Complete one or both of the interactive, self-paced eLearning modules on your computer or mobile device. Earn free contact hours!

PART 1 - About 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, with 90-95% of those having Type 2 Diabetes. (CDC) The majority of these people receive health care in the primary care setting (Pilla et. al). Physiologically, diabetes affects multiple organ systems, as well as the emotional well-being of the affected person. Medicine regimens can be complex, especially for an older person with other chronic conditions. To enable the practice staff to support the person with Type 2 Diabetes, this course uses case studies of familiar patients seen in primary care. Practical office-based clinical assessment and patient education concepts are presented. Basic pharmacology of diabetes drugs, laboratory tests used to assess and monitor the disease and common physical exam findings are covered. Register online at www.nwahec.org/75805

PART 2 - Managing diabetes requires much more than taking medicines and visiting the primary care provider’s office---lifestyle changes at the heart of a person’s very self are needed. People with diabetes are 2-3 times more likely to have depression than those without diabetes (CDC). Typically considered a lifelong chronic condition, Type 2 diabetes requires the affected person to incorporate it into their self-image and work every day on difficult behavior changes. Mood disturbances may also be the result of physiologic changes caused by the illness, or from medication side effects. Building on the foundation of Part 1 of this series, this module focuses on the impact a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes can have on the mental health of patients they see in primary care. Register online at www.nwahec.org/75808

Part 2 builds on the case study presented in Part 1, so you are encouraged (but not required) to take both modules.

There is no charge for either online course. Course registration is generously supported by the Division of Health Benefits.

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults—but they don’t have to be. With the right tools, knowledge, and care planning, healthcare professionals can make a life-changing difference. That’s where our free, interactive eLearning module comes in.

👩‍⚕️ Why This Training Matters

Every year, millions of older adults experience falls that lead to serious injuries, hospitalizations, and even loss of independence. Yet, many of these incidents are preventable. This self-paced course, “Falls: Screening, Risk Assessment and Care Planning for Older Adult Patients in the Community,” is designed to equip ambulatory care clinical staff with the skills to identify and reduce fall risks—before they happen.

Using the CDC’s STEADI framework (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries), this course walks you through:

• 📊 Effective screening and risk assessment techniques
• 🧠 Patient-centered communication strategies
• 🛠️ Practical workflows for primary care settings
• 🧩 Care planning tailored to each patient’s needs

💡 What You’ll Gain

• Real-world tools to integrate fall prevention into your daily practice
• Confidence in addressing fall risks with patients and families
• Free contact hours to support your professional development
• Flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere—on your computer or mobile device

Whether you're a medical assistant, nurse, or provider, this course is built with your role in mind. It’s not just about checking a box—it’s about helping your patients live longer, healthier, and more independent lives.

🚀 Ready to Get Started?

Don’t wait to make a difference. Click here to register now and take the first step toward safer aging in your community.

We’re thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the Moving Mountains and Community Conference, taking place October 13–14, 2025, with a preconference day on October 12, at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.

Are you a clinical preceptor looking to sharpen your teaching skills and support the next generation of healthcare professionals?

Northwest AHEC is offering a FREE online Clinical Preceptor Training program designed just for you!

This self-paced training includes four 30-minute modules that cover:

✅ Foundational preceptor skills

✅ Integrating health equity into clinical education

✅ Communication strategies for diverse learners

✅ Recognizing and accommodating different learning styles and cognitive needs

Take advantage of this no-cost opportunity to grow professionally and enhance the learning experience for your students.

Learn more and register here

Northwest AHEC was proudly represented at the 2025 National AHEC Organization (NAO) Conference held June 17–20 in Lexington, KY. Northwest AHEC staff - Nedra Edwards Hines, Reed Burger, and Melanee Mills joined over 600 attendees from AHECs across the country to engage in meaningful dialogue, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies to strengthen the AHEC mission. 

Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu is an immunologist and molecular medicine researcher, and the Chief Scientific Officer and CEO of Aveseena. Dr. "Ebru" discusses "inflammaging," a condition where inflammation and premature aging occur simultaneously, triggered by factors such as stress, diet, and harsh skincare practices. She elaborates on how environmental aggressors, including certain endocrine disruptors found in plastics, can mimic hormonal effects and disrupt the body's systems, emphasizing the importance of storing food in glass containers and avoiding plastic bottles left in heat. The conversation also covers the dangers of topical estrogen in skincare without medical supervision, contrasting it with physician-monitored hormone replacement therapy.

Dr. Ebru highlights the skin's role as the first line of immune defense, protected by its microbiome and immune system. She explains that while acute inflammation is beneficial, chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging) is undesirable. The discussion also touches on the balanced approach to sun exposure for Vitamin D synthesis, recommending early morning or evening sunlight with SPF for protection, and the benefits of red light therapy for skin health. Finally, she validates the scientific basis of grounding, explaining that the human body is an open system that reacts to environmental energies. 

Can those suffering from migraine get relief without medication? Find out in episode 116 of the Healthcare Insights in Northwest North Carolina!

On the most recent episode of the Northwest AHEC Healthcare Insights podcast, host Andrew Brewer speaks with Dr. Gretchen Hoyle. And, you can now earn 1 hour of CE credit after listening!

Dr. Hoyle returns to provide a post-launch update of implementing a collaborative care management model (CoCM) in primary care practice in a large health system. The model provides continuity of care for chronic conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Learn how CoCM operates and insights on transforming care practices with a behavioral care manager, data registry, EHR workflows, and billing.

According to Dr. Hoyle, "This model allows us as pediatricians to use a team based approach for pediatric patients with mental health issues." Members of the CoCM team include the primary care provider who makes a diagnosis and referral, a psychiatric consultant who provides subspecialist level expertise and advice, and the behavioral health care manager (BHCM) who interacts most closely with the patient and their family. Dr. Hoyle finds it is the BHCM that is the "hero" of the CoCM team!

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the functions of each member of the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Team.
• Describe how mental health symptoms are measured and tracked in the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model.

Register for CE Credit here: https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/75184

View a complete list of current episodes in the Podcast CE Learning series here: https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/podcastCE

Check out the latest episode of NW AHEC Healthcare Insights podcast!

This presentation will provide an in-depth update on the evolving landscape of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, focusing on the latest modalities and their clinical applications.

Healthcare providers working with postpartum families play a crucial role in early care and intervention. Join us for a valuable live webinar, After Discharge: Maternal and Infant Assessment in the Home on Monday, September 9th from 9:00 AM to 2:15 PM to enhance your skills in providing home-based postpartum care.