Surgical Physician Assistant Fellowship

About Our Organization

Since its inception, WakeMed Health & Hospitals has been dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based practices for our patients and the community. As early advocates for the Advanced Practice Provider (APP), WakeMed has continually promoted the inclusion of APPs in our health system. With the creation of the “Surgical Physician Assistant Residency” in 2008, WakeMed has provided intense clinical and didactic preparation necessary to gain proficiency and marketability for the workforce. After graduating more than 15 surgical fellows since 2008, the program expanded to include nurse practitioners, prompting its redesignation as an APP fellowship program.

Beginning in October 2020, WakeMed will offer specialty training through five fellowship tracks:

• Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery
• General Surgery and Trauma
• Neonatology
• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Urology

Why WakeMed

• Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed Health & Hospitals is a nationally recognized, private, not-for-profit health care organization founded and based in the Raleigh, NC area.
• The 919-bed system, 9,400 employee organization comprises a network of facilities throughout the Triangle area, including three hospital facilities, four additional healthplexes, over 300 physicians and 280 Advance Practice Providers.
• WakeMed specialty facilities include the WakeMed Heart Center, Children’s Hospital, Women’s Pavilion and Birthplace, Rehabilitation Hospital as well as Adult and Children’s Emergency Departments.
• Home to the WakeMed Medical Simulation Center.
• A culture which promotes comradery, balance, learning, open communication and participation.
• Situated neatly between the beaches to the east and the North Carolina mountains to the west; this area is a diversified home to multiple education, world-class research, recreational and lifestyle opportunities.
• Our international airport serves 68 direct cities, including three discount airlines and well-designed, modern passenger terminals.

Program Mission and Vision

The WakeMed Health and Hospitals APP Fellowship Program is dedicated to the future of medicine and the health of our community by creating highly trained APPs who are capable of providing exceptional and compassionate patient care. We strive to remain at the forefront of medical education, providing APP fellows with a variety of clinical and didactic experiences focused on clinical decision-making, patient safety, technical skills and professionalism that will ensure their ability to excel within their specialties.

Eligibility for Admission

Strong candidates for the WakeMed APP Fellowship will show a demonstrated interest in their fellowship specialty, have a strong academic record and provide references that establish a pattern of professionalism, compassion and critical thinking skills. Our program welcomes both new graduate APPs and those with experience.

Applicants must meet this criteria:

• Be a graduate of or be on track to graduate successfully from an accredited physician assistant or nurse practitioner program.
• Obtain national board certification as a PA or NP.*
• Obtain NC Licensure, approval to practice, and WakeMed medical staff privileges prior to matriculation into the program.*
• Complete the WakeMed Human Resources online application for the fellowship track of interest and submit required application materials.

*Candidates may apply while still enrolled in school; however, board certification, licensing and credentialing requirements must be completed expeditiously to ensure timely matriculation into the program.

Board Certification Requirements for Each Program

• Cardiothoracic and Vascular surgery: PA or Acute Care NP.**
• Urology: PA, Acute Care NP, or Family NP.**
• Orthopaedic Surgery: PA or Family NP.**
• General Surgery and Trauma: PA or Family NP (general surgery and trauma track without critical care) or dual Acute Care/FNP or Acute Care/PNP.**
• Neonatal: PA or Neonatal NP.

**Nurse Practitioner fellows enrolled in the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery program, Orthopaedic Surgery program, Urology program or the General Surgery and Trauma program MUST complete the RNFA program online concurrently to receive a certificate of completion for the fellowship program. This is not required for the neonatology program. This RNFA program must be completed at the cost to the candidate.

Stipend and Benefits

• The APP fellow will receive a competitive yearlong salary.
• Opportunities for CME within the didactic structure of the program.
• As an employee of WakeMed, the APP fellow will be eligible for a complete benefits package, which includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous holiday, vacation, and sick leave benefits. 

Application Instructions 

Please complete the online application (application open with a goal of offers being extended by July 8, 2020 for late October 2020 start) and submit the following materials:

• Current Curriculum Vitae.
• A one-page letter of interest describing how the fellowship and specialty track align with your background and career goals.
• Submission of two letters of reference from healthcare providers (physician or APP) who have worked with you clinically who can speak to your clinical, professional, and interpersonal skills. These can be clinical preceptors, faculty instructors, supervisors or physicians. References must be emailed or mailed directly from the author.
• Unofficial PA school or NP school transcript, emailed or mailed to the address below.
• Copy of BLS, ACLS, NRP (as appropriate) certification.
• Copies of board certification(s) and/or proof of pending status.
• Copy of state license(s) and/or proof of pending status.

Submission Information

Email: appfellowship@wakemed.org

Mail:

WakeMed Physician Practices APP Fellowship 

3024 New Bern Ave., Ste. 307 

Raleigh, NC 27610