Across North Carolina, Physician Associates/Physician Assistants (PAs) play a vital role in helping patients navigate illness, supporting healthcare teams, and expanding access to care in communities across the state. During PA Week, October 6 through 12, 2026, we recognize the knowledge, compassion, and commitment you bring to that work every day.
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.
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
Healthcare professionals are invited to join Northwest AHEC's 28th Annual Diabetes Management Conference, a comprehensive educational event designed to provide current best practices in diabetes care and management.
As diabetes treatment continues to evolve, staying current on clinical advances, technology, communication strategies, and patient-centered care is essential. This year's conference will offer practical, evidence-based education that healthcare professionals can immediately apply in their practice.
November 13, 2026 8:15 AM - 4:00 PM
The Conference Center at GTCC
7908 Leabourne Rd
Colfax, NC, 27235
One of the conference highlights is the opportunity to customize your learning experience through engaging breakout sessions tailored to a variety of disciplines and interests.
Morning Breakout Sessions
Troubleshooting Continuous Glucose Monitors: Heather Venoy, RDN, LDN, CDCES
Learn practical approaches to common CGM challenges and gain confidence supporting patients who use diabetes technology. This session is particularly valuable for nurses, CMAs, school nurses, clinic staff, and providers who are newer to diabetes technology.
The Future of Incretin Therapies: Balancing Today's Management with Tomorrow's Pipeline: Julie Pruitt, PharmD
Explore the rapidly evolving world of incretin therapies, including current treatment considerations and emerging developments that are shaping the future of diabetes care.
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Words That Move Care Forward: Building Trust Across Visits, Messages, and Systems in Diabetes Care: Carrie Keyes, MMS, PA-C
Discover practical communication techniques that help build trust, improve patient engagement, and strengthen diabetes care across healthcare settings.
Understanding Ketones and DKA – Pathophysiology of Insulin Deficiency: Courtney Edwards, PA-C
Gain a deeper understanding of ketones, diabetic ketoacidosis, and the effects of insulin deficiency to improve clinical decision-making and patient education.
While all breakout sessions are open to conference attendees, recommended audiences have been identified to help participants select the sessions most relevant to their professional roles and learning goals.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experienced diabetes care professionals, explore emerging trends, and enhance your ability to provide high-quality patient care.
Registration is now open.
🔗 Register today: https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/78170/28th-annual-diabetes-management-conference
For many healthcare professionals, measles feels like a disease of the past. Yet recent outbreaks and declining vaccination rates in some communities have brought this highly contagious disease back into the spotlight. As cases continue to emerge across the United States, pediatric and primary care teams must be ready to recognize symptoms early, respond appropriately, and help protect vulnerable patients.
To support healthcare professionals on the front lines, Northwest AHEC is offering Pediatric Pulse: Measles Resurgence—Recognizing, Responding, and Protecting Your Patients on August 5, 2026, as a live, two-hour webinar. This timely program provides practical, evidence-based guidance for recognizing and managing measles in today's evolving healthcare environment.
Why This Topic Matters Now
Measles remains one of the most contagious infectious diseases known. Early identification and rapid response can significantly reduce transmission, protect vulnerable populations, and support public health efforts. Healthcare professionals play a critical role not only in clinical management but also in patient education and vaccine confidence conversations.
As outbreaks occur, providers may encounter patients with symptoms they have never personally seen in practice. This makes ongoing education particularly important for pediatric clinicians, nurses, vaccine coordinators, and public health professionals.
What Participants Will Learn
This webinar is designed to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and clinical tools needed to effectively recognize, respond to, and prevent measles. Participants will review current epidemiologic trends, identify early clinical signs and symptoms, and explore evidence-based approaches to diagnosis, isolation, and treatment.
Key learning objectives include:
- Recognizing the clinical presentation of measles, including prodromal symptoms, rash progression, and diagnostic indicators.
- Applying evidence-based management strategies for suspected or confirmed measles cases, including isolation precautions, reporting requirements, and collaboration with public health agencies.
- Discussing prevention strategies, including vaccination recommendations and effective approaches for addressing vaccine hesitancy among patients and caregivers.
Who Should Attend?
This program is especially relevant for:
- Registered Nurses
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Healthcare professionals involved in vaccine administration
- Patient educators
- Public health professionals
- Pediatric healthcare providers and clinical staff who may encounter suspected measles cases
Whether you work in pediatrics, family medicine, urgent care, school health, public health, or community-based settings, this webinar offers valuable information that can be immediately applied in practice.
Practical Education You Can Use Right Away
One of the greatest benefits of this program is its focus on real-world application. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to identify measles quickly, implement appropriate infection-control measures, and confidently communicate with patients and families about vaccination and disease prevention.
In an environment where misinformation can spread as quickly as disease, healthcare professionals need both clinical expertise and effective communication strategies. This webinar addresses both.
Register Today
Pediatric Pulse: Measles Resurgence—Recognizing, Responding, and Protecting Your Patients will be held as a live webinar on August 5, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EDT. Participants may earn 2 Contact Hours / 2 Nursing Contact Hours.
As measles continues to reemerge as a public health concern, now is the time to ensure your team is prepared.
Register today: https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/78399
Spring is a season of renewal, growth, and fresh starts—but life doesn’t slow down just because the days get brighter. Between meetings, patient care, family commitments, and everything in between, finding time for professional development can still feel like a tall order. That’s where Northwest AHEC’s enduring online learning comes in.
Designed with flexibility in mind, our self-paced online courses let you learn when it works for you—early mornings, quiet afternoons, or whenever you can carve out a little time. Available 24/7, these enduring activities make it easy to fit quality learning into even the busiest schedules.
Our course offerings cover a broad range of timely topics, including clinical updates, behavioral health, public health, and more—supporting growth across professions and career stages.
Whether you’re refreshing your knowledge, earning CE credit, or exploring something new this spring, Northwest AHEC’s enduring online learning is here to support your professional growth—at your pace, on your time.
👉 Browse the full catalog and register today: Northwest AHEC Enduring Education
Here are just a few highlights from our current catalog:
🩺 Clinical Preceptor Training
Available: May 15, 2025 – May 15, 2027
Perfect for new and seasoned preceptors looking to sharpen their teaching skills.
🧠 Behavioral Health Reverse Integration Series
Available through: September 1, 2026
Explore clinical, operational, and financial aspects of integrated behavioral health care.
🍭 Sweet Success: A Deeper Look at Diabetes in Primary Care (Parts 1 & 2)
Available: May 19, 2025 – May 7, 2027
A comprehensive look at diabetes management strategies for primary care providers.
🧒 Pediatric Obesity Management
Available: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Become the expert in your clinic with evidence-based strategies for pediatric obesity care.
🎧 Podcast CE Series
Topics include:
- Collaborative Care for Behavioral Health
- Migraine and the Mind-Body Connection
- Health Disparities in Kidney Disease
- Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
🛡️ Human Trafficking Awareness for Healthcare Professionals
Available: October 17, 2025 – November 1, 2027
Essential training for recognizing and responding to human trafficking in clinical settings.
💊 Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder Series (2024–2026)
Available: Until November2026
Topics include:
- New Strategies to Improve OUD Treatment Planning
- Reducing Barriers to OUD Treatment
- Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD): The Evidence is Compelling!
🧓Falls: Screening, Risk Assessment and Care Planning for Older Adults
Available: June 16, 2025 – June 16, 2027
Practical tools for reducing fall risk in community settings.
🧠 Discover Flexible Online Behavioral Health Courses at NWAHEC for Continuing Education
Northwest AHEC offers self-paced, online programs designed for behavioral health professionals who want flexibility without compromising quality.
Whether you're looking to earn CE credit, stay current, or explore new areas of interest, Northwest AHEC’s enduring online learning is here to support your journey—on your time.
👉 Browse the full catalog and register today: Northwest AHEC Enduring Education
Are you passionate about healthy aging, supporting older adults, or advancing geriatric care? The 2026 Aging Well Conference is your opportunity to learn, connect, and grow with an incredible interprofessional community dedicated to improving the lives of older adults.
The 2026 Aging Well Conference is focused on promoting healthy aging for older adults. As our population ages, it is essential for health professionals to meet the evolving needs of this demographic.
May 14-15, 2026
In Person at Appalachian State University Boone Campus, Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences.
This year’s conference brings together healthcare professionals, caregivers, community members, researchers, social service providers, and aging adults for two days of dynamic learning and collaboration.
Whether you support aging adults in a clinical setting, community program, or within your own family, you’ll walk away with practical, person‑centered tools you can use immediately. Aging Well is more than a conference, it’s a community movement. Past attendees describe it as “one of the greatest conferences I have ever attended” and praise the collaborative, uplifting atmosphere.
Come be part of meaningful conversations, innovative learning, and a mission rooted in improving the health and well‑being of older adults across our region.
What's New for 2026
- New breakout topics (LGBTQ+ aging, women’s intimacy/sexual wellness, wearable sensors, behavioral health & loneliness, planning for longevity)
- Even more interprofessional speakers
- Pre-recorded sessions for additional CEU access
- Expanded sponsorships and exhibitor hall
In Partnership with:
Appalachian State University, Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness, BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina and Northwest Area Health Education Center (AHEC), a program of Wake Forest University School of Medicine and part of the NC AHEC System and The UNC Center for Aging and Health, Carolina Geriatric Education Center.
Breastfeeding plays a vital role in the health and well-being of infants, mothers, and families. Each year, Northwest AHEC brings together experts, caregivers, and community champions to deepen knowledge, strengthen skills, and uplift those who support breastfeeding families.
This year’s 14th Annual Breastfeeding Forum promises to be one of our most engaging and impactful events yet.
📅 Event Details
Date: March 10, 2026
Time: 8:45 AM – 3:15 PM
Location: Hickory Metro Convention Center
1960 13th Avenue Drive SE, Hickory, NC 28602
This one-day, in-person conference is designed for professionals and advocates who play a role in supporting breastfeeding families—whether in clinical settings, community programs, or family-centered care environments.
🌟 What You’ll Learn
This year’s forum covers a diverse array of topics essential for anyone working with breastfeeding families. Attendees will gain updated, evidence-based insights on:
🍼 Community-Based Breastfeeding Support
- Learn about the purpose and growing impact of Baby Cafés, a community-centered model that provides accessible, judgment-free breastfeeding support.
- Explore strategies for engaging families and promoting long-term breastfeeding success.
🌿 Breastfeeding & Maternal Substance Use
- Understand the effects of common substances on lactation and infant health.
- Review evidence-based guidelines for safe breastfeeding practices in the context of maternal substance use.
- Gain strategies for supporting mothers using harm-reduction approaches and culturally sensitive care.
💛 Perinatal Mental Health
- Identify early emotional, behavioral, and psychological signs of disorders such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
- Learn to apply screening tools and referral strategies to connect families with timely support.
👶 Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)
- Recognize early clinical indicators of NOWS.
- Learn evidence-based approaches to care for infants with NOWS within breastfeeding contexts.
🧑🍼 Choosing the Right Breast Pump
- Review current breast pump options on the market.
- Learn how to guide parents in selecting the best pump for their unique situation.
🎓 Continuing Education Credits
Participants can earn:
- 5 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC
- 5 CPEUs
- 3 IBLCE L CERPs
- 2 IBLCE R CERPs
- 5 Nursing Contact Hours
👥 Who Should Attend?
This forum is ideal for:
- Lactation consultants
- WIC staff
- Registered dietitians
- Nurses & nurse educators
- Peer counselors
- Health educators
- Social workers
- Childbirth educators
- Anyone who assists families with breastfeeding
🏨 Travel Convenience
A block of rooms is available at the Hickory Courtyard Marriott, just steps from the convention center.
- Discounted Rate: $159 + tax
- Book by: February 23
🔗 Register for the Forum
Secure your spot and browse the full agenda here:
👉 14th Annual Breastfeeding Forum – Register Now
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.