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!

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.

What do sleep, homelessness, electroconvulsive therapy, and Alzheimer's have in common? They are all part of our Podcast CE learning series. Listen to a podcast, pass the post-test, and earn an hour of continuing education credits for your professional development, and there is no cost! Get the details here: https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/podcastce 

Why a Podcast Learning Series? 
Podcasts have emerged as a popular learning tool for adult learners, offering flexibility and accessibility. Recent research has explored the effectiveness of podcasts in educational settings, focusing on how they contribute to knowledge acquisition, engagement, and retention among adult learners.

Studies suggest that podcasts can be effective in enhancing knowledge acquisition and retention. Adult learners appreciate the convenience and ability to learn on the go, which fits well with their often busy schedules. Podcasts have been shown to improve understanding and retention, especially when paired with supplementary materials such as transcripts or quizzes.

Podcasts are highly engaging due to their conversational style, which often makes complex topics more accessible. Research shows that learners are more likely to stay engaged with the material when it is delivered in an audio format, especially if the content is structured in a narrative or storytelling format.

The ability to listen to podcasts at any time and place is particularly beneficial for adult learners who may struggle to find time for traditional learning methods. This flexibility can lead to higher levels of motivation and self-directed learning.

See our current podcast course offerings here: https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/podcastce 

Exciting opportunities for professional growth await at Northwest Area Health Education Center. Expand your knowledge through in-person sessions or engaging live webinars. Our course catalog offers a diverse array of topics, including online self-paced training options.

Join us for Meet the Health Professionals Live Webinar Series where students can network with and ask questions of professionals in the healthcare workforce.