September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to recognize the importance of helping older adults maintain their health, independence, and quality of life. As North Carolina's population continues to age, healthcare professionals play a critical role in ensuring older adults receive the specialized care and support they need to thrive.

At Northwest AHEC, we're committed to equipping healthcare providers with the education, resources, and tools necessary to support healthy aging in our region.

Save the Date: 2027 Aging Well Conference

Mark your calendars for the 2027 Aging Well Conference, taking place May 13-14, 2027, in person at the Appalachian State University Boone Campus.

This conference will focus on promoting healthy aging and advancing geriatric care knowledge among healthcare professionals. As the needs of older adults continue to evolve, it is essential that providers stay informed about best practices and emerging approaches to care.

The conference is designed to help healthcare professionals, particularly those serving rural western North Carolina, strengthen their skills in:

• Geriatric care and assessment
• Managing chronic conditions and comorbidities
• Supporting cognitive and mental health
• Addressing the unique healthcare needs of older adults
• Promoting healthy aging and independence

More information is available on the Northwest AHEC website, and registration will open soon: 👉 https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/79174

 

Featured Healthy Aging Resources

To celebrate Healthy Aging Month, NC AHEC is highlighting valuable geriatric care resources throughout September.

Our first featured resource is the NC Center for Aging & Geriatric Excellence (NC-AGE) E-Mail Subscription Service (CGEC).

This free subscription service delivers a weekly email featuring current, peer-reviewed, open-access, and evidence-based geriatric research directly to your inbox.

Each week, subscribers receive 4 to 8 carefully selected citations covering important topics such as:

• Elder abuse prevention
• Dementia and mental health
• Comorbidities and fall prevention
• Health literacy and rehabilitation
• Respite care, long-term care, and veterans' health
• Wellness and end-of-life care

Whether you are a physician, nurse, pharmacist, social worker, therapist, or other healthcare professional, these research updates can help you stay informed and enhance the care you provide to older adults.

👉 Sign up today

 

NC AHEC's Commitment to Healthy Aging

NC AHEC supports healthy aging across North Carolina through professional education, continuing education opportunities, and partnerships with organizations dedicated to improving the lives of older adults.

Working alongside partners such as Healthy Aging NC, NC AHEC promotes evidence-based programs and resources that help older adults remain active, engaged, and healthy in their communities.

Healthcare professionals looking to expand their knowledge in geriatric care can explore a variety of educational offerings tailored to the needs of older adult populations:

👉 https://www.ncahec.net/courses-and-events?search=geriatric

 

Join Us in Supporting Healthy Aging

Healthy aging is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration among healthcare providers, community organizations, caregivers, and older adults themselves. During Healthy Aging Month, we encourage healthcare professionals to take advantage of educational opportunities, stay current with emerging research, and continue building the skills needed to provide exceptional care for aging populations.

Together, we can help ensure that North Carolinians age with health, dignity, and independence.

 

Breastfeeding Basics and Problem-Solving

October 16, 2026 | Live Webinar | 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM 
REGISTER NOW!

 

Breastfeeding challenges can arise even when families are highly motivated to succeed. Questions about latch, milk supply, feeding effectiveness, and breast pain often leave parents searching for trusted guidance. That's where knowledgeable healthcare professionals make a lasting difference.

 

Breastfeeding Basics and Problem-Solving is designed for nurses, nutritionists, social workers, doulas, and other healthcare professionals who support families during their infant feeding journey. Grounded in Baby-Friendly principles, this webinar explores practical, evidence-based strategies for addressing common breastfeeding concerns while helping families build confidence and achieve their feeding goals.

 

Participants will strengthen their ability to assess feeding effectiveness, support positioning and latch, address breast pain, identify factors that impact milk supply, and recognize when additional support or referral is needed. The result? More confident conversations, stronger patient support, and tools that can be applied immediately in practice.

 

Cardiogenic shock remains one of the most challenging conditions faced by cardiovascular care teams. Despite advances in research and treatment options, mortality rates remain high, making ongoing education and interdisciplinary collaboration essential for improving patient outcomes. The 2026 Southeastern Shock Symposium offers healthcare professionals an opportunity to explore current evidence, emerging approaches, and practical management strategies for this complex condition. 

Advancing Care Through Education

Designed for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, residents, and fellows, the symposium will provide a comprehensive review of cardiogenic shock, including its background, pathophysiology, staging, and the implementation of timely and effective treatment strategies. Participants will learn about both mechanical and pharmacologic support options and gain insights into best practices that can be applied in clinical settings.

Pre-Conference Dinner

Friday, October 9, 2026
NASCAR Hall of Fame
400 East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Charlotte, NC

Main Conference

Saturday, October 10, 2026
Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute
1237 Harding Place
Charlotte, NC

Participants may attend the main conference either in person or via livestream. In-person attendance is limited to 150 participants, and continuing education credit is available only for those attending in person. Pre-registration is required for both the dinner and the conference.

Continuing Education Credit Available

Attendees participating in person may earn up to:

• 7.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
• 7.5 Northwest AHEC Contact Hours for Nurses
• 7.5 CME Hours for Physician Assistants
• 7.5 ABS Continuous Certification and Self-Assessment Hours
• 7.5 ABTS MOC Hours

These continuing education opportunities provide valuable professional development while supporting high-quality patient care.

Registration Information

There is no registration fee for the conference. The pre-conference dinner is complimentary for healthcare professionals attending the symposium, with a $25 fee for guests.

Reserve Your Spot Today

As the management of cardiogenic shock continues to evolve, staying current on evidence-based approaches is critical. The 2026 Southeastern Shock Symposium brings together experts and healthcare professionals committed to improving outcomes for patients experiencing cardiogenic shock. Whether you attend in person or virtually, this educational event offers valuable knowledge, networking opportunities, and practical clinical insights.

Register today: https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/shock

 

Healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing cancer care are invited to join us for the Charles L. Spurr Piedmont Oncology Symposium on October 16, 2026, at the M.C. Benton Jr. Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC. This annual educational event brings together physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, navigators, and other oncology professionals for a day of evidence-based learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. Register Today!

Designed for professionals working across the continuum of hematology and oncology care, the symposium offers an interactive learning environment featuring nationally recognized faculty and expert-led discussions on emerging trends, innovative therapies, and practical approaches to improving patient outcomes. Attendees will engage in didactic presentations and case-based learning that can be applied immediately in clinical practice.

Participants will explore timely topics, including:

• The expanding role of interventional radiology in cancer care
• Antibody-drug conjugates in the neoadjuvant breast cancer setting
• The impact of the microbiome on cancer development, treatment response, and treatment-related toxicities
• Multidisciplinary management of complex oncology cases
• Emerging strategies for targeting RAS pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
• Evidence-based sequencing of therapies for metastatic breast cancer
• Future microbiome-based approaches to personalized cancer care 

Upon completion of the symposium, participants will be better equipped to evaluate new therapeutic and diagnostic options, integrate emerging evidence into patient care decisions, and navigate the rapidly evolving oncology landscape.

Event Details

Charles L. Spurr Piedmont Oncology Symposium
Date: October 16, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Location: M.C. Benton Jr. Convention Center, 301 W. 5th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 

Register here: https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/78585/charles-l-spurr-piedmont-oncology-symposium

Continuing Education Credit

Participants can earn:

• 5.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for physicians
• 5.0 Nursing Contact Hours for nurses

These educational credits support continuing professional development while helping clinicians stay current with advances in oncology care.

Registration Fees

• $200 - Industry Clinical Educators and Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs)
• $150 - MD/DO
• $100 - All Other Healthcare Professionals

Whether you provide direct patient care, support care coordination, or contribute to oncology services as part of a multidisciplinary team, this symposium offers a valuable opportunity to learn from experts, connect with colleagues, and enhance the care you provide to patients living with cancer.

Register today and join us in Winston-Salem for a day of oncology education, collaboration, and innovation.

 

Medina Wilson, MBA, CPC, CPPM, CFD
TeamSTEPPS® Master Trainer | Senior Quality Improvement Specialist

For the past 15 years, Medina Wilson has helped healthcare practices across the region navigate change, improve quality, and strengthen the care they provide to patients. As a Senior Quality Improvement Specialist at Northwest AHEC, she has partnered with practices through quality improvement initiatives, MIPS reporting, PCMH recognition, electronic health record (EHR) implementations, and coding and billing improvements, serving as a trusted resource during some of healthcare's most challenging transitions. 

Medina's Supervisor; Christopher Jones, DrPH, MHA; recalls "Medina joined our team with so much knowledge from working as a practice manager and Certified Professional Coder she began transforming practices into more efficient and effective care centers right away. Medina has maintained her certifications and added a Master's degree in Business Administration, NCQA's Patient Centered Medical home certifications, Team STEPPS Master Trainer Credentials and Results Based Accountability trainer.  Medina is curious and resourceful and builds lasting relationships with the practices she assists. She is always early to the meeting and offers great advice.  I have enjoyed getting to know Medina over the years.  She has a great sense of humor and an adventuresome spirit!"

Reflecting on her career at Northwest AHEC, Medina says her proudest accomplishment is seeing the lasting impact those efforts have had on practices and the patients they serve.

"Seeing practices achieve their goals, improve patient outcomes, and become more efficient because of the support and guidance our team provided has been incredibly rewarding," she said. "I'm especially proud of being a trusted resource for practices and contributing to Northwest AHEC's mission of strengthening healthcare delivery in our communities."

That mission is what attracted Medina to Northwest AHEC in the first place. The opportunity to support healthcare providers and help improve access to quality care across the region aligned with her passion for making a meaningful difference. Fifteen years later, that purpose continues to motivate her.

"What has kept me here is knowing that the work we do truly makes a difference," she said. "Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn and help others succeed."

Among the many projects she has supported, helping practices transition to new EHR systems stands out as one of the most impactful experiences of her career. These conversions often bring uncertainty and disruption, but Medina found fulfillment in guiding teams through the process, helping optimize workflows, train staff, and maintain quality patient care along the way.

"Seeing a practice move from frustration and uncertainty to confidence and success reinforced the importance of the work we do and the support Northwest AHEC provides," she shared.

Those successes have also created some of her favorite memories. Whether helping a practice achieve PCMH recognition, complete a major EHR transition, or improve quality performance measures, Medina values celebrating the milestones that come after months of hard work and collaboration.

That collaborative spirit is something she appreciates not only in the practices she serves, but also among her Northwest AHEC colleagues. She describes her team as one that willingly shares knowledge, supports one another, and brings diverse strengths and experiences to every challenge.

Throughout her career, Medina credits her success to adaptability, relationship-building, and a commitment to lifelong learning. In an industry that is constantly evolving, she believes staying informed, communicating clearly, and focusing on practical solutions are essential to helping others succeed.

In fact, while many people associate her work with quality metrics, regulations, coding, billing, and technology, Medina says the most rewarding aspect of her role is much simpler.

"What I enjoy most is building relationships," she said. "The part I value most is connecting with people and helping practices overcome challenges and succeed."

As she celebrates 15 years with Northwest AHEC, Medina's dedication to supporting healthcare professionals, improving patient care, and building meaningful relationships continues to make a lasting impact throughout the region.

Congratulations, Medina, and thank you for 15 years of service, expertise, and commitment to Northwest AHEC's mission.

 

 

On November 20, 2026, healthcare professionals from across the region will gather at the Graylyn International Conference Center in Winston-Salem for the HPB GI Oncology Conference 2026, a multidisciplinary symposium dedicated to advancing the care of patients with hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) malignancies. The conference is designed for surgeons, medical oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiation oncologists, nurses, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners seeking the latest evidence-based approaches in cancer care. 

Featured Keynote Speaker: Alice Wei, MD, CM, MSc, FRCSC, FACS

A highlight of this year's program is the keynote presentation by Dr. Alice Wei of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, an internationally recognized surgical oncologist and leader in HPB cancer care. Dr. Wei will present "Downstaging Strategies to Conversion Surgery for Locally Advanced HCC," exploring evolving approaches to treatment that can expand surgical options and improve outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Dr. Wei will share insights into emerging trends, innovative treatment strategies, and the evolving landscape of care for patients with HPB malignancies. Her expertise and national perspective will provide attendees with valuable knowledge they can apply in clinical practice while helping shape discussions throughout the day. 

Multidisciplinary Expertise Focused on Improving Patient Outcomes

In addition to the keynote address, the conference will bring together leading experts from Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Levine Cancer Institute representing medical oncology, surgical oncology, gastroenterology, and interventional radiology. Participants will receive cutting-edge updates on the management of HPB malignancies through expert presentations, clinical case discussions, and interactive learning opportunities. 

Educational objectives include:

• Implementing evidence-based, multidisciplinary approaches to HPB cancer management
• Applying precision oncology and biomarker-driven treatment strategies
• Optimizing patient selection for surgery, liver-directed therapies, and clinical trials
• Improving the management of treatment-related toxicities
• Integrating emerging technologies and collaborative care models to enhance patient outcomes
   

Earn Continuing Education Credit

Attendees may earn up to 5.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, 5.5 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC, and 5.5 CME hours for Physician Assistants.

Event Details

📅 Friday, November 20, 2026
🕗 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
📍 Graylyn International Conference Center
1900 Reynolda Road
Winston-Salem, NC

Register Early and Save

Take advantage of the Early Bird registration rate of $125 through October 23, 2026. This will increase to $150 after the deadline.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from nationally recognized experts, engage with colleagues from across specialties, and gain practical insights into the latest advances in HPB cancer care.

View the full agenda and register today:
https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/78616

 

August 24-28, 2026

Community Health Worker Awareness Week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the dedicated professionals who serve as trusted voices, advocates, and connectors within our communities. At Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC), we are proud to join partners across North Carolina in honoring the vital contributions of Community Health Workers (CHWs) and the positive impact they make every day.

Community Health Workers play a unique and essential role in improving health outcomes and strengthening communities. Whether employed by healthcare organizations, public health agencies, community-based organizations, or social service programs, CHWs help individuals and families navigate complex systems, access needed resources, and overcome barriers to care.

From connecting patients with healthcare services and providing health education to supporting care coordination and addressing social drivers of health such as housing, transportation, and food security, CHWs are often the bridge between healthcare systems and the communities they serve. Their lived experiences, cultural understanding, and deep community connections help build trust and create meaningful relationships that support improved health and well-being.

As healthcare organizations continue to focus on whole-person care, the value of Community Health Workers has become increasingly evident. CHWs help foster engagement, improve communication, support prevention efforts, and contribute to healthier outcomes for individuals and families throughout North Carolina. Their work advances health equity and ensures that more people have the support they need to achieve their best possible health.

Northwest AHEC is committed to supporting the Community Health Worker workforce through education, training, and collaboration. Through the NC AHEC Community Health Worker Program, individuals have access to professional development opportunities, technical assistance, and resources designed to strengthen and sustain this important workforce.

During Community Health Worker Awareness Week, we encourage healthcare professionals, organizations, and community members to take a moment to recognize the dedication, compassion, and expertise of CHWs. Their contributions often happen behind the scenes, but their impact is felt every day in communities across our region and throughout the state.

Learn More

To learn more about Community Health Workers and available resources, visit:

• NC AHEC Community Health Worker Program: https://www.ncahec.net/chw/
• North Carolina Community Health Worker Association (NCCHWA): https://ncchwa.org
• National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW): https://nachw.org

As we celebrate Community Health Worker Awareness Week 2026, Northwest AHEC extends its sincere gratitude to all Community Health Workers for their unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of North Carolinians. Thank you for the difference you make in the lives of individuals, families, and communities every day.

Happy Community Health Worker Awareness Week from Northwest AHEC!

 

Every high-risk newborn presents unique challenges, and every decision matters. From complex clinical needs to supporting families during some of their most vulnerable moments, caring for high-risk infants requires up-to-date knowledge, strong clinical judgment, and a collaborative approach across disciplines. This fall, Northwest AHEC invites healthcare professionals to join The High Risk Newborn: Sharing the Care Fall 2026, a live webinar designed to bring together current evidence, expert perspectives, and practical strategies that can be applied in clinical practice right away.

Why This Program Matters

Advances in neonatal care continue to improve outcomes for infants with complex medical needs, but staying current can be challenging in today's fast-paced healthcare environment. This half-day program focuses on real-world approaches to caring for high-risk newborns, helping participants navigate complex clinical scenarios while strengthening their ability to support families throughout the care journey. Attendees will gain insights into current management strategies, explore interdisciplinary perspectives, and learn from experts dedicated to improving outcomes for vulnerable newborns and their families.

What You'll Gain

Whether you work in neonatal care, maternal-child health, pediatrics, nursing, or another area supporting newborns and their families, this program offers practical value you can take back to your team. Participants will leave with:

• Enhanced understanding of current approaches to caring for high-risk newborns
• Evidence-based strategies for navigating challenging clinical situations
• Insights into family-centered care considerations
• Perspectives from experts across disciplines involved in neonatal care
• Greater confidence in supporting infants and families with complex needs

Join Us Via Live Webinar

The High Risk Newborn: Sharing the Care Fall 2026 📅 October 14, 2026 🕘 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM 💻 Live Webinar When healthcare professionals share knowledge, collaborate across disciplines, and stay informed on evolving best practices, newborns and families benefit. Join us this October and help advance high-quality care for our most vulnerable patients. Register today - https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/78235