Northwest AHEC and the Office of Continuing Medical Education collaborate with state and local health associations, universities and community colleges, and hospitals and community organizations to serve constituents in the Northwest AHEC 17-county region and across the state. We offer educational activities designed to enhance knowledge and refresh clinical and professional skills.

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We value your feedback and planning for future activities will be based on your input, survey deadline is January 28^th.

• 2026 Spring NC Lactation Educator Training - 1/5-4/22
• 20th Annual Breast Cancer Symposium - 1/16
• Atrium Health Sanger Heart Vascular Institute Cardiovascular Symposium - 1/16
• 40th Annual Northwest AHEC Respiratory Care Conference - 2/25–2/26
• 17th Annual NC "One Community in Recovery" Conference - 3/4-3/6 
• 14th Annual Breastfeeding Forum – 3/10
• Nurturing the Nurturers: A Retreat For Sustaining Healthcare Well-being – 3/20
• 2026 NC Annual STI Update - 3/26 (Save the Date)
• 2026 Western Death Investigation Conference - 3/28
• 14th Annual WF UNC Duke Anesthesiology Conference - 4/25
• Basic Fetal Monitoring Spring 2026 - 4/29
• Summer Interpreter Series - Wednesdays, 5/6-27, and 5/28
• High Risk Newborn Sharing the Care 2026 - 5/13
• Aging Well Conference 2026 - 5/14
• WFUSM Summer Radiology Review - 6/8
• Check out our Full Course Catalog
• Enduring Online Learning from Northwest AHEC: Earn CE credits on your schedule - Busy schedule? No problem! Northwest AHEC offers **enduring online learning** designed for your lifestyle. Whether it’s early morning coffee or winding down at night, our self-paced courses are available 24/7-no compromises on quality! Read More

Register Today!

These programs offer valuable opportunities for professional growth and continuing education. Whether you're a physician, nurse, allied health professional, or medical educator, there's something for you. Secure your spot today and stay at the forefront of healthcare education!

Our first Northwest AHEC e‑Newsletter of 2026 is live! 🎉

Inside you’ll find updates on:
🔹 New programs and training opportunities
🔹 Continuing education from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine OCME
🔹 Workforce development initiatives across our region
🔹 Community engagement highlights
🔹 Upcoming events and ways to get involved

Start the year informed and inspired — explore all the latest here:
👉 https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/newstostart2026

As we step into 2026, Northwest AHEC extends heartfelt thanks to all our partners, learners, and community members who helped make 2025 a year of meaningful progress and shared accomplishments. Your dedication to improving health education, strengthening our workforce, and supporting the well‑being of our communities continues to inspire us. We look forward to another year of collaboration, innovation, and impact. Together, we will continue advancing education, expanding opportunities, and supporting the healthcare professionals and students who make a difference every day across our region. Wishing you a healthy, hopeful, and productive year ahead.

Happy New Year from all of us at Northwest AHEC - here’s to an outstanding 2026! 💙

As we celebrate the vital role of continuing education professionals, we want to hear from you — our partners, collaborators, and colleagues.

**In one word, how would you describe Northwest AHEC/OCME as a contributor to Healthcare Continuing Education?**

Drop your word in the comments 👇
Or fill out this form https://hubs.la/Q03J5bT60

The Office of Continuing Medical Education (OCME) and the Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) of Wake Forest University School of Medicine is proud to recognize and celebrate Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day - a day dedicated to honoring the individuals who ensure that healthcare providers remain informed, skilled, and prepared to deliver exceptional care. 

These professionals are the backbone of lifelong learning in healthcare. They design, coordinate, and evaluate educational programs that directly impact patient outcomes and the quality of care across our communities. As we prepare to celebrate on January 23, 2026, we also reflect on the strength and impact of our partnerships. Our collaborations with healthcare institutions, academic centers, professional associations, and community organizations are foundational to our mission. Together, we create dynamic, evidence-based educational opportunities that empower healthcare professionals at every stage of their careers. 

Through these partnerships, we are not only advancing continuing education - we are shaping the future of healthcare. We extend our deepest gratitude to all continuing education professionals and our valued partners. Your dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence inspire us every day.

We would love your input!
Please provide a response to the question below no later than COB, Wednesday, December 10th. We plan to use the responses to create a word cloud and use on promotional item for recognition of this important day. 

Thank you for being part of this journey!

Let’s face it—life is busy. Between meetings, patient care, family responsibilities, and the occasional moment to breathe, finding time for professional development can feel like a challenge. That’s why Northwest AHEC’s enduring online learning is designed to meet you where you are—on your schedule, at your pace, and when you’re ready to “endure” it.

Whether you're sipping coffee at 6 a.m. or winding down after a long day, our self-paced online courses are available 24/7, offering flexibility without compromising quality. These enduring activities span a wide range of topics, from clinical updates to behavioral health, public health, and more.

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

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.

🧬 2025 NC Annual STI Update Series

Available: August 22, 2025 – August 22, 2026
Includes sessions like:

• The Art of Taking a Sexual History
• Genital Dermatology
• DoxyPEP Implementation
• STI Syndemics and Point-of-Care Diagnostics

🍭 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)

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.

🤝Managing Difficult Patient Situations

Available: January 31, 2024 – January 31, 2026
Learn strategies to navigate challenging interactions with confidence.

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

The 20th Annual Neuroscience Conference will explore the latest advancements in acute hospital management, as well as post-hospital care of the stroke patient. This knowledge-based conference will include the most recent clinical practice guidelines and best practices in stroke care to maximize acute stroke care and recovery as well as provide transitional care post-hospitalization.

REGISTER NOW

November 14, 2025 - 8:30AM - 4:00PM

Location: Village Inn

6205 Ramada Drive, Clemmons, NC

• Identify key concepts of the Code Stroke Process.
• Explain pertinent findings after an interventional procedure.
• Identify and explain common post-stroke complications.
• Discuss the role and impact of interfacility telestroke services.
• Define the structure and function of a comprehensive stroke program.
• Understand stroke disparities and discuss potential strategies for improvement.
• Explain the importance and value of occupational therapy in stroke rehabilitation.
• Describe advanced surgical treatment options for stroke.
• Recognize common psychological effects of stroke (e.g. depression, anxiety, emotional changes).
• Define how the stroke program serves its patients.

Northwest AHEC is excited to present the Arts & Medicine series—an inspiring exploration of the connection between creativity and healthcare. This engaging series offers healthcare professionals, students, and community members a unique opportunity to experience how artistic expression enhances healing, professional well-being, and patient care.

Presented by Northwest AHEC & Wake Forest University School of Medicine

This fall, Northwest AHEC is offering a dynamic lineup of behavioral health webinars designed to equip professionals with the latest tools, strategies, and insights to support mental wellness across diverse populations. Whether you're a clinician, counselor, social worker, or behavioral health advocate, these sessions offer valuable continuing education and practical knowledge.

1. Assessments and Levels of Care: Guiding Clients to the Right Treatment

📅 Date: September 26, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Format: Live Webinar
👩‍🏫 Speaker: Erica K. Smith, MSW, LCSW

This session provides a comprehensive overview of clinical assessments and screening tools used to determine appropriate levels of care for children, adolescents, and adults. Learn how to make informed referrals and navigate the behavioral health system effectively.

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure

2. Advanced Application of DBT Skills

📅 Date: October 10, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Format: Live Webinar
👩‍🏫 Speaker: Rebecca Edwards-Powell, MSW, LCSW

Designed for professionals familiar with DBT, this workshop focuses on strengthening clinical application through skills training groups, behavioral strategies, and role-play techniques. 

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure

3. Identifying and Addressing Anxiety and Trauma-Related Disorders in Adolescents

📅 Date: October 15, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00AM-12:15PM
📍 Format: Live Webinar
👩‍🏫 Speaker: Sarah E (Betsy) E. 'Betsy' Bledsoe , PhD, MPhil, MSW

This program is designed to help practitioners become more familiar with identifying the signs and symptoms of anxiety and trauma related disorders in adolescents.

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure

4. Experienced SUD Professionals Panel: Sharing Their Expertise, Wisdom, and Hope

📅 Date: October 22, 2025
🕘 Time: 1:00PM-3:00PM
📍 Format: Live Webinar

👩‍🏫 Speakers: 
Jesse Battle, MSMHC, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS
Tuesday Feral, LCMCHA (they, them)
Leslie D. McCrory, Retired Counselor
Geraldine A. 'Geri' Miller , PhD, LP, LCAS, CCS
Paul D. Nagy, LCAS, LCMHC, MS
Daniel H. Wilemon, M.Ed., LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS

Join a panel of seasoned substance use disorder professionals as they share insights, lessons learned, and hopeful perspectives on recovery and treatment. This interactive session is perfect for those seeking inspiration and practical guidance.

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure

🎓 Continuing Education Credits

Each session offers CE hours for psychologists, social workers, counselors, and other behavioral health professionals. Details are available on each registration page.