Deacon Dialogues

In this episode, Rohan sits down with President Wente of Wake Forest University for a genuinely eye-opening conversation about how a university and a medical school grow together — and why that relationship matters so much for the future of medicine and medical education. Whether you're a student, educator or just curious about how these institutions work, you'll take something away from this one....

In this episode, Caila chats with Dr. Stacey Quintero Wolfe, MD, FAANS Associate Professor and Director of Neurointerventional Surgery at Wake Forest School of Medicine.  The two discussed her path to medicine which included serving in the military as surgeon, to what her day-to-day looks like now as the chair and how she leads the departments clinical, research and education missions, all while a...

In this episode, Rohan talks with Parker Bryant and Meghan Wiater, two key figures whose work supports pre-clerkship education.   The episode explores behind-the-scenes efforts, from Canvas pages to coordinating more than 100 lecturers over 18 months. Their work begins years in advance and, when done well, is almost invisible. Tune in for a look under the hood of the Wake Forest University School...

In this episode, Jaelen King is back at the mic and chatting with Avery Kerwin, MS4 about Project SEE. Closing gaps in care, one screening at a time. Tune in to learn how Project SEE is bringing free vision services to Winston-Salem — and why access to sight is about so much more than just eyesight. Learn more here: Seeing Our Community More Clearly: Project SEE in Partnership with Northwest AHEC...

In this episode, Caila sits down with Dr. Joey Skelton, MD, MS to talk about WFUSM's unique nutrition education which includes Doctors In the Kitchen, Culinary Scholars Medicine Program and Culinary Medicine 4th-year elective. Tune in to learn the important role nutrition and cooking plays in the patient-provider relationship.    Dr. Skelton’s new book Your Child Is Not Their Weight explores ways...

In this episode, Julia sits down with Dr. Medina, a neurosurgery resident at Wake Forest School of Medicine, for an in‑depth conversation about what it takes to train in one of medicine’s most demanding specialties. From the steep learning curve of intern year to the precision and teamwork required in the operating room, Dr. Medina reflects on developing surgical judgment, building technical skill...

Ready for Season 5 of Deacon Dialogues!? We are too! Meet our veteran hosts and say hello to two new voices. 👋🏼 Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email deacondialogues@wakehealth.edu and send us your pitch.    Connect with us on Instagram:  @wakeforestmed

In this episode, Julia sits down with Dr. Velazquez, a vascular surgeon at WFUSM, for an inside look at her journey into the field and the day-to-day life of caring for patients with complex vascular disease. She shares how she balances the precision of the OR with the human connection that drives her work, reflecting on mentorship, overcoming adversity, and what continues to inspire her in a rapi...

In this episode, Julia sits down with Dr. Wylie, a general surgery resident at Wake Forest School of Medicine, for an insightful conversation about training in surgery. From the learning curve of intern year to the collaborative environment of the operating room, Dr. Wylie shares reflections on skill development, clinical teamwork, and navigating residency. Whether you're exploring a future in sur...

In this episode, Julia sits down with two DNP students, Ann Faris and Andrew Blocker to explore the realities of advanced nursing education and practice. From navigating clinical rotations to balancing leadership, advocacy, and personal growth, they share candid reflections on what it means to pursue a doctorate in nursing. Whether you're considering a DNP program or curious about the evolving rol...

In this episode, Julia sits down with Dr. Corey Williams, a third-year Internal Medicine resident at Wake Forest, for a deep dive into IM residency.  From the steep learning curve of intern year to the confidence and autonomy of PGY-3, Dr. Williams shares candid insights on growth, balance, and becoming the physician you set out to be. Whether you’re preparing for residency or exploring internal m...

In this episode, Julia sits down with Rosemary Colen, a second-year medical student at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, for an open and candid conversation about the transition into medical school. From adapting to the academic rigor to finding balance between volunteering and personal life, Rosemary offers practical, relatable insights. Whether you’re a premed student or just starting y...

Welcome to Season 4 of Deacon Dialogues! This season, we welcome back Julia Henault and Alex Riddell to the mic as they host a variety of conversations centered around culture, opportunities, community, and academics here at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.  Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email deacondialogues@wakeh...

From MBA to motherhood to medicine — Cady’s journey to PA school is anything but traditional. In this episode, Julia chats with Wake Forest University School of Medicine 2nd-year PA student Cady Elredy to talk about leveraging a business background, balancing parenting, and finding purpose in the unexpected. Tune in for honest advice, insights for prospective PA students, and tips for turning doub...

Alex sat down with second year student Pearce Hyatt to discuss his clinical experience in Nepal this past summer. From navigating funding and finding the opportunity, to the clinical challenges and cultural immersion—Pearce shares what made the experience unforgettable. Tune in to find out more about Pearce’s experience!  Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured...

In this episode, Alex sits down with third year student, Lucy Lawrence, to unpack the DEAC Foot & Ankle Clinic.  What does the clinic do?  How does the clinic operate? What does the future of the clinic look like? All this and more on this week's episode!   Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email deacondialogues@wakehealth.e...

Preparing for residency? We’ve got you covered. In this episode, Julia chats with three 4th-year medical students—Lucas Klever (Anesthesiology), Natalie DeRoche (Family Medicine), and Colton Smith (Diagnostic Radiology)—about navigating 4th year and the residency application process.  From choosing a specialty and preparing ERAS applications to requesting letters and excelling in rotations, they s...

What happens when the worlds of medicine and movement collide? In this episode, Julia sits down with Dr. David Popoli, activity director of the Winston-Salem Dance Medicine Conference, to dive into the fascinating field of dance medicine. They explore the biomechanics behind dance, strategies for preventing and treating injuries, the unique physical and psychological challenges dancers face, and w...

With Student Government elections on the horizon for the class of 2029, Alex talked with Class of 2028 President, David Thole. What is the Student Government Association? What do they do? What does the future look like with two campuses and maintaining a Student Government Association?   Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email d...

In honor of medical schools kicking off across the country, Alex sits down with Dr. Roy Strowd to unpack the rich history, enduring symbolism, and evolving role of the White Coat in medicine and at WFUSM. Plus, a special look at the White Coat Ceremony itself: a powerful rite of passage that marks the beginning of every medical student's journey.   Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode...

Medical school is more than memorization — it’s about discovering how you learn best. In this episode, Julia sits down with Suzanne Hawks, Assistant Director for the CLASS (Center for Learning Access and Student Success) office at WFUSM, to share practical study techniques, realistic time management strategies, and mindset shifts to help students succeed and feel confident in their learning journe...

What are the Certificate Programs at Wake? In this episode, Julia sits with Parker Bryant the MHA Pre-Clerkship Education Specialist in Medical Education and Jon Goforth the Director of Continuous Quality Improvement for WFUSM to discuss the improvements made for the concentrations and specialties offered here at the School of Medicine.  Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or wan...

What is the Deacon Delegates Social Media Ambassador Program? In this episode, Alex sits with Social Media Strategist Audra Goforth to talk about the Deacon Delegates program and how a School of Medicine student can participate.  Interested in learning more? Check out the program and apply here: https://school.wakehealth.edu/campus-and-community-life/student-life/deacon-delegates Questions? Email...

Welcome to Season 3 of Deacon Dialogues! This season, we welcome back Julia Henault and Alex Riddell to the mic as they host a variety of conversations centered around culture, opportunities, community, and academcis here at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.  Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email deacondialogues@wakeh...

In this episode, Julia chats with Rosemary Colen as the two talk about their experience visiting the School of Medicine's second campus located at The Pearl in Charlotte, NC.    Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email deacondialogues@wakehealth.edu and send us your pitch.      Connect with us on Instagram:  @wakeforestmed  Want...