Northwest Area Health Education Center (AHEC) celebrates 50 years in 2024. Since 1974, we have served as a primary resource for educational activities and services with a focus on primary care in rural communities and those with less access to resources. We provide advanced training to healthcare professionals and students to recruit, train and retain the workforce needed to create a healthy North Carolina. 

Founded in 1974 by esteemed doctors Manson Meads, Richard Janeway, and Emory Miller, Northwest AHEC was born out of a vision to enhance healthcare accessibility in Northwest North Carolina. For five decades, Northwest AHEC has remained steadfast in its commitment to improving access to primary care, especially in rural communities and areas lacking sufficient resources

We continue our mission through our core services, including Health Careers and Workforce Diversity, Student Services, Graduate Medical Education and Patient Services Support, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Activities and Services, Practice Support Services, Information Technology, and Library Services.  

As the years went by, Northwest AHEC adapted to the changing landscape of healthcare education. It embraced new technologies and teaching methods to ensure that its programs remained relevant and effective. Today, it stands as a leader in innovative healthcare education.

Check out our 50th Anniversary Website

Innovative Programs and Initiatives

One of the key factors that sets Northwest AHEC apart is its commitment to developing and implementing innovative programs and initiatives. These programs are designed to address the evolving needs of healthcare professionals and ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care.

Northwest AHEC programs are designed to be interactive, engaging, and practical, allowing healthcare professionals to apply what they learn in real-world settings.

Through its innovative programs like Camp Med, Northwest AHEC has been able to train and empower a new generation of healthcare professionals who are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the healthcare industry.

Community Partnerships and Outreach

Northwest AHEC recognizes the importance of community partnerships in advancing healthcare education. It has forged strong relationships with local healthcare organizations, academic institutions, and community leaders to create a collaborative and supportive environment.

The strong community partnerships and outreach efforts of Northwest AHEC have played a vital role in its success and the positive impact it has had on healthcare education.

Looking Towards the Future

As Northwest AHEC celebrates its 50th anniversary, it looks towards the future with a renewed commitment to excellence in healthcare education. We aim to continue evolving and adapting to meet the changing needs of the healthcare industry.

With a clear vision and a strong foundation, Northwest AHEC is well-positioned to make an even greater impact on healthcare education in the years to come.

Check out our 50th Anniversary Website

"Thanks to the dedication of our staff and the invaluable support from our partners, including Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, the North Carolina AHEC program, the UNC Higher Education system, and the North Carolina General Assembly, Northwest AHEC has made significant strides in healthcare education and training. In the next 10 years, we aim to partner with all across our region to help recruit, train and retain the needed health professionals to care for ALL citizens, as we continue our mission to create a healthier North Carolina. Thank you for joining us on this journey to make a difference in healthcare education and training. Together, we're shaping a brighter future for generations to come."

Michael Lischke, Ed.D., MPH
Associate Dean, Continuing Medical Education
Richard Janeway, MD, Distinguished Director of Northwest AHEC
Associate Professor, Family & Community Medicine