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.

Over the last several months, the Northwest AHEC nurse educators have worked on reviewing and submitting files for the North Carolina Nurses Association’s (NCNA) re-approval.

We’re excited to announce that registration is now open for the highly anticipated Winston-Salem Dance Medicine Conference (WiSDM 2025)! Whether you’re a healthcare provider, dancer, instructor, or student, this one-day conference offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the specialized field of dance medicine.

🗓 Friday, September 19, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education, 475 Vine St., Winston-Salem, NC
🎟 Live In-Person Only

👉 Click here to register and learn more

WiSDM 2025 brings together a diverse group of professionals and performers for a multidisciplinary deep dive into the fundamentals of dance medicine. Topics will include:

• Unique biomechanical demands of dance
• Genre-specific injury risks and prevention
• Psychological and social influences on performance
• Evidence-based approaches to care for dancers

As the seasons change, so do opportunities to expand your knowledge and professional skills! Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) and the Office of Continuing Medical Education at Wake Forest University School of Medicine are offering a variety of engaging and informative programs this spring, summer, and fall.

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.

Why Attend?

• Discover the therapeutic benefits of the arts in healthcare.
• Engage with experts in medicine, music, visual arts, and performance.
• Participate in hands-on activities that promote mindfulness and creativity.
• Earn continuing education credits.

Event Details:

📅 Multiple Dates Available
📍 Various Locations
🔗 Register Now

Whether you're a healthcare provider looking for fresh perspectives or simply curious about the role of the arts in well-being, this series is designed for you. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn, connect, and grow!

Reserve your spot today and experience the transformative power of Arts & Medicine!
👉 Sign Up Here

Faculty Lineup of Speakers:

• John Beck, UNC School of the Arts
• Michelle Merrill, Winston-Salem Symphony
• Jessica Singerman, UNC School of the Arts
• Janine Hawley, UNC School of the Arts
• Luke Payne, UNC School of the Arts
• Robert P. Moyer, UNC School of the Arts
• Heidi McIver, UNC School of the Arts

National AHEC Week, from March 24 to March 28, 2025, offers an opportunity to recognize the significant contributions of Area Health Education Centers nationwide. At Northwest AHEC, we're proud to celebrate this week by highlighting our ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery in our 17-county region.

Are you looking for convenient and effective ways to advance your knowledge and professional skills? Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) has you covered with our comprehensive online learning! Check out our full list of online learning available this Spring HERE

Why Choose Northwest AHEC Online Learning?

1. Flexible and Accessible 

2. Expert-Led Content 

3. Affordable Options - some no cost!

4. Certificates and CE Credits

Featured Courses You Don’t Want to Miss

• The Ethics of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy - As mental health professionals, we have an ethical duty to treat our clients with dignity and to respect cultural differences, including those based on religion and spirituality. In this module we will explore how taking an integrative approach to mental health therapy can improve outcomes for our clients. $35 registration cost for this activity.
• Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder 2024-2026:New Strategies to Reduce Barriers to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment  - With a focus on what defines and frames low barrier care, this course reviews the spectrum of opioid use disorder treatment, from harm reduction, low barrier care, to comprehensive integrated care. There is a $20 registration fee for this program.
• Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder 2024-2026:‘New Strategies to Improve Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Planning’ - Strategies to improve OUD (opioid use disorder) treatment planning are discussed. Review of the overall role and scope of the Peer Support Specialist (PSS) and strategies to minimize and address diversion are highlighted. There is a $20 registration fee for this program.
• Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder 2024-2026: MOUD (Medication for Opioid Use Disorder): The Evidence is Compelling! - This course reviews the differences between Opioid Treatment Programs and Office-Based Opioid Therapy. The impact the opioid epidemic and COVID have had on treatment guidelines, and the strength of evidence behind treatment of the chronic condition that is opioid use disorder. There is a $20 registration fee for this program.
• Diabetes Performance Improvement in Primary Care - This educational activity aims to inform the learner about the status of diabetes and chronic kidney disease in primary care. This activity will explore barriers and facilitators to promote patient engagement in treatment. This activity will focus on performance improvement methods and activities which promote health among patients with diabetes. The first 100 registrations will be at no charge, supported by Division of Health Benefits grant funding. After that, registrations will be $10 each.
• Double Trouble: Diabetes and Falls - People with diabetes are at higher risk for falls. Etiologies include vision changes from retinopathy, damage to both peripheral and central nerves, side effects from medicines, and co-morbidities like osteoarthritis. Through use of a case study illustrating a familiar primary care patient encounter, learners will apply new knowledge, so they can anticipate and intervene appropriately in their work. An optional module on conducting the Diabetic Foot Exam is included. There is no charge for this online course. Course registration is generously supported by the Division of Health Benefits.
• Safe or Silent? This course presents the inter-relatedness of joy in work, burnout, safety, and silence in the healthcare setting, and the role that organizational 'just culture' has in optimizing clinician satisfaction and patient safety. This activity has no cost to participate.

Check out our full list of online learning available HERE

On January 24, 2025, Atrium Health, Wake Forest University School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education and Northwest AHEC hosted the 19^th Annual Breast Cancer Symposium at Benton Convention Center in downtown Winston-Salem.

94 participants attended this year’s conference to learn the latest data in the treatment of breast cancer through multidisciplinary presentations by breast cancer specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, surgical oncology, pathology, genetics, and plastic surgery.

A clear theme throughout the conference was considering the patient’s experience as they go through their breast cancer treatment. Activity Director, Dr. Marissa Howard-McNatt, led a survivorship panel with 2 patients who were treated at the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Breast Care Center. Both patients shared their breast cancer journey from diagnosis to treatment, and now survivorship. Both patients spoke highly of their care and dedicated their survival to their care teams at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Breast Care Center. Dr. Hadley Sharp, radiation oncologist at Atrium Health Charlotte, spoke on the patient experience during radiation treatments.

Dr. Howard-McNatt also led a case presentation panel in which she presented 2 cases to Atrium Health’s Dr. Edward Levine, Dr. Doris Brown, and Dr. Susan Melin. This real-time discussion allowed attendees to hear the experts' thought processes, assess how the latest data and guidelines influence treatment decisions, and gain insights into the collaborative decision-making process that ensures the best outcomes for patients.

The multidisciplinary presentations were truly representative of the teams that collectively impact the patient experience. This year’s conference combined expertise from oncology, surgery, radiology, nursing, and supportive care to ensure comprehensive and personalized treatment for every breast cancer patient.

Thank you to this year’s speakers for a successful symposium!

Are you looking for convenient and effective ways to advance your knowledge and professional skills? Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) has you covered with our comprehensive online learning! Check out our full list of online learning available this Spring HERE

Why Choose Northwest AHEC Online Learning?

1. Flexible and Accessible 

2. Expert-Led Content 

3. Affordable Options - some no cost!

4. Certificates and CE Credits

Featured Courses You Don’t Want to Miss

• The Ethics of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy - As mental health professionals, we have an ethical duty to treat our clients with dignity and to respect cultural differences, including those based on religion and spirituality. In this module we will explore how taking an integrative approach to mental health therapy can improve outcomes for our clients. $35 registration cost for this activity.
• Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder 2024-2026:New Strategies to Reduce Barriers to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment  - With a focus on what defines and frames low barrier care, this course reviews the spectrum of opioid use disorder treatment, from harm reduction, low barrier care, to comprehensive integrated care. There is a $20 registration fee for this program.
• Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder 2024-2026:‘New Strategies to Improve Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Planning’ - Strategies to improve OUD (opioid use disorder) treatment planning are discussed. Review of the overall role and scope of the Peer Support Specialist (PSS) and strategies to minimize and address diversion are highlighted. There is a $20 registration fee for this program.
• Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder 2024-2026: MOUD (Medication for Opioid Use Disorder): The Evidence is Compelling! - This course reviews the differences between Opioid Treatment Programs and Office-Based Opioid Therapy. The impact the opioid epidemic and COVID have had on treatment guidelines, and the strength of evidence behind treatment of the chronic condition that is opioid use disorder. There is a $20 registration fee for this program.
• Diabetes Performance Improvement in Primary Care - This educational activity aims to inform the learner about the status of diabetes and chronic kidney disease in primary care. This activity will explore barriers and facilitators to promote patient engagement in treatment. This activity will focus on performance improvement methods and activities which promote health among patients with diabetes. The first 100 registrations will be at no charge, supported by Division of Health Benefits grant funding. After that, registrations will be $10 each.
• Double Trouble: Diabetes and Falls - People with diabetes are at higher risk for falls. Etiologies include vision changes from retinopathy, damage to both peripheral and central nerves, side effects from medicines, and co-morbidities like osteoarthritis. Through use of a case study illustrating a familiar primary care patient encounter, learners will apply new knowledge, so they can anticipate and intervene appropriately in their work. An optional module on conducting the Diabetic Foot Exam is included. There is no charge for this online course. Course registration is generously supported by the Division of Health Benefits.
• Safe or Silent? This course presents the inter-relatedness of joy in work, burnout, safety, and silence in the healthcare setting, and the role that organizational 'just culture' has in optimizing clinician satisfaction and patient safety. This activity has no cost to participate.

Check out our full list of online learning available HERE

LET’S CELEBRATE - Announcing A Day of Recognition

We are excited to introduce a new day of recognition to honor the dedicated staff of Northwest AHEC, the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education, the Faculty CME Committee, and esteemed healthcare continuing education professionals!

Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day is an opportunity to recognize and show our appreciation for our exceptional CE professionals.

What is Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day?

TODAY, January 24, 2025, marks the inaugural Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the professionals who ensure that healthcare providers stay informed, competent, and capable of delivering the best possible care to their patients. Healthcare continuing education professionals play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare by fostering lifelong learning and professional development.

Each year, we’ll celebrate on the Friday during the third full week of January, beginning with Friday, January 24, 2025. This special day offers an opportunity to reflect on the impact of continuing education professionals and their unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare excellence.

Celebrating Our Team

Today, our staff celebrated this momentous occasion with a luncheon at River Birch Lodge in Winston-Salem. We were delighted to come together as a team to honor the hard work and dedication of our incredible staff. Their efforts ensure that healthcare professionals in our region have access to the education and resources they need to thrive in their careers and deliver high-quality care to patients.

In preparation for this day, we also sent a survey to our staff, asking, "In one word, how would you describe yourself or the work you do as a contributor to Healthcare Continuing Education?" From the responses, we created a word cloud that highlights the passion and dedication of our team. This design was incorporated into a commemorative t-shirt that everyone will proudly wear to celebrate. 

Here are the words from the word cloud that describe our amazing team:

A Message from Leadership

“Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day is an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible work our team does every day,” said Michael P. Lischke, EdD, MPH, FCPP, Associate Dean of Continuing Medical Education and Richard Janeway, MD, Distinguished Director of Northwest AHEC. “Our staff is made up of knowledgeable, professional, and passionate individuals who are not only exceptional at what they do but are also a joy to work with. Their unwavering commitment ensures that healthcare professionals are equipped with the education they need to deliver outstanding care to their patients. I’m proud to celebrate this day and the extraordinary contributions of our team.”

“It’s the educators within our community that do the work to support healthcare professionals to practice at their best,” said Graham McMahon, MD, MMSc, President and CEO, ACCME. “CE professionals are outstanding agents of change who engage and inspire learners to innovate and improve our healthcare system; they deserve to be celebrated and appreciated for their critical role.”

Join the Celebration

We encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize the healthcare continuing education professionals in their lives. Whether you’re a learner, a healthcare provider, or a colleague, your acknowledgment and gratitude can go a long way in highlighting the vital contributions of CE professionals.

Let’s make Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day an annual tradition filled with gratitude, reflection, and celebration for these outstanding individuals who make a lasting impact on healthcare.

Happy Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day!