by Carolyn Avila-Duran, PA-S, Wake Forest
The Wake Forest School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program is proud to celebrate 50 years of education! The mission of the Wake Forest PA Program is to produce highly capable, compassionate PAs who deliver patient-centered care, make significant contributions to the health care community and continually advance the PA profession. Graduates of the 24-month program earn a Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree.
The Wake Forest PA Program has a unique history of innovation in medical education. From its beginning in 1969, it has featured inquiry-based, small-group, self-directed learning centered on real patient medical problems. It is one of the few programs in the country with an educational experience focused on adult and applied learning principles. The patient-centered approach immerses students in real-life cases and fosters their clinical problem-solving abilities. Students successfully complete an evidence-based medicine Graduate Project.
Each year, class sizes average 88 students. During the pre-clinical year, 64 study at the campus in Winston-Salem, and 24 study at the Boone campus.
Since 2014, the PA program’s Office of Academic Excellence (OAE) has identified and assisted students with testing and study skill deficits and augments the work of the broader university student resources. With the OAE, the program’s compiled PANCE pass rates have averaged 99.75%.
The Wake Forest PA Program prides itself in listening to student feedback and finding new ways to enrich the learning experience. This year, students voiced their interest in perfecting their ultrasound scanning technique. With the support from faculty, the Wake Forest Ultrasound Club was created!
Outside of academia, students dedicate time to volunteer in the community and find creative ways to bond with each other! Like running a Spartan Race, Adopting a Trail, and attending the 2019 AAPA Conference together and participating in “Yes, I Scan” Ultrasound Competition!
