I loved Wake -- it was beautiful! I'm thrilled that I got in, though I'm not too excited about its location in Winston-Salem. I know I would be happy there nonetheless. And yes, their hospital is huge, and it's physically connected to the SOM. The students and faculty I met were very kind and friendly.
Here's what I found on their grading system (from the admissions bulletin): "The Promotions Committee regularly reviews academic performances of the members of all four classes and makes appropriate recommendations. Their actions are determined by a student's overall performance based on quality point averages using a 0 to 3.0 scale."
I also LOVED the Wake curriculum. It contains the following elements (the basic & clinical sciences are taught in an integrated phase manner):
1)
Basic and Clinical Science Problems (BCSP) -- "students meet twice per week in small groups of six students with two faculty facilitators to promote development of clinical reasoning skills and acquisition of basic and clinical science knowledge. The case topic serves as the anchor for each week of instruction in correlation with the material presented in classes."
2)
Foundations of Clinical Medicine -- "Students alternate on a weekly basis between the doctor-patient (interviewing and interpersonal skills) and physical examination components of the course."
3)
Medicine as a Profession -- "This course focuses on various aspects of medical culture and medicine as a professional practice with its history and culture. Course segments include physician socialization, ethical decisions in medicine, medical humanities, legal aspects of medical practice, and compassionate respectful treatment of patients. Sessions alternate between large group presentations and small group discussions."
4)
Population Health & Epidemiology & Introduction to Evidence-Based Medicine -- "This course facilitates students' understanding of medical epidemiology and provides an introduction to Evidence Based Medicine, including epidemiologic principles, strengths/weaknesses of study designs, use and interpretation of diagnostic tests. Presented in small group and lecture series."
5)
Community Practice Experience -- "Students spend four weeks with a community based primary care practitioner."
Hope that helped!
