What do headaches, healthcare payments, long-term care, free clinics, and dreaming big have in common? They are all topics of recent episodes on the Healthcare Insights in Northwest North Carolina podcast.

On January 24, 2025, Atrium Health, Wake Forest University School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education and Northwest AHEC hosted the 19^th Annual Breast Cancer Symposium at Benton Convention Center in downtown Winston-Salem.

94 participants attended this year’s conference to learn the latest data in the treatment of breast cancer through multidisciplinary presentations by breast cancer specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, surgical oncology, pathology, genetics, and plastic surgery.

A clear theme throughout the conference was considering the patient’s experience as they go through their breast cancer treatment. Activity Director, Dr. Marissa Howard-McNatt, led a survivorship panel with 2 patients who were treated at the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Breast Care Center. Both patients shared their breast cancer journey from diagnosis to treatment, and now survivorship. Both patients spoke highly of their care and dedicated their survival to their care teams at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Breast Care Center. Dr. Hadley Sharp, radiation oncologist at Atrium Health Charlotte, spoke on the patient experience during radiation treatments.

Dr. Howard-McNatt also led a case presentation panel in which she presented 2 cases to Atrium Health’s Dr. Edward Levine, Dr. Doris Brown, and Dr. Susan Melin. This real-time discussion allowed attendees to hear the experts' thought processes, assess how the latest data and guidelines influence treatment decisions, and gain insights into the collaborative decision-making process that ensures the best outcomes for patients.

The multidisciplinary presentations were truly representative of the teams that collectively impact the patient experience. This year’s conference combined expertise from oncology, surgery, radiology, nursing, and supportive care to ensure comprehensive and personalized treatment for every breast cancer patient.

Thank you to this year’s speakers for a successful symposium!

The Annual Sleep Symposium is a premier educational event tailored to clinicians with an interest in Sleep Medicine. Each year, the symposium serves as a platform for both seasoned professionals and those new to the field to deepen their understanding of the latest advancements in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. This program is in partnership with South Piedmont AHEC, who will be handling the registration for the program. 

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge diagnostic tools and innovative treatment options for a wide range of sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. The program is designed to provide attendees with a comprehensive view of the evolving landscape in Sleep Medicine, equipping them with the knowledge to enhance patient care and improve clinical outcomes. 

In addition to enriching their own expertise, participants will have the chance to engage in multidisciplinary discussions and share best practices with their teams, fostering a collaborative learning environment. This symposium is ideal for clinicians looking to stay informed about the latest research, clinical protocols, and technological advancements in Sleep Medicine.

We look forward to welcoming attendees each year as we work together to advance the field and improve the quality of sleep care for all patients.

This conference is being held both in-person and virtually.

February 28, 2025
8:05AM - 5:00PM
REGISTER NOW

Cost is $150

This event will be offered in-person at two locations with some of the faculty presenting live from each location. Additionally, the event will be broadcast for those outside of North Carolina.  

Are you looking for convenient and effective ways to advance your knowledge and professional skills? Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) has you covered with our comprehensive online learning! Check out our full list of online learning available this Spring HERE

Why Choose Northwest AHEC Online Learning?

1. Flexible and Accessible 

2. Expert-Led Content 

3. Affordable Options - some no cost!

4. Certificates and CE Credits

Featured Courses You Don’t Want to Miss

• The Ethics of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy - As mental health professionals, we have an ethical duty to treat our clients with dignity and to respect cultural differences, including those based on religion and spirituality. In this module we will explore how taking an integrative approach to mental health therapy can improve outcomes for our clients. $35 registration cost for this activity.
• Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder 2024-2026:New Strategies to Reduce Barriers to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment  - With a focus on what defines and frames low barrier care, this course reviews the spectrum of opioid use disorder treatment, from harm reduction, low barrier care, to comprehensive integrated care. There is a $20 registration fee for this program.
• Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder 2024-2026:‘New Strategies to Improve Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Planning’ - Strategies to improve OUD (opioid use disorder) treatment planning are discussed. Review of the overall role and scope of the Peer Support Specialist (PSS) and strategies to minimize and address diversion are highlighted. There is a $20 registration fee for this program.
• Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder 2024-2026: MOUD (Medication for Opioid Use Disorder): The Evidence is Compelling! - This course reviews the differences between Opioid Treatment Programs and Office-Based Opioid Therapy. The impact the opioid epidemic and COVID have had on treatment guidelines, and the strength of evidence behind treatment of the chronic condition that is opioid use disorder. There is a $20 registration fee for this program.
• Diabetes Performance Improvement in Primary Care - This educational activity aims to inform the learner about the status of diabetes and chronic kidney disease in primary care. This activity will explore barriers and facilitators to promote patient engagement in treatment. This activity will focus on performance improvement methods and activities which promote health among patients with diabetes. The first 100 registrations will be at no charge, supported by Division of Health Benefits grant funding. After that, registrations will be $10 each.
• Double Trouble: Diabetes and Falls - People with diabetes are at higher risk for falls. Etiologies include vision changes from retinopathy, damage to both peripheral and central nerves, side effects from medicines, and co-morbidities like osteoarthritis. Through use of a case study illustrating a familiar primary care patient encounter, learners will apply new knowledge, so they can anticipate and intervene appropriately in their work. An optional module on conducting the Diabetic Foot Exam is included. There is no charge for this online course. Course registration is generously supported by the Division of Health Benefits.
• Safe or Silent? This course presents the inter-relatedness of joy in work, burnout, safety, and silence in the healthcare setting, and the role that organizational 'just culture' has in optimizing clinician satisfaction and patient safety. This activity has no cost to participate.

Check out our full list of online learning available HERE

LET’S CELEBRATE - Announcing A Day of Recognition

We are excited to introduce a new day of recognition to honor the dedicated staff of Northwest AHEC, the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education, the Faculty CME Committee, and esteemed healthcare continuing education professionals!

Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day is an opportunity to recognize and show our appreciation for our exceptional CE professionals.

What is Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day?

TODAY, January 24, 2025, marks the inaugural Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the professionals who ensure that healthcare providers stay informed, competent, and capable of delivering the best possible care to their patients. Healthcare continuing education professionals play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare by fostering lifelong learning and professional development.

Each year, we’ll celebrate on the Friday during the third full week of January, beginning with Friday, January 24, 2025. This special day offers an opportunity to reflect on the impact of continuing education professionals and their unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare excellence.

Celebrating Our Team

Today, our staff celebrated this momentous occasion with a luncheon at River Birch Lodge in Winston-Salem. We were delighted to come together as a team to honor the hard work and dedication of our incredible staff. Their efforts ensure that healthcare professionals in our region have access to the education and resources they need to thrive in their careers and deliver high-quality care to patients.

In preparation for this day, we also sent a survey to our staff, asking, "In one word, how would you describe yourself or the work you do as a contributor to Healthcare Continuing Education?" From the responses, we created a word cloud that highlights the passion and dedication of our team. This design was incorporated into a commemorative t-shirt that everyone will proudly wear to celebrate. 

Here are the words from the word cloud that describe our amazing team:

A Message from Leadership

“Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day is an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible work our team does every day,” said Michael P. Lischke, EdD, MPH, FCPP, Associate Dean of Continuing Medical Education and Richard Janeway, MD, Distinguished Director of Northwest AHEC. “Our staff is made up of knowledgeable, professional, and passionate individuals who are not only exceptional at what they do but are also a joy to work with. Their unwavering commitment ensures that healthcare professionals are equipped with the education they need to deliver outstanding care to their patients. I’m proud to celebrate this day and the extraordinary contributions of our team.”

“It’s the educators within our community that do the work to support healthcare professionals to practice at their best,” said Graham McMahon, MD, MMSc, President and CEO, ACCME. “CE professionals are outstanding agents of change who engage and inspire learners to innovate and improve our healthcare system; they deserve to be celebrated and appreciated for their critical role.”

Join the Celebration

We encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize the healthcare continuing education professionals in their lives. Whether you’re a learner, a healthcare provider, or a colleague, your acknowledgment and gratitude can go a long way in highlighting the vital contributions of CE professionals.

Let’s make Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day an annual tradition filled with gratitude, reflection, and celebration for these outstanding individuals who make a lasting impact on healthcare.

Happy Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day!

Join Us in Hickory on March 18th for the 13th Annual Breastfeeding Forum! Please join us for this one-day conference which focuses on techniques to assist women with breastfeeding and update care providers on breastfeeding techniques and tips to ensure a successful breastfeeding experience. Registration OPEN!

The 42nd Annual Perinatal Conference: Gravidas at Risk brought together over 140 healthcare professionals including nurses, care managers, providers, and educators eager to expand their knowledge in perinatal care. The conference, held over two days at the Hickory Metro Convention Center,  served as a platform for education and collaboration among those dedicated to improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.

We hope you will enjoy this selection of activities coming up from Northwest Area Health Education Center (NWAHEC) and the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education (OCME). Join us for some upcoming activities!

Activity Spotlight

• The Ethics of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy -Online
• Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder - Online
• Diabetes Performance Improvement in Primary Care - Online Enduring
• Double Trouble Diabetes and Falls - Online
• Safe or Silent? -Online
• 2025 North Carolina Lactation Educator Training Program - Online and skills day 4/29 or 4/30
• TVH & Mid-Urethral Slings - A Hands on Course 2025 - 2/7/25
• 39th Annual Northwest AHEC Respiratory Care Conference - 2/19/25
• 16th Annual NC "One Community in Recovery" Conference - 3/5/25
• 7th Annual Statewide Celebration of Rural Nursing - 3/13/25
• Nurturing the Nurturers: A Retreat for Sustaining Healthcare Well–being - 3/14/25
• 13th Annual Breastfeeding Forum - 3/18/25
• 2025 NC Annual STI Update - 3/19/25
• Practical Pediatrics 2025 - 3/28/25
• Basic Fetal Monitoring Spring 2025 - 4/9/25
• 2025 Western North Carolina Death Investigation Conference - 4/26/25
• Summer Interpreter Series - 5/7/25
• The High Risk Newborn: Sharing the Care - 5/14/25
• 2025 Aging Well Conference - 5/15/25
• WFUSM Summer Radiology Review 2025 - 6/9/25

As we continue to celebrate the unique role and essential service of nursing in rural healthcare, the NC AHEC Nurse Council welcomes you to join us for the 7th Annual NC AHEC Celebration of Rural Nursing Conference in honor of National Rural Health Day. This year we will address statewide healthcare network resources and pathways to improve access to care for your patients and families.

Our expert speaker faculty and panel members will be diverse in offering a variety of community health agencies and interprofessional service providers whose focus is prevention, primary care, improving public health and rural access.

Northwest Area Health Education Center (AHEC) and the Office of Continuing Medical Education (OCME) work with state and local health associations, universities, community colleges, hospitals, and community organizations to serve constituents in the Northwest AHEC 17-county region and across the state. We provide activities that increase knowledge, as well as renew clinical and professional skills.  

Please take about 5 minutes to complete this needs assessment.

Planning for future activities will be based on your input, survey deadline is January 24^th. We value your feedback. 

    
There are no known risks or personal benefits to completing this survey; however, the knowledge gained will benefit the planning of Northwest AHEC/OCME continuing education activities. Completing the survey is voluntary, and neither completing nor declining to complete the survey will affect your participation in any Northwest AHEC/OCME activity. This information will only be used to determine educational needs and methods of course delivery. The only identifiable data that will be collected are name and email if you choose to provide them. If you have questions or comments about this survey, contact ahecmktg@wakehealth.edu.