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.  

Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email [email protected] and send us your pitch.
  
Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed

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 advancing neurosurgery at Wake Forest and across the nation.

Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email [email protected] and send us your pitch.
  
Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed

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 of Medicine.

Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email [email protected] and send us your pitch.
  
Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed

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

Daily Dose: Clearer Vision, Safer Lives: A Student-Led Effort Expands Access to Eye Care

Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email [email protected] and send us your pitch.
  
Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed

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 parents can approach their child's health and create a healthier lifestyle without hurting their self-esteem and happiness. His book is now available now on Amazon and the American Academy of Pediatrics website 


Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email [email protected] and send us your pitch.
  
Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed

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, and finding balance in a rigorous training environment. Whether you're considering a future in neurosurgery or simply curious about how residents grow into their roles, this episode offers grounded insights and an authentic look inside the program.


Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email [email protected] and send us your pitch.
  
Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed

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 [email protected] 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 rapidly evolving specialty.

Whether you’re exploring surgical subspecialties or drawn to the blend of skill and compassion in patient care, this conversation offers a meaningful window into vascular surgery. 

Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email [email protected] and send us your pitch.  

Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed 


Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email [email protected] and send us your pitch.
  
Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed

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 surgery or interested in how surgical education unfolds, this episode offers practical insights and helpful perspective from inside the program. 

Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email [email protected] and send us your pitch.  
Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed 


Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email [email protected] and send us your pitch.
  
Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed

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 role of nurse practitioners, this episode is for you. 

Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email [email protected] and send us your pitch.  

Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed 


Want to Participate? Whether you have an episode idea or want to be featured, we want to hear from you! Email [email protected] and send us your pitch.
  
Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed