Women’s Health Institute
Empowering the future of women’s health
The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Women’s Health Institute offers an immersive experience for high school students passionate about women’s healthcare. Are you interested in pursuing a career focused on women’s health, but unsure what working in this field truly involves? Most people do not understand the wide range of both medicine and surgery that comprises Women’s Health. This institute provides hands-on experiences and insights into various healthcare roles in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, surgery, and others. You will see all aspects of care including the works of nurses, therapists, doctors, midwives, ultra sonographers, and others who are all part of our team in taking care of women’s health needs. You’ll visit healthcare facilities, engage in simulations including surgical techniques, birthing, ultrasounds, and more. You will explore the various career pathways in women’s health, learning alongside students and professionals in the field.
At a Glance
2025 Dates: Week of June 1 – 6
Program Length: Sunday – Friday, overnight
Who Can Apply?: Current 9th – 12th grade students
Tuition: $3,400
*Tuition is subject to change per year
Location: Winston-Salem, NC – Wake Forest University Reynolda Campus
*Courses carry no secondary school or college credit. Upon completion of the program, an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion will be awarded to all Women’s Health Institute participants.
What You’ll Experience
Topics Covered:
- Gynecology (GYN)
- Obstetrics (OB)
- Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIGS)
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Women’s Cancer Prevention
- Midwifery
- Labor & Delivery
- Fertility
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Care
- Women’s Preventive Health
- Advances in Women’s Health
- Contraception
- Breast Health
Hands-On Experiences:
- On-site visits to Labor and Delivery wards and the NICU
- Practice ultrasound techniques and birthing simulations
- Interview patients and participate in simulation labs focused on women’s health
- Explore career pathways such as MD, Physician Assistant (PA), Nurse Practitioner (NP), midwifery, doula services, nursing, physical therapy, ultrasonography, and surgical.
- Engage with medical students and residents focused on women’s health
*Hands-on experiences are subject to change.
A Day in the Life
Typical Daily Schedule
- 8:00 am – Breakfast
- 8:45 am – Travel to Hospital or School of Medicine
- 9:00 am – Program Introduction
- 9:30 am – Guest Speaker: Pursuing a Career in Women’s Health
- 11:00 am – Guest Speaker: Advances in Women’s Health
- 11:30 am – Labor and Delivery Tour
- 12:00 pm – Lunch
- 12:45 pm – Station 1: Birthing Simulation
- 1:35 pm – Station 2: NICU Care
- 2:30 pm – Station 3: Women’s Cancer Care
- 3:30 pm – Station 4: Ultrasound Techniques
- 4:10 pm – Guest Panel: Women’s Health Practitioners
- 4:30 pm – Debrief and Dismissal
- 4:45 pm – Travel to Wake Forest University campus
- 5:30 pm – Dinner
- 6:30 pm – Evening Activities
- 7:30 pm – Free Time
- 9:00 pm – Prepare for Bed
- 10:30 pm – Lights Out
*The “A Day in the Life” sample schedule is subject to change.
Meet the Academic Leader
Dr. Oona O’Neill
Academic Leader, Women’s Health Institute
Dr. Oona O’Neill is a passionate leader in women’s healthcare and an OB/GYN specializing in obstetrics, gynecology, vaginal and minimally invasive surgery, as well as contraception and menstrual disorders. She takes care of women throughout the entire lifespan with a special interest in menopause. Dr. O’Neill currently serves as an attending physician at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, where she mentors medical students and residents. With a dedication to improving women’s health outcomes, Dr. O’Neill brings a wealth of knowledge in both clinical practice and medical education. She looks forward to inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals through this institute focused on advancing women’s health.