Wake Forest University School of Medicine

A milestone moment in healthcare education. 🎓 Wake Forest University School of Medicine is proud to celebrate the first-ever graduates of the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program — eight physician associates who are already translating doctoral-level training into real-world impact.

Launched in 2024 through Wake Forest PA, this fully online, interdisciplinary program equips practicing PAs to lead in healthcare systems, research, education, policy and practice. With coursework integrated across the School of Medicine, School of Business, and School of Law, graduates are prepared to navigate complexity and drive meaningful change.

From clinical leaders at Advocate Health to an active-duty service member completing coursework from Hawaii, this inaugural cohort’s work spans quality improvement, care models born during the pandemic, and the future of PA-led research.

This milestone marks more than a new degree, it reflects a growing movement of PA leaders ready to elevate healthcare outcomes across communities, near and far.
https://bit.ly/4uOjpFw

Congratulations to David C. Po***ck, MD, professor emeritus, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, on receiving the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Medical Alumni Association’s Distinguished Faculty Award on May 1 during MD Alumni Weekend. A dedicated educator, accomplished orthopaedic surgeon and respected leader, Dr. Po***ck has made outstanding contributions to teaching, research, and patient care. His commitment to excellence and lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the field of orthopaedics continue to inspire the Wake Forest community and beyond. Dr. Po***ck is a 1992 graduate of Wake Forest University School of Medicine and continued his training with an internship in general surgery, a research fellowship in the orthopaedic surgery lab and an orthopaedic surgery residency at Wake Forest Baptist Health, now Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

Congratulations to James “Jef” E. Ferguson II, MD, MBA, on receiving the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Medical Alumni Association’s Distinguished Achievement Award on May 1 during MD Alumni Weekend. A nationally and internationally recognized leader in obstetrics and gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine, Dr. Ferguson has made lasting contributions through patient care, research, and mentorship—impacting generations of learners and advancing women’s health. We are proud to celebrate his extraordinary career and enduring legacy. Dr. Ferguson is a 1977 graduate of Wake Forest University School of Medicine and completed his obstetrics and gynecology residency at what is now known as Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. He holds the title of W. Norman Thornton Professor and Chair Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Virginia School of Medicine.

When multiple myeloma returns, it becomes harder to treat. But a new study offers hope.

A large global Phase 3 clinical trial by Wake Forest University School of Medicine, found a new immunotherapy combination helped patients live longer without their cancer worsening. Nearly eight in 10 patients were progression-free two years after starting treatment.

Peter Voorhees, M.D., recently presented the findings at the European Hematology Association Congress. This study reflects Advocate Health’s commitment to advancing care though research and clinical trials.

Learn more.
https://bit.ly/4vnc3tJ

Wake Forest’s new Charlotte Campus is officially open at The Pearl.

Bringing together education, innovation, healthcare and industry, the new space expands opportunities for students while strengthening Wake Forest’s connection to one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities.

Swipe to learn more about our new home in Charlotte.

Read more: https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2026/05/27/wake-forest-charlotte-commitment-campus.html

After the Alzheimer’s Association Western Carolina Chapter recognized Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s Laura D. Baker for her work to advance brain health through the U.S. POINTER trial, the professor of gerontology and geriatrics and internal medicine reflects on her passion for her work.

Throughout her life, Baker has had a profound respect for those who came before her. Her gratitude toward older adults, combined with a love of sports that grew during childhood as a way to make friends, eventually led to Baker’s perfect role and what she calls the highlight of her career – one of the principal investigators of the Alzheimer's Association’s U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER).

Read full story.

https://school.wakehealth.edu/features/research/dementia-prevention-researcher-laura-baker-honored-for-landmark-lifestyle-study

Can a routine heart test reveal how kids grow?
New research shows AI can analyze ECGs to track biological development—offering a powerful new tool when hormone or puberty data isn’t available. The study found the data offers a more precise tool to study puberty when hormone or clinical data isn’t available.

Learn more: https://newsroom.wakehealth.edu/news-releases/2026/05/routine-heart-test-can-track-how-kids-grow-and-mature-new-study-finds

From detecting heart risks earlier in pregnancy to identifying lifestyle changes that may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, researchers across Illinois and Wisconsin are advancing care for patients at every stage of life.

Throughout April, panels convened as part of the “Celebrate Research!” program at the School of Medicine’s two campuses, as well as at sites in Illinois and Wisconsin, to showcase work across the enterprise, impacting the future of care in many healthcare specialties and bolstering Advocate Health’s commitment to discovery.

The events in the Midwest featured the ongoing collaboration between clinicians in Illinois and Wisconsin and researchers at the School of Medicine. The theme of the two panels — maternal health/pediatrics and neuroscience/aging — emphasized how this work has the potential to provide valuable insight and improve lives from as early as conception into the later years of life.

Read full story.
https://school.wakehealth.edu/features/research/maternal-health-to-alzheimers-prevention

Find your people 🎓 The smiles say it all. After crossing the stage, it’s all about spotting the ones who cheered you on every step of the way. 💛