I love talking to guests on the podcast. These latest episodes are no exception, featuring guests who surprised and inspired me with insights into heath and healthcare related topics. You will discover how oxygen and VO2 Max plays a huge role in bioregulation, how a natural body products company goes from a home kitchen to nationwide distribution through a world pandemic, what it is like to provide education, care and support to empower young at-risk mothers, and how healthcare is changing in a world of virtual visits and intelligent agents. 

Northwest AHEC is once again bringing together pediatric experts, clinicians, and care teams for one of its most anticipated annual events — the Practical Pediatrics Conference 2026, held March 27–28, 2026, at Wake Forest University’s Bridger Field House in Winston-Salem, NC. REGISTER NOW

Designed for pediatricians, family medicine physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses, this two‑day CME event focuses on the latest clinical updates, practical strategies, and emerging issues in pediatric care. 

Why Attend?

Pediatric care continues to evolve rapidly, and staying current on best practices is essential for providers who care for infants, children, and adolescents. This conference delivers:

• Evidence‑based clinical updates
• A diverse lineup of pediatric subspecialists
• Case‑based, practical sessions
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary learning
• In‑person networking at a premier venue

The event provides actionable knowledge designed to be implemented immediately in clinical practice. 

Conference Highlights

📅 Day 1 — Friday, March 27, 2026

The first day begins with registration and a continental breakfast, followed by a full schedule of high‑impact presentations:

Key Sessions:

• Tackling Renal Anomalies Seen on Prenatal Ultrasounds
  Gregory Gorman, MD
• Clinical Immunology for the General Pediatrician
  Benjamin Stewart‑Bates, MD
• Hormonal Therapy for Bleeding Control & Contraception in Complex Medical Cases
  Amanda Blair, MD; Shaketha Gray, MD; Giya Harry, MD
• Mucus Unplugged: Airway Clearance & Supportive Technology
  Jordan Fett, MD
• Tiny Tubes: Complications, Care & Common Questions
  Lara Arrendondo, NP; Julie Kerth, PNP; Megyn Sebesta, DO
• Tics and Stereotypies
  Jaclyn Martindale, MD
• Distinguishing Neurologic Disorders from Benign Events
  Robert Goodrich, MD
• POTS Is a Four‑Letter Word! Cardiologist’s Approach to Orthostatic Intolerance
  Matthew Hazle, MD
• Vaccine Hesitancy: Scope and Implications
  Adam Blatt, MD

📅 Day 2 — Saturday, March 28, 2026

Day two begins with breakfast, leading into sessions centered on evidence‑based practice and complex care topics: 

Key Sessions:

• Evidence‑Based Ways to Promote Vaccine Uptake
  Adam Blatt, MD
• Cerebral Palsy: A Current Approach to an Ancient Disorder
  Matthew Martin, MD
• Practical Office‑Based Hematology
  Tom McLean, MD
• Navigating Gender Identity Development & Trauma: A Child Abuse Pediatrician’s Approach
  Meggan Goodpasture, MD

Venue & Travel Details

The Practical Pediatrics Conference 2026 will be held at:

Wake Forest University – Bridger Field House
499 Deacon Blvd., Winston‑Salem, NC 27105

Hotel Accommodations

A discounted room block has been secured at:

The Historic Brookstown Inn – Trademark Collection by Wyndham
200 Brookstown Ave, Winston‑Salem, NC 27101
Phone: 336‑701‑3904
Group Name: Wake Forest Pediatrics Conference

Attendees should mention the group name to receive the conference rate.

Who Should Attend

This CME event is ideal for:

• Pediatricians
• Family medicine physicians
• Physician assistants
• Nurse practitioners
• Nurses
• Clinicians who provide pediatric care in outpatient or acute settings

The curriculum is tailored to provide practical, ready‑to‑use clinical knowledge for those working with children at all developmental stages. 

Join Us in 2026

The Practical Pediatrics Conference remains one of Northwest AHEC’s signature educational experiences—bringing together leading specialists and dedicated care providers to share insights that elevate pediatric health outcomes.

Register now to secure your seat and stay at the forefront of pediatric practice.

Northwest AHEC and the Office of Continuing Medical Education collaborate with state and local health associations, universities and community colleges, and hospitals and community organizations to serve constituents in the Northwest AHEC 17-county region and across the state. We offer educational activities designed to enhance knowledge and refresh clinical and professional skills.

--> Please take about 5 minutes to complete this needs assessment.

We value your feedback and planning for future activities will be based on your input, survey deadline is January 28^th.

• 2026 Spring NC Lactation Educator Training - 1/5-4/22
• 20th Annual Breast Cancer Symposium - 1/16
• Atrium Health Sanger Heart Vascular Institute Cardiovascular Symposium - 1/16
• 40th Annual Northwest AHEC Respiratory Care Conference - 2/25–2/26
• 17th Annual NC "One Community in Recovery" Conference - 3/4-3/6 
• 14th Annual Breastfeeding Forum – 3/10
• Nurturing the Nurturers: A Retreat For Sustaining Healthcare Well-being – 3/20
• 2026 NC Annual STI Update - 3/26 (Save the Date)
• 2026 Western Death Investigation Conference - 3/28
• 14th Annual WF UNC Duke Anesthesiology Conference - 4/25
• Basic Fetal Monitoring Spring 2026 - 4/29
• Summer Interpreter Series - Wednesdays, 5/6-27, and 5/28
• High Risk Newborn Sharing the Care 2026 - 5/13
• Aging Well Conference 2026 - 5/14
• WFUSM Summer Radiology Review - 6/8
• Check out our Full Course Catalog
• Enduring Online Learning from Northwest AHEC: Earn CE credits on your schedule - Busy schedule? No problem! Northwest AHEC offers **enduring online learning** designed for your lifestyle. Whether it’s early morning coffee or winding down at night, our self-paced courses are available 24/7-no compromises on quality! Read More

Register Today!

These programs offer valuable opportunities for professional growth and continuing education. Whether you're a physician, nurse, allied health professional, or medical educator, there's something for you. Secure your spot today and stay at the forefront of healthcare education!

March 20, 2026

9AM - 4:30PM

Graylyn International Conference Center

1900 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC

Join us for a transformative retreat designed specifically for healthcare professionals who devote themselves to caring for others. Nurturing the Nurturers: A Retreat for Sustaining Healthcare Well-Being is an opportunity to pause, recharge, and prioritize your own well-being.

Through expert-led sessions, interactive activities, and restorative practices, you’ll gain tools to prevent burnout, foster resilience, and sustain your passion for caregiving. Don’t miss this chance to reconnect with yourself and your purpose while learning strategies to thrive in your professional and personal life. Reserve your spot today and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced you.

Agenda details are up, check it out.

Available Credits:

• 6.25 Contact (category A) CE for NC Psychologists Hours

This program will provide 6.25 contact hours of (Category A) continuing education for North Carolina psychologists. No partial credit will be given.

• 6.25 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC

6.25 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC

• 6.25 NBCC Hours

6.25 NBCC Contact Hours. Northwest AHEC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5465. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Northwest AHEC is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.

• 6.25 Nursing Contact Hours

6.25 Nursing Contact Hours. Northwest AHEC is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Our first Northwest AHEC e‑Newsletter of 2026 is live! 🎉

Inside you’ll find updates on:
🔹 New programs and training opportunities
🔹 Continuing education from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine OCME
🔹 Workforce development initiatives across our region
🔹 Community engagement highlights
🔹 Upcoming events and ways to get involved

Start the year informed and inspired — explore all the latest here:
👉 https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/newstostart2026

As we step into 2026, Northwest AHEC extends heartfelt thanks to all our partners, learners, and community members who helped make 2025 a year of meaningful progress and shared accomplishments. Your dedication to improving health education, strengthening our workforce, and supporting the well‑being of our communities continues to inspire us. We look forward to another year of collaboration, innovation, and impact. Together, we will continue advancing education, expanding opportunities, and supporting the healthcare professionals and students who make a difference every day across our region. Wishing you a healthy, hopeful, and productive year ahead.

Happy New Year from all of us at Northwest AHEC - here’s to an outstanding 2026! 💙

As we enter 2026, the Northwest Area Health Education Center (NWAHEC) and our partners across the Health Talent Alliance are excited to launch the year with two collaborative events designed to strengthen healthcare education, workforce development, and employer–educator partnerships across our region.

These initiatives bring together leaders from healthcare, education, and workforce sectors to advance shared priorities - and continue building a robust talent pipeline for North Carolina’s future.

1. Upcoming Joint Meeting: NWAHEC CCEP & Employer and Educator Collaborative

January 20, 2026 | Virtual
Audience: Healthcare employers & educational partners

The NWAHEC Consortium for Clinical Education and Practice (CCEP) and the NWAHEC Employer and Educator Collaborative will host a joint virtual meeting to open the year with discussion, updates, and shared learning across the healthcare and education landscape.

This meeting offers participating organizations the opportunity to:

• Hear updates on clinical education and workforce development initiatives
• Share what’s happening within their systems, schools, and communities
• Learn about emerging trends shaping healthcare practice and talent needs
• Strengthen connections between employers and academic institutions

👉 Join the meeting: Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 233 234 490 312 03 / Passcode: U2Qg2Hh3

We look forward to your participation and continued collaboration as we work together to support the region’s healthcare workforce.

2. Northwest Healthcare Accelerator: Strengthening Apprenticeships & Pre‑Apprenticeships

February 4, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Davidson-Davie Community College, Mary E. Rittling Conference Center
297 DCC Road, Thomasville, NC 27360
Lunch provided - REGISTER NOW

The Northwest Healthcare Accelerator is a new, high-impact event designed to help our region expand high‑quality healthcare apprenticeship and pre‑apprenticeship pathways.

This Accelerator will bring together secondary and post-secondary educators, healthcare employers, and workforce partners for a day of learning, collaboration, and program planning.

Participants will:

• Explore best practices for developing healthcare pre‑apprenticeships and youth registered apprenticeships
• Learn directly from employers successfully implementing these models
• Hear from local school districts and community colleges on how programs are structured
• Participate in a working session to begin designing pathways tailored to community workforce needs

Who should attend?
Healthcare employers, university and community college partners, K–12 administrators, CTE leaders, workforce board representatives, and other industry stakeholders committed to growing locally trained talent.

This event is hosted in partnership with:

• NC Business Committee for Education (NCBCE)
• MyFutureNC
• Northwest Area Health Education Center (AHEC)
• Piedmont AHEC
• South Piedmont AHEC

👉 Reserve your spot today: https://unc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bpFmtsyBRbTNznM