Episodes

  • One University, One Mission: A Conversation with President Wente on Medicine, Education and Community

    One University, One Mission: A Conversation with President Wente on Medicine, Education and Community
    May 15 2026
    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 deacondialogues@wakehealth.edu and send us your pitch.

    Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Where Skill Meets Skull: Picking the Brain of a Neurosurgeon

    Where Skill Meets Skull: Picking the Brain of a Neurosurgeon
    May 8 2026
    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 deacondialogues@wakehealth.edu and send us your pitch.

    Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • The Face Behind the Curtain: Logistics of the Pre-Clerkship Education

    The Face Behind the Curtain: Logistics of the Pre-Clerkship Education
    Apr 30 2026
    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 deacondialogues@wakehealth.edu and send us your pitch.

    Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Project SEE: Vision for a Better Future

    Project SEE: Vision for a Better Future
    Apr 17 2026
    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 deacondialogues@wakehealth.edu and send us your pitch.

    Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Scrubbing In and Stirring Up: Nutrition Education in Medical Training

    Scrubbing In and Stirring Up: Nutrition Education in Medical Training
    Apr 10 2026
    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 deacondialogues@wakehealth.edu and send us your pitch.

    Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Deep Dive into Residency: Neurosurgery Edition

    Deep Dive into Residency: Neurosurgery Edition
    Apr 3 2026
    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 deacondialogues@wakehealth.edu and send us your pitch.

    Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Welcome to Season 5

    Welcome to Season 5
    Apr 3 2026
    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
    Show More Show Less
    1 min
  • A Vascular Surgeon’s Journey: Where Skill Meets Compassion

    A Vascular Surgeon’s Journey: Where Skill Meets Compassion
    Dec 9 2025
    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 deacondialogues@wakehealth.edu 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 deacondialogues@wakehealth.edu and send us your pitch.

    Connect with us on Instagram: @wakeforestmed
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins