Welcome from the Program Director

Thank you for your interest in the Wake Forest Rheumatology Fellowship Program!

We are truly proud of what you have accomplished thus far and are excited about the possibility of being part of the next chapter of your medical journey. Our goal is to recruit fellows who are not only outstanding clinicians but who are also deeply committed to lifelong learning—essential qualities for anyone aspiring to become a top-notch rheumatologist.

Our two-year fellowship is structured to provide broad and progressive clinical training. You will learn to expertly recognize, diagnose, and manage the full spectrum of rheumatologic diseases. Throughout your training, you will have continuity clinics at both Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and the Kernersville Veterans Affairs.  All clinics are staffed by our faculty.. Given that Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is a premier academic medical center, you will be exposed to complex and challenging cases balanced by the more common rheumatologic conditions encountered at both sites, especially at the VA.

In addition to robust outpatient experiences, you will spend time on our inpatient consult service at Wake Forest Baptist, managing a diverse array of cases ranging from scleroderma renal crisis and vasculitis to crystal arthropathies like gout. Our fellows graduate confident and well-prepared, whether they choose to pursue careers in private practice, academics, or beyond.

Education is central to our program. In addition to hands-on clinical training, we offer a comprehensive didactic curriculum covering core rheumatology topics, procedure workshops (including aspirations and injections), access to electives, and unique training opportunities. All fellows undertake mentored research projects as well as participate in group quality improvement initiatives, helping develop critical scholarly and leadership skills.

At Wake Forest, we believe in cultivating a supportive and collaborative environment. Our section functions like a family: we work together not only to deliver outstanding patient care but also to support each other professionally and personally. Our faculty are deeply invested in the fellows' education and well-being, and we are continually responsive to fellow feedback as we strive to enhance the training experience. We celebrate the achievements of our fellows, faculty, and staff—both personal and academic—and stand together through challenges.  By joining Wake Forest, you are not just advancing your education—you are becoming part of a family.

Rachel Wolfe.

We are excited for your future in rheumatology and look forward to welcoming you into our dynamic, rapidly evolving field. While we may not have the opportunity to train all of you, the rheumatology world is close-knit, and we eagerly anticipate calling you a colleague.

Rachel M Wolfe, MD
Director, Rheumatology Fellowship Program
Assistant Professor of Medicine