Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Program

The Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Wake ForestUniversity School of Medicine represents a robust three-yeartraining opportunity for aspiring emergency physicians. Establishedin 1974, this program is notable for being the oldest emergencymedicine residency in the Southeast and one of the first in theUnited States. The primary training facility, Wake Forest BaptistMedical Center, is an 885-bed tertiary care institution that offersaccess to a diverse patient population, with more than 110,000annual emergency department visits throughout the region.Additionally, residents will gain experience at the affiliatedMoses Cone Memorial Hospital, which further enriches theircommunity-based emergency medicine experience.

Curriculum Overview

A carefully designed curriculum focuses on ensuring residentsdevelop comprehensive clinical skills and knowledge across varioussettings in emergency medicine. The program's structure allows forgraded responsibility, enabling residents to progress from closelysupervised roles to independent practice as they advance intraining. Residents will engage in a variety of clinical rotations,including adult and pediatric emergency departments, intensive careunits, and community emergency departments, with particularemphasis placed on pediatric care—an essential component given theproximity to Brenner Children’s Hospital, a dedicated pediatricfacility.

At Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, residents typicallyengage in rotations that last four weeks, encompassing both adultand pediatric cases. The curriculum integrates extensive didactictraining with hands-on experiences, ensuring residents receivethorough preparation for both their clinical responsibilities andexaminations.

Clinical Rotations

Residents participate in a range of clinical rotations duringtheir three years. The program incorporates shifts in the pediatricemergency department, community rotations at Moses Cone MemorialHospital, and EMS observation shifts. Pediatric shifts compriseapproximately 20% of total ED shifts, ensuring comprehensiveexposure to the care of younger patients through both the emergencydepartment and pediatrics intensive care unit. The structuredexposure across various facilities prepares residents for the fullspectrum of emergency medicine.

Progressive Responsibility

The concept of "graded responsibility" is central to theresidency program, with increasing levels of autonomy afforded toresidents at each stage of training. Initially, interns receiveintensive supervision to build foundational skills, transitioninginto greater independence as they approach their final year. By thetime they are seniors, residents are expected to handle patientmanagement largely independently while also mentoring juniorcolleagues and medical students. This commitment to gradualadvancement aids in the development of confidence and proficiencyin emergency practices.

Research and Education

Education and research are integral to the residency experience.All residents must complete a Scholarly Activity Project, allowingfor enriched education through collaboration with faculty ondiverse topics, including clinical, administrative, or educationalresearch initiatives. The program encourages residents to engage ina variety of research opportunities alongside their clinicalresponsibilities, enhancing learning through practical applicationof knowledge.

The residency program also emphasizes active participation inacademic conferences, where faculty and residents collaborate indiscussions surrounding topics relevant to emergency medicine.These sessions include grand rounds, core content lectures, andspecialized workshops, all designed to foster an interactivelearning environment.

Fellowship Opportunities

Post-residency, numerous fellowship opportunities are availablefor qualified graduates interested in further specialization.Fellowships include Addiction Medicine, Emergency Medical Services,Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and Ultrasound, amongothers. These opportunities enable residents to pursue advancedtraining aligned with their professional aspirations.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The application process is selective, with the program accepting15 residents annually. Applicants should possess strong academiccredentials, communication skills, and demonstrable motivation.There are no specific limitations regarding graduation timelinesfrom medical school; hence, international medical graduates arealso welcome to apply, provided they meet the necessaryrequirements such as ECFMG certification and valid USMLEscores.

While the residency emphasizes inclusivity, it's worth notingthat the program aims to attract individuals who demonstrate acommitment to public service and emergency medicine. Interviewsoccur yearly, primarily from October through January, and may beconducted virtually, emphasizing an engaging selection process.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

For international applicants, the program provides visasponsorship opportunities. Typically, the program supports J-1exchange visitor visas, which allows international medicalgraduates to train in the United States under governmentalsponsorship for educational purposes.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The atmosphere at Wake Forest University is highly regarded,with a friendly and supportive community that fosters both personaland professional growth. Residents benefit not only fromhigh-quality clinical training but also from a culture thatemphasizes well-being and social engagement. Regular social events,outdoor activities, and community projects enrich the residencyexperience, empowering residents to build strong relationshipsduring their training.

Additionally, the inter-departmental collaborations foster anenvironment of mutual respect and support, enabling residents toparticipate in multidisciplinary patient care and educationalactivities. This well-rounded training experience positionsgraduates to pursue any path in emergency medicine, from academicpractices to leadership roles within community settings.