Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Winston-Salem State University have created a pathway program to encourage more Winston-Salem State students to pursue careers as Physician Assistants (PA) and apply to Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s PA program.
This new initiative builds on the longstanding relationship between the Department of PA Studies at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the School of Health Sciences at Winston-Salem State.
The multi-year partnership has enabled pre-PA students to receive important professional guidance from PA faculty and current students who have elected to participate in the RLW Mentorship Certificate Program. Named in honor of PA Studies faculty member Robert Lee Wooten, the certificate program provides a series of workshops designed to equip PA students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective mentors.
“For some time, our PA faculty and students have been mentoring Winston-Salem State students who are interested in pursuing careers in health care, so we are delighted to take this next step forward in our relationship,” said Dr. Ebony Boulware, dean of Wake Forest University School of Medicine and chief science officer and vice chief academic officer of Advocate Health. “We are grateful to Winston-Salem State for their partnership in our mission to educate the next generation of health care leaders and we eagerly look forward to working much closer with their faculty and students.”
Through the pathway program, Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s PA program will recruit Winston-Salem State graduates who meet the admission requirements and have been formally recommended by their leadership.
“Most of our students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare are attracted to the PA program,” said Manju Bhat, dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, Business and Education at WSSU. “Our close partnership over the last few years with the faculty and students from the PA program at Wake Forest University and their dedication have benefited our students. This agreement is the obvious next step in our commitment to prepare the next generation of health care professionals, and we appreciate our partners at Wake Forest University.”
Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s PA program is ranked #16 in the nation in U.S. News & World Report. The program uses an inquiry-based learning model complemented by instruction in basic sciences, pharmacology and evidence-based medicine with a focus on primary health care delivery.
The WSSU School of Health Sciences is a diverse school that embraces health equity in education, research and service. Innovative learning experiences include a virtual hospital, mobile unit, free clinics run by students and study abroad opportunities. Students excel in their educational programs, on licensure examinations and in the workplace. Visit this link to learn more.
More than 170 students are enrolled in Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s PA program on campuses in Winston-Salem and in Boone.
More information about the PA program can be found on its website or by emailing paadmit@wakehealth.edu.
Media contacts:
Joe McCloskey, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu
Kimberly Harrington, Winston-Salem State University, 704-294-9431, harringtonkd@wssu.edu