Explore what makes women's care different

Women’s Medicine: An Inside look at Treatment, Intervention, and Surgery

Consider this: 63% of the top 10 surgical procedures are performed on women. More than ½ of any doctor’s patients will be women. Symptoms for common conditions such as heart disease and Lupus express themselves differently in women than in men. That’s why for anyone thinking about a future in medicine or healthcare, this course is an absolute must. Learn about the stages of a woman’s life, from puberty to post-menopause, and delve into the health conditions that affect each. Gain insight into menstruation, birth control, pregnancy, hormonal shifts, and more. Learn to think like a doctor who faces health issues like these every day.

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Doctor and patient viewing ovarian test results on a computer

Program Dates

Multiple 2- and 4-week sessions.

Eligibility

For students completing grades 9-12, ages 13+.

Fees

$1195

Learning about women’s health is essential to becoming a good doctor

Get an overview of Women’s Medicine

Learn the basics of the female anatomy and the specific conditions that affect it. Discover the many sub-specialties that make up women’s medicine. Get an inside look at how the health profession is shifting toward women practitioners.

Explore the many methods of contraception and family planning

What is the difference between short and long-acting contraception? Study the menstrual cycle and the process of fertilization. Review the options available when unintended pregnancy occurs.

Learn the stages associated with having a baby

Gain insight into the importance of prenatal care. Understand the potential complications women experience and how these are managed. Explore the different modes of delivery and the importance of postpartum care for both mother and baby.

Delve into specific conditions that require surgery

Take an in-depth look at the anatomy of the female pelvis and a specific condition called ovarian torsion. Using this condition as our case study, we will get a detailed review of how the female anatomy works and surgical approaches to care.

Compare and contrast the physical differences between women and men

When men and women have the same health condition, it often manifests differently. Learn why. Review the anatomical structures that make men and women unique. Discover the preventative health needs of each gender and how they differ.

Explore college majors and future careers in Women’s Medicine

Topics covered in this course offer a good background for potential college majors and career paths related to general medicine, healthcare, surgery, and sub-specialties such as obstetrics, gynecology, reproductive and infertility counseling.

How You Will Benefit:

  • Learn to think like a doctor
  • Practice diagnosing medical conditions
  • Know the medical conditions associated with women
  • Understand how the same disease can impact men and women differently
  • Get an inside look at the varieties of contraception
  • Be able to explain the menstrual cycle and process of fertilization
  • Learn how to communicate your ideas through a final project
  • Discover the many careers associated with medicine and healthcare
  • Earn a Certificate of Completion from Wake Forest University

Mother holding her newborn baby in a hospital

Apply Now for the Next Available Course

Women's Medicine: An Inside Look at Treatment, Intervention, and Surgery

August 8 - August 22

Length: 2 weeks

Cost: $1195

Application Deadline: Sunday, August 1, 2021

Apply Now

Women's Medicine: An Inside Look at Treatment, Intervention, and Surgery

August 22 - September 5

Length: 2 weeks

Cost: $1195

Application Deadline: Sunday, August 15, 2021

Apply Now

3 Learning Advantages Designed for You

  1. Final Capstone Project

    All online immersion courses culminate in a special Capstone project that allows you to:

    • Demonstrate what you've learned in a presentation
    • Choose one of three topics showing what you've learned about healthcare from the patient journey
    • Use any media you prefer— text, video, photography, PowerPoint

  2. Mentoring

    You’ll receive personal guidance from a Wake Forest mentor who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience. You can expect:

    • Encouragement and direction on all assignments
    • Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you succeed
    • Brainstorming and ideation help as you prepare for your final Capstone project

  3. Flexible Learning

    • 100% online, works with your schedule
    • 30 hours of total asynchronous instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support
    • Online sessions with your Wake Forest Course Mentors
    • Meet fellow students online

Meet Your Online Immersion Faculty Members

Dr. Joshua F. Nitsche

Dr. Joshua F. Nitsche, Associate Professor, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine

Dr. Nitsche specializes in Maternal-Fetal Care, specifically pregnancy complications. He is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, The Society of Simulation in Healthcare, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. He is a graduate of the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Dr. Oona Likhyani O'Neill, Clinical Associate Professor, Department Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine

Dr. O'Neill has been an active faculty member at Wake Forest School of Medicine for the past 13 years. She has taught medical students at all stages of training, including surgical technique and childbirth. Dr. O'Neill has been a mentor for the Medical Students section of AMWA (American Medical Women's Association) as well as for the OBGYN interest group.

Meet the Mentors

Allie, Women's Medicine course mentor

Allie

I am a fourth-year medical student at the Wake Forest School of Medicine. I earned a BA in Politics & International Affairs from Wake Forest University and an MS in Medical Physiology from Case Western Reserve University. I also work in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where I've published over ten peer-reviewed papers in journals such as "Obstetrics & Gynecology" and the "American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology." As a birth doula, I worked with teenage parents throughout their pregnancy and birth providing physical and emotional support. I've been featured in numerous national media outlets including O: The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Glamour Magazine, and Fox News as an expert doula.

Abby, Women's Medicine course mentor

Abby

I am a medical student at Wake Forest School of Medicine and I also work as a Research Fellow in the Wake Forest School of Medicine Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. I completed my pre-medical requirements at UNC Greensboro then became a doula shortly thereafter. At Wake Forest, I founded the Deacon Doulas volunteer program. Additionally, I earned my BA in Anthropology from Davidson College. Following medical school graduation, I hope to complete a residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and continue contributing to women’s healthcare by providing breast reconstruction and gender affirming surgery.

Molly, Women's Medicine course mentor

Molly

I am in my final year of medical school at Wake Forest University and am excited to be applying to residency this year in general surgery. I also earned my BA from McGill University and a Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Certificate from Georgetown University. As a woman in medicine myself, I have seen firsthand how important recognizing differences in our care versus that of men is and am excited to be a mentor for this course.

How to Apply:

Student at desk

It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Our application will ask you to provide the following:

  1. Basic contact information for you and your parent or guardian.
  2. Why you wish to take this course. You can tell your story through writing, video, photos — any media you prefer.

NOTE: please submit all application materials in English 

Begin the guided process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.

Begin the guided process

Want to know more?

Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.

Admissions

Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you get to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re accepted?

Answers to your questions here

Scholarships

We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential who need assistance affording the associated cost. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you: