Healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing cancer care are invited to join us for the Charles L. Spurr Piedmont Oncology Symposium on October 16, 2026, at the M.C. Benton Jr. Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC. This annual educational event brings together physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, navigators, and other oncology professionals for a day of evidence-based learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. Register Today!

Designed for professionals working across the continuum of hematology and oncology care, the symposium offers an interactive learning environment featuring nationally recognized faculty and expert-led discussions on emerging trends, innovative therapies, and practical approaches to improving patient outcomes. Attendees will engage in didactic presentations and case-based learning that can be applied immediately in clinical practice.

Participants will explore timely topics, including:

• The expanding role of interventional radiology in cancer care
• Antibody-drug conjugates in the neoadjuvant breast cancer setting
• The impact of the microbiome on cancer development, treatment response, and treatment-related toxicities
• Multidisciplinary management of complex oncology cases
• Emerging strategies for targeting RAS pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
• Evidence-based sequencing of therapies for metastatic breast cancer
• Future microbiome-based approaches to personalized cancer care 

Upon completion of the symposium, participants will be better equipped to evaluate new therapeutic and diagnostic options, integrate emerging evidence into patient care decisions, and navigate the rapidly evolving oncology landscape.

Event Details

Charles L. Spurr Piedmont Oncology Symposium
Date: October 16, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Location: M.C. Benton Jr. Convention Center, 301 W. 5th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 

Register here: https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/api/events/78585

Continuing Education Credit

Participants can earn:

• 5.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for physicians
• 5.0 Nursing Contact Hours for nurses

These educational credits support continuing professional development while helping clinicians stay current with advances in oncology care.

Registration Fees

• $200 - Industry Clinical Educators and Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs)
• $150 - MD/DO
• $100 - All Other Healthcare Professionals

Whether you provide direct patient care, support care coordination, or contribute to oncology services as part of a multidisciplinary team, this symposium offers a valuable opportunity to learn from experts, connect with colleagues, and enhance the care you provide to patients living with cancer.

Register today and join us in Winston-Salem for a day of oncology education, collaboration, and innovation.

 

Medina Wilson, MBA, CPC, CPPM, CFD
TeamSTEPPS® Master Trainer | Senior Quality Improvement Specialist

For the past 15 years, Medina Wilson has helped healthcare practices across the region navigate change, improve quality, and strengthen the care they provide to patients. As a Senior Quality Improvement Specialist at Northwest AHEC, she has partnered with practices through quality improvement initiatives, MIPS reporting, PCMH recognition, electronic health record (EHR) implementations, and coding and billing improvements, serving as a trusted resource during some of healthcare's most challenging transitions. 

Medina's Supervisor; Christopher Jones, DrPH, MHA; recalls "Medina joined our team with so much knowledge from working as a practice manager and Certified Professional Coder she began transforming practices into more efficient and effective care centers right away. Medina has maintained her certifications and added a Master's degree in Business Administration, NCQA's Patient Centered Medical home certifications, Team STEPPS Master Trainer Credentials and Results Based Accountability trainer.  Medina is curious and resourceful and builds lasting relationships with the practices she assists. She is always early to the meeting and offers great advice.  I have enjoyed getting to know Medina over the years.  She has a great sense of humor and an adventuresome spirit!"

Reflecting on her career at Northwest AHEC, Medina says her proudest accomplishment is seeing the lasting impact those efforts have had on practices and the patients they serve.

"Seeing practices achieve their goals, improve patient outcomes, and become more efficient because of the support and guidance our team provided has been incredibly rewarding," she said. "I'm especially proud of being a trusted resource for practices and contributing to Northwest AHEC's mission of strengthening healthcare delivery in our communities."

That mission is what attracted Medina to Northwest AHEC in the first place. The opportunity to support healthcare providers and help improve access to quality care across the region aligned with her passion for making a meaningful difference. Fifteen years later, that purpose continues to motivate her.

"What has kept me here is knowing that the work we do truly makes a difference," she said. "Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn and help others succeed."

Among the many projects she has supported, helping practices transition to new EHR systems stands out as one of the most impactful experiences of her career. These conversions often bring uncertainty and disruption, but Medina found fulfillment in guiding teams through the process, helping optimize workflows, train staff, and maintain quality patient care along the way.

"Seeing a practice move from frustration and uncertainty to confidence and success reinforced the importance of the work we do and the support Northwest AHEC provides," she shared.

Those successes have also created some of her favorite memories. Whether helping a practice achieve PCMH recognition, complete a major EHR transition, or improve quality performance measures, Medina values celebrating the milestones that come after months of hard work and collaboration.

That collaborative spirit is something she appreciates not only in the practices she serves, but also among her Northwest AHEC colleagues. She describes her team as one that willingly shares knowledge, supports one another, and brings diverse strengths and experiences to every challenge.

Throughout her career, Medina credits her success to adaptability, relationship-building, and a commitment to lifelong learning. In an industry that is constantly evolving, she believes staying informed, communicating clearly, and focusing on practical solutions are essential to helping others succeed.

In fact, while many people associate her work with quality metrics, regulations, coding, billing, and technology, Medina says the most rewarding aspect of her role is much simpler.

"What I enjoy most is building relationships," she said. "The part I value most is connecting with people and helping practices overcome challenges and succeed."

As she celebrates 15 years with Northwest AHEC, Medina's dedication to supporting healthcare professionals, improving patient care, and building meaningful relationships continues to make a lasting impact throughout the region.

Congratulations, Medina, and thank you for 15 years of service, expertise, and commitment to Northwest AHEC's mission.

 

 

On November 20, 2026, healthcare professionals from across the region will gather at the Graylyn International Conference Center in Winston-Salem for the HPB GI Oncology Conference 2026, a multidisciplinary symposium dedicated to advancing the care of patients with hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) malignancies. The conference is designed for surgeons, medical oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiation oncologists, nurses, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners seeking the latest evidence-based approaches in cancer care. 

Featured Keynote Speaker: Alice Wei, MD, CM, MSc, FRCSC, FACS

A highlight of this year's program is the keynote presentation by Dr. Alice Wei of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, an internationally recognized surgical oncologist and leader in HPB cancer care. Dr. Wei will present "Downstaging Strategies to Conversion Surgery for Locally Advanced HCC," exploring evolving approaches to treatment that can expand surgical options and improve outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Dr. Wei will share insights into emerging trends, innovative treatment strategies, and the evolving landscape of care for patients with HPB malignancies. Her expertise and national perspective will provide attendees with valuable knowledge they can apply in clinical practice while helping shape discussions throughout the day. 

Multidisciplinary Expertise Focused on Improving Patient Outcomes

In addition to the keynote address, the conference will bring together leading experts from Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Levine Cancer Institute representing medical oncology, surgical oncology, gastroenterology, and interventional radiology. Participants will receive cutting-edge updates on the management of HPB malignancies through expert presentations, clinical case discussions, and interactive learning opportunities. 

Educational objectives include:

• Implementing evidence-based, multidisciplinary approaches to HPB cancer management
• Applying precision oncology and biomarker-driven treatment strategies
• Optimizing patient selection for surgery, liver-directed therapies, and clinical trials
• Improving the management of treatment-related toxicities
• Integrating emerging technologies and collaborative care models to enhance patient outcomes
   

Earn Continuing Education Credit

Attendees may earn up to 5.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, 5.5 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC, and 5.5 CME hours for Physician Assistants.

Event Details

📅 Friday, November 20, 2026
🕗 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
📍 Graylyn International Conference Center
1900 Reynolda Road
Winston-Salem, NC

Register Early and Save

Take advantage of the Early Bird registration rate of $125 through October 23, 2026. This will increase to $150 after the deadline.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from nationally recognized experts, engage with colleagues from across specialties, and gain practical insights into the latest advances in HPB cancer care.

View the full agenda and register today:
https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/78616

 

August 24-28, 2026

Community Health Worker Awareness Week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the dedicated professionals who serve as trusted voices, advocates, and connectors within our communities. At Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC), we are proud to join partners across North Carolina in honoring the vital contributions of Community Health Workers (CHWs) and the positive impact they make every day.

Community Health Workers play a unique and essential role in improving health outcomes and strengthening communities. Whether employed by healthcare organizations, public health agencies, community-based organizations, or social service programs, CHWs help individuals and families navigate complex systems, access needed resources, and overcome barriers to care.

From connecting patients with healthcare services and providing health education to supporting care coordination and addressing social drivers of health such as housing, transportation, and food security, CHWs are often the bridge between healthcare systems and the communities they serve. Their lived experiences, cultural understanding, and deep community connections help build trust and create meaningful relationships that support improved health and well-being.

As healthcare organizations continue to focus on whole-person care, the value of Community Health Workers has become increasingly evident. CHWs help foster engagement, improve communication, support prevention efforts, and contribute to healthier outcomes for individuals and families throughout North Carolina. Their work advances health equity and ensures that more people have the support they need to achieve their best possible health.

Northwest AHEC is committed to supporting the Community Health Worker workforce through education, training, and collaboration. Through the NC AHEC Community Health Worker Program, individuals have access to professional development opportunities, technical assistance, and resources designed to strengthen and sustain this important workforce.

During Community Health Worker Awareness Week, we encourage healthcare professionals, organizations, and community members to take a moment to recognize the dedication, compassion, and expertise of CHWs. Their contributions often happen behind the scenes, but their impact is felt every day in communities across our region and throughout the state.

Learn More

To learn more about Community Health Workers and available resources, visit:

• NC AHEC Community Health Worker Program: https://www.ncahec.net/chw/
• North Carolina Community Health Worker Association (NCCHWA): https://ncchwa.org
• National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW): https://nachw.org

As we celebrate Community Health Worker Awareness Week 2026, Northwest AHEC extends its sincere gratitude to all Community Health Workers for their unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of North Carolinians. Thank you for the difference you make in the lives of individuals, families, and communities every day.

Happy Community Health Worker Awareness Week from Northwest AHEC!

 

Every high-risk newborn presents unique challenges, and every decision matters. From complex clinical needs to supporting families during some of their most vulnerable moments, caring for high-risk infants requires up-to-date knowledge, strong clinical judgment, and a collaborative approach across disciplines. This fall, Northwest AHEC invites healthcare professionals to join The High Risk Newborn: Sharing the Care Fall 2026, a live webinar designed to bring together current evidence, expert perspectives, and practical strategies that can be applied in clinical practice right away.

Why This Program Matters

Advances in neonatal care continue to improve outcomes for infants with complex medical needs, but staying current can be challenging in today's fast-paced healthcare environment. This half-day program focuses on real-world approaches to caring for high-risk newborns, helping participants navigate complex clinical scenarios while strengthening their ability to support families throughout the care journey. Attendees will gain insights into current management strategies, explore interdisciplinary perspectives, and learn from experts dedicated to improving outcomes for vulnerable newborns and their families.

What You'll Gain

Whether you work in neonatal care, maternal-child health, pediatrics, nursing, or another area supporting newborns and their families, this program offers practical value you can take back to your team. Participants will leave with:

• Enhanced understanding of current approaches to caring for high-risk newborns
• Evidence-based strategies for navigating challenging clinical situations
• Insights into family-centered care considerations
• Perspectives from experts across disciplines involved in neonatal care
• Greater confidence in supporting infants and families with complex needs

Join Us Via Live Webinar

The High Risk Newborn: Sharing the Care Fall 2026 📅 October 14, 2026 🕘 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM 💻 Live Webinar When healthcare professionals share knowledge, collaborate across disciplines, and stay informed on evolving best practices, newborns and families benefit. Join us this October and help advance high-quality care for our most vulnerable patients. Register today - https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/78235

 

 

Join colleagues from across North Carolina for the 44th Annual Perinatal Conference: Gravidas at Risk, November 4-5, 2026, in Hickory, NC. Designed for nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, social workers, educators, and maternal-child health professionals, this two-day conference delivers evidence-based strategies and practical tools for caring for pregnant individuals facing increased risk. 

Top 3 Reasons to Attend

1. Enhance Clinical Expertise

Gain practical, evidence-based insights on today's most important perinatal care topics, including:

• Cardiac conditions in pregnancy
• Intimate partner violence screening and support
• Alcohol use during pregnancy
• Social determinants of health
• Focused perinatal case studies
• Non-pharmacological approaches for high-risk maternity patients

2. Connect with Perinatal Experts and Peers

Learn from experienced faculty and engage with multidisciplinary professionals from across the state who share your commitment to improving outcomes for mothers, infants, and families. 

3. Explore Emerging Topics

Discover innovative approaches shaping the future of maternal care, including artificial intelligence in obstetrics, mindfulness strategies, and holistic interventions that support both patients and providers. 

Conference Highlights

• Earn up to 10 contact hours/nursing contact hours
• Choose from full conference or single-day registration
• Network with perinatal professionals from across North Carolina
• Take home practical strategies you can apply immediately in your practice 

Register Today

Secure your place at this premier perinatal conference and join us for two days of education, collaboration, and professional growth.

November 4-5, 2026
Hickory Metro Convention Center, Hickory, NC

 

Are you a healthcare provider seeking practical tools and compassionate strategies to support grieving families—and yourself? The upcoming 29th Annual “Because We Care” Workshop, themed “Forget Me Never,” is your opportunity to gain essential skills, connect with peers, and earn continuing education credits, all in a supportive, in-person environment.

Why Attend This Workshop?

Grief is a deeply personal and often isolating journey, not just for families but also for the professionals who care for them. This workshop is designed specifically for nurses, social workers, child-life specialists, counselors, chaplains, and other care providers who want to:

• Learn communication skills for sensitive conversations
• Discover self-care strategies to prevent compassion fatigue
• Engage in hands-on creation of keepsakes to comfort grieving families
• Explore ways to remember loved ones while letting go
• Understand how families experience support after a loss

Event Details

    Date: September 17, 2026

    Time: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (breakfast and registration at 7:30)

    Lunch provided

    Location: Ardmore Baptist Church, 501 Miller Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27103

Registration & Fees

• Atrium, Advocate, AHWFB Employees: $70 (promo code required)
• General Registration: $100

Continuing Education Credit

Participants can earn:

• 0.65 CEUs through Northwest AHEC
• 6.5 Contact Hours through Northwest AHEC

Nurses may apply these hours toward their continuing competence requirements for North Carolina licensure.

Register Today

Whether you provide direct patient care, family support services, counseling, or spiritual care, this workshop will help you build skills that foster compassionate support for others while prioritizing your own well-being.

29th Annual “Because We Care” Workshop: Forget Me Never 📅 September 17, 2026 🕗 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 📍 Ardmore Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, NC

REGISTER NOW -  https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/77742