2026 NC Annual STI Update - Live Webinar - March 25 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Join us VIRTUALLY on March 25th for the 2026 NC Annual STI Update to explore the latest developments in sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Registration now open!

Topics:

• Epi Trends
• The Injectable Era of HIV Prevention
• The ABCs of Hepatitis: Clinical Insights and Public Health Solutions for NC
• A “Rash”-ional Approach to Diagnosing Infectious and Non-infectious Rashes in Outpatient Settings
• Emerging Sexually Transmitted Infections
• The Vaginitis Spectrum: Mastering Diagnosis and Treatment
• Mycoplasma Genitalium Updates
• View Full Agenda

*Please Note - Registration closes at 10 AM (ET) on March 23*

The Wake Forest-UNC-Duke Pediatric Anesthesiology Conference is a regional meeting intended to bring together many pediatric anesthesia faculty with both regional and national reputations to provide a day long conference designed to address topics related to the best practices in the care of children during the perioperative period. Some of the topics to be discussed include: autism, transfusion practices, regional anesthesia and care of patients outside of the OR. Attendees will take away a number of various techniques, ideas and knowledge that can be applied to improve their care of children during the perioperative period.

Join Us on April 25, 2026

Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education

Winston-Salem, NC

Check out all the details and get registered today.

**Sign Up By March 1 For Discounted Rate**

Northwest AHEC is excited to join partners across the state in celebrating NC AHEC Future Health Professionals Week, happening March 8–14, 2026. This statewide initiative is designed to inspire high school students and families to explore the incredible variety of health career pathways available in North Carolina. Learn all about it here.

Whether you're a student curious about the future, a parent helping guide next steps, or an educator supporting career exploration, this week offers engaging, accessible opportunities to connect with health professionals, discover in-demand careers, and learn how to get started on a meaningful path.

🎯 What Is Future Health Professionals Week?

Future Health Professionals Week is a coordinated statewide celebration led by NC AHEC to raise awareness about:

• The broad range of health careers, including both direct and non-direct patient care roles
• Emerging fields, such as health-focused artificial intelligence
• Educational pathways, from community colleges to university programs
• Opportunities and resources available to students across North Carolina

This week is designed to be informative and inspiring, offering touchpoints for students at every stage—from pre-college to early-career exploration.

 

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📅 What to Expect Throughout the Week

Here’s a snapshot of the exciting activities planned across March 8–14, 2026:

🎓 Student Webinar — Tuesday, 6:30–7:30 PM ET

In this live Webinar, students from across the State of North Carolina can explore 7 health careers in breakout sessions, hear directly from professionals, and learn about pursuing careers in rural and underserved communities. Incentives will be offered for completing evaluations.  

👨‍👩‍👧 Parent & Educator Webinar — Thursday, 6:30–7:30 PM ET

In this live webinar, families, educators, counselors, and community partners from across the state of North Carolina will learn about high-demand professions, community college pathways, and resources available through NC AHEC to support students throughout their health career journey.

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💡 Why This Week Matters

North Carolina needs a strong, well-trained healthcare workforce—especially in rural and underserved communities. Programs like Future Health Professionals Week help students:

• Understand real-world career options
• Build connections to experts and mentors
• Learn about support systems available through organizations like Northwest AHEC, which provides health careers programming, student services, and pathways exposure across 17 counties in our region

By participating, students gain insights that can shape their educational and career decisions for years to come.

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🚀 Ready to Explore Your Future?

Northwest AHEC invites students, families, and educators across our region to take part in this exciting weeklong celebration of health careers.

👉 Learn more and sign up here:
https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/futurehealthprofweek

Let’s empower the next generation of health professionals—starting now.

 

Check out our video!

Have you ever considered teaching without leaving your current role? One meaningful way to do just that is by becoming a Clinical Instructor Partner (CIP).

Start by talking with your unit manager to see whether your organization partners with a local school of nursing. If a partnership is in place, you may be eligible to attend the NCAHEC Clinical Instructor Partner (CIP) training at no cost. If your organization does not yet participate, sharing this opportunity with your unit manager and leadership could help open the door for future collaboration.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants earn 45 nursing contact hours and gain preparation for a new professional role - without leaving their current place of employment. Becoming a CIP allows nurses to support the next generation of nurses while expanding their own skills and career opportunities.

Practicing Clinical Instructors (CIs) are also welcome to complete this course to earn the 45 teaching and learning credits required by the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON). For CIs, the registration fee is $325.00, making this an affordable investment in professional growth.

Teaching where you work strengthens the connection between education and practice - and offers a rewarding way to shape the future of nursing.

** APPLY HERE **

Upcoming Dates:

Cohort 10

• Online modules open 7/1/26
• Live Webinar Day 1: 8/6/26 8:30 to 5
• Live webinar Day 2: 8/7/26 8:30 to 5
• 16-hour Shadow: 8/8/26 to 9/16/26
• Live webinar Day 3: 9/17/26 8:30 to 12pm

Cohort 11

• Online modules open 9/2/26
• Live Webinar Day 1: 10/8/26 8:30 to 5
• Live webinar Day 2: 10/9/26 8:30 to 5
• 16-Hour Shadow: 10/10/26 - 11/18/26
• Live webinar Day 3: 11/19/26 8:30 to 12pm

Northwest AHEC would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all phlebotomists for the vital role you play in health care every day. Your skill, precision, and compassion are essential to patient care and clinical decision-making. We celebrate you every week, but highlighting now since this past week was the official recognition week. 

Whether you are drawing blood in hospitals, clinics, labs, or community settings, your work often happens behind the scenes—but its impact is felt throughout the entire health care system. You help ensure accurate diagnoses, guide treatment plans, and provide comfort to patients during vulnerable moments.

Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. We are grateful for all you do to support patients, providers, and communities across our region.

With appreciation,
Northwest AHEC

Your Schedule. Your Pace. Your Professional Growth.

Northwest AHEC offers self-paced, online programs designed for behavioral health professionals who want flexibility without compromising quality. Explore these enduring courses and earn continuing education credits at your convenience:

🖥 The Ethics of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy - Gain insight into ethical considerations when integrating spirituality into psychotherapy.

CE Credit: 3.0 Contact Hours

Access Anytime » nwahec.org/73815

🖥 Experienced SUD Professionals Panel: Sharing Their Expertise, Wisdom, and Hope - Learn from seasoned Substance Use Disorder professionals through a recorded panel discussion.

CE Credit: 2.0 Contact Hours

Access Anytime » nwahec.org/77058

🖥 Addressing the Connection of Brain Injury, Public Health and the Legal System in North Carolina - Explore the intersection of brain injury, public health, and legal considerations to better serve affected individuals.

CE Credit: 1.5 Contact Hours

Access Anytime » nwahec.org/75558

Don’t miss these opportunities to strengthen your practice and earn continuing education credits.

Explore All Behavioral Health Programs »

Why Choose Northwest AHEC’s Online Programs?

✔ Learn anytime, anywhere

✔ Earn CE credits at your own pace

✔ Expert-led, practical content

Start learning today!

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.