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Celebrating Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day

Jan 23, 2026 9:38:04 AM / by Brooke Kochanski

Celebrating Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day
January 23, 2026

Today, we proudly celebrate Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Dayβ„’, honoring the individuals who ensure healthcare providers remain informed, skilled, and prepared to deliver exceptional care.

At the Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) and Office of Continuing Medical Education (OCME) of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, our continuing education professionals play a vital role in supporting lifelong learning. They design and deliver high‑quality, evidence-based programs that strengthen patient care and elevate healthcare across our communities.

This work is fueled by strong partnerships - across health systems, academic institutions, professional associations, and community organizations. These collaborations allow us to create meaningful educational experiences that meet the needs of today’s healthcare workforce.

HealthcareCEProfDay2026When we asked our partners to describe Northwest AHEC/OCME in one word, three themes rose above the rest:
Collaboration. Commitment. Excellence.

 

Today, we also celebrate our exceptional team - many of whom bring decades of experience to their roles. Their dedication, expertise, and service continue to shape healthcare education across our region.

Northwest AHEC / OCME Service Milestones

(Years of service as of 2026)

  • Leigh Watkins – 42 years
  • Marie Simos – 38 years
  • Ellen Kesler – 34 years
  • Angela Hodges – 31 years
  • Michael Lischke – 30 years
  • Chris Jones – 24 years
  • Lee Howard – 23 years
  • Andrew Brewer – 20 years
  • Nedra Edwards Hines – 20 years
  • Amy Basham – 19 years
  • Michelle Adams – 16 years
  • Medina Wilson – 15 years
  • Michael Hulme – 15 years
  • Reed Burger – 14 years
  • Melanee Mills – 12 years
  • Gail Pawlik – 12 years
  • Christina Clarke – 12 years
  • Jasmine Mickens – 11 years
  • Janice Moore – 11 years
  • Lindsey MacLean – 9 years
  • Amanda Pearson – 7 years
  • Brooke Kochanski – 6 years
  • Alana Dodson – 5 years
  • Ellen Zimmerman – 5 years
  • Samantha Garvens – 5 years
  • Lisa Thomas – 5 years
  • Lara Dickerson – 4 years
  • Cherelle Blakley – 4 years
  • Stephanie Yoder Poindexter – 3 years
  • Megan Mills Anderson – 2 years

✨ Their dedication strengthens every program we develop, every partnership we nurture, and every learner we support.

Learn more about our full team:
https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/staff

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Tags: continuing education, staff development, healthcare

Brooke Kochanski

Written by Brooke Kochanski

Marketing & Communications Specialist at Northwest AHEC

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