Allison Fees, MD (PGY 5)
I am from Nebraska originally and did medical school at UNMC. I chose Wake Forest for residency because I wanted a program that where I would be able to see a variety of neurologic pathologies while in training. I also wanted a program that wasn't too big or too small, as I did not want to get lost in the shuffle, but I wanted at least one co-resident my year(I like having a buddy!) . I truly enjoy spending time with my co-residents both at work and outside of work, whether we are getting ice cream or having a movie night. I appreciate that Winston Salem is a medium-sized city, where we have many amenities but I can get anywhere in town in 15 minutes or less. I also like being close to both the mountains and the beach (both make for great weekend trips). I could not ask for a better environment to do residency in.
Hannah Miyanji, MD (PGY 5)
I was raised in Florida and lived in New York before starting residency. I chose Wake Forest because I remember feeling that the program actually cared about me as a person. They want you to succeed and grow while still maintaining who you are as a person. I feel supported in both my professional and personal endeavors. My coresidents have become more than friends - they are family! North Carolina offers a great middle ground to what I appreciate in a living situation. I still get to experience the four seasons without the harsh long winters.
Paige Estave, MD, PhD (PGY 4)
Though my family and I are originally from New Orleans, Winston-Salem has truly become our second home. I completed both medical and graduate school at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and continuing my training here at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist felt like a natural next step. The strong research collaborations and incredible mentorship I have found here have been invaluable.
Winston-Salem is also a wonderful place to raise a family. We appreciate the city’s affordability and family-friendly activities, and when we want a quick getaway, we can never decide between the nearby mountains and the beach—so we usually just flip a coin.
My career aspiration is to become a pediatric and adolescent headache medicine specialist. I have always felt supported in pursuing this goal, and I know that this residency will prepare me to be an excellent child neurologist.
Winston-Salem is also a wonderful place to raise a family. We appreciate the city’s affordability and family-friendly activities, and when we want a quick getaway, we can never decide between the nearby mountains and the beach—so we usually just flip a coin.
My career aspiration is to become a pediatric and adolescent headache medicine specialist. I have always felt supported in pursuing this goal, and I know that this residency will prepare me to be an excellent child neurologist.
Natalie Smith, DO (PGY 4)
I was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and decided to stay in South, FL for medical school at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. I originally went to medical school not knowing what specialty I wanted to pursue, but once I learned more about neurology, my future was set. I now have particular interests in stroke, neuromuscular disorders, and movement disorders.
It's natural to feel drained by the residency application process, but when I interviewed at Wake Forest, I found myself feeling full of energy by the end of my interview day. Even though it was virtual, the excitement and love everyone had for the program transferred effortlessly through the computer screen. I also felt like my interviewers genuinely cared for my career trajectory. I was already being mentored by people who just met me, and I immediately felt at home. Now that I’m here, the mentorship has exceeded my expectations, and one of the best parts has been building great friendships with my co-residents in pediatrics, pediatric neurology, and adult neurology.
I also love living in Winston-Salem! There is no traffic, and while still having everything I would need in a larger city, it has this small-city feel with so much character. It also helps that I experience all the Seasons now, too! Between the community, the friendships, and the learning environment, I consider myself lucky to be training here.
It's natural to feel drained by the residency application process, but when I interviewed at Wake Forest, I found myself feeling full of energy by the end of my interview day. Even though it was virtual, the excitement and love everyone had for the program transferred effortlessly through the computer screen. I also felt like my interviewers genuinely cared for my career trajectory. I was already being mentored by people who just met me, and I immediately felt at home. Now that I’m here, the mentorship has exceeded my expectations, and one of the best parts has been building great friendships with my co-residents in pediatrics, pediatric neurology, and adult neurology.
I also love living in Winston-Salem! There is no traffic, and while still having everything I would need in a larger city, it has this small-city feel with so much character. It also helps that I experience all the Seasons now, too! Between the community, the friendships, and the learning environment, I consider myself lucky to be training here.
Ally Morgan, DO (PGY 3)
I'm a Virginia native and graduated from VCOM-VA. My husband and I decided to make North Carolina our home for the next step of my medical training. As a future pediatric neurologist, I wanted to choose a program that had strong, positive relationships with the other departments (ED, internal med, neuro ICU, neurosurgery, PICU, general pediatrics, etc). The folks at Wake Forest showed me this camaraderie within a few short weeks. My current interests are neuromuscular medicine and neuroimmunology - both of which are heavily represented in our pediatric and adult patient populations
Kelly Pring, MD (PGY 3)
I am a North Carolina native- born and raised in Raleigh. I went to UNC for undergrad, Wake Forest for medical school, and loved it so much I decided to stay for my Pediatric Neurology residency!
Choosing Wake Forest for residency not only felt like the natural choice after attending medical school here but was solidified by the relationships I had formed with the amazing faculty and residents as well as the infectious charm of living in Winston Salem. Being a mid-sized program allows you the opportunity to see a large variety of patients and pathologies, while also individualizing your path based on personal interests. Everyone in the program truly wants to get to know you as a person and help you reach your career goals. Within the short time of the neurology portion of my training after completing my two pediatric years, I have already witnessed how dedicated the program is to teaching its residents and supporting them however they can.
With regards to living in Winston Salem, you get all the benefits of most everything you could want from a larger city without the hassle of traffic, etc that usually comes with it. There is a little bit of something for everyone within the city itself, including great restaurants and breweries, hiking trails if you are outdoorsy, sports and concerts/events through the university. Another great thing about Winston Salem is its proximity to larger cities such as Charlotte and Raleigh, which are both easy day trips to make. Also, my personal favorite weekend getaway spot in the mountains, Asheville, is an easy drive and a must-visit in the fall during leaf season!
Right now, I am completely undecided about my specific subspecialty interests within Pediatric Neurology, and I am so excited to spend the next 3 years helping to figure that out!