On June 9th, Charlotte hosted the 7th annual Health Professions Education Institute (HPEI) Educator Conference, a dynamic event co-sponsored by Faculty Affairs and Medical Education. This year’s conference brought together faculty, staff, students, residents, fellows, physicians, and healthcare providers passionate about advancing teaching and training in the health professions - spanning medicine, nursing, physician assistant studies, graduate programs, and beyond.

The conference showcased cutting-edge best practices and evidence-based teaching strategies designed to empower educators across all health disciplines. Attendees enjoyed engaging breakout sessions and original research presentations that sparked thoughtful discussions on how to better train current and future generations of medical and biomedical professionals. The event also offered valuable networking opportunities, connecting educators from all programs, campuses, and specialties.

Northwest AHEC Leadership Team member Christopher A. Jones, DrPH, MHA—Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of Quality and Informatics—presented a poster highlighting insights from the Community Plunge program. His work, "Connecting with the Community: Perceptions of a Community Tour," showcases Northwest AHEC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community engagement and foster meaningful connections.

Key outcomes from Dr. Jones’ presentation included:

1. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the community’s history, structural challenges, and social determinants of health (SDOH), enriching their perspective on the diverse patient populations they serve.

2. The Community Plunge positively influenced clinician attitudes by fostering empathy, reducing paternalism, and promoting a more holistic approach to patient care.

3. Many participants expressed enthusiasm for increased community involvement, with some reporting shifts in their career paths toward advocacy and volunteerism.

4. Despite challenges like time constraints, the Community Plunge was highlighted as an innovative, scalable, and transformative experiential learning strategy—critical for cultivating social consciousness among healthcare learners.

The 2025 Educator Conference continues to be an essential forum for sharing knowledge, inspiring educators, and advancing health professions education through meaningful community engagement. For more information and resources from the conference, visit the HPEI Educator Conference page.