Communication failures are still a leading driver of patient harm.

In increasingly complex systems, communication isn’t optional—it’s critical.

www.rmf.harvard.edu/News-and-Blo...?

More information isn’t always the answer.

Sometimes what’s needed most is a moment to slow down and make space for what the patient is experiencing.

Mastering Serious Illness Communication: An Interview with Dr. James Tulsky For this month’s newsletter, I interviewed Dr.

We spend years training clinicians to diagnose and treat.
But communication skills are often left out of education entirely.

VitalTalk co-founder Dr. James Tulsky shares what becomes possible when communication is treated as a core clinical skill.

janetabrahmmd.substack.com/p/mastering-...

Celebrating National Social Work Month 💚

VitalTalk now offers Continuing Education credit for social workers—and we’re offering 5% off Mastering Tough Conversations through the end of March.

Use code SOCIALWORK5 at checkout.

www.vitaltalk.org/mastering-tough-conversations/

Sustainable culture change is built through how teams communicate every day.

Healthcare leaders are increasingly recognizing that improving communication isn’t just a “soft skill”—it’s core to patient outcomes, team alignment, and clinical culture.

Learn more: vitaltalk.org/in/

VitalTalk scholarships are designed to support those committed to improving communication in healthcare who may face financial barriers to participation.

Take a moment to review eligibility and apply before the deadline! vitaltalk.org/scholarships/

The room is full again — and we love it!
We’re bringing back in-person VitalTalk faculty development, and the energy reminds us how powerful it is to learn and practice together.

Next up: new in-person courses in the Northeast and Chicago.
vitaltalk.org/faculty-deve...

When delivering serious news, remember:

Give the headline. Then pause.

That moment of silence gives your patient time to absorb what they’ve heard before the conversation continues.

Evidence-Based Tools for Navigating Challenging Moments in Patient Care: Experts Share Key Resources | Cancer Nursing Today The panel emphasized that ensuring that patients feel seen and heard and have the information they need during these discussions cultivates an environment of compassion and empathy

The right communication tools change clinical care. This Cancer Nursing Today roundtable spotlights VitalTalk frameworks & SPIKES for high-stakes patient conversations. www.cancernursingtoday.com/post/evidenc...

R1 in Washington with our Neuropalliative Care Faculty Development cohort! So much wisdom, curiosity, and commitment in one room. We’re excited to see the ripple effect as this team integrates VitalTalk skills into their programs.

Our Faculty Development courses are coming to New England and Chicago for the first time, offering immersive practice, expert facilitation, and meaningful connection with fellow clinician educators in your region.

Spots are limited—enroll now! vitaltalk.org/faculty-deve...

Two weeks to go! 🎉
We’re excited to be back at #ACGME2026 for our second year, joining GME professionals from around the world focused on meaning, connection, and growth in medical education.
Come say hello at Booth 139 — see you in San Diego!

New VitalTalk courses are here!

We’ve added new ways to learn — virtual and in person — including Australia/New Zealand–friendly time zones, new faculty development locations, and the return of EMTalk and PedsTalk.

Explore what’s new and find the course that fits your goals - www.vitaltalk.org

Hard conversations don’t wait for the “right moment.”
If you’re looking to feel more prepared, more grounded, and more confident when the stakes are high, our Mastering Tough Conversations course is a powerful way to start the year.

Winter/Spring courses now enrolling: vitaltalk.org/mastering-to...

Now available for enrollment - Informed Conversations: Skills for Clinical Trial Discussions, developed in partnership with Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Designed for clinicians who want to lead clear, compassionate conversations about clinical trial participation.

vitaltalk.org/informed-con...

We’re excited to be back at ACGME this year!
Join us February 19–21 to connect, learn more about what we offer, and chat about advancing communication education.
#ACGME2026

VitalTalk Launches New Course to Strengthen Clinician Communication Around Substance Use Amid the Opioid Epidemic /PRNewswire/ -- VitalTalk, the leading organization in improving clinical communication, announced the launch of Conversations That Matter: Engaging Patients...

VitalTalk recently announced the launch of a new course to help clinicians strengthen communication around substance use amid the opioid crisis. Read the full press release here.
www.prnewswire.com/news-release...

More new content on the way! Informed Conversations: Skills for Clinical Trial Discussions is coming very soon — offering clinicians practical skills to guide patients through clinical trial decisions with clarity and compassion.

Learn more ➝ vitaltalk.org/informed-con...

This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for the incredible clinicians and educators who make every conversation count. As a seasonal thank-you, enjoy 25% off all our asynchronous courses through December 31st with code Thanks25.

Shop online courses → www.vitaltalk.org

This Hospice & Palliative Care Month, we’re honoring the palliative care and hospice clinicians in our VitalTalk faculty community. The signatures on this poster reflect the remarkable educators whose contributions helped VitalTalk receive an AAHPM Presidential Citation Award.

Our new course on engaging patients around pain & substance use is now live! Learn practical tools to navigate these conversations with clarity and compassion—in a fully self-paced format.

Enroll now → vitaltalk.org/conversations-that-matter-engaging-patients-around-pain-and-substance-use/

New 2026 enrollment dates are open for our Mastering Tough Conversations and Faculty Development courses!

Whether you’re joining for the first time or returning to build on your experience, we can’t wait to learn and grow together in 2026.

Enroll today www.vitaltalk.org

One last seat is waiting for you! Join us for this powerful learning experience, where you’ll connect with fellow pediatric clinicians, practice key communication skills, and grow your confidence in navigating tough conversations.
Register now before it’s too late: vitaltalk.org/pedstalk/

Every step forward matters – Even small wins can build confidence and connection.
Let’s keep celebrating progress, one conversation at a time.

We’re still feeling energized from our EMTalk pilot last month!
Huge thanks to the clinicians and VitalTalk faculty who helped make this first-of-its-kind course a success — bringing practical communication skills to emergency medicine teams.

Something new is coming!
Conversations That Matter: Engaging Patients Around Pain and Substance Use is a new course designed to help clinicians lead compassionate, effective conversations about substance use and pain management.

Learn more: vitaltalk.org/conversation...

We had a wonderful experience at the Chief Nursing Officer Summit in Portland! It was inspiring to connect with nursing leaders as we expand our work in the field. We’re excited to continue collaborating and creating new ways to strengthen communication in nursing practice.

National Academy of Medicine Elects 100 New Members - NAM The National Academy of Medicine has announced 100 new members for the Class of 2025.

We’re proud to congratulate Dr. Gretchen Schwarze on her election to the National Academy of Medicine — honoring her pioneering Best Case/Worst Case framework, which has transformed how surgeons communicate with patients about complex treatment decisions.
nam.edu/news-and-ins...

Why Black, Hispanic, and Asian Patients Hesitate to Opt for Palliative Care: Deep Metaphors from Patients, Community Leaders, and Clinicians with Shared Cultural Identities to Shape More Effective Out... <span><b><i>Background:</i></b> In the United States, national data show that Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients are less likely than White patients to receive palliative care (PC) despite comparable...

A new study finds that for Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients, belonging and community—symbolized by the metaphor of home—shape how palliative care is viewed. Messaging that centers home and belonging may help build trust and inclusivity.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41027663/

A big milestone—our Faculty Development course is finally back in person, and for the very first time, in California! Join us in Palo Alto to grow as a facilitator and join a community shaping the future of healthcare communication: courses.vitaltalk.org/courses/cour...