Logistical Preparation for Standardized Tests (test day logistics, preparing for the environment)

Practice-based Learning During Clinical Rotations

Angie Niehaus, MD

Yellow House

Histology Content

Pathology Content

USMLE Examination Preparation

Study Strategies

Jason Powell, MD

Red House

Radiology Content

Musculoskeletal Content

Study Strategies

USMLE Examination Preparation

When you meet with an Academic Advisor, they will get to know you and your learning style. They will explore your particular needs and help you to determine a study plan that works for you. Some of the areas we may focus on include:

Study Skills
Time Management
Exam Preparation and Test-Taking Skills
Advice on Utilizing Third-Party Resources
Preparation for USMLE Exams

We strive to provide tailored and practical approaches that can be applied to various learning situations and help create concrete study plans that result in measurable outcomes. The overarching goal is to integrate the four elements of master adaptive learning, planning, learning, assessing, and adjusting, into the educational experiences throughout the pre- and clerkship years

Peer Tutoring

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

The Peer Tutoring 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, faculty, academic advisors and the Office of Student Affairs. We have a group of trained students from the second 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 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.

Career 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 Center for Personal and Professional Development coach.

Additionally, there is an Early Career Advisor that each student will engage with in parallel to their Clinical Skills Course. This advisor meets with his or her 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 more faculty mentors, the CPPD coaches will help each student think through potential career options that align with their values, strengths and personal interests

Advanced Career Advisors

We have six Advanced Career Advisors (ACAs). Four of these faculty are assigned to the houses so that each student has a clear advisor with whom to connect. One of our advanced career advisors is based on the Charlotte campus. Our ACAs come from various specialties and backgrounds and many of them have served as part of the selection committee for residencies or fellowships. These are our experts in the residency application and match process. Any medical student can connect with an ACA to discuss career plans, and these meetings are required as students begin the Individualization Phase of the curriculum. Through the help of an ACA as well as a mentor from the student’s chosen specialty, we are well-poised to guide students through match.

Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Research Focus Areas

Translation to Care

More Resources

Academic and Career Advising

Academic Advising

Our Academic Advisors

Peer Tutoring

Cultivating Learning in Tutoring Relationships

Career Advising

Advanced Career Advisors

Patrick S. Reynolds, MD

Ameesh A. Shah, MD

Kristen Gill Hairston, MD, MPH

Kristen A. Zeller, MD

Allison Shivers McBride, MD

Michael Scott Mitchell, MD