Medina Wilson, MBA, CPC, CPPM, CFD
TeamSTEPPS® Master Trainer | Senior Quality Improvement Specialist
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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 spirt!"
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.
A highlight of this year's program is the keynote presentation by 
Twenty-one students from Ashe County High School, Ashe Early College and Alleghany High School participated in this year’s camp, which was designed to expose students to the various aspects of medicine and potential career opportunities available to them should they decide to pursue a career in healthcare.
Additionally, students enjoyed learning more about emergency medicine services while touring an ambulance and helicopter during visits with Ashe Medics and AirCare. They also traveled to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem to learn all about the different aspects of pathology.
Through the Camp Med Summer Program, students are able to engage in discussions, gain valuable knowledge and skills and network with healthcare professionals in the hopes of discovering whether or not they may want to pursue a career in the healthcare field in the future. The application process for Ashe Memorial Hospital’s Camp Med Summer Program typically begins in late February and runs through the end of March.
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..jpg?width=300&height=200&name=1779216265-adobestock341576969-lg%20(1).jpg)
Why This Program Matters
The 
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Breastfeeding support goes far beyond the first feeding. Families often face questions, challenges, and barriers that require knowledgeable, compassionate guidance from healthcare professionals. That's why Northwest AHEC is offering Breastfeeding Basics and Problem-Solving, a comprehensive live webinar designed to equip healthcare professionals with practical, evidence-based strategies to support breastfeeding success.