Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is a leading academic health system located in North Carolina, combining patient care, medical education, and groundbreaking research. As a key component of Atrium Health and Wake Forest University School of Medicine, this institution plays a vital role in transforming healthcare throughout the region. Whether you’re a patient, a healthcare worker, or a medical student, understanding the structure and impact of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is essential to appreciating its growing influence in modern medicine.
In this article, we explore the health system’s services, academic affiliations, research initiatives, and how it’s shaping the future of care in the Carolinas and beyond.
A Strategic Merger That Transformed Healthcare in the Southeast
In 2020, Wake Forest Baptist Health officially became part of Atrium Health, forming Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. This merger marked a significant milestone, uniting clinical excellence with academic and research strength under one brand. The collaboration brought together:
- Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (Winston-Salem)
- Brenner Children’s Hospital
- Davie Medical Center
- High Point Medical Center
- Lexington Medical Center
This integration allows patients to benefit from both local care access and the resources of a large academic medical network.
Core Services and Medical Excellence
Comprehensive Patient Care
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist provides high-quality care in both community hospitals and advanced academic facilities. Patients have access to a full spectrum of services including:
- Primary and family medicine
- Cancer care
- Neurosciences
- Orthopedics
- Heart and vascular treatment
- Women’s health and maternity services
With both inpatient and outpatient facilities, it meets diverse healthcare needs across age groups and conditions.
Specialized Centers of Excellence
Certain areas of care at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist are nationally recognized for their specialized expertise, including:
- Brenner Children’s Hospital: A premier pediatric care facility offering child-specific treatments and a family-focused environment.
- Comprehensive Stroke Center: Providing rapid response, diagnosis, and intervention for stroke patients.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center: Accredited by the National Cancer Institute for advanced oncology services and clinical trials.
Academic Strength: Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Educating the Next Generation of Physicians
The academic core of this health system is the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, now part of Atrium Health’s broader academic mission. The school is known for its:
- Innovative curriculum focused on problem-based learning
- Highly ranked physician assistant (PA) and MD programs
- Advanced training for residents and fellows in dozens of specialties
Students at Wake Forest benefit from direct clinical exposure at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist facilities, blending theory with hands-on experience.
Expanding to Charlotte
A second medical school campus in Charlotte, NC is in development, aiming to expand Atrium Health’s educational reach and address the growing demand for trained healthcare professionals in the region.
Pioneering Research and Innovation
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist leads cutting-edge medical research in:
- Regenerative medicine
- Aging and Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer genomics
- Precision medicine
As part of its academic mission, the health system actively engages in hundreds of clinical trials each year, offering patients early access to breakthrough treatments.
Digital Health and Patient Accessibility
MyWakeHealth Patient Portal
Patients can manage appointments, communicate with providers, and view medical records through MyWakeHealth, the system’s secure online portal.
Telemedicine and Virtual Care
The system has significantly expanded its telehealth capabilities, allowing patients to consult with doctors remotely for primary, urgent, and specialty care services.
Commitment to Community Health
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is not only focused on advanced care but also on public health. Through mobile clinics, free screenings, and outreach programs, the system supports:
- Underserved populations
- Health equity initiatives
- Preventive education programs
Its goal is to improve community outcomes, reduce health disparities, and increase access to essential services.
Working at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Opportunities and Career Development
As a major employer in the Triad region of North Carolina, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist offers:
- Clinical and non-clinical career paths
- Continuing education and tuition assistance
- Opportunities for research involvement
- Collaborative work environments for physicians, nurses, and administrative staff
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The organization prioritizes an inclusive culture, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives in healthcare delivery and education.
FAQs About Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
What is Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist?
It is an academic health system combining Wake Forest Baptist Health and Atrium Health, delivering medical care, research, and education across North Carolina.
Is Wake Forest Baptist now part of Atrium Health?
Yes, since the 2020 merger, it operates under the name Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, integrating with Atrium Health’s larger network.
Does the health system offer medical education?
Absolutely. Wake Forest University School of Medicine is a major part of the system, training physicians, researchers, and other healthcare professionals.
Can I receive specialized care there?
Yes. The system houses nationally recognized centers for stroke, cancer, pediatrics, cardiology, and more.
How do I access my health records?
You can sign up for the MyWakeHealth portal to view records, manage appointments, and communicate with your care team online.