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Celebrating Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day

Jan 23, 2026 9:38:04 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in continuing education, staff development, healthcare

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Celebrating Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day
January 23, 2026

Today, we proudly celebrate Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day, honoring the individuals who ensure healthcare providers remain informed, skilled, and prepared to deliver exceptional care.

At the Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) and Office of Continuing Medical Education (OCME) of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, our continuing education professionals play a vital role in supporting lifelong learning. They design and deliver high‑quality, evidence-based programs that strengthen patient care and elevate healthcare across our communities.

This work is fueled by strong partnerships - across health systems, academic institutions, professional associations, and community organizations. These collaborations allow us to create meaningful educational experiences that meet the needs of today’s healthcare workforce.

HealthcareCEProfDay2026When we asked our partners to describe Northwest AHEC/OCME in one word, three themes rose above the rest:
Collaboration. Commitment. Excellence.

 

Today, we also celebrate our exceptional team - many of whom bring decades of experience to their roles. Their dedication, expertise, and service continue to shape healthcare education across our region.

Northwest AHEC / OCME Service Milestones

(Years of service as of 2026)

  • Leigh Watkins – 42 years
  • Marie Simos – 38 years
  • Ellen Kesler – 34 years
  • Angela Hodges – 31 years
  • Michael Lischke – 30 years
  • Chris Jones – 24 years
  • Lee Howard – 23 years
  • Andrew Brewer – 20 years
  • Nedra Edwards Hines – 20 years
  • Amy Basham – 19 years
  • Michelle Adams – 16 years
  • Medina Wilson – 15 years
  • Michael Hulme – 15 years
  • Reed Burger – 14 years
  • Melanee Mills – 12 years
  • Gail Pawlik – 12 years
  • Christina Clarke – 12 years
  • Jasmine Mickens – 11 years
  • Janice Moore – 11 years
  • Lindsey MacLean – 9 years
  • Amanda Pearson – 7 years
  • Brooke Kochanski – 6 years
  • Alana Dodson – 5 years
  • Ellen Zimmerman – 5 years
  • Samantha Garvens – 5 years
  • Lisa Thomas – 5 years
  • Lara Dickerson – 4 years
  • Cherelle Blakley – 4 years
  • Stephanie Yoder Poindexter – 3 years
  • Megan Mills Anderson – 2 years

✨ Their dedication strengthens every program we develop, every partnership we nurture, and every learner we support.

Learn more about our full team:
https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/staff

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Northwest AHEC Team Builds Connection Through Healthy Cooking at BrennerFIT Kitchen

Sep 8, 2025 11:43:46 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in staff development

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Our Northwest AHEC team recently gathered for a meaningful and energizing team meetup at the BrennerFIT Kitchen in Winston-Salem. The activity centered around healthy cooking but it offered so much more than just a meal.

Together, we prepared a nutritious dish while engaging in team-building exercises that strengthened our collaboration. The hands-on experience allowed us to connect in a relaxed, supportive environment, all while learning practical skills that promote wellness.

BrennerFIT continues to be a valued community partner, offering a comprehensive program built on four pillars: clinical care, community engagement, professional education, and research. Their mission focuses on supporting children with weight-related health concerns and their families, and their work makes a lasting impact across the region.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect through this experience. Check out some of our photos below.

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Honoring Nicole and Supporting Healthier Futures – 5th Annual Walk for March for Babies

Apr 21, 2025 3:56:13 PM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in staff development

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Today, the Northwest AHEC team came together for a meaningful tradition—the 5th Annual Walk in Memory of Roderica “Nicole” McLaurin, held in support of the March for Babies/March of Dimes. We gathered at the beautiful new J. Dudley Watts Jr. Belews Lake Park, enjoying a lovely day to connect with colleagues, friends, and family as we walked in Nicole’s honor.

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NWAHEC CPD Staff Retreat at Graylyn Estate and Conference Center

Sep 5, 2023 8:30:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in staff development

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Our dedicated Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Staff recently embarked on a refreshing retreat, where they engaged in invigorating team-building exercises and meaningful discussions on effective collaboration.

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