All programs encourage collateral training in fields allied to the house officer's own. Because of teaching responsibilities, each house officer receives an appointment to the teaching faculty of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. These appointments emphasize the educational character of the house officer position and often widen the opportunities for research and special studies. House officers serve on medical staff committees as representatives of the house staff association. In general, appointments are effective July 1 of each year.
Positions are open to graduates of approved medical schools.
House officers are selected by the chiefs of the individual services. Appointments are made on the basis of past performances and references. While not absolutely required, personal interviews are desirable. Ordinarily the chief resident on each service is selected from house officers who have served previously. There are variations between services in this regard and, on occasion, a house officer especially well qualified from another institution may be selected as chief resident on a service.