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Brooke Kochanski

Marketing & Communications Specialist at Northwest AHEC
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Empowering Clinicians with Evidence-Based Practice: The ECPR Program from Northwest AHEC

Oct 23, 2025 12:15:00 PM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in public health, mental health, trauma

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In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, staying current with the latest evidence-based practices isn’t just a professional advantage—it’s a necessity. That’s where the Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Resources (ECPR) program from Northwest Area Health Education Center (AHEC) steps in.

Designed to support clinicians, educators, and healthcare professionals across North Carolina and beyond, the ECPR program offers free, on-demand access to high-quality, evidence-based resources that enhance clinical decision-making and patient care.

Create a square graphic for an event titled Emotional CPR with a warm, uplifting design featuring  (1)What is ECPR?

The ECPR program is a curated collection of tools and services that help healthcare professionals:

  • Find and apply evidence-based information quickly and efficiently
  • Stay current with clinical guidelines and best practices
  • Improve patient outcomes through informed decision-making
  • Support continuing education and lifelong learning

Whether you're a physician, nurse, pharmacist, or allied health professional, ECPR provides the resources you need to integrate evidence into your daily practice. 

Access to the ECPR program is available to all healthcare professionals. To explore the resources and learn more, visit:

👉 go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/ecpr

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Enduring Online Learning from Northwest AHEC: Available When You’re Ready to Earn CE credits on your schedule

Oct 22, 2025 9:22:16 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in learning, Enduring, online learning, continuing education

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Let’s face it—life is busy. Between meetings, patient care, family responsibilities, and the occasional moment to breathe, finding time for professional development can feel like a challenge. That’s why Northwest AHEC’s enduring online learning is designed to meet you where you are—on your schedule, at your pace, and when you’re ready to “endure” it.Thoughtful woman working on a laptop at home-1-1

Whether you're sipping coffee at 6 a.m. or winding down after a long day, our self-paced online courses are available 24/7, offering flexibility without compromising quality. These enduring activities span a wide range of topics, from clinical updates to behavioral health, public health, and more.


Whether you're looking to earn CE credit, stay current, or explore new areas of interest, Northwest AHEC’s enduring online learning is here to support your journey—on your time.

👉 Browse the full catalog and register today: Northwest AHEC Enduring Education

Here are just a few highlights from our current catalog:


🩺 Clinical Preceptor Training

Available: May 15, 2025 – May 15, 2027
Perfect for new and seasoned preceptors looking to sharpen their teaching skills.


🧠 Behavioral Health Reverse Integration Series

Available through: September 1, 2026
Explore clinical, operational, and financial aspects of integrated behavioral health care.


🧬 2025 NC Annual STI Update Series

Available: August 22, 2025 – August 22, 2026
Includes sessions like:

  • The Art of Taking a Sexual History
  • Genital Dermatology
  • DoxyPEP Implementation
  • STI Syndemics and Point-of-Care Diagnostics

🍭 Sweet Success: A Deeper Look at Diabetes in Primary Care (Parts 1 & 2)

Available: May 19, 2025 – May 7, 2027
A comprehensive look at diabetes management strategies for primary care providers.


🧒 Pediatric Obesity Management

Available: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Become the expert in your clinic with evidence-based strategies for pediatric obesity care.


🎧 Podcast CE Series

Topics include:

  • Collaborative Care for Behavioral Health
  • Migraine and the Mind-Body Connection
  • Health Disparities in Kidney Disease
  • Effects of Social Media on Mental Health

🛡️ Human Trafficking Awareness for Healthcare Professionals

Available: October 17, 2025 – November 1, 2027
Essential training for recognizing and responding to human trafficking in clinical settings.

 


💊 Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder Series (2024–2026)

Topics include:

  • New Strategies to Improve OUD Treatment Planning
  • Reducing Barriers to OUD Treatment
  • Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD): The Evidence is Compelling!


🧓Falls: Screening, Risk Assessment and Care Planning for Older Adults

Available: June 16, 2025 – June 16, 2027
Practical tools for reducing fall risk in community settings.


🤝Managing Difficult Patient Situations

Available: January 31, 2024 – January 31, 2026
Learn strategies to navigate challenging interactions with confidence.



 

 

Whether you're looking to earn CE credit, stay current, or explore new areas of interest, Northwest AHEC’s enduring online learning is here to support your journey—on your time.

👉 Browse the full catalog and register today: Northwest AHEC Enduring Education

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HPB GI Oncology Conference Returns to Winston-Salem with Leading Experts and CME Credits

Oct 16, 2025 8:45:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in oncology

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On November 21, 2025, healthcare professionals from across the region will gather at the Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education in Winston-Salem for the HPB GI Oncology Conference—a premier multidisciplinary symposium focused on hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) malignancies. See full details here.

Hosted by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Levine Cancer Institute, this in-person event brings together specialists in medical oncology, surgical oncology, gastroenterology, and interventional radiology to share the latest advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and collaborative care.

Highlights include:

  • hpb2Clinical case discussions with real-world applications
  • Interactive audience participation for deeper engagement
  • A keynote address by Dr. Philip Philip of Wayne State University, a nationally recognized leader in GI oncology
  • 5.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ and 5.5 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC

Event Details:

  • 📅 Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
  • 📍 Location: Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education, 475 Vine Street, 5th Floor, Winston-Salem, NC
  • 💵 Registration Fee: $125 (Early bird rate if registered by October 24)

Whether you're a physician, nurse, or allied health professional, this conference offers a unique opportunity to enhance your clinical knowledge, connect with peers, and earn continuing education credits.

👉 Register Now to secure your spot and take advantage of early bird pricing!

 

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1 Credit Hour and It's FREE - Implementing Screening and Intervening for Unmet Social Needs

Oct 15, 2025 8:30:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Social Determinants of Health, social work

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Everyone deserves to live their healthiest life. Unmet social needs impact health outcomes more than clinical interventions. The National Academy of Medicine, Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services and the World Health Organization have long advocated that screening for these needs be integrated into clinical settings but barriers exist. This course provides tools, resources and recommendations to support practice teams to screen and facilitate intervening to meet these needs.

Objectives

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One Month Until 20th Annual Neuroscience Conference - Join Us!

Oct 13, 2025 11:15:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in CME, neuroscience, continuing education

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The 20th Annual Neuroscience Conference will explore the latest advancements in acute hospital management, as well as post-hospital care of the stroke patient. This knowledge-based conference will include the most recent clinical practice guidelines and best practices in stroke care to maximize acute stroke care and recovery as well as provide transitional care post-hospitalization.

 

1753473073-adobestock488989029-lgREGISTER NOW

November 14, 2025 - 8:30AM - 4:00PM

Location: Village Inn

6205 Ramada Drive, Clemmons, NC

 

Upon completion of the program, participants should be able to:
  • Identify key concepts of the Code Stroke Process.
  • Explain pertinent findings after an interventional procedure.
  • Identify and explain common post-stroke complications.
  • Discuss the role and impact of interfacility telestroke services.
  • Define the structure and function of a comprehensive stroke program.
  • Understand stroke disparities and discuss potential strategies for improvement.
  • Explain the importance and value of occupational therapy in stroke rehabilitation.
  • Describe advanced surgical treatment options for stroke.
  • Recognize common psychological effects of stroke (e.g. depression, anxiety, emotional changes).
  • Define how the stroke program serves its patients.

Who Should Participate

Primary care physicians and providers, pharmacists, physical therapists, EMS and EMTs. All other
health care providers interested in providing excellent comprehensive care for stroke patients are also
encouraged to attend.
 
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Salem Academy Hosts 5th Health Leadership Forum This October

Sep 24, 2025 12:38:36 PM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in winston-salem, health leadership

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Salem Academy and College will hold its fifth Health Leadership Forum on Friday, October 24, 2025.

Salem’s Health Leadership Forum features a selection of women in health leadership roles from around the nation. This conference offers an opportunity for discussion of current trends in health and networking while hearing from some of the nation’s most widely recognized experts and innovators in their fields.

HLF - SalemCome join us in October for a fantastic day of discussion and connection centered around the topics of leadership in the healthcare industry.

Friday, October 24th from 8:30 am - 1:30 pm 
Elberson Fine Arts Center (on Salem's campus) 430 Leaders Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 
 
Check in at 8:00 am; program begins at 8:30 am / Program ends at 12:30 pm; lunch begins at 12:30 pm 
The Luncheon is available to all attendees free of charge. Please RSVP for lunch so we know you will be in attendance.  

Visit www.salem.edu/hlf to find out more

Register here

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Experience the Intersection of Arts & Medicine: Join Our Upcoming Series

Sep 23, 2025 2:19:24 PM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Medicine, continuing education series, continuing education, arts

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Northwest AHEC is excited to present the Arts & Medicine series—an inspiring exploration of the connection between creativity and healthcare. This engaging series offers healthcare professionals, students, and community members a unique opportunity to experience how artistic expression enhances healing, professional well-being, and patient care.

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🍂 Fall 2025 Behavioral Health Training Series

Sep 11, 2025 11:00:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in mental health, behavioral health, psychology, continuing education

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Untitled (20)Presented by Northwest AHEC & Wake Forest University School of Medicine

This fall, Northwest AHEC is offering a dynamic lineup of behavioral health webinars designed to equip professionals with the latest tools, strategies, and insights to support mental wellness across diverse populations. Whether you're a clinician, counselor, social worker, or behavioral health advocate, these sessions offer valuable continuing education and practical knowledge.


1. Assessments and Levels of Care: Guiding Clients to the Right Treatment

📅 Date: September 26, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Format: Live Webinar
👩‍🏫 Speaker: Erica K. Smith, MSW, LCSW

This session provides a comprehensive overview of clinical assessments and screening tools used to determine appropriate levels of care for children, adolescents, and adults. Learn how to make informed referrals and navigate the behavioral health system effectively.

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure


2. Advanced Application of DBT Skills

📅 Date: October 10, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Format: Live Webinar
👩‍🏫 Speaker: Rebecca Edwards-Powell, MSW, LCSW

Designed for professionals familiar with DBT, this workshop focuses on strengthening clinical application through skills training groups, behavioral strategies, and role-play techniques. 

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure


3. Identifying and Addressing Anxiety and Trauma-Related Disorders in Adolescents

📅 Date: October 15, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00AM-12:15PM
📍 Format: Live Webinar
👩‍🏫 Speaker: Sarah E (Betsy) E. 'Betsy' Bledsoe , PhD, MPhil, MSW

This program is designed to help practitioners become more familiar with identifying the signs and symptoms of anxiety and trauma related disorders in adolescents.

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure


4. Experienced SUD Professionals Panel: Sharing Their Expertise, Wisdom, and Hope

📅 Date: October 22, 2025
🕘 Time: 1:00PM-3:00PM
📍 Format: Live Webinar

👩‍🏫 Speakers: 
Jesse Battle, MSMHC, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS
Tuesday Feral, LCMCHA (they, them)
Leslie D. McCrory, Retired Counselor
Geraldine A. 'Geri' Miller , PhD, LP, LCAS, CCS
Paul D. Nagy, LCAS, LCMHC, MS
Daniel H. Wilemon, M.Ed., LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS

Join a panel of seasoned substance use disorder professionals as they share insights, lessons learned, and hopeful perspectives on recovery and treatment. This interactive session is perfect for those seeking inspiration and practical guidance.

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure


🎓 Continuing Education Credits

Each session offers CE hours for psychologists, social workers, counselors, and other behavioral health professionals. Details are available on each registration page.

 

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Northwest AHEC Team Builds Connection Through Healthy Cooking at BrennerFIT Kitchen

Sep 8, 2025 11:43:46 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in staff development

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Our Northwest AHEC team recently gathered for a meaningful and energizing team meetup at the BrennerFIT Kitchen in Winston-Salem. The activity centered around healthy cooking but it offered so much more than just a meal.

Together, we prepared a nutritious dish while engaging in team-building exercises that strengthened our collaboration. The hands-on experience allowed us to connect in a relaxed, supportive environment, all while learning practical skills that promote wellness.

BrennerFIT continues to be a valued community partner, offering a comprehensive program built on four pillars: clinical care, community engagement, professional education, and research. Their mission focuses on supporting children with weight-related health concerns and their families, and their work makes a lasting impact across the region.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect through this experience. Check out some of our photos below.

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2-Sep-08-2025-03-32-13-6371-PM  6-3

3-Sep-08-2025-03-32-14-1744-PM  4-4 

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Don't Miss: Moving Mountains and Community Conference 2025

Sep 8, 2025 7:45:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Nursing, Pediatric

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We look forward to seeing you in Boone this October for this impactful and inspiring event! 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.

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