Reaching a career milestone is more than marking time - it’s an opportunity to reflect on growth, purpose, and the impact made along the way. For Cherelle Blakely, her 10-year journey with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist (AHWFB) highlights a commitment to learning, dedication to healthcare, and passion for supporting others.
At Wake Forest University School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education and Northwest AHEC, one of the things that sets us apart is the dedication and longevity of our team. The relationships we build—with each other, our partners, and the communities we serve—are strengthened by years of commitment and shared purpose.
We’re proud to introduce our Quarterly Milestone Recognition, a new initiative celebrating teammates reaching 5, 10, 15, 20 (and beyond!) years of service. These milestones reflect not only time, but the meaningful contributions our team members make in advancing our mission and improving healthcare across the region.
As we launch this initiative, we’re honored to highlight one of our team members celebrating a significant milestone:
Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM) Office of Continuing Medical Education (OCME)
This past May marked Cherelle Blakely’s 10-year anniversary with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist (AHWFB) - a milestone that reflects a decade of growth, dedication, and impact in healthcare.
Cherelle began her career in May 2016 as a Patient Scheduling Coordinator in the Cardiology Department, where she also supported multiple physicians as a secretary. In a fast-paced clinical environment, she managed schedules and helped ensure seamless patient care operations. During this time, she developed a strong foundation in organization, communication, and attention to detail—all essential skills that continue to serve her today.
While working full time, Cherelle also pursued her master’s degree in healthcare management. Balancing professional responsibilities with graduate studies required determination and resilience, further strengthening her commitment to a career in healthcare.
After earning her degree, Cherelle transitioned into the role of Education Coordinator in the Life Support/Nursing Education Department, where she expanded her skill set and discovered a passion for supporting clinical education and training.
Today, Cherelle serves as a Continuing Medical Education (CME) Coordinator, where she coordinates accredited education programs for physicians. In this role, she combines her administrative expertise with her passion for healthcare education - helping ensure clinicians have access to high-quality learning opportunities that support their professional development and enhance patient care.
Reflecting on her journey, Cherelle shares gratitude for the opportunities and support she has received along the way - and a continued commitment to growing her impact.
“It has been a pleasure having Cherelle as part of the continuing professional development team with the OCME and Northwest Area Health Education Center. Her willingness to be a team player, proactive initiative in ensuring departments have high-quality programs, and eagerness to ask thoughtful questions and offer solutions make her an invaluable teammate.”
— Nedra Edwards Hines, MHA, CDP
Assistant Director, Continuing Education Services